The Auction Battle for control and ghost of RAVENCLAW

In thin seconds, a tall figure emerged from the darkness of the study. His movements were silent, almost as if he were a shadow given form.

Vincent Nacht—the Ghost of Ravenclaw, Austin's most trusted assassin and spy. Dressed in a sharp black coat with silver embroidery, his pale complexion and piercing crimson-red eyes gave him an eerie, almost supernatural presence. His dark hair fell over one side of his face, partially concealing an old scar that ran from his temple to his jaw.

Despite his noble and refined appearance, he was feared throughout the underworld as the "Phantom Executioner."

Vincent kneeled before Austin, his voice smooth yet devoid of emotion.

"Master, you called for me."

Austin folded his arms, his golden eyes reflecting the candlelight.

"I need you to investigate the movements of the Imperial Princess, Sonya. She has obtained funds that should not be in her possession, and she is getting too close to Selen Vossaria."

Vincent did not react outwardly, but Austin could tell he was already calculating possibilities.

"Shall I eliminate her if she becomes a threat?" Vincent asked without hesitation.

Austin smirked slightly, shaking his head.

"Not yet. He paused, then added in a cold tone, "…make sure her funds run out. If she does something against me."

Vincent's lips curled into the faintest smirk.

"Understood."

Austin turned to the side, staring at the large map of the empire on his study wall. The auction was happening soon, and now, not only was he competing against the Abyssals for the jewel, but the Imperial Princess herself had entered the game.

He muttered under his breath, "Let's see how far you can go, Sonya."

The Web of Deception Begins

Austin clapped his hands, and within seconds, a maid entered his study. She was dressed in a simple yet elegant uniform, her silver hair neatly tied back, and her sharp blue eyes reflecting the discipline of the Ravenclaw household.

She bowed deeply."You called, Master?"

Austin, still seated at his desk, his golden eyes fixed on the map before him, barely spared her a glance.

"Yes. Send an urgent message to my sister, instructing her to sell the Rune of Tringle."

The maid's eyes widened slightly—a rare slip in her otherwise composed demeanor. The Rune of Tringle was not just some ordinary artifact. It was a rare, high-grade rune that enhanced the power of barriers and defensive spells. Selling it would mean parting with one of the most valuable assets of the Ravenclaw family.

She hesitated for a moment before speaking."Master, are you certain? That rune—"

Austin's gaze sharpened, and his voice dropped several degrees colder."Do you doubt my decision?"

The maid immediately lowered her head."Never, Master. I will see to it immediately."

She turned, swiftly leaving the study to carry out his orders.

Austin leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.

The Reason Behind the Sale

The Rune of Tringle wasn't just an ordinary rune—it was a bargaining chip.

In the game's storyline, this rune was originally never sold. It remained within the Ravenclaw family's treasury, unused. But now, Austin had deviated from the script.

He needed funds. A lot of them. The auction that evening was no ordinary auction.

The Jewel of Itziar was on the list, and he had to get it—at any cost.

And if selling an ancient family rune ensured that he would win the bid, then so be it.

His golden eyes flickered with calculating coldness.

But there was one more reason for this move. Bait.

The Rune of Tringle was a treasure that certain factions coveted. If he put it up for sale, the Abyssals, the Imperial Court, and even the secretive Order of the Silver Serpent would take notice.

Austin smirked.

"Let's see who takes the bait first."

Sonya walked through the grand halls of the academy and the backstreets of the capital, her hood pulled low as she navigated the winding alleys with precision, the weight of the pouch in her hands heavier than just its gold. Imperial funds—something that should have never fallen into her hands in the original story. The pieces were shifting, and she wasn't about to be left behind.

Draping a dark cloak over her academy uniform, she slipped past the academy guards with practiced ease. She wasn't supposed to leave without permission, but for someone like her, rules were merely suggestions. Her destination was a place far beyond the academy's polished corridors—a place where shadows moved unseen, and whispers held more weight than swords.

The Viper's Nest.

If Bunny's Lair was the silent whisper that carried secrets, the Viper's Nest was the knife that ensured those secrets never reached the wrong ears. They didn't just gather intelligence; they manipulated it, twisted it, used it to their advantage. They were the ones who knew the hidden sins of nobles, the bloodstains behind every clean robe, the crimes buried beneath the surface of aristocratic elegance.

Sonya moved through the dimly lit backstreets of the capital, her footsteps light as she traced the familiar path to a rundown tavern. It was a facade, of course. To the common folk, it was a crumbling relic of the past, a place for drunks and beggars. But for those who knew its true nature, it was an entryway into a web of contracts, schemes, and silent killings.

