— Isn’t this the fabric that costs nearly seven to nine gold coins and is made from monsters of a special class or mysterious?! — Falk asked, his mouth agape.

  — You guessed it. That’s the one, — Aenari confirmed, handing the fabric to Falk. Without wasting any time, Falk stuffed it into the bag they had recently purchased.

  — To think you really tricked that sly bastard and left him with nothing. Ha-ha-ha!

  — You’re very inventive, young master. If it’s not too intrusive, could you share how you managed to pull it off? — Falk asked, his voice filled with awe.

  Having spent some time with Falk, Aenari had already formed an opinion of his character. That’s why he showed him the magical fabric. However, Aenari would never have dared to take such a risk without a backup plan for retreat. Greed could awaken at any moment. Even though Falk saw the rare material and didn’t act on it, Aenari still didn’t fully trust him.

  Noticing the prolonged silence, Falk hesitated and began apologizing.

  — Don’t apologize, I don’t mind sharing, — Aenari said, looking him in the eyes with a strange smile.

  ?This boy is definitely not like the others. That smile… It gives me chills.?

  Afterward, Aenari briefly recounted how he pulled it off, slightly altering some details.

  — You’re amazing, young master. Did you really just turn seven recently?

  Aenari only shrugged, not bothering to reply.

  Meanwhile, Falk looked around and remarked, — Young master, we’re almost there. Do you want to pick up anything else?

  — Yes, let’s stop by there.

  Falk followed him into a shop with the sign ”Nature’s Wonder.“

  The shop itself looked rather mysterious. Numerous glass vials filled with liquids of various shades rested on the shelves, and the air was filled with the scent of herbs and flowers. Behind the counter stood a woman, appearing to be about 37 years old. Her unusual attire, which accentuated her graceful figure, and a faint but noticeable aura set her apart from ordinary people.

  — Welcome. How may I assist you? — she said professionally, though her voice carried a hint of something more.

  Aenari frowned slightly as he looked around.

  — Do you have anything unusual in stock?

  — By unusual, do you mean this? — she asked with a smirk, pulling a glass vial from under the counter. Inside was a clear liquid with a faint grayish tint.

  Her actions caused Falk to raise an eyebrow, but he said nothing.

  ?Isn’t this the invisibility potion Alfred mentioned? He also said its recipe was lost, and modern alchemists still can’t replicate such potions!? Aenari skeptically considered her words.

  — May I take a closer look?

  — Here, take a closer look, — she said, handing over the vial and adding, — It will completely hide you from people of the 1st initial and intermediate rank unless they’re extraordinary individuals. Oh, yes, your footsteps will still be audible, though not as much.

  — I should also mention that this is an extremely rare potion. You won’t find anything like it anywhere else now.

  — In that case, wouldn’t it make more sense to auction it off to maximize your profit rather than keeping it here, hoping for a higher price? — Aenari countered.

  — Oh, you’re right, young master! Wealth doesn’t interest me and never has. Well, maybe once — she said with a smile.

  Aenari felt a slight irritation rise within him at her words.

  ?She’s quite the fox,? — he noted but kept his thoughts to himself.

  — Is that so?

  Ignoring her, Aenari examined the vial but still had doubts about its authenticity.

  ?What reason would she have to deceive someone she’s meeting for the first time? Could there be a point to it?? — he pondered for a moment.

  Shifting his gaze from the potion to her, their eyes met.

  ?I don’t want to be deceived, but the risk might be worth it!?

  Clenching his teeth, Aenari declared without hesitation,

  — I’ll buy it.

  — A good choice! — she laughed in response.

  After some haggling, Aenari paid three gold coins. It was extremely expensive, though expected.

  The shopkeeper continued to watch Aenari intently as he left, using her intuition.

  Still stunned by the young master’s extravagance, Falk asked uncertainly,

  — Young master, don’t you think that was too expensive for us?

  — I had no choice. As I said, I’ll repay your money.

  — Then is there anything else you’re interested in, young master?"

  — I think that’s enough. You can take me home.

  — Very well, — the guard sighed in relief.

  Meanwhile, in the woman’s mind:

  ?Could it be him? I didn’t sense anything special from him. To think I had to sacrifice a Fate Coin and still didn’t find who I was looking for,? she muttered thoughtfully. Her face flickered with instability.

  ?No! The Fate Coin couldn’t have been wrong. Then what’s going on here…??

  Soon, the shop completely vanished, turning into nothingness. It seemed no one nearby noticed what had happened, as if it were beyond the world’s boundaries.

  Unaware of anything, Ao was questioning Folk at that moment.

