The store manager lowered his voice and flashed a sly grin. "The owner isn't back yet. If you're interested in anything, I can give you a private discount."
He had seen people like this countless times. They wanted something new, but at a cheaper price. It was a classic sales tactic—appeal to those who didn't know much about antiques.
Most of the time, such people were easily fooled. They'd pick up something, not realizing its worth, and before they knew it, they'd be handing over their money.
But Kael Renforth surprised him. Instead of falling for the charm, he simply put the item back down, showing no intention of buying.
The manager frowned. After speaking so much, trying to impress the customer, there was no sign of interest. It was always the same: for these sorts of people, even a glass bead could be sold for an astronomical price.
However, such naive buyers were rare—maybe one or two in a year. And from the look of the young man before him, wearing plain clothes and looking around like a bargain hunter, it seemed he wasn't serious about buying.
He glanced left and right, shaking his head in disapproval. Clearly, this man wasn't really interested in anything.
The manager's face hardened, his tone turning cold as he watched Kael prepare to leave.
But just as Kael was about to step outside, something caught his eye.
"What's this?" Kael asked, pointing to a pile of miscellaneous junk near the door.
The manager didn't even lift his head. "Ten bucks, take whatever you want," he muttered dismissively.
Kael Renforth picked up a black stone and handed over the money.
The manager was seething. All that effort, and he only managed to sell something for ten bucks? This person must be out of his mind.
The young man had spent so much time looking around, only to buy this worthless piece of junk?
The manager rolled his eyes in frustration. As Kael left, he noticed the direction he was headed: toward the Port Avallon Garden Hotel.
The charity auction was being held there today.
Could it be that this man was taking a worthless trinket to the auction to fool people?
The thought crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed it.
The charity auction was in full swing, with most attendees being from second-tier families in Port Avallon. These families came hoping to rub elbows with the city's influential figures and gain favor.
Kael Renforth's entrance drew immediate attention. His aura, the confidence in his stride, and the calm sophistication in his expression were impossible to ignore.
"Who is this person? He looks extraordinary, like he's from one of the top families. Does anyone know him?"
"Someone like him is definitely worth getting to know. My daughter is still unmarried..."
As people followed Kael's every move, their attention shifted to Lyria, who was by his side.
"Ah, but she's taken."
"What a shame."
"They make such a perfect pair, it's a pity…"
Lyria was surrounded by a group of men, all captivated by her beauty, hoping to gain favor through association with Dr. Chou.
For years, Dr. Chou had attended various high-profile events with his young apprentice in tow. But this time, he was with someone else, sparking curiosity among the guests.
Unmarried men especially seemed intrigued, and they flocked around Lyria, eager to make their introductions.
"Lyria, let's go over there," Kael Renforth said softly, guiding her to a more secluded corner, away from the crowd.
No one followed them this time.
However, a few men in suits shot Kael hard, resentful glares.
"Who's this guy? Why did he take her away?"
"He doesn't seem all that impressive. I've never seen him before."
Because they came from second-tier families, very few people knew Kael Renforth, and even fewer understood his background. They assumed he was just another man using his connection with a woman to gain some form of power.
Little did they know, Kael Renforth's true strength was something they could never imagine.