“Yes, right this way.” A thin young man gestured for the couple asking him where the Auction Arena was. Pointing to his right, his red armband in the hallway stood out against his CFU robes. The couple thanked him before making their way among the crowds preparing to bet on treasures.

Rivollo scratched at his cheek as he watched the couple walk away, their clothing layered with finery. The Auction is sure to be a good one this time. Rivollo smiled as he thought of the cut he would earn as an employee of the CFU.

Merchants and nobles from near and far were coming to the auction of Alduin, all for the new treasure being presented this evening. The item was so rare, and even legendary figures have reappeared to lay their hands on it. With all these potential buyers Rivollo knew his paycheck would be handsome indeed.

“Hrm? What was that?” Rivollo looked into the distance of the hallway, watching as a young man was carried away to the Questioning Chambers of the building. A pair of guards revealed what seemed to be a painting from presumably the young man’s satchel. Rivollo couldn’t help but feel his jaw slacken as a painted canvas was revealed.

That painting! Rivollo looked at the drawing of the night sky, the stars ever carefully painted. The depth of the moon was stunning, and the painted dust and gas seen on the surface accentuated the entire piece. Rivollo usually handled books and other forms of art to be sold in the auction, but he had rarely seen such an amazing painting. Who painted such a thing? It must be a Painting of at least of the Warrior rank.

Rivollo watched as the two guards easily placed the painting back into the satchel, walking away. Rivollo could see from the insides of the satchel were paintbrushes, an assortment of paint jars, and even a collapsable easel as well. I must find this potential Painter. If I can secure him with the Continental Federal Union, the other merchant guilds won’t be able to gain such a prodigy!

He quietly followed the guards, leaving behind a subordinate to take his post.

Standing near Mona’s interrogation room, Rivollo listened as Briar proceeded with questioning Mona.

“Now tell me. Who are you?” Briar looked at Mona, his voice stern. Briar had already decided to charge Mona with crimes, but he had to find who Mona really was. Although Briar could see the Faulkner insignia on Mona’s robes, he didn’t believe it was real.

Why would a painter of the Faulkner family be sent so far away from Evaline? Briar didn’t think Mona was strong enough to be an envoy, nor old enough to one of Faulkner’s soldiers. From Mona’s Aura, he could only sense a cultivation of a Mortal level 9. As for age, Mona didn’t seem to have a hint of maturity on his face. Briar knew that at best the artist in front of him was about 15, maybe more.

Mona looked back at Briar, feeling the tightness of the chains. Although they weren’t like th ecuffs back at the Darkthorn Prison, he was still unable to move his arms and legs. Not only was in uncomfortable, even if Mona could escape he would have trouble thanks to these restraints.

I should tell the truth. Mona knew from the way Briar acted towards the envoy Siana what was occurring. Chances were the elder in front of him feared reprecussions from Wessor for not charging Siana with a crime, so instead he Mona would bear it all. Although Mona knew they were in an interrogation room, he knew that the elder was hoping for him to walk along quietly and accept the punishment without making a fuss.

Mona, however, wasn’t willing to serve out a punishment for doing absolutely nothing wrong. He wasn’t willing to be a scrapegoat in this affair. He thought that if he could convince the elder who he was, he too could be free of his bindings and proceed with Eric’s mission.

“My name is Mona Aurum, and I am the second subordinate of Eric Faulkner.” Mona spoke quietly, watching the elder’s face grow ugly as he finished his words.

Elder Briar wasn’t sure what to think. Imposter? He must be, unless Eric Faulkner really did get another subordinate. Briar may have been called an elder, but the power he wielded in this Union auction house was slim, and his information network was nonexistent. He knew that the young master of the Faulkner family had an assistant named Athon Pensway from the Imperial Alberdos Academy, but that’s it.

Mona Aurum, where did I hear that name? Briar recalled hearing Mona’s names a few weeks ago, during the return of Eric Faulkner from Darkthorn Prison. The reason why his arrival caused a stir he couldn’t remember, but it had something to do with a young man named Mona Aurum.

