"500,000 Gems!" the auctioneer's voice rang out, echoing through the grand hall.
Clara's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. 'Hmm? He's not fighting back anymore?' she thought, glancing at the young man below.
Her smile faded into a slight frown of disappointment. She had expected more of a challenge, but it seemed there was a limit to how much money he had at his disposal.
From her elevated position, she could see the stress etched on his face.
The indifferent gaze he directed at the auctioneer masked a deeper turmoil, one that Clara found amusing.
Although this battle had been one of wits and wills rather than physical combat, she felt an inexplicable sense of victory.
The price for the cauldron had skyrocketed beyond her expectations, nearly exhausting the 650,000 gems she had brought for today's event.
Despite this, Clara felt a sense of satisfaction.
