The border city, Calior, was a beautiful merchant city, but due to the conflict with the neighboring countries, the city was half deserted. We roamed around the place, hoping to find clues on Regulus, but it was in vain.
Suddenly, it struck me: "Wait, there is a section of Lapis Guild in this city. We better go there.
I turned towards Alina, Elijah, and Rowan and said, "Let's go to Lapis Guild." They nodded in agreement and made their way towards the guild.
This is the second time I visited Lapis Guild. This time, the building looked like a huge mansion.
As we approached Lapis Guild, the towering mansion loomed over us, its grandeur undiminished despite the city's struggles. The architecture, adorned with intricate designs, spoke of a guild deeply rooted in history and influence.
The guild's entrance was guarded by imposing doors.
Upon entering, the interior of Lapis Guild shone like a diamond. Giant chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a glow on the polished marble floors. Members clad in distinctive guild attire were engaged in various activities.
A receptionist behind a finely crafted desk greeted us with a professional smile. "Welcome to Lapis Guild. How may we assist you today?"
I took the lead. "We seek information on a man named Regulus. Any leads or records you might have."
The receptionist, a young woman with keen eyes, nodded and began tapping on a magically illuminated crystal slate. After a moment, she looked up, her expression turning serious. "Regulus, you say? Follow me."
She led us through a labyrinth of corridors and staircases, the hushed murmurs of guild members echoing in the background. Eventually, we found ourselves in a dimly lit chamber filled with ancient scrolls and magical artifacts.
In the center of the room, I saw a familiar face seated on the sofa. It was Alan, the guild master. He was the man who helped me find my father's enemies.
As my eyes met Alan's, he recognized me. Alan stood, acknowledging our presence with a respectful nod.
Well, if it is Magnus," he greeted me. "It's been a while. I see you've returned with new companions."
I returned the nod, a faint smile playing on my lips. "Indeed, Alan. This is Alina, Elijah, and Rowan." I said as I pointed towards them. "We're in pursuit of Regulus. I hope that you have some information on him."
Alan's gaze shifted to my friends, sizing them with a discerning gaze. "Regulus is a formidable adversary. If you seek information, you've come to the right place."
I explained our quest, emphasizing the urgency of our mission. Alan listened intently, his eyes narrowing as the gravity of the situation sank in.
"Regulus has made quite a name for himself in the shadows," Alan mused. "To unravel his whereabouts, you must navigate the city's underbelly. The Whispering Shadows, a network of informants, holds the key to unlocking the secrets you seek."
Elijah inquired, "Where can we find this network? And how do we approach them?"
Alan leaned forward, his expression serious. "In the heart of the city's underworld lies an auction house known as 'Shadow's Veil.' It serves as a meeting point for the Whispering Shadows. However, be careful. The underworld has its rules, and not all secrets are shared willingly."
Alina looked worried. "What! An auction house!?"
Alan turned to the window seriously and said, "Yes. Lady Isolde is the owner of the auction house."
I was shocked as I stood up. "You mean my father's enemy!? Then there is a chance that she is working with Regulus."
Alan signaled for me to sit down. "Yes, Magnus. Regulus might be hiding there."
He continued, "I will provide you with the disguises and fake identities. Rest lies on your hands."
We nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of the situation. Alan led us to a secluded chamber within the guild, where he unveiled a set of intricately crafted disguises and enchanted tokens for fake identities. As we donned the disguises, Alina raised a concern.
"Are you sure we can trust Lady Isolde's auction house as our lead? What if it's a trap?" Alina asked, her eyes reflecting concern.
Alan responded, "Trust is a luxury in the underworld, but the risks come with the territory. Lady Isolde may have her agenda, but she is not an ally of Regulus. Use this opportunity wisely and tread carefully."
He continued, "And here are the disguises. Alina-Magnus will be the nobles, and Rowan-Elijah will be their guards."
Elijah became frustrated. "Wait, how does this dimwit get a noble costume!?"
I winked at him and gave a cute face, "Because I am the main character, Prince Charming."