She reached the hidden entrance—a rundown tavern with a rotting wooden sign barely hanging onto rusted chains. To the common folk, it was a place for outlaws and drunkards, a place best avoided. But Sonya knew better.

Pushing the door open, she stepped inside. The scent of stale ale and burning wood filled the air, the dimly lit interior revealing scattered tables occupied by shady figures. None of them looked up at her arrival—good. She wasn't here for them.

She walked straight to the counter, placing a silver coin onto the scratched surface. The bartender, a man with a jagged scar across his cheek, barely spared her a glance before pocketing the coin and jerking his head toward the back door.

Without a word, she walked through it.

The underground chamber was dimly lit, the only sources of illumination being a few oil lamps mounted on the walls. The air was thick with quiet tension, as if every breath carried unspoken deals and betrayals. At the far end of the room sat the person she was here to meet—the leader of the Viper's Nest.

A woman with short white hair and piercing crimson eyes lounged in a chair made of dark mahogany, her fingers tapping lazily against the armrest. She radiated the kind of danger that wasn't loud or boastful but subtle—like a snake coiled in waiting.

Her lips curled into an amused smirk. "The imperial princess herself. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Sonya stepped forward, dropping a heavy pouch of gold onto the table. The sound of clinking coins echoed in the room.

"I need someone followed. Observed. Every move, every step."

The woman raised a brow. "And who might be the unfortunate target of your interest?"

"I need every last piece of information on Austin Ravenclaw."

The woman raised a brow, interest flickering in her gaze. "Now, that's a name I haven't heard requested in a while." She reached out, lazily pulling the pouch toward her. "You want his past, his dealings, his crimes… what exactly are you looking for?"

Sonya's eyes darkened. "Everything. His connections, his weaknesses, his secrets—especially the ones he's buried deep."

The leader of the Viper's Nest leaned back, tapping her fingers against her chin. "Ravenclaw is not an easy man to track. His family controls twenty-three dark families, and he himself was at the center of a war game that ended in blood." She tilted her head. "And you think you can use that information against him?"

Sonya's lips curled into a cold smile. "That depends on what you find."

The woman laughed softly. "I like you, princess. But information like that comes at a steep price. The gold you brought will get you the surface-level truths—the things the nobles whisper but never confirm. If you want the real secrets, the kind that can change the course of history… you'll need to give me something in return."

Sonya met her gaze without hesitation. "Name your price."

The woman smirked. "A favor. Not now, not soon. But when I call upon you, you will comply."

Sonya narrowed her eyes. Deals like these weren't made lightly, but she knew that if she walked away now, she'd never get another chance.

"…Fine."

The leader of the Viper's Nest grinned. "Then consider the hunt for Ravenclaw's secrets officially underway."

As the room settled back into silence, a figure emerged from the shadows—a young woman with jet-black hair cascading down her back, her silver eyes gleaming like polished steel. Dressed in a tight-fitting black outfit that blended seamlessly into the dimly lit chamber, she moved with the grace of a predator, her presence exuding both reverence and unease.

She stepped forward, her voice smooth yet carrying an unmistakable edge.

"Master, will you really give her information about Ravenclaw?"

The leader of the Viper's Nest, still lounging comfortably in her mahogany chair, let out a soft chuckle as she examined the pouch of gold on the table. Her fingers toyed with the drawstring, but she didn't untie it. Instead, she turned her gaze toward the girl, amusement flickering in her crimson eyes.

"I have to," she admitted, leaning her elbow against the armrest. "She's the imperial princess, and a valuable customer. We don't refuse clients of her stature without good reason."

The girl's expression remained unreadable, but a flicker of doubt crossed her face. "But Ravenclaw… he has done various favors for you."

A slow smile spread across the leader's lips, as if she had already anticipated the concern. She tapped her fingers against the wooden surface of the table before speaking again.

"Indeed, he has." Her voice was laced with something deeper—respect, perhaps even a trace of loyalty. "More than the princess knows. More than she could ever understand."

The girl frowned. "Then why betray him?"

The leader sighed, finally pulling the drawstring of the pouch and letting the gold spill onto the table in a soft cascade of wealth. The light from the oil lamps flickered against the shimmering coins, casting strange, twisting shadows across the chamber.

"Because that's the nature of this game," she said simply. "Information is power, and power is survival. If I refuse her request outright, she will turn elsewhere. The Viper's Nest does not refuse a hunt, nor do we turn away a client willing to pay the price." She picked up a gold coin and flipped it between her fingers. "But…"

She leaned forward, her gaze sharpening. "That doesn't mean she'll get everything."

The girl hesitated. "What do you mean?"

