The white peacock went to Mr. Lloyd.
"Congratulations," the auctioneer announced, though the room was filled with reluctant applause. The attendees clapped out of obligation, not joy.
Lloyd's face twisted into a grotesque smile as he stared at the peacock.
"My white beauty, you're mine now. I have so many plans for you…"
But before Lloyd could finish his thoughts, the cage door creaked open.
The peacock leaped out.
Gasps filled the room as everyone turned to the unexpected escape. Without hesitation, the peacock flew toward the closed window on the right.
Clack!
The window swung open as if by magic.
Lloyd's eyes widened in disbelief. "Catch it! I'll pay 100 gold to anyone who catches it!"
At Lloyd's frantic shout, a mage stepped forward, his fingers already weaving a spell.
[Infinite Mana Web!]
A shimmering net of mana materialized, streaking toward the peacock.
Ashan narrowed his eyes. Not on my watch.
He subtly pointed his finger toward the peacock.
[Shield Magic: Mana Resistance.]
The glowing net touched the peacock, only to slide off harmlessly.
The mage stood frozen, his mouth agape. "Did that peacock just use a barrier spell? Impossible!"
The white peacock glanced back at Ashan as it soared through the open window.
(Thank you.)
Lloyd screamed in rage, pulling at his hair. "Fucking damn it! AAAAAHHHH!"
...
Ashan and Leone stepped out of the auction house. Leone's face was filled with questions, while Ashan wore a satisfied smile.
"What happened today was unbelievable," Leone mused. "Who could have imagined a peacock escaping like that? Some are even saying it used magic. Ridiculous! Animals using mana is one thing, but casting spells? That's absurd."
Ashan chuckled softly.
Leone continued, "Still, I'm glad it's free now. I was bidding to save it, too, but I wasn't willing to lose a fortune."
As they walked, five figures approached them. Each bore the insignia of a different lord. Leone greeted them with a calm smile.
"You must be the representatives of the other lords."
The group bowed in unison.
"Yes, 3rd Lord," said the first lord's representative. "We wanted to greet you before we depart."
Leone nodded. "How was the auction? Did you enjoy it?"
"It was well-organized, though we didn't find anything of interest," one replied. "And we're sorry about today's incident."
Leone sighed. "Honestly, I'm not upset. If anything, I'm happy the peacock escaped."
The representatives exchanged smiles. "We understand and agree. Every creature deserves freedom."
They bowed again before leaving.
As they continued walking, Leone turned to Ashan.
"Son, yesterday you mentioned needing some materials. We can go and buy them now. What were they again?"
Ashan thought for a moment. "Father, I need brass or bronze metal bars and coast wood boards."
"Hmm, metal and wood. I wonder what you're planning to make."
At that moment, someone approached and bowed respectfully. Both Ashan and Leone looked at the man—it was Damian, the blacksmith who had bid against Leone for the mysterious liquid.
"It's an honor to meet you in person, 3rd Lord," Damian said.
"Nice to meet you too. And you are…?"
"Lord, let me introduce myself. I'm Damian, the one who bid for the mysterious liquid at the auction."
"Oh, so it's you. I heard you're a famous blacksmith. What can I do for you?"
"If it's alright, this humble blacksmith has a request. The liquid you won is extremely rare. I've heard of it before. If you're willing, I'd like to ask for a very small amount to study. I'll pay a fair price for it."
Leone smiled calmly. "I don't have an issue with that, but I didn't buy it for myself."
"Then…?" Damian asked.
Leone gestured toward Ashan. "It's for my son. If he agrees, I can accept your request."
Damian turned to Ashan, his eyes filled with curiosity.
So it's for this child? He looks wise, but I doubt he knows the value of that liquid. Let's see what he says.
"Young master, will you accept my request?" Damian asked.
Ashan examined Damian carefully. He's clearly a skilled blacksmith. Building a connection with someone like him could be valuable. And it's intriguing that he knows about this liquid—it's so rare that even I, in my past life as an Archmage, only encountered it once.
"Sir Damian, may I ask a few questions first?" Ashan said.
"Of course. What are they?"
"Is your workshop located nearby?"
Damian nodded. "Yes. I moved here months ago from my hometown. My workshop isn't far from here."
"Then I'll agree to your request on one condition: allow me to use your workshop whenever I need it."
Damian looked surprised. "My workshop? Does that mean… you're a blacksmith?"
"No. I'm learning on my own, and I can't do it at home. That's why I need your space."
Damian turned to Leone. "3rd Lord, are you comfortable with this arrangement?"
Leone smiled. "I trust my son's judgment. If he's okay with it, so am I."
Damian considered this. "Alright, I'll agree as long as it doesn't disrupt my work."
Ashan nodded. "I promise it won't. In fact, I'd like to start today because there's something I need to make."
Leone raised an eyebrow. "Something to make? Is it related to the materials you mentioned?"
Ashan nodded again.
Damian asked curiously, "May I know what materials you're looking for?"
"My son asked for brass or bronze metal bars and coast wood boards," Leone explained.
Damian smiled. "There's no need to search for them—I have both at my workshop."
"That's fortunate," Leone said. "What do you want in return?"
Damian shook his head. "Think of it as my gratitude for allowing me to study the liquid."
Ashan turned to Leone. "Father, may I go with him now?"
Leone hesitated. "Alone? That seems…"
"Don't worry, 3rd Lord," Damian interjected. "I'll take full responsibility for him."
Leone sighed. "Alright. Just let me know what time you'll be done."
Ashan thought for a moment. "It's afternoon now. I'll finish my work before evening."
"Very well," Leone said. "Sir Damian, may I have your workshop's address?"
Damian handed over a card. "Here it is. If you can't find it, ask anyone. My workshop is well-known."
Leone patted Ashan's head. "Son, be careful. I'll meet you this evening."
"I'll be waiting," Ashan said with a smile.