Rowan laughed and said, "Sorry, Elijah. It looks like our fates are sealed forever." Elijah was about to pull the sword out.
Our last remaining brain cell, Alina, prevented us from demolishing the guild building.
After some time, we left the safety of the Lapis Guild and ventured into the streets of Calior. The bustling city, marred by the shadows of conflict, concealed the labyrinthine paths of its underworld. The evening sun cast long shadows, hinting at the approaching night—a fitting backdrop for our covert mission.
The journey to Shadow's Veil Auction House was fraught with tension. As we approached the dimly lit establishment, the entrance was guarded by imposing figures. We showed them our passes.
The buffed man said while pointing to the entrance. "You can enter."
The interior exuded an air of royalty, with dimly lit chandeliers casting a warm glow on mahogany furnishings and richly adorned walls. The murmur of hushed conversations and the clinking of glasses filled the space, creating an ambiance that belied the clandestine dealings hidden beneath the surface.
We navigated through the gathering, observing the patrons in their extravagant attire. Lady Isolde's reputation as a shrewd businesswoman and influential figure in the underworld seemed well-founded, judging by the eclectic mix of individuals present.
Alina whispered, "Stay alert. We don't want to draw unnecessary attention."
Elijah nodded in agreement as we made our way toward the auction floor.
As we approached the auction floor, a well-dressed attendant welcomed us, "Greetings, esteemed guests. The auction is about to commence. Please find your designated seats for an exquisite evening."
Then she pointed at me and said, "Um, Mr.Maguire, Lady Isolde is looking for you."
I was shocked. "What! Me?" The attendant nodded. I signaled my friends to go to the auction while I followed the attendant. They looked worried as I disappeared into one of the corners.
With my friends:
Amidst the buzz of the auction, Elijah, Alina, and Rowan sat together, their expressions a mix of concern and anticipation. The anxiety in the air was sharply contrasted with the lavish settings of the auction hall.
Elijah sighed, his eyes fixed on the entrance. "Do you think dimwit is okay? This Lady Isolde sounds dangerous."
Alina glanced around, her worry evident. "Magnus can handle himself, but we have to be cautious. Lady Isolde is no ordinary figure in the underworld."
Rowan, who had been quietly observing the surroundings, chimed in. "Magnus has a way of getting into these situations. But he's clever. I hope he doesn't get too entangled in whatever he's trying to find out."
Elijah's gaze remained fixed on the entrance. "We need to trust him. But if things do get out of hand, we should be ready to act."
Alina nodded in agreement. "Agreed."
Rowan leaned forward, his expression earnest. "Remember, Magnus has faced much worse. If there's anyone who can navigate through this, it's him. But let's stay vigilant. The auction might provide some clues about Regulus and his plans."
Elijah nodded, acknowledging Rowan's point. "True. Let's hope Magnus finds what he's looking for without drawing too much attention."
The trio remained on edge as they continued their conversation.
With me-
The attendant led me through a series of corridors until we reached a lavishly decorated chamber. The room was adorned with intricate tapestries and antique furniture, creating an aura of sophistication. In the center of the room, Lady Isolde awaited.
Lady Isolde was an imposing figure draped in a gown that seemed to shimmer with otherworldly grace. Her dark, flowing hair framed an elegant face marked by sharp features and a gaze that exuded a calculating intelligence. As I entered, her eyes locked onto mine, and a faint smile played on her lips.
She looked as beautiful as my mother. I accidentally muttered, "You look like my mother."
What is wrong with me? She will kill me.
I never felt so embarrassed in my life. I wanted to run away. Lady Isolde suddenly came close to me and said, "Because I am your mother."
Why is she saying that she is my mother?
I looked up at her face and skeptically said, "What? You are joking. My mom won't be a leader in this kind of place."
She became furious, removed the magic concealing her identity, and said, "Are you sure about that, Magnus? Don't underestimate your mother."
It was my mother. I shouted as I pointed to her, "Ack! MOM! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!?"