The leader of the Viper's Nest let out a quiet laugh, tossing the coin into the air and catching it effortlessly. "We'll feed her the information that benefits us. We'll give her what she wants to hear, what she thinks will help her—but we will never hand her the full truth." She smirked. "Because the full truth belongs to Ravenclaw."

The girl's eyes flickered with understanding. "So we deceive her?"

"Not deceive," the leader corrected, standing up slowly. "We guide her. Let her believe she's uncovering Ravenclaw's weaknesses, let her think she's gaining the upper hand. But in reality, we ensure that what she learns serves our purpose—and his."

She walked over to the table where a collection of scrolls, documents, and ledgers lay scattered. Carefully, she picked one up and ran a finger along its worn edges. It was an old record, one that held secrets even the imperial family was unaware of.

The girl shifted uneasily. "What if she realizes?"

The leader chuckled. "Then we play another game. The princess is clever, but Ravenclaw… he is something else entirely. He knew she would come to us eventually. I wouldn't be surprised if he planned for it."

She placed the scroll back down, a glimmer of satisfaction in her gaze.

"The real question is—does she realize that she is the one being hunted?"

The girl fell silent, her silver eyes flickering with uncertainty.

The leader turned back toward the chamber's entrance, her smirk widening.

"Send word to our informants," she commanded. "Give the princess what she asked for—but nothing more."

The girl hesitated for a moment before bowing her head. "Understood, Master."

And with that, she melted back into the shadows, disappearing as swiftly as she had appeared.

The leader of the Viper's Nest turned her gaze toward the ceiling, her thoughts drifting toward the man at the center of it all—Austin Ravenclaw.

She had made many deals, played many dangerous games, but this… this was different.

A storm was brewing, and she was no fool—she had no intention of standing against Ravenclaw when it finally struck.

Smiling to herself, she picked up another gold coin, flipping it once more before letting it land on the table with a soft clink.

"Let the game begin."

In the dimly lit chamber of an opulent yet hidden estate, a woman stood amidst shelves stacked with ancient tomes and artifacts, her silhouette barely visible against the glow of enchanted lanterns. A single letter lay unfolded in her hand, the wax seal of Ravenclaw already broken. The scent of ink and parchment mixed with the faint aroma of aged wood as her piercing eyes scanned the contents of the message.

Beside her, a young woman in a crisp, dark uniform stood with her hands neatly clasped behind her back. She was her assistant, her most trusted confidante in matters of business and war.

"Patriarch," the assistant murmured, her voice steady but questioning, "will you do as he says?"

The woman—no, the Patriarch—exhaled slowly, her gaze unreadable. She was Austin's elder sister, the true head of their bloodline in terms of inheritance, yet she had ceded power to him years ago. Not because she lacked ambition—no, she had plenty of that—but because Austin was different. He saw the world in ways others could not.

She turned slightly, the deep violet hues of her robe shifting as she tapped the letter against her palm.

"Well," she said at last, her voice carrying a certain weight of inevitability. "He is the one who truly owns this. So I cannot say anything against it."

The assistant remained silent, observing the way her mistress's expression flickered—an emotion difficult to name.

"But…" The Patriarch's eyes narrowed slightly, her fingers tightening around the parchment. "What is he thinking?"

She moved toward the grand mahogany desk at the center of the chamber and placed the letter down carefully, smoothing out its creases. It wasn't the request itself that unsettled her—it was the timing. The Rune of Tringle was not just any artifact. It was a relic of power, an object that could tip the scales of any conflict depending on who wielded it.

She had obtained it with great difficulty, safeguarding it within the depths of her vault. It was never meant to be sold—never meant to leave her possession.

And yet, Austin was asking her to sell it.

"To whom?" she murmured under her breath.

Her assistant cleared her throat gently, as if anticipating the question. "The auction house will most likely send invitations to the major players in the empire. Nobles, merchants, military officials… perhaps even certain underground factions."

The Patriarch let out a soft chuckle, devoid of warmth. "In other words, anyone with power and wealth will want their hands on it."

Her assistant nodded. "Exactly."

The Patriarch tapped her nails against the wooden surface of the desk in rhythmic thought. "Austin doesn't move without reason. If he's asking for this, he must have something planned."

She let out a small sigh, her mind already racing through possibilities.

Austin was a strategist above all else—every move he made was calculated, every piece placed with precision. If he was allowing the Rune of Tringle to enter public circulation, then it wasn't simply a trade. It was a trap.

But for whom?

"Prepare the necessary documents," she ordered at last, straightening her posture. "The Rune of Tringle will be available for purchase."

The assistant bowed her head. "Understood, Patriarch."

As the young woman turned to leave, the Patriarch added, almost as an afterthought, "And send word to our spies in the auction house. I want to know exactly who bids on it."

