Arriving in Oresteia Gardens, I slowed my pace, mesmerized by the sight before me.
The garden was breathtaking, a stunning array of exotic flora that seemed to encompass the entire world within its boundaries.
In the game, the CGs for this place was already impressive, beautifully animated, but experiencing it in real life was something else entirely.
The vivid colors, the fragrant air, the sheer vibrancy of the scene—it all made me eager to explore more picturesque places this world had to offer.
The gardens were bustling with visitors. Sightseeing families strolled along the paths, couples leisurely appreciated the flowers, and groups of students explored the grounds, chatting and laughing as they went.
In the game, this place was mostly depicted in cutscenes. Although you could enter and move your character here, you wouldn't really see many NPCs.
But in reality, the gardens were alive with activity, adding to the charm and making the experience feel even more authentic.
As I walked further into the gardens, I couldn't help but marvel at the diversity of plants.
There were flowers in hues I had never seen before, some with intricate patterns and others with an almost ethereal glow.
Trees with sprawling branches provided shade, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze.
Small streams and ponds added a serene touch, with fish swimming lazily in the clear waters and birds chirping melodiously from the treetops.
Now that this was reality, a place as beautiful as Oresteia Gardens was bound to attract attention.
But I didn't expect this many people. I could see them in all directions, and I was just glad the paths were wide enough to accommodate everyone without too much crowding.
Checking the time, I realized I had arrived later than scheduled.
Seo must have been waiting patiently for me.
I felt a pang of guilt for making her wait.
The unexpected encounter with Rose had taken more time than I anticipated.
I needed to find Seo quickly and get to the auction house as soon as possible.
At this rate, we might end up being late.
Picking up my pace, I hurriedly navigated through the crowd, heading towards the grand fountain at the center of the gardens, the place where I had asked Seo to wait.
As I approached the fountain, I noticed the crowd getting denser.
Was there an event happening here?
There were multiple murmurs and a palpable buzz in the air.
"Wow did you see that lady over there?"
"Yeah—"
Ignoring the commotion, I focused on reaching the fountain.
But as I got closer, my legs froze, and I was rooted to the spot, stunned by the woman standing there.
In front of me was Seo, but she looked different.
She had changed into a stunning outfit that accentuated her features.
Her white blouse with open arms revealed smooth, flawless skin, while her black and white skirt effortlessly balanced contrasting colors.
High-heeled shoes added height and poise to her frame, and red earrings adorned her ears, their vibrant hue contrasting with the crimson of her eyes.
Her new ponytail hairstyle drew attention to her delicate features, enhancing her natural allure.
I couldn't help but be struck by her appearance, frozen in place as I took in the sight before me.
Seo was already breathtakingly beautiful, but this outfit seemed to elevate her beauty to new heights.
A crowd had gathered around her, unable to tear their eyes away from her radiant presence.
The only thing preventing them from getting closer was the katana strapped to her hip—a reminder of her status as a member of the knight department.
I couldn't help but wonder if Seo had gone a bit overboard with her attire.
After all, we were simply going to an auction house.
Did she really need to dress so extravagantly? But then again, perhaps she simply enjoyed dressing up, or maybe she wanted to make a statement. Whatever the reason, there was no denying that she looked absolutely stunning.
Shaking off my momentary daze, I approached Seo with a smile, trying not to let my surprise show. After all, it wasn't every day that I had the privilege of standing next to someone so impeccably dressed.
As I slowly approached her side, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as I saw the jealous looks of the guys near me.
"Seo…," I called out to her as she stood captivated by the expansive flower garden before us.
"Riley, you're here," she replied, her voice tinged with relief as she hurried towards me.
As she approached, I caught a whiff of the fresh, floral scent that seemed to emanate from her. Did she even wear perfume?
Suddenly, I felt a pang of self-consciousness.
Should I have dressed up more?
And where did she get those amazing, expensive-looking clothes?
Did she buy them?
Knowing Seo, she probably wouldn't have gone shopping just for clothes… and even if she technically did, I don't think Seo could be this fashionable, in the game almost everything she wore was either a kimono or other eastern style clothing's…. did her personal maid help perhaps?
"Sorry for being late," I offered, scratching the back of my head sheepishly. "I got a bit sidetracked."
"It's fine… I just arrived here a few minutes ago…" she assured me.
"Is that so?" I repeated, feeling a bit redundant. "Anyways allow me to apologize still, as I made you wait even though I was the one who invited you out here…"
'Not to mention I'm about to scam you in just a few moments after this….'
"It's okay. I was just enjoying the scenery," she said, glancing around at the garden's splendor. "This place is really beautiful."
"It is," I concurred, taking a moment to appreciate the surroundings. "But we need to hurry. The auction starts soon."
Seo's response was unexpectedly silent. She stopped gazing at the flowers and fixed her gaze squarely on my face.
Did I say something wrong? I couldn't help but wonder, feeling a bit uneasy under her intense scrutiny.
