One could tell at a glance that the middle-aged man was the old man’s protector with the way he carried himself.
The old man appeared to be near the end of his life with one foot in the grave. He had long thin white hair and a beard to match. His eyes were nearly fully closed, so it was challenging to make out the color of his eyes. He had a slight hunch to his back as he relied on the exquisitely carved wooden cane hold himself upright.
The old man donned a set of simple black and white robes. Unlike what one would expect from a representative of an organization like the Golden Dragon Association, the old man had rather modest appearance, to say the least.
As for the middle-aged man that accompanied him, he stood nearly two ters tall and had a rough around the edges appearance to him. He possessed short spiky black hair with the lower part faded with a light stubble beard. He had a pair of golden eyes and wore a set of exquisite black and gold martial robes with part of his upper chest area exposed, revealing a battle-hardened physique, along with a deep scar.
When the old man stepped through the door, Izroth noticed a subtle shift in Vexpela’s overall deanor. And, even though it was done in an incredibly discreet manner, Izroth noticed that the first person the old man’s gaze went to in the room was Vexpela.
’It seems that these two have so history. It doesn’t seem hostile, but... It’s hard to call it friendly.’
anwhile, the middle-aged man’s eyes landed on Hyrell as the two’s gazes t. Not long after, the middle-aged man averted his gaze as he took a step closer to the old man. It was a simple action, but Hyrell’s presence caused him to position himself in a more protective manner. After all, when it ca to those in the legendary realm, even sothing as small as one step could be the difference between life and death.
"I was quite surprised to learn that the owner of the Transforming Rebirth’s Embrace was the mysterious Supre Elder of the Fourth Pavilion. It would seem that the Fourth Pavilion and its head have hid their claws rather well from the eyes of the Golden Dragon Association." The old man said, followed by a fit of rough coughs.
The middle-aged man extended his hand forward with his palm facing the floor. In the blink of an eye, a cushioned seat materialized before him. He then straightened out the cushions before he helped the old man take a seat.
"Master, you should not be moving around in your current state. Even coming to this auction has put a considerable amount of strain on your body. You must be careful with your health if you wish to live a long life." The middle-aged man said with a concerned gaze.
"Hohoho, you should be more worried when I stop moving completely, Sir Balthaazar. Staying cooped up in the main house all day is no way to live. Besides, in matters of business, there is nothing more important than showing one’s sincerity by eting face to face. Of course, that takes a backseat to earning profit. Hohoho-" The old man said before being interrupted by another series of coughs.
’This old man... Saying he’s in bad shape doesn’t begin to do it justice.’
After the old man’s coughing stopped, he slowly cupped his hand into his fist.
"This old man’s health has been poor for quite so ti now, so I will extent my apologies for ignoring a few formalities." The old man stated with so scruff to his voice.
He then continued, "Since we do not have much ti, allow to make a hasty introduction. I am Dagraen Reil, the representative of the Golden Dragon Association. This fellow next to is Sir Balthaazar."
"You can call Sagarus. I am the Supre Elder of the Fourth Pavilion. This is Formation Master Head Hyrell. And, I’m sure you already know the Head of the Fourth Pavilion, Vexpela." Izroth introduced.
"So it’s Supre Elder Sagarus and Formation Master Head Hyrell—I’m honored to et the two who have managed to grab the attention of all the influential forces in Danaharpe at this auction." Dagraen comnted.
He then continued, "Well, I suppose that’s enough small talk. Shall we proceed with our business?"
When Dagraen brought up the business, the atmosphere around him changed. He no longer seed like a frail old man who had a hard ti standing upright. Instead, there was an air of an experienced businessman who had seen nearly all the world had to offer.
"Before we begin, may I ask one question of you, Head of the Fourth Pavilion, Vexpela?" Dagraen said as he shifted his attention to her.
Vexpela’s brows rose in surprise. However, before she answered, she looked over at Izroth. Since it was a eting he agreed to, Vexpela would respect his wishes.
Izroth gave a light nod in response.
’I’m curious what he wants to know.’
"If it is a question that I am capable of answering, then I will answer it." Vexpela responded calmly.
Dagraen paused for a few breaths before he asked, "What is it that you see in the Supre Elder with your gift?"
"I see a place that I cannot even begin to fathom. I see the Golden Dragon Association reaching heights that the current head himself has never witnessed. A road that leads beyond the highest mountains. That is what I see." Vexpela said without the slightest hesitation.
"Beyond the highest mountains... I see. Good... Yes, that’s good, then..." Dagraen muttered as the atmosphere around him seed to soften.
After a few seconds of silence, Dagraen was the first to break it as he said, "Your mother was a brilliant woman. Perhaps, one of the most brilliant people I’ve ever t in the 131 years of my life. The day the world lost her was a great sha. A great sha, indeed."
Dagraen looked toward Izroth and continued, "I am not long for this world. Although my influence is not what it used to be in the pri years of my life, my na still holds so weight. That is why I would like to add a condition to granting you the Dragon-Level VIP status. This child—I want you to protect her."
"Grandpa Dagraen, you..." Vexpela uttered as she clenched her fists tightly.
"I’m sorry, child. I should have done more for you. If not for the promise I made with your mother that day..." Dagraen released a heavy sigh.
"My mother?" Vexpela spoke in an inquisitive tone.
"As I said, your mother was a brilliant woman. She foresaw what the future held. Yet, knowing and having the ability to change the outco of one’s fate are two separate matters. On that day, I made a promise to your mother to protect you in secret. To not interfere in your affairs, but simply to ensure that your life was never in any danger from those with ill intentions. For 28 years, I have kept that promise without fail." Dagraen said with traces of remorse in his voice.
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