The Beginning Of The Ruler
Chapter 23: Helstia Auction House 10th Anniversary

WHITE POV REYNOLDS:

As I subconsciously sipped my cup of coffee, the hot sensation shocked me from the daze. Alex and I sat around a small table on the outside terrace as we discussed some business plans at the Helstia Auction House. The topic has shifted to security parameters and how we are currently approaching a stage where it is necessary to fully restructure and improve the guard team.

Alongside capable non-mage adventurers, we recently managed to recruit some long-range Augimenters, which are a very powerful addition to security. While it is still prevalent for Augimenter to travel short-range routes due to functionality and ease, long-range Augimenter, such as archers and crossbowmen, continue to be a much more powerful asset in defensive settings. Alex poked at me a few times whether Magician should be hired for the upcoming event.

"Hmmm.I know how useful it is to have a Magician who can create a barrier and help support the Augimenter, but I'm against it." I took another sip, more careful than my cup.

"Do you mind explaining it? You just said how helpful it was to have her," she argued while stirring her tea rhythmically.

Putting down my cup, I replied, "If we were just talking about firepower, I would agree, but you know it's not that simple, Lex. It will affect the morale of a team that even has several Magician in one game.Augimenter team.you know for yourself how arrogant most Magician is. I swear they thought they were angel incarnations; most of them considered the Augimenter to be some sort of primitive beast for using their hands to fight. Even if we manage to find some that aren't too rotten, the team will start to think we hired Magician because I don't trust them."

Alex's gaze focused blankly on the stained stain on the table; it was clear what he was thinking. "You have a point. I left you completely in charge of the security aspect, so we will comply with what you said, but we must be absolutely sure the Helstia 10th Anniversary Auction is going well. Even the Royal Family will be there this. Time we can't let the commotion get too big."

I just nodded in agreement, giving a smile of appreciation to my friend.

"Oh right! We must take your son to the Tenth Anniversary Helstia Auction. He said he wanted a sword, right? I didn't know you had taught him how to use the sword. You're in a fighting style that you're very good at with your gloves."

"Huh. I never taught him how to use a sword, Alex. He has mastered swordsmanship since he was four years old" I said, not believing the words that came out of my own mouth.

"You can't be serious .. Layla was still afraid to go down the stairs alone when she was four years old," Alex stuttered.

I continued, "He seems to learn by watching me practice and reading books about swords. Alex, that's not even the part I care about. But when we fight. His gaze as we practice, his reaction and fighting style. I'm not "I feel like I'm arguing with my eight-year-old son. It feels like I'm fighting a veteran swordsman. The only reason I can handle it now is because her body is still immature, but the way she reacts … it was something that only came with decades of experience in life or death battles."

"I can't say I don't know what you're talking about. Sometimes I wonder if your son is actually only eight years old. Are you afraid of him, Rey?" he asked seriously.

"No. That's one thing I'm getting sure of. No matter what, he's still my son. I know he cares a lot about his family, too, and that's all I can ask for as his father."

ARTHUR WHITE POV:

During these past two months, there has been evident progress in the manipulation of where Layla and my sister are. There was no need to put my mana into them anymore, so they could practice on their own now. Of course, it still took them several years to form the core mana—especially Alicia and her short attention span—but I actually learned the two of them the importance of keeping their training a secret.

I didn't need to remind my parents and the Helstia family that keeping this secret was important, but it was clear that the four of them were excited for the day Layla and Alicia would wake up.

Eve has been sleeping more for the past two months, but there are noticeable changes. First, his intelligence increased greatly. His mind to me was more complicated and contained complicated emotions that passed through just 'hunger' or 'cursing.' In the short few months after she was born, it felt like she had acquired emotional intelligence over the years.

One big change has happened recently; he learned how to change.