  — By the way, Folk, where did you get all that wealth?

  — Well, I've been saving for several years, so I have a bit more than other guards.

  — I see. Seems like you're pretty restrained in your desires, — Aenari glanced at him.

  — You're flattering me, young master, ha-ha, — Folk awkwardly scratched the back of his head.

  ?This isn't flattery; it's more like pity. It reminds me of my own days in the past. Of course, Ao wouldn't tell him that, and it's unlikely Folk would grasp the meaning of it right now. Maybe someday he will.?

  Meanwhile, as they walked past a bustling square packed with people, Aenari caught something interesting.

  — Ladies and gentlemen, let me present our next lot!

  — It's a fluffy snow creature that will melt anyone's heart! Starting price—sixty silver coins, minimum bid—five coins!

  — If there are no objections, let’s begin!

  — I bid 65!

  — What a beggar, 78 silver!

  — Ladies and gentlemen, 78 silver coins! Any other bids?

  — Daddy, buy me that little creature! I really, really want it!

  Contrary to Aenari’s expectations, the atmosphere here was quite tense.

  — How inconvenient. Folk, we’re joining in too.

  Aenari didn’t want to participate at all, but seeing the creature on display, he immediately changed his mind.

  — Uh… Fine, — Folk hesitated slightly but then nodded.

  ?Do the young masters really take an interest in cute creatures?? Folk couldn't help but frown. He was well aware that he wasn't cute in the slightest.

  After a while, the bids stopped rising so rapidly, stalling at 94 silver.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  — 99 silver, with a special elixir!

  — What the fuck? How could someone like you even have a special elixir? You must think we’re fools!

  Since many young and even married ladies wanted this creature, their fathers and brothers were doing their best to please them, even resorting to extremes like lying about the elixir.

  ?Actually, not many understand what this nonsense about the elixir really means. It’s all about one party trying to convey an offer to trade something of equal value to the displayed item, if Alfred’s words are to be believed.?

  — 1 gold and 5 silver, — Folk shouted.

  — Who is that?

  — Isn’t that a guard?

  What stood before them was a sturdy guard in armor, bidding for the little creature. The participants were bewildered, as Folk gave the impression that he would fight to the end for this creature, and none of them underestimated him.

  — Do I really need to keep this menacing expression, young master? For some reason, I really want to laugh right now, — Folk grumbled.

  Hearing this, Aenari's expression shifted.

  — In that case, I’ll make you my pet, — he said mercilessly.

  — This subordinate wouldn’t dare! Realizing his life might be in danger, Folk became even more determined.

  Then someone else shouted again, — 1 gold and 10 silver!

  Everyone turned toward the familiar voice. It was that same old silk merchant.

  Initially, he intended to distract himself from his recent fiasco, but upon seeing his adversaries, he decided to spite them.

  ?Heh-heh, since you made a fool of me, I’ll drag you down with me,? the old man grinned impatiently.

  — Him again? — Aenari snorted and added, — 1 gold and 15 silver.

  — 120!

  — 125.

  — 130!

  The bidding became more intense, and many started whispering, watching the confident old man.

  — What the hell! Is he doing this on purpose?

  Only the recent witnesses could explain the situation to others, filling them in on what had happened.

  — I see, typical behavior for such an old rat! — a woman in luxurious attire said disdainfully.

  Her words created a domino effect, and soon the old man became the most discussed person at the auction.

  But the old man just smirked, making it clear he didn’t care.

  Aenari was dying to wipe that smug grin off his face, so he went on the offensive.

  — Wait, I want to see if you actually have that kind of wealth, — Ao voiced his suspicions, pointing at the old man.

  The price for the lot had already reached its limit, and Ao didn’t want to overpay for it.

  — That’s none of your business, young man, — the old man replied dismissively.

  Meanwhile, the auctioneer found Aenari’s concerns valid and intervened.

  — You’re right, young master. Please, could you confirm your claim? I don’t want to offend anyone here.

  Folk pulled out his coins, totaling 1 gold and 25 silver.

  Noticing the guard's furrowed brow, Aenari paused to think.

  ?Folk is down to his last few coins. I’ll have to raise the bid sharply to shake off this parasite rather than hope he gives up.?

  Ignoring the guard, the old man declared smugly, — Do you think you're the only wealthy one? Look at this! — he said with a satisfied expression, shaking his coin pouch, letting the clinking sound fill the air. Yes, he was blatantly provoking everyone, implying they were poor.

  — That bastard…

  The participants had no choice but to take it in stride, as there was nothing they could do about it.

