CLEAVER OF SIN

A few minutes passed, and suddenly, the carriage came to a halt, causing Asher's eyes to flutter open.

"We've arrived at The Orchid Auction House, Young Master," came the soft, sweet voice of Lyra, the ever-present and ever-efficient maid.

At her words, Asher merely nodded, then calmly inquired, "How many minutes remain until the auction officially begins?"

Without hesitation, Lyra reached into her uniform and drew out a pocket watch attached to a long silver chain. She flicked it open with practiced elegance and responded, "Ten minutes, Young Master."

"Let's proceed then. I'd like to be settled before it begins," Asher said with a composed tone, his voice carrying a quiet authority.

"As you wish, Young Master," Lyra responded respectfully. She rose from her seat with grace and stepped out of the carriage, positioning herself beside the door, ready to close it after Asher exited.

With a soft exhale, Asher rose to his feet and stepped out of the carriage. The moment his polished boots touched the ground, a new reality presented itself before him. Carriages of various shapes, designs, and qualities lined the wide street, a clear sign that many people from different statuses had come for the same reason.

"Kent, find somewhere to park. We'll wait here for you," Asher instructed.

"As you order, Tenth Sun," Kent replied, nodding swiftly. The seasoned coachman guided the carriage toward an empty spot. Within moments, he returned, rejoining the group.

The entourage began to move forward, Asher leading the procession with silent poise. Kent, Lyra, and Vice Commander Cassandra followed two steps behind him, maintaining a respectful distance. Asher's gaze lifted to the structure ahead.

The Orchid Auction House loomed before them, tall, refined, and mildly imposing. Its grand facade spoke volumes of wealth and influence. Asher could appreciate the architectural artistry and the thoughtful detail carved into its pillars and walls, though he was not here to admire design. He had a different purpose.

Ahead, a long queue of people stretched before the building's entrance, each awaiting their turn to be allowed in. Commoners, merchants, minor nobles, they all stood patiently, hoping to secure a place inside before the auction commenced.

However, as Asher approached, he made no attempt to join the line. Though he believed in fairness and equality to a degree, he was a noble now, a Sun of Wargrave, and he had no intention of waiting in line like the rest.

As he and his retinue strode past the waiting crowd, a man near the front opened his mouth, preparing to voice a complaint. Before a word could escape his lips, a firm hand clamped over his mouth with a strength that made him freeze.

"Are you mad?" the man beside him whispered harshly into his ear. "I told you not to offend anyone here. Some of these people are hidden experts who could kill you the moment you step outside the auction house."

The man blinked in confusion and fear.

"Besides, are your eyes decorative? Can't you see the Wargrave insignia on the woman in armor? And the one leading them, he's a Sun. Possibly the Tenth Sun. Do you want to die today?"

A shiver ran through the man's body. His lips trembled, and sweat formed on his forehead. The name Wargrave alone was enough to paralyze his thoughts. He swallowed hard and mentally thanked his brother for intervening.

Around them, the once-chatty line fell into an eerie silence. All eyes turned toward the approaching figures. The whispers began immediately, barely audible but heavy with shock.

'A Wargrave…'

'A Sun…'

'Which Sun?'

None dared move. None dared speak. Fear and reverence rooted them in place as Asher walked past with calm elegance.

As they reached the front, the guard managing the entrance instantly recognized the Wargrave insignia and bowed deeply.

"We welcome the Wargrave to The Orchid Auction House," he declared with formality and trembling respect.

Asher nodded, just about to speak, when a sharply dressed man stepped forward with a composed smile and a voice brimming with reverence.

"It is an honor to personally welcome the Tenth Sun to my Orchid Auction House," he said smoothly.

Asher turned to face the man, "It's rare for someone to recognize me as the Tenth Sun," he remarked honestly. Few had ever seen him, so most didn't know what he looked like.

The man smiled knowingly. "I operate my business within the Wargrave territory, Tenth Sun. I have made it my personal law to know every member of the household, be they family, maid, butler, or knight. It's the best way to avoid any potential… misunderstandings."

His gaze momentarily shifted to Vice Commander Cassandra, who stood just behind Asher. Her relaxed expression had vanished. In its place stood the aura of a knight, one prepared to raze the entire building to the ground if her master so willed it.

"Impressive," Asher replied with a nod.

"Please, this way, Tenth Sun," the man said, motioning for them to follow. Asher proceeded without hesitation, with Cassandra, Lyra, and Kent trailing respectfully behind.

As they walked, the man asked politely, "Was there any particular material or item you had in mind before visiting? I could have it prepared for you, outside the bidding, of course."

"No," Asher replied with sincerity. "I'm merely here to observe, to see firsthand what an auction house actually auctions off."

The man nodded, never breaking his practiced smile. "A private bidding room has been prepared for your exclusive use, Tenth Sun. Would you prefer your attendants be led to the regular floor?"

"No need. We'll all stay in the same room," Asher stated firmly.

"Very well," the man responded, nodding slightly.

He led them to an elegant private room crafted of enchanted glass. From within, they could see everything outside, yet no one outside could peer in. It was designed for privacy, status, and security.

Once inside, the man respectfully held out a sleek black card. "Tenth Sun, this is a VVIP card of The Orchid Auction House. Please accept it as a token of honor for this being our first meeting."

Asher didn't immediately take it. Instead, he tilted his head slightly and asked, "How much is it?"

The manager's expression faltered, if only for a second. "I beg your pardon, Tenth Sun?"

"How much does one need to spend at your establishment to qualify as a VVIP?" Asher asked calmly, his tone neutral but firm.

The man hesitated for only a second before replying, "Three Platinum coins, Tenth Sun."

"Lyra," Asher called softly.

Lyra stepped forward without a word. No explanation was needed. She accepted the card, reached into her space ring, and handed the man three gleaming platinum coins.

"Thank you for your time, manager," Asher said politely, offering a small nod. Without another glance, he turned and entered the bidding room, leaving the stunned manager standing alone with the platinum coins resting cold in his hands.