Her assistant hesitated for the briefest of moments. "Do you suspect something?"

The Patriarch allowed herself a rare smile. "Always."

With that, she turned away from the desk and strode toward the massive bookshelves that lined the chamber. Her fingers traced over the spines of ancient texts as her thoughts swirled like a storm.

Austin Ravenclaw was playing a game.

And she would not be caught unprepared.

The Auction of Shadows: A Game of Power Begins

Sonya moved swiftly through the dimly lit streets, her determination burning hotter than ever. The cold night air did nothing to cool the fire in her chest as she clenched her fists, her mind set on a singular goal.

"I will do anything to ensure that you, Ravenclaw, don't get the Jewel of Itziar," she muttered under her breath. Her voice was low but resolute. "And I will do everything to make sure of it."

Mira, her ever-loyal maid and confidante, was waiting for her near the academy gates, dressed in a more inconspicuous outfit—one that would allow them to blend in with the auction crowd.

Sonya's heels clicked against the cobbled path as she approached. "Let's go to the auction."

Mira simply nodded, falling into step beside her, but not before casting a glance over her shoulder. She had noticed the subtle movements in the darkness—silent figures who had been trailing them. The Viper's Nest worked fast, as expected. Their leader had already assigned agents to follow her, perhaps as a test or a warning.

As they walked, Sonya smirked. Let them watch. Let them think they hold the power. They will see what I want them to see.

Meanwhile, at the Ravenclaw Study…

Vincent, Austin's trusted shadow, stepped into the study without a sound. The room was dimly illuminated by candlelight, casting eerie flickers against the towering bookshelves.

Austin sat at his desk, reviewing a set of documents regarding the auction. Without looking up, he spoke.

"Speak."

Vincent bowed slightly before delivering his report. "Master, it seems Miss Sonya has hired the Viper's Nest."

Austin didn't react immediately. He simply turned a page in his book, his eyes scanning the text as if he hadn't heard. But Vincent knew better than to mistake silence for inaction.

A moment later, Austin finally responded. "Shall I neutralize them?"

Vincent's voice was cold, professional, devoid of any emotion. He knew that if Austin gave the order, the Viper's Nest could be silenced before the night was over.

Austin exhaled, leaning back in his chair. A small, almost amused smile played at his lips. "No," he said finally. "They are valuable partners for Bunny's Lair."

Vincent tilted his head slightly. "But if they work for Sonya—"

Austin raised a hand, cutting him off. "Let them be. The Viper's Nest is cunning, but in the end, they will only show her what they want her to see."

He closed the book and stood up, adjusting his glasses as he turned to the window. The city lights shimmered in the distance, but his focus was on the auction house—where the real game would take place.

"Regardless," Austin continued, "let's move to the auction. It's about time I see what kind of hand Sonya thinks she's playing."

Vincent bowed his head. "Understood, Master."

The shadows shifted as he vanished into the night, and Austin smirked.

Let the game begin.

The Gathering of Giants: A Night of Silent Wars

From different corners of the city, the most powerful figures had taken their seats within the grand auction house. Each one had come for their own reasons, their own desires, and their strategies. The tension in the air was palpable, as if unseen forces were already at play before the bidding even began.

Seated in the VIP section, cloaked in an aura of authority, was Duke Halstead, a formidable figure from the northern territories. A man known for his unshakable will and brutal efficiency in warfare, he leaned back in his seat, fingers drumming against the armrest. His piercing eyes scanned the auction list, stopping at one particular item—the Jewel of Itziar.

"With that, my house will no longer need to rely on mercenaries. We will be unstoppable in the coming wars."

Not far from him, Lady Selphine of House Dargan, a powerful noblewoman from the western isles, sat elegantly, sipping a glass of aged wine. Her expression was unreadable, but her gaze lingered on the same item.

"If that mage wants it, then there must be more to it than meets the eye. I will bid on it—if only to ruin his plans."

At another end of the hall, Baron Lysander, a man deeply involved in underground dealings, leaned forward with an amused smirk. His wealth came not from noble heritage but from his grasp over the black market. He had no personal use for the jewel, but he had already been approached by powerful buyers willing to pay any price for it.

"A bidding war is exactly what I need. Let the fools bleed themselves dry while I reap the profits."

And then, in the farthest corner, seated alone, the Imperial Princess Sonya adjusted her gloves, her golden eyes gleaming. She had come dressed in a way that masked her identity, but anyone with sharp perception could tell she was no ordinary noble. Her maid, Mira, stood behind her, ever-vigilant.

"I cannot let Ravenclaw win. No matter what it costs."