Okay, it's not something as drastic as a transformation, but he can manipulate his body a little. It felt like it happened so suddenly. I've been pondering how to hide her appearance in the days to come as she grows bigger. He was beside me when he started whining and scratching himself as if uncomfortable. The next thing I knew, the red spikes began to pull while the horns shrank. It was a surprise. Now, most of the time, Eve simply held back her thorns and horns, making her look more like a cute black scaly fox with tiny horns.

During this time, both Alex and Tabitha insisted on giving me more gifts as thanks. Even if I can't obtain a cloak or mask, I have planned to train Layla. After all, she was part of the family that helped my family, so as far as I was concerned, there was no harm in helping them. After many rejections, we finally decided on something they could get for me: a sword.

My body finally grew big enough to handle the small sword properly without being rolled awkwardly by the slightest accident. It wouldn't be bigger than an adult-sized dagger, but it ended up allowing me to train my swordsmanship with something other than a wooden stick. We have decided to make a family event and have my family and Alex's family go visit the Tenth Anniversary Helstia Auction.

Waiting in the living room downstairs for my father and Alex to get ready, I heard an annoying knock from the front door.

Sheesh, knocking just once is enough.

I let out a slightly irritated cry that I would get it because I was close. There's no need to trouble the waiter when I'm right next to the door.

"Who's there—OOF!"

I was struck with a nostalgic sensation smothered by a pair of foam pillows. A classic way of killing, but shouldn't it be used while I sleep?

"Geez! You are still alive! Look how big you are! I'm sorry, White! I can't protect you! I'm so happy!" the woman snorted.

"Mcfph! Mmfh!"

"Angel, I don't think he can breathe .." An comforting voice showed.

"the eep! M-Sorry!" Angel squealing.

Peeling my face, I smiled at my friends. "It's so nice to see you again!"

My giant guardian angel, Dicky, patted my head and I saw his narrowed eyes begin to water, triggering tears from me as well.

Anton hit my ass. "Little boy! You know how devastated everyone is because of what happened? Nice to see you again, hehe."

"You're getting good-looking, White." I turned to look at the charismatic Helen Vienna with her distinctive bow still tied on her back crouching in front of me. He lightly pinched my cheek and gave me a sympathetic smile before standing back up.

Suddenly, I was hugged again, but this time, I was really surprised. "Sniff."

It was Viona. Viona is cold and aloof. He continued to be silent as he simply tightened his embrace around me, letting out a gentle sobbing.

I couldn't help but caress her head when she suddenly broke away from me, her face red. Quickly standing up and trying to calm himself down, he gave me an embarrassed nod and turned around.

At this moment, Eve woke up from her sleep on the sofa and ran towards us.

"Well! What'sthat?" exclamation Anton. The other Twin Stars had the same surprised expression that even Viona turned to look at which beast was mysterious.

"He's my contracted beast, Eve," I announced while my bond jumped over my head.

"Geez! You already have a contracted beast? Do you know how valuable it is to have a bond? Geez, I've been trying to find animals to tame these past few years but to no avail. What they sell is also too expensive, lucky brat!" Anton practically pulled her hair out of jealousy.

"Bonding," or "contract animals" for official terms, is highly sought after by both types of magicians. It was a bit more advantageous for the witches because, while the master was setting up a spell, the bond would be able to protect them. However, it is also very useful for Augimenters, who often look for animals to contract them as mounts or mates to support them.

"What's up with the commotion. Ah! You're here!" My father, wearing his uniform, jumped down the stairs and rushed towards his former party members.

She hugged them all when my mother and sister came down immediately after.

"Everything! It's so good to see you again!" exclaimed mother. He had no chance to say anything more as all the girls threw themselves at him and started drooling at my little sister, who both dressed very well for the event. My parents haven't seen the Twin Stars nearly as long as I have, so everyone is just as excited.

"Geez! Samantha, Alicia looks just like you! She'll grow up to be so beautiful!"

"…Imut."

"Rey will soon have a potential nail candidate. Can you tell me how old you are?"

"Four!"