Don’t tell me, is he Eric’s new subordinate? Briar looked back to Mona, his brow furrowed. He wasn’t willing to believe the young man with painting materials in front of him was actually someone of significance to the young master of the Faulkner family. That would mean that by respecting the House of Wessor, he offended another major noble household in the process.

“Enough with the games. Tell me the truth.” Briar maintained his stance, unwilling to believe Mona. The possibility was so slim to begin with. It was far likelier the person enchained in front of him was actually an imposter. Yes, that makes much more sense.

“My name is Mona Aurum, and I am the second subordinate of Eric Faulkner of the Faulkner family. I have come from Morosbo on a mission to receive an item on his behalf from the auction, only to be chastized and later attacked by the envoy from the House of Wessor. The envoy Siana later fabricated a story accusing me of committing crimes, and you brought me here on false charges.” Mona felt his anger slowly churn. He didn’t know how many ways he had to explain himself before this elder understood who he was.

Elder Briar’s face became hideous, a small part of him believing that the young man in front of him was telling the truth. A nagging thought gripped his mind, a thought of him believing the envoy Siana merely based on appearances, and treating an actual envoy of the Faulkner family like a criminal. A slight bit of fear fueled his next actions.

“Enough!” Briar grabbed the flinged the table against the wall, the countless shards of wood falling at the side. Briar’s face became dark as he began to search through Mona’s bag, turning for the better as he pulled out a box. Briar looked at the small box Mona received from Mirielle’s Medicine Shop, his hopes beginning to soar.

Mona knew was occuring next, his rage only growing faster. Just as he expected, Briar shoved the box in his face, the elder’s tone as if it found proof of a crime.

“Where did you steal these medicines from?” Briar lifted the lid, the scent of a myriad of medicines filling the air. Several herbs were laid side by side in bunches, and in three pill bottles were sorted pills with labels. Mona thought back to the old lady Mirielle, remembering how she prepared the box using her Aura as limbs.

“I didn’t steal them. I bought them from Mirielle’s Medicine Shop on Alcove Street. I had two missions from young master Faulkner. The first was to purchase things on his behalf. I had completed that before appearing in Alduin Plaza.” Although Mona’s words seemed to be respectful, his brow now had a few creases. Mona inwardly felt furious that this elder was willing to go so far as to claim him a thief.

“And these?” Briar held the bag from Salazar’s Scrolls, tossing it slightly up and down in his hand. He looked at Mona with a righteous glare, as if what he was doing was proper and noble. Mona’s anger continued to surge.

“I bought those from Salazar’s Scrolls and Formations, on Apier Street. Inside are an assortment of Formations, Scrolls, and other things young master Faulkner desired.” Mona’s voice became cold as the man named Briar tried to label him as a thief once again. He pulled at his chains, finding them to tight for him to free himself.

I need to calm down. Mona took a deep breath, relaxing his mind. He wasn’t going to give Elder Briar the chance to hold him in custody for being “uncooperative.” As long as I get through this, then they will be forced to drop the charges. I only hope by then the items Eric wanted are still open for bidding.

“Really. Then what is this?” Briar wore a smug smile as he pulled out the pouch of Madrag’s Eric had given Mona. He put his hand inside, pulling out about 7 yellow Madrags.

“You really are a thief. From the looks of the bag, there are about 190000 Madrags here. Who did you rob on your way to the Plaza. A noble? Or a few merchants?” Briar looked at Mona’s face closely, his eyes attempting to intimidate Mona into confessing. Mona was unfazed, his face becoming increasingly ugly to behold.

Just before Briar was going to speak again, the door was slammed open, another elder entering the room. His steps were heavy as the gaze he gave Briar, sharp and unkind.

“Briar. What is the meaning of this?” The man who arrived pointed at Briar, waiting for an answer. Mona looked at the armband of the thin young man, a distinct red among his black robes. His skin was fair, although not a trace of red was present on his face.

“I had come earlier to see who this young man was, watching you interrogate him from the start. I thought you were upholding justice, yet you have the nerve to look through this young man’s possessions. Briar, were you trying to force a confession?” The young man gave a vicious stare at Briar, who had become mute in just a moment.

Briar saw the young man’s armband, the crimson red striking his heart with great fear. Briar broke out into a cold sweat, trying to explain his actions to the young man but unable to say anything. He could only hang his head as the young man ordered him to leave the room, his actions known in their entirety.

