When Valkorion entered through the secret entrance to the shop, the secret entrance soon enough closed itself. Apparently, this kind of mechanism was installed in most, if not all, stores of the Clan Ferros.
In case some idiots attempt to break into the store and rob them, the employees could escape safely with the most precious objects and money from the store. Only the manager of each Branch was aware of the secret entrance and how to activate it, so Valkorion was sure that Albus shouldn't be saying this to anyone.
Still, it was rather handy because he needed to dispose of the things that he had in his backpack as soon as possible. The Extraordinary Cores were weighing heavily on him in his backpack, and he needed to have some money.
Also, exactly like the armband from the Imperial Gold that Valkorion entrusted to Albus Ferros to auction in the name of the Clan Ferros in the Valyria Capital, these Extraordinary Cores from the Sequence 7 Chwidencha and Sequence 7 Mutated Bugbear would take some time to sell.
Especially the Extraordinary Core of the Sequence 7 Mutated Bugbear. It would be best to auction it to maximize the worth of the object, and that would take some time. He was sure that there would be many people who would pay extraordinary prices for it within Valyria Capital.
If not in the Capital of the Freehold, then Volantis was also a good choice as it was close to the Cartharys. Clan Ferros was one of the few families within the Valyrian Freehold that had their branches across the entire Western Essos and even some in the Golden Empire of Yi Ti.
They also had some close to the Westeros, but the trade with the Westeros was relatively limited for several reasons, mainly due to the interference of the local Churches because the Church of the Seven and Parthenon were inspecting everything that was going to the Westeros from Essos.
The main reason was to prevent someone smuggling Extraordinary Cores, Beyonder Potions, Ingredients, Sealed Artifacts, or Beyodner Characteristics to the Westeros and to prevent the general population from learning about the wider world and the nobility of the Westeros from becoming Beyonders.
As he went to the shop, he noticed that the lower floor was empty, but he could hear voices coming from the second floor of the shop. Thus, he went to the staircase and to the second floor of the shop, which was usually reserved exclusively for Albus as it was his home, one could say.
The manager of the Branch lived on the second floor, and on the second floor, there was a storage room for more items that were being sold in the shop. It was rather evident, judging by the number of crates, locked chests, and storage rooms that filled the entirety of the second floor as he walked the narrow corridor.
When he reached the end of the corridor, he opened a huge wooden door that led to the living room. Valkorion was already familiar with the place, as he was here several times...
The living room of the shop was not like one would expect, because it was a lavish and opulent space, designed to impress and envelop its guests in comfort. The entire grand chamber was dominated by high, vaulted ceilings supported by thick wooden beams, each intricately carved with Mythical Creatures and various symbols.
The walls were paneled in dark, polished oak, with sections adorned by rich, brocade tapestries in deep jewel tones—emerald greens, royal purples, and crimson reds—depicting scenes of legendary hunts, royal courts, and fantastical beasts.
At the center of the room sits an expansive, low table of dark mahogany, its surface inlaid with gold filigree and precious stones, serving as the heart of the gathering space. Around the table are deep, plush armchairs and settees upholstered in velvet and leather, their frames carved with swirling patterns of dragons and vines.
The cushions were overstuffed, inviting one to sink in, with furs and silk throws draped casually for added luxury. A massive fireplace dominated one wall, its hearth large enough to stand in.
Above the mantel, a grand oil painting of a noble ancestor or a mystical landscape adds to the regal atmosphere. The fire roared beneath a heavy iron grate, casting a warm, flickering light that plays off the crystal goblets and silver trays arranged on a nearby sideboard.
The floor was laid with thick, ornate rugs woven in complex, ancient patterns, muffling footsteps and adding warmth to the stone beneath.
Tall, narrow windows draped with heavy, embroidered curtains allow slivers of light to filter in during the day, while wrought-iron chandeliers and sconces, holding dozens of candles, provide ample lighting at night, casting a golden glow across the room.
Flanking the fireplace are towering bookshelves filled with ancient-looking books, alongside delicate vases, precious curios, and small sculptures of Mythical Beasts.
Basically, everything around the room screamed money and riches, a testament to the prosperity of the Clan Ferros and how rich they actually were.
One one of the armchairs was obviously Albus Ferros, whom Valkorion recognized the moment he entered the room, but on the other one of the armchairs, there was an unfamiliar figure sitting.
Woman, a very elegant-looking woman with beautiful features. She was rather tall, with pale skin, a toned physique, high cheekbones, thick lips, and short platinum hair. She also had piercing electric blue eyes that seemed like they could pierce through someone's very own soul.
She wore a rather simple dark blue outfit that was more utilitarian and practical in its design, more above everything else. Yet despite the utilitarian design that could be confused with the military unfirm, it was undeniable that the clothes were made with the best materials possible, as the word "word" luxury was just radiating from it.
Valkorion's mind started racing, and it didn't take him long to realize that this must be Albus's cousin, Camille Ferros, the Heir of the Clan Ferros, after the more "unfortunate" death of her brother.
"It seems that you have a guest... and someone who used the entrance; you were not really careful with the information, cousin."
Her voice was sharp as her eyes bore into her cousin, who squirmed in his seat rather uncomfortably because he didn't really appreciate the way how she was looking at him.
Even right now, Camille Ferros was number two in the entire Clan Ferros, and she was already overseeing the majority of the Clan's operations. This was mainly because her expertise and personality were perfect for the task.
She was someone who was obsessed with her work and was a perfectionist through and through, not allowing even a single mistake. Not to mention, she was also cold and ruthless, not allowing any emotion to interfere with her duties, meaning there was no way she would be soft for her fellow members of the Clan.
Everyone would be treated the same if they messed up and it was not a pleasant experience.
Not to mention, she was also rather powerful on her own, a very skilled combatant and swordswoman, and also Beyonder, though her Sequence was unknown because that was a secret that she was leaving only for herself.
It was unanimously accepted that the Camille would bring the Clan Ferros to a new age of glory and power under her leadership, perhaps to a point where they wouldn't be inferior to the Dragonlord Families in terms of military might.