As soon as the auction start announcement passed through the hall, only a few left to stay there while most of the people moved to the auction room, which was already ready for their guests. Servants prepared seats and lots for today.

Hence, when Nero entered inside the big room which looked like tribunes on the arena but was more comfortable, he stopped for a moment, thinking where to sit when Aleona’s hand took his arm.

“Follow me, I know where to sit,” said the girl with a smile on her lips while Nero nodded and followed her.

Thanks to her help, Nero saved himself from several problems and mistakes he could make when they finally took their places in the furthest part from the stage.

“Isn’t it too far from the stage?” asked Nero, throwing his glance at the distant stage below him. Aleona just smiled and gave him a certain object.

“Use this. It will help. Just watch. You will see why this place is much better than the others,” said the girl while Nero took small binoculars and looked through them at the people below.

The more he kept looking, the weirder he felt because, after some time of observing, he noticed how certain people gathered in the different parts of the seats surrounding their leaders. Now, when more people joined them here, Nero finally realized what was happening. These seats were for the neutral while others were for those who joined certain factions. In short, scions of Avalon household already divided all auction seats into four factions. Now he realized that Aleona indeed saved him from many troubles, stopping him from leaving a wrong impression on people here. Besides, he also noted that there were no Duke and many other serious and famous nobles. Hence, his actions now could cause problems not only to him but also to his grandfather, because he was the representative of his household right now.

“Thank you,” said Nero when he turned at Aleona and noticed that Eris, George, John, and Zig were also here.

“Not at all,” said Aleona with a smile.

Though she made it look like a small thing, Nero knew how that small detail could harden his life if he took a seat in the center, entering the certain faction. Hence, Nero threw a thankful glance at her. Aleona was quickly approaching toward becoming his friend.

‘That’s a favor. I will return it, someday.’

Soon, when all guests took their seats, the same female appeared on the stage. There was a big, wide smile on her lips as she made a bow to the public.

“My name is Sorra. I will entertain you today, dear guests,” said the woman before she made a certain signal. The hall darkened when lights started switching on around the stage, attracting all attention there. A moment and few servants appeared, placing several objects on the stance near to the woman.

“Dear guests, it’s the first lot of the auction. An alchemic pill, more famous as the break-throwing one. A rare pill, found in the ancient ruins by the group of adventurers,” said Sorra as her voice traveled through the auction hall. “The starting price is fifty thousand coins.”

Thanks to her explanation, Nero learned this pill could allow making an easy breakthrough on any rank before the second transformation. In short, the knights of the first rank could become the knight of the second rank just in several hours with the help of that small pill. Though it was tempting, Nero released a sigh, realizing that it wasn’t something he needed right now. Of course, he could use it to advance in rank, but it would be a pity to exchange such a pill for a slight increase in powers. Hence, Nero stayed and watch while many others started bidding.

“Sixty thousand coins.”

“Seventy-five thousand coins.”

“Eighty thousand coins.”

In short, soon the real battle started between different youths, belonging to four different factions. Though their leaders weren’t interested in this lot, their subordinates were because it could increase their power, and chances to get a better position in the faction. Hence, when the bidding moved above one hundred fifty thousand coins, Eris released a bitter sigh that didn’t miss Nero’s eyes. As a result, ten minutes after the start of the bidding, the rare alchemical pill was sold for two hundred thousand coins to a fat youth, sitting in the second faction.

Following the sale of the first lot, Sorra showed a bright smile to the public before she threw a charming glance at the buyer while another lot appeared on the stance. Unlike the previous one, this lot was a scroll that looked ancient. When that scroll appeared, all four faction leaders, and even elders, taking part in the auction, became serious as they focused their glances at the lot.

Felling the change in the atmosphere, Sorra made a mysterious expression on her face as she started telling about the next lot.

“Our adventurer groups found this lot in the ancient ruins. They had to pass through many hardships, especially hundreds of battle puppets before they finally reached the depth of those ruins. Though, they found nothing particular in that lab except for the imperial banner, given to the honored alchemists and this scroll, left in the well-protected chest,” explained Sorra with a smile on her lips.

Just that alone was enough to make many people change their expressions while Sorra continued her speech.

“Though we couldn’t identify to who this scroll belonged during the Griffon Empire’s reign. But, we learned this scroll is just an excerpt from the whole work, dedicated to puppet creation. Though it’s not full, the sole manual and few secrets about alchemy alone are enough to strengthen any talented alchemist,” said Sorra, watching how faction leaders started glaring at each other with fierce expressions on their faces. “The starting price is five hundred thousand coins.”

As soon as Sorra said the price, Kleo Avalon, the leader of the fourth faction, was the first to bid.

“One million coins,” said Kleo before turning at her brothers and sister. “I need that manual. You aren’t alchemists. So, don’t make problems.”

But her words didn’t help because Mark Avalon raised his bidding tool next.