Alex gets off with Jessica and Layla. The mother and father duo were matching in black suits and dresses while Layla wore a flower dress under a warm robe. After everyone introduced each other, it was decided that the Twin Horns would come with us to the Helstia Auction House for the Tenth Anniversary event. On the way there, I told them about what happened after the fall. My father explained to them the basics in his letter, but they were eager to know the details. They were quite surprised to find out that I was in Elanoir Kingdom for over four years.

The trip was quite short, so I couldn't finish telling them everything before we got off.

The first thought that comes to mind when it arrives is that Alex is really working hard on this. The Helstia Auction House was amazing. It is a bit misleading to even call it home because it towers over one of the other buildings nearby. I have visited many national and historical monuments made by the most famous architects, but these are on different levels.I suspect they got a lot of help from Magician from how big it is. The Auction House was a magnificent theater with intricate designs everywhere. The main door is over 4 meters high and is made of petrified wood with a carved design on it. Compared to the naturalistic and elegant designs I saw in the Elf Kingdom, this was more complicated and magnificent. It was in a half-cylinder shape with detailed stone carvings of various weapons as a buffer.

We arrived early, so only workers and guards were present, preparing for the event. The inside is the same, if not more amazing. The front door opened onto a path that stretched to the stage at the other end. On our left and right, there was a row of ascending chairs made of rather luxurious burgundy leather that could fit over ten thousand people comfortably. When I looked up, I saw a booth installed at the very top of the row of chairs and even higher, it was, there is one room attached to the ceiling and the back wall with glass surrounding it, providing a clear view of the stage. It was easy to guess that the booth, as well as the single room, was for VIPs.

Turns out, the VIP room on the ceiling was the room we were going to sit in. Father and the Twin Stars, who had decided to help my father and the guards to prepare for any unwanted commotion or plague, were the first to separate from him. Alex separated from us after he shouted orders at the workers and prepared the hosts to welcome more important guests.

Jessica took us to the room, making us comfortable inside a carefully designed and furnished area meant only for the most distinguished and wealthy guests. There was a wine rack and some chairs and tables leaning in with chairs closer by the window. I made myself comfortable in the chair closest to the window.

The auction house soon became a panorama of cheerful and vibrant noise, as more and more people, who were undoubtedly the ones with influence, began to fill the lower seats. There are some groups that seem more prominent than others that are ushered in personally by the host to their booth. Undoubtedly, they were some of the wealthier nobles in the Kingdom.

Growing tired of the hordes of over-dressed nobles chatting excitedly amongst themselves, I turned my attention to Layla as she taught Alicia some sort of applause game. Inevitably I smiled to myself as the two of them giggled as one of them messed up and flicked gently in the ear as punishment.

Time passed rather slowly until Alex returned, leading a group of unknown people in.

The first to come behind Alex was an old man with long, dark red hair who was aged with gray stripes. His back was perpendicular with broad shoulders which made him look many years. The man's eyes were firm with rough sword-shaped brows, giving him an eye-catching presence. He wore a red robe lined with white fur around the collar and had a staff that shone brighter than any silver I had ever seen before. Following behind him was a woman who looked several years older than my mother. While my mother had a beautiful, sweet, friendly atmosphere, the facial features of this woman reminded me of the ice sculpture; refined, elegant, noble and flawless, but also cold and emotionless. She wore a glittering silvery-white dress that complemented her dark blue hair that covered her shoulders like a well-kept tapestry.

Behind the woman I suspect was the man's wife were two younger children who could only be their relatives. The older son, a boy who seemed to be around thirteen years old, was more following his father. With his serious brown eyes, straight eyebrows, and short mahogany-colored hair that shimmered like his father's, it looks like what it will look like in the coming decades. Despite his ferocious appearance, however, there was a kind of pure charisma that was different from his father. It was the kind of charisma that would make him the center of any group.

The younger one, a girl who seemed to be about the same age as me, scanned the room closely before looking me in the eye.