As Seo continued to stare at me with her usual indifferent expression, I found myself pondering what she might be thinking.
Seo was always difficult to read, her emotions hidden behind a mask of neutrality.
But after spending so much time with her, I could sense that she wanted something from me, though I couldn't quite pinpoint what it was.
In the game, there were only a few ways to increase your likability with Seo, most of which involved giving her food or spending time reading with her.
However, those options didn't seem applicable to our current situation.
Deciding to break the silence, I offered her a compliment for the effort she had put into dressing up.
"You look very beautiful, Seo."
Her response was delayed and devoid of emotion, but I could sense a subtle shift in her mood. Perhaps she had been seeking validation after all.
"Thank you," she finally replied, her tone softening slightly.
'How cute' I couldn't help but find her reaction endearing.
With that, Seo took the initiative, leading us forward. She reached for my left hand and interlocked her fingers with mine without hesitation.
Despite her usual lack of boundaries, I couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth at the intimate gesture.
Holding hands with someone as beautiful as Seo was a dream come true for most people, and I couldn't deny feeling a sense of privilege at that moment.
'Although Seo probably feels nothing holding hands with me though'
As we strolled through the gardens toward the SkyHigh Auction House, a rush of excitement coursed through me.
The gardens had offered a brief respite, but now it was time to focus on our mission. Securing that legendary item was our top priority, and I was determined to ensure we succeeded.
Upon reaching the auction house, we merged with the throng of eager attendees making their way inside.
The atmosphere crackled with anticipation; each person eager to see what treasures would be unveiled.
Finding our seats at the back of the grand hall, I felt a surge of satisfaction. This vantage point offered us a clear view of the stage while allowing us to remain inconspicuous. It was the perfect position to observe without drawing undue attention.
Glancing around, I noticed the private VIP rooms occupied by the big players. Boseman, Liany, Clara—each one a formidable opponent with their own agenda.
I knew I needed to tread carefully if I wanted to secure the legendary item against their keen interest.
'I have around 25k Gems ready for an auction and Seo's estimated 50k plus gems on hand, overall, our chances of winning the item weren't that bad…. As long as the price doesn't reach a hundred plus, we can fight for it.'
Now then... how should I handle the three's knack for the valuable and secure my legendary item?
…..
Perched atop one of the many VIP balconies of the SkyHigh Auction House, a distinguished gentleman with a meticulously groomed mustache and an impeccably tailored suit adorned with an array of golden rings on his fingers observed the proceedings below with keen interest.
"Hmm?" he murmured, his curiosity piqued.
"Is something the matter, Master?" inquired his butler, Fred, ever attentive to his employer's cues.
Goldkeeper Boseman Yuliel, esteemed owner of the Goldkeep bank and renowned as the foremost investor in the world, directed his gaze toward a particular individual seated among the open bidders below.
"That kid, does he seem familiar to you Fred?"
The young man, with his uniquely bright golden blond hair, sat at the back of the room, accompanied by a striking young lady.
Try as he might, Fred couldn't place the young man's face into memory.
"No, I don't think so, Master," Fred responded after a moment's scrutiny towards the young man.
"Strange. I swear we've met him somewhere before," Boseman mused aloud, furrowing his brow in concentration.
"Perhaps one of your failed investment partners master?" Fred suggested cautiously.
"No... I remember all the names and faces of those who've wasted my money, and he is not among them," Boseman replied, absently stroking his mustache as he wracked his brain for any clue to the young man's identity.
Until finally a particular memory flooded back, Boseman's expression softened into a knowing smile.
The young man seated below was none other than the fiancé of his dearest friend's daughter, the future consort of the Heavens duchy, standing alongside Duke Heavens himself.
It was a remarkable coincidence, one that piqued Boseman's curiosity.
"Hoho... To think such a coincidences can, happen. Truly, the world is smaller than one might imagine" Boseman mused aloud, a glint of anticipation in his eyes.
"I wonder if he wants something specific here...?"
Turning to his loyal butler, he issued a command without hesitation.
"Fred, reserve around a million Gems for me."
"As you wish, Master," Fred replied promptly, already moving to fulfill his employer's request.
It had been a long time since Boseman had interacted with his best friend, let alone someone from his family.
Though the young man might not yet be officially part of the Heavens family, his close relationship with Liyana, his fiancée, made him practically family already.
'I smell it!'
As Boseman's keen sense for opportunity tingled with the prospect of wealth, he knew that forging connections with this young man could lead him to untold riches.
In the world of business and finance, every connection was a potential treasure trove waiting to be discovered.
And he knew this young man was such a treasure.
Making one final glance at the young man... Boseman wondered who the beautiful young lady next to him was, considering their linking hands with each other rather openly.... they weren't jut mere friends right?
"Hoho...."
Boseman chuckled as he realized that his random visit within this auction house was getting more fun than expected.