The Arrival of the Raven

The grand doors opened once more, and a hush fell over the room. A new presence had arrived—one that demanded attention without saying a single word.

Austin Ravenclaw walked in with the quiet confidence of a man who had already won before the game had even begun. His sharp eyes scanned the room as if memorizing every face, every intention, every hidden motive. His long coat swayed slightly as he moved, and behind him, Vincent followed like a living shadow.

The moment his presence was registered, whispers filled the room.

"The head of Ravenclaw himself? Does he plan to bid personally?""I thought he would send an agent. This must mean that something is more important than we thought.""Damn it, if Ravenclaw wants it, that means the price is about to skyrocket."

Austin took his seat at the VIP section, directly opposite Sonya. Their eyes met for a fraction of a second, but neither said a word. The game was beginning, and words were unnecessary.

The Auction House Frenzy: A Battle of Gold and Deception

Austin sat comfortably in his high-backed seat, his fingers lightly tapping against the armrest. His sharp gaze never wavered from Sonya, who sat across the hall in an exclusive booth reserved for VIPs.

So, the royal funds were for this, huh? he mused, watching her impassive expression. Good game, princess. But why is she even here?

In the original story, Sonya had never attended this auction. Yet here she was, bidding against him. The ripple effects of his presence in this world were becoming increasingly unpredictable.

Austin exhaled through his nose and refocused on the auctioneer, who had just stepped onto the elevated stage, dressed in rich red robes embroidered with golden sigils—the mark of Byntis House, one of the empire's most powerful merchant families.

The Rune of Tringle: A Battle of Gold Begins

The auctioneer spread his arms wide, smiling as he addressed the audience.

"Welcome, esteemed guests, merchants, and nobles, to the prestigious Byntis House Auction!"

Murmurs of excitement filled the hall.

"Tonight, we have gathered some of the rarest and most powerful artifacts from across the empire. These treasures are not just objects—they are power, history, and legacy."

He dramatically pulled back a velvet cloth to reveal a glowing blue stone, etched with runic inscriptions.

Gasps echoed through the auction hall.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our first item of the evening—on special request—the legendary Rune of Tringle! Bidding starts at 10 million gold!"

Silence.

Then, the chaos began.

The moment the auctioneer revealed the Rune of Tringle, the entire auction hall froze.

Nobles, merchants, and scholars stared at the glowing blue rune in disbelief. Some even rubbed their eyes, as if questioning their own sight.

"What the hell is happening…?" A noble muttered.

A heavy silence settled over the hall.

Then, the murmurs started.

"That's… That's Ravenclaw's treasure! How is it up for auction?"

"Impossible! The Rune of Tringle has never been traded, not once in history!"

"This must be a mistake… The Ravenclaws are known to protect their artifacts with their lives!"

From her seat, Sonya felt a chill crawl up her spine.

In the original story, the Rune of Tringle was never sold. It remained firmly within Ravenclaw's vaults, protected as one of their most prized possessions.

So why was it here?

Her hands clenched into fists.

"Something's wrong…" she whispered under her breath.

Her mind raced. She had gathered information on Ravenclaw before, but nothing suggested they would ever sell such an artifact.

She stole a glance at Austin, who sat relaxed, watching everything unfold.

And then she saw it—

A small, knowing smirk on his lips.

Her heart skipped a beat.

He planned this.

The nobles were in an uproar.

"How could Ravenclaw part with such a treasure?!"

"Have they gone mad?"

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance! If they're truly selling it, we can't miss this!"

The merchants, ever the opportunists, smelled blood in the water.

For centuries, Ravenclaw had been known as one of the untouchable houses, their wealth and power rivaling even the imperial family.

Yet today, one of their most legendary artifacts was up for sale.

Why?

Was Ravenclaw in trouble?

Had they lost their fortune?

Or… was something more sinister at play?

The uncertainty only fueled the greed in the room.

The Bidding War was about to start

"20 million!" A noble from House Ferentine raised his hand.

"30 million!" An old merchant with a well-fed belly shouted.

"40 million!"

The price skyrocketed as bidders from noble houses, wealthy merchants, and even royal representatives fought for the artifact. The Rune of Tringle was known to amplify magical abilities, and any house that possessed it would gain a significant advantage.

"50 million!"

"60 million!"

The bids showed no signs of slowing down.

From his seat, Austin remained impassive, watching the fools scramble over what they believed was the true Rune of Tringle.

Idiots.

Justin leaned back in his chair, watching the chaos unfold.

It was amusing.

They all believed they were getting something priceless.

They had no idea that the true Rune of Tringle was still safely hidden.

Austin never intended to sell the real thing.