It still took him a few years until he started to mature, but needless to say, his potential was there. I don't want to compare him to Thania. They will both grow up to be charming to the men around them, but in very different ways. Thania is the pretty girl next door, with soothing almond-shaped eyes that shine brightly. Her peachy and creamy skin and her reddish cheeks. His unique gunmetal hair complemented his eyes, giving him a mysterious yet approachable aura.

No, this girl is the opposite. Her porcelain white skin was a canvas for her meticulously carved facial features. His sharp, sharp eyes that seemed too mature for his age were a dark brown color that looked larger due to his long, thick eyelashes. Her hair was black, which she got from her mother. Compared to her dark hair and eyes, however, her little lips were covered with a soft pink color that gave life to her doll-like appearance.

It is hard not to wonder how they will grow into; whether nature will make them bloom or wither.

Turning my gaze away from the girl in front of me, I focused on the three guards who followed after the beautiful family.

"I didn't know we were going to be here with the guest, Alex," said the man, neither rude nor friendly.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty! I guess you don't mind having a few others with you. You remember my wife, Jessica, right? Well, this is a close friend of our family," he introduced, waving his hand at us. .

After watching us for a moment, his lips formed a smile. "If they're your friends, Alex, then they're mine too."

"It's nice to meet you. At least we'll have some friends besides this guard," the woman giggled.

I raised an eyebrow in shock at the sharp contrast in the woman's personality with her appearance. She seemed much more outgoing, despite her intimidating appearance, than her husband.

"Everyone, as you all probably know, I want you all to meet King and Queen Xafir. Introduce yourself to King Bastian Glaylord and Queen Priscillia Glaydlord and their children, Charles and Crystal."

Hearing this, my mother—who was holding my sister—Jessica, and even Layla, fell down, knelt down. I caught and lowered myself a moment later as well.

Giving us a nod, the King gestured for us to stand up. "No more of this, now. No need to be stiff, we're here just for the auction."

As I got back up, Eve peeked out from under my cloak where she was sleeping, looking at the new faces with curiosity.

"Kyu?" he chirped, tilting his head.

I thought I heard a sigh from one of the guards behind, but I didn't know because their faces were closed.

"Geez! Where's the cute little animal!" Queen Priscillia's face brightened upon seeing him as she walked towards me.

The eyes of the King and the two children also looked towards me.

The guards also took a step forward, making sure they were close enough to react in case something happened to the Queen.

"He just hatched a few months ago. Name's Eve. Come out and say hello" I replied.

"Kyu~!" he exclaimed as he jumped out of my robe and stretched his body like a cat.

"I assume which little animal is your bond, young man?" The king approached, kneeling down to look at Eve closer.

I just nodded without a word. It should be fine with Eve's appearance as it is. "How lucky you are to have a Mana Beast. Even a baby isn't easily tamed, yet he looks very obedient."

"Well we can communicate mentally, so it's more like a mutual agreement than obedience" I just shrugged.

"What's? You mean to say that you're under an Equivalent Contract?"

We all looked towards the source of the sound. It was one of the hooded guards behind the children.

Shit, did I say something I shouldn't?

"Umm, I'm not sure what it is, but he initiated the contract, so I guess so?" I shrugged, hoping to switch topics.

Is it a big deal that shapes contracts?

"Let me take a closer look at your bond!" exclaimed the hooded guard, creeping near us.

Before I could resist, the King stepped in.

"This is not the time or place to study other people's pets. You're not polite, Sebas." His gaze turned sharp as he reprimanded her.

"I'm sorry." she said, hoping I would finish her sentence.

"Arthurian. Arthur White," I'm done, bowing briefly. As he and his wife smiled slightly at me, we sat down just in time to hear a clear voice stating that the auction was about to begin.

The cold tremor made me turn around only to see Sebas, who had taken off his hood, staring intently at Eve, who was leaning on my lap.

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