“Darn it!”

The enraged Marquis suddenly stood up and began to raise objections to this magic stone auction.

“Before we start the auction, may I ask something? When you say a protective magic spell, you mean a magician is selling it, right?”

“Yes? Probably so, but for more details…”

“As you might know, our family has been a dedicated magical family for generations. To put it bluntly, magicians aren’t so common, and I doubt the veracity. Engraving a magic spell on a magic stone is also a method I’ve never heard of.”

“That’s…”

“Moreover, it seems like these items were brought in hastily. Can you be sure all these magic stones are real? If the owner of these stones is here, I’d like an explanation.”

Actually, the Marquis knew better than anyone that they weren’t fakes. He could feel the magic in each stone.

But he wanted to reduce competitors for this auction and get the bid price as low as possible. Above all, he wanted to tarnish Duke Echerzen, the owner of this auction house.

Rosha, who saw through this, let out a laugh as she looked at the agitated people.

“Ha.”

Engraving a protective spell on a magic stone was a common method in the previous world. It was the best way for ordinary people to protect themselves from demon beasts.

‘It’s not that they haven’t heard of it, but the people here probably didn’t know about it. Are you trying to ruin business for no reason?’

Thanks to the reward from completing the trial, she got a massive amount of magic stones. With this opportunity, she wanted to earn money and also share a method of protection with others.

But Marquis Lycaon ruined her good intentions.

‘I can’t just sit here and let this happen.’

Rosha started to rise from her seat but hesitated.

Because Cedric, who was seated nearby, was looking intently at her face!

“…”

She desperately avoided his gaze, whispering to the Duke.

“I can’t speak, so I’ll show them with action.”

He nodded as he thought it would be fun.

Taking a deep breath, Rosha summoned her magic power. The atmosphere of the auction room chilled instantly.

At the same time, the magic stones on the table started to glow and resonate.

Hooom, Hoooom-

It was a phenomenon impossible for ordinary stones.

Yet she didn’t stop there and levitated a magic stone of decent size into the air.

She then visualized a protective magic spell in her mind. Soon, golden letters infused with magic began to form and float around the stone.

“Wow…”

“It’s magic, it’s magic…”

It was a miracle that no one could even imagine a few days ago.

With a sizzling sound, the floating golden letters naturally engraved themselves onto the magic stone. The mesmerizing sight took everyone’s breath away.

As if it had never been so noisy, the hall became silent as a dead mouse, except for the occasional exclamation that echoed.

Finally, Rosha, having completed the magic craft, placed the completed magic stone in its place. Only then did the people breathe again, deeply feeling that they had entered an era of magic.

“She’s a bit shy, so this will substitute for an explanation.”

The Duke gracefully wrapped it up as he gently held her, who was taking her seat. Then, with a cold look, he looked at the cause of this situation and asked sarcastically:

“Are you satisfied now?”

Marquis Licaon silently sat down, and the host, who was just watching the mood, cautiously took the lead.

“…Shall we continue then? This item will also start from the basic hundred gold.”

Then the auction began.

People with resolute expressions all raised their bid signs. Every single person.

* * *

There was a small incident, but the magic stone auction concluded successfully.

Duke Echerzen and Rosha quietly stood up from their seats before the last magic stone was auctioned. Some people tried to follow them, already discreetly paying attention to them, but were unable to catch them.

As soon as they left the door, they fled with the Duke’s ability.

“…Is it okay to disappear like this in front of others?”

“What does it matter? It would be more convenient in the future to talk about it openly, when the existence of supernatural powers is also known.”

That may be true, but Cedric’s following them was a bit troubling.

Then, the Duke reached out and slowly took off her mask.

“Black hair is fine, but the original color suits you better.”

When the mask was removed, Rosha’s hair began to lighten slowly. The Duke lightly ran his fingertips through her reddish-blond hair, then pulled it off.

“…Thank you.”

Is such light praise just a habit?

Still not accustomed to his words, Rosha hastily looked around and asked.

“By the way, where are we?”

“It’s my mansion in the capital. This is the room I usually use.”

“Oh.”

“You don’t have to feel burdened. This is the nearest ‘exit’ from the auction house. And since I’ve been to the lady’s room, isn’t it fair to visit mine?”

Actually, it wasn’t so much burdensome as surprising. She thought he wouldn’t let outsiders into his territory.

Curious, Rosha looked around the room.

It was extravagant.

The intricately patterned floor tiles, the carpet laid over them, and the beautifully arranged furniture all seemed to reflect his taste.

Leaning against a luxurious sofa with vine motifs, the Duke looked utterly at home.

“You fit very well with this room.”

“Do I?”

But the man, with a slight smirk, said something she didn’t expect.

“This was originally my father’s place.”

“…”

Oh no.

An alarm bell rang in Rosha’s head.

This is because she remembered the fact that the label of ‘the traitor who killed his father’ follows him around.

-Be careful. He’s the one who inherited the title at a young age due to his father’s mysterious death. There’s nothing good about getting close to him.

Cedric had also repeatedly warned her about the Duke.

However, before Rosha could say anything, the Duke calmly spoke.

“You must be curious if I really killed my father.”

“Well…”

“In fact, I wasn’t completely against the idea for various reasons. However, when I finally decided and went to see my father, he was already gone. I don’t know if you’ll believe me.”

She doesn’t know much about the former Duke Echerzen.

However, it seemed that the Duke didn’t have very fond memories of his father, as his brows furrowed slightly.

“Why… are you telling me this?”

“It’s like the thirsty dig their own wells. I want to collaborate with you for a long time, and I don’t want something like this to be an obstacle. And…”

Leaning slightly towards her, the Duke whispered.

“I’m very curious about the young lady right now. If I reveal this much, won’t you be at least a little willing to share your secrets with me?”

His purple eyes stared intently into hers. A thought crossed her mind.

‘During our past trial, he must have clearly seen my eyes turn golden.’

That’s not the only thing the Duke was curious about.

What on earth has changed so that a quiet young lady who has been invisible until now could suddenly have this level of presence?

Her experiences.

Her power.

He was curious about everything that made her who she is now.

Looking at his deep face, Rosha replied.

“Froy.”

“…Yes?”

“You gave me permission to use your name, so I’ll give you permission too. Shall we start with this?”

She couldn’t tell him everything right away, but since he was making an effort, she felt like she should show sincerity as well.

Moreover, if what she heard today was true, any awkwardness would disappear, and hasn’t his ability been quite helpful so far?

As they become closer… someday, she will share what she has experienced.

Understanding her intent, the Duke, no, Froy soon chuckled and said:

“Very well. I’ll do my best to earn your trust.” 

He then paused.

“Rosha.” 

Ah… She never asked to be called by a nickname.