This rune—while still powerful—was a lesser version, brought from the Far East through merchant trade.

But did these fools know that?

No.

They were salivating at the idea of owning a Ravenclaw treasure, and Austin was letting them fight for it.

Yet no one knew that.

And so, the bids continued.

"80 million!" A man from the Azure Consortium raised his fan.

"100 million!" A foreign noble from the Kingdom of Valtare smirked as he placed his bid.

The air grew thick with tension.

As the bidding war intensified, Sonya couldn't shake the feeling that she was missing something crucial.

Austin was too calm.

If the Rune of Tringle was truly as valuable as history said, he should have been outraged at its sale.

Instead, he was… entertained.

Her grip on her fan tightened.

"What are you up to, Austin?"

Had she walked into a trap?

She had come to this auction prepared to win. But now, she wasn't sure if winning was even possible.

Breaking the Hundred Million Barrier

Crossing the 100 million mark, the bids slowed—but only for a moment.

Then—

"120 million!"

House Veradyn entered the fray. The moment their name was called, the hall fell into murmurs. House Veradyn had long been at odds with the Ravenclaws, and their wealth was second only to a handful of noble families.

"150 million!"

Sonya leaned forward slightly, her cold gaze analyzing the bidders. Her lips curled into a faint smirk.

"200 million!" A voice rang out from the back—Duke Harvold, a warlord known for his brutality.

Gasps spread through the hall.

Austin chuckled under his breath. Fools, all of them.

The 300 Million Mark: The Ruthless Competitors

As soon as the bid hit 300 million, the atmosphere turned suffocating.

Some bidders fell silent, their pockets already emptied. But a few powerhouses remained.

House Dimitri

The Imperial Treasury Representative

House Veradyn

Sonya, the Imperial Princess

"320 million!"

"350 million!"

Sonya's eyes sharpened. The Imperial Treasury had set a strict limit for her, but she had already decided—she would get this rune at any cost.

She raised her hand.

"400 million."

A deadly silence fell over the auction house.

Austin leaned forward slightly, intrigued.

"450 million!"

All eyes turned to the bidder.

House Dimitri.

A young man with a composed face, dressed in a noble's coat, sat with an air of arrogance. The heir of House Dimitri, one of the wealthiest noble families, had just placed the final bid.

The Foolish Victor: House Dimitri's Tragic Loss

"450 million, going once..."

The Imperial Princess hesitated.

"Going twice..."

Sonya clenched her fists. Damn it.

She had already spent much of the royal funds hiring Viper's Nest. If she exhausted her budget now, her future plans would be severely impacted.

She closed her eyes. I concede.

The auctioneer's hammer slammed down.

"Sold! The Rune of Tringle goes to the heir of House Dimitri for 450 million gold!"

The young heir stood up, victorious. A smug smile played on his lips as he walked out of the auction house.

Austin watched him with amusement. Poor bastard.

The fool had just spent 450 million gold on a fake.

"Next item up for auction—The Sword of Yinis!" the auctioneer announced, unveiling a sleek silver blade with ancient inscriptions glowing faintly along its edge.

Gasps filled the hall.

"A relic from the legendary warrior clans!" someone whispered in awe.

All eyes turned to Ravenclaw, expecting him to make a bid. After all, such a weapon should have been of great interest to him.

But he remained silent.

The bidding began.

—10 million!—15 million!—20 million!—30 million!

The number kept rising, yet Ravenclaw never moved.

"Why isn't he bidding?" Sonya thought, watching him carefully.

The price closed at 40 million gold, a noble from the western territories securing it with a satisfied smirk.

Still, Ravenclaw didn't react.

Whispers spread through the audience.

"Why would he let this slip?""Is he not interested in weapons anymore?"

Sonya narrowed her eyes. Something was off.

The auctioneer, masking his own surprise, quickly continued. "60 million from Lord Ravenclaw! Do we have 70?"

A powerful noble from Duke Evermore's house raised his paddle. "90 million."

The hall buzzed again.

"Why is a duke's house interested in a slave?""This is escalating fast!"

Austin Ravenclaw simply smiled.

He leaned forward, his green eyes sharp as a blade.

"95 million."

Murmurs spread.

House Aston, known for their investments in magical artifacts and rare beings, entered the fray.

"100 million."

The entire auction hall felt the weight of the moment.

A common elf—no, an elf with an extraordinary ability—was now valued at a price that could purchase three warships or an entire city's yearly trade revenue.

A merchant gulped. "This is insane... a mere slave going over 100 million gold?"

The noble from Duke Malfrey's house, infamous for his ruthlessness, leaned back and smirked.

"120 million."

The audience turned their heads, whispers breaking out.

