"But that does explain why their ears kept twitching when they were in my shop," Noah managed between laughs. "They’re literally radar dishes for detecting treasures!"
"Exactly! I’m glad you understood what I meant," Lola nodded with satisfaction at his understanding.
"You’re definitely not making this up as you go!"
"I would never joke about such serious things. It’s very sophisticated stuff," Lola replied with mock indignation.
Leo roared with what sounded suspiciously like laughter from his corner, apparently enjoying Lola’s completely fabricated explanation as much as Noah was.
"I can’t believe you kept a straight face through all of that," Noah said, still chuckling.
As Noah prepared to announce that the auction would begin soon, the ripple effects of anticipated warfare were already spreading throughout both elven territories.
Inside the Sunward Territories... Queen Seraphina sat on a massive golden table where the kingdom’s most trusted advisors had assembled for emergency strategic planning. Maps and reports covered every available surface.
"The luxury smoothie represents more than enhancement," Seraphina declared with absolute conviction.
"Whoever claims it gains access to skill awakening abilities that could reshape our entire magical hierarchy. There is a chance that I could possibly awaken the heritage skill of the first elf queen.
Once I awaken that skill, those filthy, corrupted elves will have no chance at fighting us anymore. We need to get this item; it’s a must, even if we have to cause a bloodshed. As long as it’s for the greater good, everything will be fine."
Elena stood at attention beside detailed notes about the auction announcement.
"Your Majesty, our treasury can support bidding up to a hundred thousand golden coins," Elena said cautiously, her tone respectful but edged with doubt.
"But is that not excessive? Spending so much for a single item? We could simply take it from that human. I have seen him more than once. His succubus companion is strong, yes, but in the grand scheme of things, she is little more than a distraction. We could force them out of that shop and claim the artefact directly. From what I’ve observed, it must be some ancient relic they stumbled upon by sheer luck."
The queen did not answer immediately. She stood motionless, her gaze distant, as if weighing Elena’s words against calculations she had already made in silence. After a long pause, she shook her head.
"I have already considered that course," she said with a calm voice.
"But it is too dangerous. Do not mistake his apparent weakness for true weakness. Although I haven’t seen him, the human exudes a confidence, the kind born of strength one cannot measure at first glance. If we act rashly, we risk turning a minor obstacle into a threat we cannot control. You are correct, however, that spending a hundred thousand coins on a single gamble, an item that may not even yield a new skill, is wasteful."
Her voice hardened slightly before she continued. "As for striking directly, it would be unwise. Let others test him first. The dark elves will move soon, that much is certain. If they strike at him, we will observe. If he is weak, then we can fight the dark elves for the relic; if he is strong, then we can ally with him against the dark elves and finally have the advantage we always needed. We will be the victors in both scenarios, as long as we are quick enough to react when things change."
She raised her hand, cutting off any hidden or possible protest. "For now, allocate twenty thousand golden coins. Enough to draw attention in the opening rounds of bidding, but not enough to reveal our true hand. Our true aim will be the battlefield outside the auction hall, when chaos breaks and blood runs freely. That is when we will act. This item may well be the decisive edge our kingdom has sought for centuries. We cannot afford to waste the opportunity."
General Marcus Ironbark leaned forward, a glimmer of approval flickering in his stern eyes.
The old warrior had fought too long to mistake ambition for recklessness, and her words aligned with his own instincts. "Your Majesty, your strategy is flawless," he said, voice gravelly with conviction.
"We wound two with one stroke. The dark elves will bleed for the ancient artefact, and the human will bear their wrath. If we fan the flames of the auction, drive the price higher, the elves will not be able to resist pursuing him for their coin as well. After all, they had lost the item and the coins. Then, when the dust settles, we will know exactly what the human is capable of... and strike when it suits us."
The queen inclined her head slightly, the ghost of a smile tugging at her lips. "Precisely. Let the others exhaust themselves in greed. We will be patient. And when the moment comes, we will be the only ones left standing."
Prince Adrian’s jaw tightened at the barely veiled suggestion of violence against the neutral merchant, though he remained silent about his concerns.
Meanwhile, Inside the Shadowvale Dominion...
Lord Regent Darian Nightshade commanded his council from a throne carved from volcanic obsidian, shadow magic writhing around his fingers as he processed the auction intelligence.
"Skill awakening capabilities," he mused with dark satisfaction. "Exactly what I need to unlock the true heritage of the strongest element in existence, the shadow element. Once I awaken one of the ancient skills in my bloodline, I would be able to deal with that arrogant elf queen."
Kael presented his analysis with a respectful tone. "My Lord, conservative estimates suggest the light elves can afford fifty thousand coins without significant strain. We should prepare to exceed that threshold substantially."
"Indeed, prepare for the auction and its aftermath. This smoothie will serve the Dominion. Knowing that harlot, she will play dirty."
Shadow Mage Kael Walker smiled with malicious anticipation. "She can plan all she wants; we will overcome her with sheer power, like we’ve always had."