“One million two hundred thousand coins,” said Mark before looking at Kleo. “Younger sister, I also have a talented alchemist. I owe him a gift for saving me from poison.”

Kleo Avalon couldn’t even reply when another bidding landed, coming from the second faction.

“Two million gold coins,” said Phillip Avalon with a slight smile on his lips, angering Kleo even further while Alice released a loud laugh.

“Sister Kleo, forget about that manual. Brother Philip is the richest among us. Are you sure you want to compete with him?” asked Alice with a caring on the surface and mocking in-depth voice.

Just that alone was enough to make Kleo look at her siblings with hate before she bitted her lips and made another bidding.

“Four million gold coins,” said Kleo before she turned and looked right into Philip’s eyes. “Don’t dare or I will create a huge problem when something related enchanting would appear.”

“Okay, sister. I give up. I don’t need it anyway,” said Philip with the same slight smile on his lips.

In such a manner, using both the huge price and a threat, other faction leaders and elder nobles considered leaving it to Kleo. That manual wasn’t worthy of offending the leader of the portion of the future nobles and influential people.

Nero, who watched after that small show, formed many thoughts when he released a sigh, caught by the Aleona.

“It’s a glorious Avalon household, you will get used to it,” said Aleona, taking his sigh of confusion.

Thanks to this scene and the previous one with Arthur and his father, Nero already had several questions he wanted to ask.

“Was it always like that?” asked Nero with a clear curiosity in his voice, to which Aleona made a thoughtful expression.

“Yes, but when the fifth son’s mother was still alive, she was the reconciling factor between the young scions, concubines, duchess, and duke. Back then, it was less obvious before an unknown accident happened at the Duke’s palace and she died,” said Aleona while Nero formed another set of thoughts regarding the Avalon household.

‘Looks like the Duke just supports this violent competition between his children and might even provoke them to find the fittest.’

Following that lot, the auction continued. Though four scions agreed beforehand to keep the facade, there were still moments when their grudge appeared in the public during the auction.

...

..

.

While most of the guests were taking part in the auction, fifteen noble family’s heads gathered in the certain room around the big table with the east region’s map on it. Each leader took a seat close to his lands while Duke Gatsby sat at the head of the table and looked at the people here. They were all respected, influential, or rich nobles, affecting the overall situation of his region. Though he didn’t like to depend on these people, Duke Gatsby needed them for the major decisions. Hence, when he still wasn’t ready to get rid of this council, he needed to get their approval for his ambition.

Hence, he once again looked at the people here before clearing his throat and attracting their attention.

“Gentlemen and ladies,” said Duke Gatsby, stopping for a moment on the Countess Richstein and smiling at her. Of course, he already knew about her conflict with another member of this council - Baron Claus. “It’s time to start our discussions.”

As soon as his words landed, Baron Claus, Countess Richstein, Count Melor, Count Hellman, Baron Atreides, and other noble heads looked at him with narrowed eyes. Though they knew about a certain part of the Duke’s plans and about unofficial secret gatherings he organized with few other nobles; they ignored and focused their attention on him, quickly transforming the atmosphere into a tense one.

Such a scene continued for some time before a wide man with Einsburg household insignia, famous for their spear fighting techniques and manuals, hit the table and looked right into the eyes of the Duke.

“We don’t have so much time to waste here. If you don’t know Duke, our southern neighbors increased their activity and started sending one raid after another. Hence, let’s move right to the deal. My people need me,” said Count Einsburg before he returned his glance at Duke Gatsby. “Duke, are the rumors regarding your intentions to join the throne war real?”

When such a question resounded across the room, Count Hellman stayed indifferent with few others, Countess Richstein and Count Melor twitched their brows while Baron Claus and few others furrowed their brows. Duke Gatsby was the only one who showed a wide smile, shocking everyone with his scary smile while he looked right into Count Einsburg.

“That’s right, Count. Those rumors are true. I have intentions to take part in the coming throne war,” said Duke Gatsby as he nodded.

As soon as he said those words, the silence descended into the room while Count Einsburg furrowed his brows and made a serious expression on his face.

“Dear Duke, is it your final decision?” asked Baroness Ignis, the head of the mage’s noble family, famous for their unique fire magic, which was rare even in the whole Griffon kingdom.

“She is right,” said Baron Valerian Agnus, the noble head of the best enchanters of the east as he opened his closed eyes and looked right into the Duke.

“War is never good for trade,” said Baron Groan, the richest person here.

Though Duke Gatsby expected to meet with such strong opposition, he didn’t expect that even enemy parties would unite right now against his ambition, watching how Baron Claus and Countess Richstein also showed their disagreeing opinions.

“It’s too early to make a move when the central region, western and southern are just watching, it’s too risky,” said Countess Richstein.