"Malfrey's house is making a move?""Why would a military house want the Golden Hand?"

Austin Ravenclaw leaned back in his chair, his fingers lazily tapping against the armrest. His emerald-green eyes studied the elf on stage. His silence made the tension unbearable.

Then, after a long pause—

"140 million."

Gasps filled the hall.

Duke Malfrey's expression darkened. "150 million."

Austin let out a small chuckle.

"155 million."

The merchant from earlier, the one who first bid 30 million, wiped the sweat from his forehead. He had thought he had a chance, but now, the competition had gone far beyond his reach.

Another noble, Baron Leclair, raised his paddle.

"160 million gold!"

The auctioneer's voice trembled slightly from excitement.

"160 million! Do I hear 165?"

"170 million," Malfrey snapped, his patience wearing thin.

Austin finally sat up properly in his seat, resting his chin on one hand.

"175 million," he said, voice steady, unfazed.

Malfrey scowled. He glanced at the stage, where the elf stood, unflinching.

The Golden Hand was worth it.

A healer capable of miracles—people whispered that his touch could bring back the dying, his knowledge of medicine far surpassing any other in the empire.

To own such a man was to hold life and death in one's hands.

The merchant, still sweating, turned to Malfrey. "Duke, this isn't worth—"

"200 million," Malfrey declared, cutting him off.

The room erupted in shock.

"Two hundred million for a slave?!""The empire itself could purchase an entire fleet of warships with that amount!"

Austin didn't even flinch.

He took a sip of his wine. The deep red liquid swirled in his glass. He set it down on the table, the sound echoing through the silent hall.

Then, he raised his paddle.

"210 million."

The audience sucked in a breath.

Sonya, watching from the other side of the room, frowned deeply.

"Why... why is Ravenclaw so invested in this? He didn't bid on the vase or the sword. But now, he's fighting for this elf?"

Something didn't add up.

Malfrey's face twisted in frustration.

"220 million."

The entire auction hall was on edge.

Austin smiled lazily.

"230 million."

The duke clenched his fists.

His advisors whispered in his ear. "Lord Malfrey, we can't afford to go too high. If the emperor hears of this expenditure—"

Malfrey bit his lip. He wanted the elf. But could he afford to fight Ravenclaw?

Austin raised an eyebrow, waiting.

Malfrey hesitated.

He slammed his paddle down on the table. "Tch. I concede."

The auctioneer, trying to contain his excitement, lifted his hand.

"230 million gold! Going once—going twice—SOLD! To Lord Austin Ravenclaw!"

The gavel came down.

The hall fell into murmurs.

Austin leaned back again, completely at ease.

"Now... that was fun."

The thunderous applause from the previous bidding war had barely faded when the auctioneer, still riding the momentum of excitement, raised his hands to quiet the crowd.

"Esteemed guests," he declared, his voice filled with anticipation, "we have now reached the main attraction of tonight's auction! Presenting—the Jewel of Itziar!"

A hush fell over the room. Gasps of admiration echoed as the velvet-covered pedestal was unveiled, revealing a glistening gemstone that shimmered under the magical lights. The deep blue jewel, rumored to hold an ancient and forbidden power, was encased in a golden frame, its surface reflecting an otherworldly glow.

Sonya's fingers tightened against the armrest of her chair. This was it. The final showdown. The very reason she had gathered so much funding, hired the Viper's Nest, and meticulously planned her every move.

This jewel was supposed to be Ravenclaw's…

According to the original story, it was Austin—Ravenclaw himself—who had won the bid, using the Jewel of Itziar to gain the favor of the Abyssals. It was the key piece that later led to the downfall of Selene Vosarria. But now, Sonya was here, determined to change everything.

She took a deep breath, prepared to raise her bid, when—

"450 million gold."

The entire auction house froze.

The air stilled, as if the very fabric of reality had stopped moving for a brief second. Even the auctioneer, who had been ready to announce the starting bid, stumbled in his speech, his mouth slightly open.

Everyone turned toward the VIP section—toward Austin Ravenclaw.

Sonya's head snapped in his direction, her eyes widening in disbelief.

What?!

Before a single soul could even lift their sign, before the bidding war could even begin, he had immediately offered an astronomical amount—far beyond what anyone had anticipated.

The merchants, nobles, and aristocrats, who had been eagerly preparing to bid, now sat in stunned silence.

Even the Imperial Princess, watching from her private box, narrowed her eyes.

450 million gold… was more than what some entire noble houses were worth. It was an amount that could fund a war. It wasn't just a bid—it was a declaration.

The auctioneer, trying to maintain his composure, cleared his throat."D-Duke Ravenclaw has offered 450 million gold as the opening bid! Is there anyone who—"

"500 million gold."

