“Hello, Lord Cale,” came a voice reminiscent of a GPS from beneath a black robe. “It has been a while.”
“That it has. Good to see you again.” When Cale waved a lazy hand in response to Mary’s greeting, the necromancer joined him in the carriage.
Albert’s aunt, the dark elf Tasha, climbed in after Mary. “Hey there, Lord Cale! Long time no see!”
Bilose was no longer present. As soon as they’d arrived at their destination, he had disembarked for Flynn Merchant Fleets’ local branch.
The city known as Vegas, located in the southern part of Karo, existed solely for holding auctions. It boasted the largest auction house on the Western Continent. With bards, plays, auctions, and casinos, it was overflowing with pleasures of all kinds.
Currently, Vegas was decorated to commemorate the auction’s opening season, which kicked off in February. A profusion of red and blue lights adorned the already stunning city, making for an incredibly beautiful sight.
Once Tasha was seated, she flashed an awkward smile. “Fabulous place, isn’t it?”
“I suppose.”
In contrast to Cale’s mild expression, Tasha made a complicated face as she eyed a corner of the carriage. It made sense to her that Cale would keep his cool while taking in the scenery, but the others’ reactions exceeded her expectations.
“Wow! I want that shiny sculpture!”
“That hat is so pretty!”
“I’d look so cool strutting around with that cape!”
The black dragon and the two kittens were practically drooling as they peered out the carriage window, gripping their piggy banks. The children cradled their savings, pointing out all the things they wanted to buy.
With a fwish, Raon’s head whipped toward Cale, Tasha, and Mary. Tasha jumped as the dragon accosted Cale. “Human! I have a lot of money in my piggy bank! I’ll pay for everything I want!”
Vegas and all its glamorous wonders had captured the heart of the six-year-old Raon. Ohn and Hong were no different; the kittens followed Raon’s gaze and turned to Cale, seemingly ready to jump out and make Vice-Captain Hilsmann do their shopping if Cale gave them permission.
Tasha stared at them in a daze, but Cale’s response made her eyes go wide. “I’ll buy them for you.”
A moment of silence settled over the carriage.
“Wh-what did you say?” Raon asked.
Cale casually repeated himself. “I’ll buy you anything you want. Pick out whatever you like.” After all, how expensive could it be if a child wanted it?
“A-are you sure?”
“I-I’m gonna buy a ton of stuff!”
“You’re acting weird!”
The three children’s thoughts were jumbled, but they formed a cautious circle around Cale. Tasha sat there, disoriented, until she heard Mary’s mechanical voice.
“You really are a warm and kindhearted person, Lord Cale.”
Tasha bobbed her head in agreement, but she felt a little funny about doing so.
“You’re the best! Our human is the greatest!”
“I’ll also increase your allowance,” Cale said. “You’ll get twenty silver coins now.”
“Y-y-you generous human!”
Raon spewed compliments at him, but Cale said nothing more. He was on the verge of earning billions of galleons, thanks to the red necklace and black jewel tucked in his magic bag. And how many things could children really ask for, anyway?
Tasha gazed warmly upon the giddy children, then turned that same look on Cale. “Are we stopping at the inn first?”
Cale met her brimming warmth with a blunt response. “Yes. Then I’ll go for a stroll.”
“A stroll?”
“Yup.”
“Where to?”
“The casino.”
“Wait, what?”
A building shaped like a giant golden tree was the continent’s largest legal casino. Four times a year, the secret VIP auction took place on its top floor. Cale’s modest goal was to sell his items at exorbitant prices to the two people who would meet him there.