"It’s not that much of a secret anyway." He mumbled.
"Thank you," I said, pushing the money toward him before storing the Storm Bloom Essence in my system inventory while pretending to put it in my inner pocket. My focus remained entirely on the old man.
He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping. "If you’re looking for something to heal spiritual damage, you won’t find it in any shop in Derier. Not openly, at least."
He paused, and with deliberate slowness, continued, "But... there are rumors. A merchant caravan arrived last week from the capital, carrying something... unusual. A relic, or so I heard. Some say it’s a fragment of a powerful pure aura beast’s core, capable of mending even fractured minds."
"Do you know where they are?"
The old man shrugged. "No. But I heard someone say that it’s going to be auctioned soon. I don’t know the exact details, so I recommend asking around more."
I nodded in gratitude. "Understood."
The old man leaned back, his business concluded. "Good luck, young man. You’ll need it."
"Thank you." I offered him another, respectful nod before turning to leave.
The bell above the door chimed softly as I stepped back into the street, and immediately, the cold air hit my face.
The snow-covered cobblestones stretched ahead of me, and I began walking without any particular destination in mind.
My thoughts turned over my options.
I could simply purchase it from the system shop. It wasn’t even that expensive...
But practicality warred with curiosity.
No. I should look into this auction first. If the relic is real, it might be more potent than anything I can afford from the system. Maybe I can get a few other useful things too. And...
The rumors I’d overheard yesterday still nagged at me, whispers of the Ironclad Legion’s unusual silence, the scandal involving Prince Bane, the bounty on the herbs, and now this mysterious caravan from the capital. There were too many threads here, and I had a feeling they were all connected somehow.
I needed more information.
The obvious place to start was the inns and taverns — yesterday had proven how much intelligence could be gleaned from loose tongues.
But there were more options, too.
The merchant guild(s) would have their own network of information. They usually knew which caravans were coming and leaving the city and what goods they would have.
Then there were the street markets, where vendors often knew more than they let on. And then there was always the cliché but surprisingly useful option.
But I didn’t know if Derier even had one, or how strict the laws were here. Poking around blindly for underground dealings could draw unwanted attention.
A safer approach would be to start with legal channels. If this relic were going to be auctioned, there had to be an auction house or merchant guild handling it.
The scent of freshly baked bread hit me, warm and yeasty, reminding me that it was nearly midday. My stomach growled in agreement.
Alright. Two birds, one stone.
I turned on my heel and headed back toward the Frostbloom Inn.
The innkeeper seemed like a knowledgeable sort, and there were always patrons willing to talk over a meal. It was a good place to start piecing together the city’s hidden currents.
The inn was buzzing, probably because it was already lunchtime. Nearly every table was full, save for two empty ones by the window. The innkeeper was diligently polishing glasses with the same well-worn cloth he’d used yesterday.
"Boss," I called out with an easy smile, leaning against the polished counter. "I’d like to have lunch, please."
The innkeeper’s weathered face creased into a grin. "Coming right up, young master!" He turned and barked at one of the servers, "Prepare table three by the window!"
As the worker scurried off, I added, "Could I get some honey tea while I wait?"
"Of course, of course." The innkeeper reached for a clean mug. "Best honey tea in Derier, if I do say so myself."
While he prepared the drink, I casually remarked, "Actually, I had something to ask. I’m new to the city - are there any merchant guilds or auction houses here?"
The innkeeper plopped a spoon into the steaming glass, nodding. "Yes. Our city has both... but also one."
I raised an eyebrow. "You mean...?"
"The Golden Scale Merchant Guild," he explained, sliding the tea toward me. "They run an auction house right in their main building. Quite the operation."
"Oh, that’s good to know," I said, nodding appreciatively as I accepted the drink. The honey’s sweetness bloomed on my tongue as I took a careful sip. "Are there any auctions happening lately? I’ve got a few things I might want to sell."
"I see," the innkeeper muttered, but then shook his head. "Honestly, I don’t know their schedule. But the whole city knows once they decide to hold one." He leaned slightly closer, voice dropping. "Unless..."
I nodded understandingly, completing the thought in my mind - unless it was a secret one.
"Thanks for the information," I said, placing a few extra coins on the counter before heading to my waiting table. The tea was already half-finished, its warmth spreading through me as I considered my next move.
The server arrived with a steaming plate of roasted duck and winter vegetables just as I took my seat. The rich aroma made my mouth water - it seemed my detour for information would be rewarded with a good meal as well.
As I ate, I turned the new information over in my mind. The Golden Scale Merchant Guild... and their auction house. If there were a secret auction happening, how would I—
My thoughts were interrupted by a slight commotion at the entrance. The door burst open, letting in a swirl of snowflakes and...
First came the veiled woman, her cloak dusted with snow, her eyes scanning the room with detached indifference before moving straight toward the counter.
Right behind her, the Carmine girl stepped in, her ermine-lined hood still up against the cold. She paused to survey the crowded inn, lips pursing when she spotted the veiled woman already ahead of her. I even suspected whether she was stalking her for a moment.
With a sharp gesture, she sent her maids scrambling to claim the last empty table before striding forward, her steps deliberately measured as she closed the distance between herself and the veiled woman.