Mona felt his anger lessen considerably after this CFU member entered. His armband is red, and Briar’s was yellow. He quickly realized that the Union must have rankings similar to Aura, except based on colors. Given Briar’s reaction to the appearance of the young man, Mona knew Briar had dug his own grave.

The young man watched as Briar left, closing the door behind him. He looked back to Mona, wearing an apologetic face.

“Envoy Mona of the Faulkner family, I hope you do not take Briar’s actions to heart. The Union does not deal injustice, and will make sure he receives his proper punishment. Are you alright?” Mona listened as the young man’s tone quickly changed from one of fury to another of kindness and warmth. The young man released Mona of his chains, helping him stand up.

“Envoy Mona, right this way.” Mona slung his satchel over his shoulder once more, the elder guiding him back through the hall. The two walked side by side, the patrolling guards a bit shocked by this before seeing the Faulkner insignia, quickly greeting Mona with pleasantries after.

“I am Rivollo Adante, a middle management elder of our Continental Financial Union branch here in Alduin. Mona Aurum, welcome to our Alduin Auction House.” Rivollo genuinely smiled at Mona, as if his earlier actions with Briar never occurred.

“I hope that you can explain to me what you have come to us for, so I may better help you.” Rivollo looked to Mona, his tone amicable.

Mona wasn’t one to respond terribly to kindness. If someone gave him face, he was one to do the same.

“Elder Rivollo, thank you. I have come here to participate in the auction here in Alduin, and hope you can help me with this manner. And please, call me Mona Aurum.” Mona’s voice was no longer distant and aloof as he explained his needs.

“No worries. I will have someone take care of it shortly. Here is our Union’s White card. With this card, you will receive a 5% discount on any goods sold by the CFU, and your bids will be refunded by 5% as well. Please inject your Aura into the card to activate it.” Rivollo reached into his robes, revealing a small white card. It seemed to have its own faint glow, the letters CFU brighter than the rest.

Mona channeled his Aura into the card, watching his name appear on it. The card flashed once before its previous light completely disappeared. Is this a Formation? Mona couldn’t help but marvel at this innovation.

“Mona Aurum, if you may, please give me the Madrags you would like to deposit into your card. There aren’t any fees attached to withdrawals or deposits, so you need not worry about retrieving your funds.” Rivollo looked to Mona, watching as he was given the bag of Madrags.

In Rivollo’s hand the purse of Madrags was carefully placed into his pocket. “When you enter the Arena, I assure you that your deposit of 197500 Madrags will be usable for your bids.” Rivollo gave another smile, maintaing a tone of respect and trust with Mona.

“I also have something else to ask of you, Mona Aurum. I was wondering where did you acquire that painting?” Rivollo looked to Mona’s satchel. Mona could tell from Rivollo’s gaze that Rivollo desired something he had.

Is he talking about Lucid Night? Mona looked through his bag, pulling out the canvas on which Lucid Night was painted. Luckily when Briar was examining his satchel, the paintings within weren’t harmed.

Mona watched as Rivollo’s mouth hung open, the canvas held in both of his hands. Rivollo edged closer to the painting, his eyes pleading to hold it. Mona loosened his grip, watching as Rivollo held Lucid Night to the ceiling, staring at it like it was a priceless treasure. His eyes widened as it took in greater detail, making Rivollo look as if he was going mad.

“Cough.” Mona broke the silence, Rivollo’s eyes returning back to normal. The management elder reluctantly returned the painting, his grip releasing the edges only at the last moment. Afterwards, Rivollo grinned before he spoke.

“Who was it that created this masterpiece?” Rivollo looked at Mona, his eyes betraying his deep passion for works of art. Mona looked back to his mediocre painting set within his satchel.

“It was me.” He held up his paintbrush, now layered with signs of wear. Paint had dried on its surface, and the brush was missing a few hairs. However, from how Mona held it Rivollo knew it was true.

“You painted this piece? Amazing.” Rivollo looked to the painting once more, locating Mona’s authentic signature. The white leaf with Mona’s initials scribed within were located in the lower right core, a symbol Rivollo memorized in his heart.