  — Since both gentlemen have more than enough, let’s continue, — he exclaimed cheerfully.

  ?Ha-ha! Who would’ve thought I’d reel in such a big catch today!? — the auctioneer rejoiced to himself.

  ?He matched the price of his own bid, the sly old bastard,? — Aenari cursed, tapping the tip of his nose with his index finger.

  After the auctioneer’s words, the bidding resumed.

  — I’ll raise it to 40 silver, — Aenari said indifferently.

  — Sir, it’s your turn to increase the bid, — the auctioneer said with a smile.

  — Apologies, but I’ve realized I don’t want this little creature that badly.

  — So, he’s not going to compete for it after all?

  — Well, what else would you expect?

  While the others debated loudly, the old man contentedly basked in his handiwork.

  ?You’re still too young to defy me, boy.?

  Surveying the participants, the auctioneer announced:

  — As I see no further bids, I’ll begin the countdown.

  — One! Two! Three! Sold!

  — Congratulations, young sir! You are the proud winner of this wonderful lot. You may claim it immediately.

  — Ladies and gentlemen, the auction is now closed — bang!

  Once the bidding ended, the auctioneer straightened his posture proudly and left the stage.

  — He really is a cunning fox. Did you hear what he said?

  — Of course! How could I miss it?

  The crowd began to disperse, grumbling in frustration, while Aenari stood silently, his gaze cold.

  ?Now I understand — you still haven’t learned your lesson.?

  Falk, meanwhile, frowned slightly, noticing his master’s expression.

  — Falk, take all this stuff to my house.

  — All right, but what about you?

  — I’ve got a matter to attend to. Hurry and wait for me here when you’re done.

  — I’ll handle it, — Falk nodded firmly and left Aenari alone.

  The auction was over, but the tension lingered. The crowd thinned, their murmured conversations trailing off. Aenari watched the old man confidently weaving through the mass of people.

  ?Let’s see what you’re hiding...?

  A few minutes later, he found himself in an alley where the old man had turned, skillfully avoiding passersby. The narrow passage seemed oppressive, and the damp smell was deeply unpleasant. The quietness was unsettling.

  Doubts began to creep into Aenari’s mind.

  ?Has he noticed me? Not sure. But why turn here? This place looks suspicious... A trap? Or am I overestimating him??

  Thoughts swirled in Aenari’s head, but time was running out.

  ?Damn it! I’m going to lose him like this.?

  Pulling a vial from his pocket, Aenari stared at it's contents suspiciously.

  ?I haven’t had the chance to test this. What if it’s not a concealment potion?? — The thought echoed coldly in his mind.

  ?Better safe than sorry.?

  Glancing briefly at the crowd, Aenari thought, “I need... a test subject.”

  As he searched for a suitable candidate, a stray dog suddenly approached from behind, wagging it's tail happily.

  Turning to it, Aenari patted it's head and poured a bit of the vial’s contents into its mouth.

  The dog’s body began to swell unnaturally, as if inflated by some monstrous pump. It's skin stretched to the breaking point before bursting, releasing a torrent of thick, bloody liquid.

  — Splat!

  Blood and entrails splattered everywhere. The sight was so grotesque that Aenari’s expression darkened.

  ?Could the result have been different if the subject weren’t an animal??

  Unfortunately, he’d have to find the answer himself.

  Scanning the area again, Aenari spotted someone.

  I’ll have to take a risk, — he muttered, grabbing a two-year-old boy who had wandered away from his parents.

  Naturally, the child’s disappearance didn’t go unnoticed, and his parents began searching frantically.

  — Where is he?

  — I told him not to leave my side!

  Panic was etched on their faces as they suddenly heard a muffled scream coming from a nearby alley.

  Wasting no time, Aenari yanked the cork out with his teeth and poured the vial’s contents directly into the boy’s mouth.

  ?I hope this works.?

  — Something’s happening! Risa, I think he’s over there, near that entrance!

  — Let’s go, quickly!

  Rushing to the spot in seconds, they found nothing — except blood and guts splattered everywhere.

  — No...

  Risa couldn’t hold back any longer. Tears streamed down her face as her husband silently pointed to a small patch of fur where the

  — Hurry, let’s go!

  Arriving at the spot in less than a few seconds, they saw nothing—except blood and entrails splattered everywhere.

  — No… not this…

  Risa couldn’t hold herself back any longer. Tears streamed down her face as her husband silently pointed at a small tuft of fur where the dog’s severed head lay, its bulging eyes frozen in terror, drenched in blood.

  — Oh my god… — gasped Ilian and Risa at the horrifying sight.