A new voice.

This time, it was Duke Alistair of House Dimitri, a titan in the merchant world, known for his deep pockets and unwavering ambition.

A murmur spread through the audience.

Ravenclaw, unfazed, smirked.

"550 million gold."

The crowd gasped again.

Duke Alistair's brow twitched. "600 million gold."

Sonya clenched her fists. This was not how it was supposed to go!

"650 million."

A new bidder—one of the Imperial Treasury Officers, representing the Emperor's personal interests.

The entire hall erupted into chaos.

"700 million gold.""750 million!""800 million!!"

The numbers kept rising, faster than anyone could process. The merchants, nobles, and royalty all threw their hats in, their competitive spirits ignited.

And yet—

Austin remained silent.

He leaned back, watching as the bidding war spiraled out of control. Sonya, who had planned to fight tooth and nail for this item, gritted her teeth.

Damn it! If I hesitate now, I'll lose it!

"850 million!" she called out.

Eyes turned to her. Some looked shocked. Others… impressed.

The Imperial Princess, watching from her private seat, smirked slightly.

She really is trying to fight Ravenclaw… Interesting.

A tense moment passed.

"900 million."

Austin had finally spoken.

The entire hall fell silent again.

The weight of his voice was absolute.

Some of the bidders hesitated. Even the Imperial Treasury Officer stopped, his advisors whispering frantically in his ear, warning that spending too much on a single artifact would be politically dangerous.

Duke Alistair's expression darkened.

Sonya, still breathing heavily, gritted her teeth.

Damn it. I need to push further…

She raised her hand.

"950 million!"

Another round of gasps filled the hall.

The auctioneer was visibly sweating now.

"950 million gold… is there anyone willing to bid higher?"

A long silence.

Then—

Austin sighed, angry and tapping his fingers against the armrest.

"1 billion gold."

The entire hall shook.

A billion gold.

Some of the nobles gasped in horror. Others slumped back into their chairs, defeated. Even the Imperial Treasury Officer looked visibly pale.

And Sonya—

She clenched her fists.

She knew. This was checkmate.

The auctioneer, hands trembling, lifted his gavel."1 billion gold going once… going twice…"

A final pause.

"Sold—to Duke Austin Ravenclaw."

The gavel struck down.

And just like that—

The Jewel of Itziar belonged to him.

The sound of the gavel striking down echoed through the grand auction hall, marking the finality of the deal.

Austin Ravenclaw had won.

Yet, beneath his calm exterior, there was a storm brewing within him.

His fingers tightened against the armrest, his sharp eyes flickering with an emotion that few would have noticed—agitation.

1 billion gold.

It was a ridiculous amount, even for him. Even though he had various businesses—the beauty pageants, the Bunny's Lair, and numerous mercantile ventures—this was a devastating blow to his personal funds.

And worst of all—he had been backed into a corner.

This wasn't a one-sided victory where he could smirk in satisfaction.

No. Sonya and Duke Alistair had pushed him to the edge.

Throughout the entire bidding war, he had been forced to continuously raise his hand, trapped in their relentless assaults.

Duke Alistair, a man known for his deep connections and merchant empire, had endless funds at his disposal.

Sonya, though not as financially powerful, had played her cards well, forcing others to raise the stakes to dangerous levels.

If Austin had hesitated for even a second, he would have lost.

Even now, as the auctioneer congratulated him, he could feel the weight of the loss settling in.

Damn it.

His accounts had been drained significantly.

Though his businesses would recover in time, this was an unexpected financial hit.

He had planned to win the Jewel of Itziar for far less—perhaps 400 million, at most. But the relentless war between Sonya and Duke Alistair had forced him beyond reason.

Now, he had secured the jewel—but at what cost?

The audience was in awe.

Some whispered in hushed voices.

"One billion gold… he actually went that far…"

"This must be more important than we realized…"

"Even Duke Alistair had to back off…"

Many powerful figures in the room were re-evaluating Ravenclaw, wondering just how valuable this jewel really was.

Even Sonya, who had planned everything, was gritting her teeth.

I pushed him to his limit, but he still won… Damn it.

She had never expected him to drain himself completely.

And Duke Alistair? He was furious.

The old merchant, who prided himself on his financial dominance, had been outplayed—forced to stop bidding due to pressure from his advisors.

As he left his seat, his piercing gaze met Austin's for a brief moment.

The silent message was clear—

This isn't over.

Austin's Next Move

Austin let out a slow breath, leaning back in his chair.

The Jewel of Itziar was his.

But this victory came with a price.

Now, he needed to recover—and fast.

Time to make my next move.