How many painters had he seen in his life? Rivollo knew that the numbers were indeed quite few. Many fakes tried to pass on magically enhanced canvasses as masterpieces, only to watch as they were torn at his hands. Rivollo hated many things in this world. Fake books. Fake CFU cardholders. And most of all, unauthentic paintings carried a passionate disgust in his heart.

To reach even a Mortal rank as a Painter, one could on average take 10 years. To reach a Warrior rank as a Painter, it wouldn’t be surprising to wait an additional 30 years for the first bits of insight. Rivollo was a failed Painter himself, and had turned to the CFU for his later years, eventually reaching his current position.

Although Rivollo Adante seemed to be in his young 20s, he was at least a century older. Through time and the support of the Union, he had become an Aura Saint level 7 close to the next level. All these years, however, he didn’t forget his original passion for painting.

A prodigy, a true prodigy! Rivollo felt blessed that after so many years he could see such a painting. It wasn’t every day one would hold a genius’s work of art in one’s own hands. Deep in his heart, Rivollo now had a trace of admiration for Mona. I wonder how far will he go? Can he become a King ranked Painter? Or higher?

“Ahem.” Mona knew that Rivollo was daydreaming happily, but had planned to join the auction. From a distance he could see the Arena slowly become packed. He couldn’t wait all day to get Eric’s items.

“Sorry, Mona Aurum. I couldn’t help but admire your craftsmanship. This painting is magnificient, to say the least.”

“I know, I have connections with the Artisan’s Gala Hall. I’ll send them this painting for them to sell, and also send in a good word for you. I’m certain that once they see your talent, they too will be in awe.”

“Of course, you will receive the full payment for your painting. Given that you are new and yet this work of art is at least of the Warrior rank, I am certain the Artisan’s Gala can give you 10000 Madrags. I’ll have it all deposited into your CFU card as well. How about it?” Rivollo smiled at Mona, waiting for his reply.

10000 Madrags? Mona felt that the price was quite reasonable, and easily gave his painting Lucid Night to the management elder. He didn’t know how long it would be before he could make similar paintings easily.

A thought flashed through Mona’s mind. How much would my other painting be worth?

Rivollo held the painting, a large smile on his face. He had already began to walk, leaving Mona behind. “Mona Aurum, let’s go to Arena. I’ll brief you on the rules at the entrance.”

“Elder Rivollo, can I sell this painting as well?” Mona pulled out his piece Of Arts, holding it with both his hands so Rivollo could see its surface.

“Hrm, another painting? Is it like thi--” Rivollo’s mouth opened wide as he looked at Of Arts, not sure what to say. His hand was about to slip on Lucid Night, but before it hit the floor he quickly grabbed it.

“Ahhhh!” Rivollo’s voice echoed through the hallway, almost as if he was screaming. It reverbrated to the main hall of the auction house, alerting a few guards to move. They came in sync, their feet thumping against the floor as they saw the management elder with his hands raised, holding a painting. Mona was a bit away, but the guards looked at him with cautious gazes.

The leader of the guards stood away from his group. “Elder, is anything wrong?” His voice was distinct in the silence that followed soon after.

Rivollo turned around, the painting still raised in the air. A bit of red came to his cheeks as he realized what he had just done. “Urm, nothing is wrong. Continue guarding the main hall. Thank you for your service.”

The head guard and his bretheren gave Rivollo an odd gaze before returning to their posts. Rivollo, ashamed, lowered his hands as he held Lucid Night. His eyes widened once again as he remembered. The painting. He has another painting!

Rivollo’s eyes grew more frantic than before as he dashed for the Saint ranked Painting in Mona’s hands, seeing its amazing beauty firsthand. The brush was the color of the moon, yet the background resembled the darkness of the cosmos. The brush seemed to be part of the painting, but also able to be taken out and used. Is this what the Saint rank looks like?

If Warrior ranked Paintings were rare for Rivollo, than Saint ranked Paintings were even more difficult to find. Rivollo had only handled one Saint ranked Painting before, and that was when he still wore a white armband. Although he was just a subordinate then, the feeling he felt now was just as before, except amplified. He will become a King ranked Painter. I know it, I know it!