  — Then where is our son? — she asked, her voice trembling with endless worry as she scanned every corner.

  — I couldn’t be wrong. I definitely heard his voice from this direction, — Ilian replied heavily, until he spotted their son lying unconscious a short distance away, next to the dog’s lifeless body.

  Inspecting him cautiously, Ilian stammered in disbelief:

  — Risa, tell me I’m not imagining this...

  Meanwhile, Aenari continued tracking the old man, staying close behind.

  ?Who would have thought she wasn’t lying!? Aenari thought with a wry smile, recalling the peculiar woman.

  At first, he had tested the potion on the dog, only for it to explode into a mess of gore.

  Eventually, he grabbed the boy, knocked him out to keep him from screaming, and poured a small amount of the potion into the unconscious test subject’s mouth.

  The result? Success! The boy had truly vanished before Aenari’s eyes, though his physical body remained present.

  As the sound of approaching footsteps grew closer, Aenari quickly drank the rest of the potion and hurried after the silk merchant.

  Aenari cursed under his breath — the old man was far more cunning than he initially seemed. The merchant moved cautiously, stopping at corners and scanning his surroundings, as if checking for any signs of pursuit.

  Finally, the man stopped at a shop near the main gates called The Silk Thread. Two muscular guards stood outside. Nearby, a carriage waited, and on its back sat a fourteen-year-old assistant who looked like a hardened village boy, bearing the weight of a tough life.

  After surveying the surroundings, Aenari said, — I’ve already thought through my next move, but unfortunately, the concealment effect has worn off.

  Fortunately, there was still one more vial of potion, but its contents were far less than the first one. Since it's the last vial, it should be used wisely and with utmost precision.

  If I leave now, there’s a chance he’ll leave in his carriage. But risking it without a diversion isn’t an option. I’ll have to return to the meeting spot with Folk.

  Closing his eyes in disappointment, Aenari turned back and almost immediately collided with Falk.

  — Young master, there you are! I found you! — the guard said, wiping sweat from his brow.

  Aenari was pleasantly surprised by how quickly Folk had come and even managed to find him. But there was no time for questions.

  Nodding, Aenari briefed him on the details of the plan, explaining everything clearly.

  — I understand, my lord. I’ll do my best to help you.

  Following the plan, Falk confidently approached the two guards and asked, — Have you seen the gentlemen who sells fabric? I have some reports for him on his request and must deliver them personally.

  The two big men exchanged a glance, then one of them replied:

  — He’s in Old Man Perdolph’s shop, but he asked not to be disturbed without reason. If it’s on his request, then fine.

  — Hey, kid! — one of the guards called out to the old man’s assistant.

  — Yes! D-did you call for me?

  — What’s with the trembling like a woman? Go tell Lord Sykoon that he has a visitor with important news by his request."

  — Ah, yes! — the assistant hastily replied and ran towards the shop, leaving the carriage unattended.

  ?Perdolph? And he even asked not to disturb them. Seems like they’re close. If that’s the case, I’ll have to remove him too, to eliminate any potential threat,? — Aenari decided without hesitation.

  ?Better he dies than I regret leaving him alive. Even if he’s innocent — I don’t care. I can’t afford the extra risk.?

  At the same time, as he made the decision, Aenari opened the vial and drank its contents, disappearing from sight.

  ?It’s time!?

  Without much difficulty, he entered the carriage from the blind spot. After inspecting the interior, Aenari hid the mixture near the seats with unpleasant contents. After searching thoroughly and finding nothing useful, he was about to leave when suddenly his foot sank, making a creaking sound that was highly undesirable right now.

  Shit! — Aenari cursed.

  As expected, the creak drew the attention of the seller's guards.

  — Hmm? What was that noise?

  — Oh, you heard it too. I’ll go check.

  Since the two brothers were leaning against the wall about seventeen yards from the carriage, the noise was clearly audible.

  Looking, Aenari realized it was a hidden compartment that couldn’t bear his weight, thus exposing him.

  Meanwhile, the footsteps of the approaching guard were already clearly audible.

  ?He’s close!?

  With all speed, Aenari removed the debris, but a sharp pain pierced his hand, causing him to almost cry out, though he managed to hold it in.

  Looking at the wound, he saw that a rusty nail had pierced through his small hand.

  Gritting his teeth, Aenari pulled his bloodied hand from the nail and noticed a black bag, tightly tied with a rope. Without hesitation, he grabbed it, planning to leave, but the door from his side slammed shut, blocking his escape route.

  — He-he-he! Looks like I caught someone! — the merchant's guard grinned, making an unpleasant face.