“Central region also has strong flying units. It will be hard to fight against them. The southern region has a strong cavalry tradition and many alchemy households there. Only the north, which is now in the civil war, is a potential target. But a weak camel is still stronger than a healthy horse. The king has Trade Union behind his back. Besides, families, there have many resources which they won’t hesitate to use against invaders. Your Grace, please reconsider,” said Baron Claus.

Following their opinions, others followed, and even a few of his loyal people showed their concern, making Duke release a bitter sigh before he took a certain piece of paper and gave it to Count Hellman.

“Read it,” said Duke, making everyone here focus their attention on that piece of paper.

Soon, Count’s Hellman voice resounded across the room.

“The number of military in the central region increased three times than before. The number of militaries increased two times in the west. The number of militaries increased four times in the south. Trade Union is about to send an expeditionary force to help the king deal with Duke Abraham,” read Count Hellman with an indifferent expression on his face while others furrowed their brows as their faces darkened.

Just with this piece of news, given from the strong spy organization which could operate in the whole kingdom was enough to point into the areas the East was behind all other regions. The East still had the same amount of military even before the war of the Last King when they didn’t take a side and watched after the show. Now, that letter was pointing to one common thing they all forgot because of the long period of peace while other regions shed blood in battles.

“I hope you all understand our weakness, compared to other regions. Now, they can’t make a move, waiting for the result of the northern war. But, I have no doubts, we are like a fat piece of meat in their eyes,” said Duke Gatsby with his ordinary indifferent expression while other nobles made thoughtful expressions. Though he didn’t reach his goal today, he was patient. A seed into their head was enough for him.

“This isn’t the first time we would gather. Right now, please forget about my ambition. The East is not in the right condition to fight with other regions. We are weaker than them,” said Duke Gatsby while nobles furrowed their brows at his words.

“Hmm... Don’t worry, Your Grace,” said Count Einsburg as he harrumphed and put a smile on his lips. “My county is always ready for war. We were the ones fighting against raiders from the south. Peace never existed for us.”

“Hellman household is also ready to protect passes from any opponent,” said Count Hellman as he saluted.

“Melor household’s army is also ready to meet any invader in our lands,” said Count Melor with a serious expression on his face.

Following that, few more noble heads showed their willingness to fight against an invading force while Baron Claus, Countess Richstein, Baroness Ignis, Baron Agnus furrowed their brows.

Duke Gatsby smiled, watching after that scene because he knew his words were enough to hit them into their pride and remind them about the threat. Now, most of the nobles here will increase their military, preparing for an invasion. Even though they don’t trust him, they will follow their neighbors, and it will be much easier to get rid of a few irritating households when they would feel the reality of the benefits.

...

..

.

Following their secret meeting, when they finished discussing a potential strategy for different scenarios of invasion, they all left in different directions. Count Melor also moved toward the auction when a servant passed him a message from the Duke. Hence, right now, he was standing inside the small room, waiting for Duke Gatsby.

Ten minutes later, the door opened, and two figures entered inside. As soon as Count Melor saw who that was, he instantly furrowed his brows and touched his hidden dagger behind the back as he didn’t take his eyes of Count Hellman, who was now smiling at him behind the Duke.

“Your Grace, what is the ...” said Count Melor when Duke interrupted him.

“Calm down, Count Melor. We are here to talk,” said Duke Gatsby, taking a seat in front of him while Count Hellman sat nearby.

A short period of silence lasted between them, while many thoughts flashed through Count’s Melor's mind.

“What do you want?” asked Count Melor a short time later without taking his eyes of Count Hellman. He already knew who was behind this move. It was his old nemesis, bastard Hellman.

“To help,” said Duke Gatsby, attracting the attention of the Count Melor, and making him raise his brows in surprise.

“Help? What type of help?” asked Count Melor, as a certain gleam flashed through his eyes. Though he already had an idea, he still kept playing dumb to get more from them.

Duke and Count Hellman just exchanged glances before smiles appeared on their lips.

“Military one,” said Count Hellman.

“Political,” said Duke Gatsby.

As soon as they said those words, Count Melor already realized what they were talking about. This was a proposition to join hands for the potential alliance. The target was obvious because the only household was interesting for them all. It was Claus barony with their strong sky flying units, taming manuals, fertile land, and trade route location.

“Why should I trust you?” asked Count Melor, looking right into the eyes of Count Hellman. “I am the most familiar with your schemes, old friend, and this preposition smells like shit.”

Such an answer made Count Hellman release a short laugh while Duke Gatsby put on a smile on his lips.

“An enemy today might become an ally tomorrow,” said Duke Gatsby in the uncertain tone while another wave of thoughts flashed through Count’s Melor's mind as he remembered about a small detail.

“You can’t be...” said Count Melor as he widened his eyes while Count Hellman nodded with a smile on his lips.

“You are right. Think about it. Even though you were my enemy for most of my life, it’s never late to bury the axe of war,” said Count Hellman while Duke Gatsby nodded.

“Besides, a common war and blood is a good uniting factor,” said Duke Gatsby with a scary smile on his lips.