A flash of thought entered Rivollo’s mind as he smiled. “Mona Aurum, I have a better idea. I will send this paintbrush piece to the Artisan’s Gala to make it your defining piece. You will earn at least 50000 Madrags there, and potentially more benefits as well.”

“I will have this cosmic night sky painting auctioned here tonight. I’ll even make sure that it’s mentioned near the end, for the greatest effect. You can have the entire bid price after the Union takes its fee. I will even half the amount the CFU takes, Mona Aurum.” Rivollo couldn’t conceal the joy from his eyes. In a single hour he had not only met a prodigal painter, he also held a Saint ranked Painting in his possession. He almost felt complete, except for the vivid belief he had that one day Mona would let him hold a Lord ranked Painting. He could feel the canvas at his fingertips, as if the paint was already dry.

“You may do as you wish, Elder Rivollo. The painting of the brush is called Of Arts. The painting of the night sky is called Lucid Night. I hope you use those names when you mention them.”

“Of course, Mona Aurum. I hope you remember me whenever you need anything here at the Alduin Auction House.” Rivollo replied, guiding Mona to the entrance of the Arena. If one looked closely, even a passerby could tell that the elder had fallen into bliss.

“I won’t. I have many other paintings.” Mona thought back to the pieces of art he had created. The last he would be willing to let go of is his familial portrait, but he wouldn’t mind giving up the others, like his painting of the Eshwin manor. Those should sell just as well.

More paintings? Hearing Mona’s words, Rivollo felt as if this intoxicating happiness would never end. He imagined seeing firsthand Mona painting a masterpiece, each stroke revealed before him. He was about to request it, but kept it at bay. No Rivollo, you can’t. For now, you must strengthen this relationship. Maybe one day you will be able to see a master create. Rivollo inwardly took an oath to help Mona whenever he was able. Perhaps then he could see Mona work his craft, maybe even a portrait of himself.

Rivollo stood with Mona near the Arena entrance, speaking a bit with the sentinel before passing through the checkpoints with Mona. The two of them walked through a narrow hallway before ascending a flight of stairs.

Mona looked through the glass doors, watching as people gradually filled the arena seats. He turned back to Rivollo, who seemed to have something important to say.

“Mona Aurum, here is your sign. It is labelled ‘1043’ and the auctioneer will call this number out whenever he sees your sign. During the auction you can bet to your heart’s desire, but it must be at least 100 Madrags higher than the previous bidder. Your seat is just outside those doors, so do enjoy the show.” Rivollo passed Mona the sign labelled 1043. It was circular, and glimmered with a pale blue color. Clearly there was a small Formation inside made specially for the auction.

Rivollo turned to leave, but looked back to Mona. “I almost forgot. Your painting Lucid Night will be the 64th item. I decided that you will be anonymous, as your name is bound to attract undesirable attention these days. I wish you once again a great evening. If anything seems odd, please come find me.” Rivollo smiled again before leaving the way they entered.

Elder Rivollo, thank you. Mona smiled back to the retreating elder who seemed to be just old enough to be his brother from appearance. Of course, Mona knew that Rivollo was an Aura Saint, and chances were the middle management elder’s age was far greater.

Mona turned back to the pair of glass doors, which seemed to prevent the other bidders from seeing new arrivals. He passed through the doors, his feet tapping against the red carpet flooring. Just as Rivollo had told him, his seat numbered 1043 was to his left.

Sitting down, Mona noticed next to him was a merchant. The man had a long face, but discerning eyes. Mona’s appearance didn’t earn his attention, the man looking down below. Mona chose not to disturb this serious bidder, deciding to gaze on the arena instead.

Mona looked around the arena thoroughly, finding some difficulty in making out figures. He could tell the arena housed about 1200 people at a maximum, and below him were endless people waiting for the auction to begin. If there were lights, all of them were dimmed at the moment, only the darkness of the night sky providing little illumination to see.

His gaze drifting to and fro, Mona focused on a VIP booth in front of him. There were several of these scattered throughout the arena of the Auction House, giving distinguished guests the best seating available. Almost directly in front of Mona, he could see a familiar figure he had met not long ago.

It’s her.