Silence enveloped the room.
The maid stood by, uncertain if they should continue adorning their mistress with jewelry.
Don't look lovely in this attire tonight? Rebecca pressed on, unwilling to yield.
Indeed, you look splendid, but your beauty is independent of this garment.
Fong how unabashedly praised.
then continued, "Imagine a room full of noble women adorned in respplendant crimson gowns.
Who among them would wear a tire of a more subdued hue, if not the maid servants?" With a heavy sigh, Rebecca instructed the maid.
"Very well, let us set this outfit aside for now to be worn another time.
" "As you wish, my lady," the maid replied, stepping forward to assist Rebecca in changing her garments.
Funha's remarks had evidently prompted a shift in her perspective.
Once she dawned her usual attire and settled back in her chair, Rebecca turned her gaze towards Fong Hao.
Praytel, what should I wear for tonight's auction? Auction? What auction? Fonhao momentarily faltered.
Rebecca was selecting a gown not for a noble ball, but for an auction after all, aren't auction details typically kept confidential? What use is a splendid gown if one finds oneself stripped of identity? This evening, a ball will be held at the lord's residence, inviting the city's elite and affluent merchants to partake in the auction of confiscated items.
With proceeds directed towards the development of Liix's city, a maid explained from the side.
With this clarification, Fongo comprehended the situation.
It was in essence a judicial auction of sorts.
The recent captures of faceless individuals had predominantly involved local merchants and aristocrats, undoubtedly yielding a trove of valuable items.
May I attend? Fonga's expression transformed from contemplation to eager anticipation.
He had managed to accumulate a modest sum of money while let it sit and used.
If there were treasures to be had, he would seize the opportunity to acquire them.
Rebecca gazed at him with wide eyes, replying, "If you wish to attend, that can be arranged, but my gown remains unaccounted for.
" Her gaze held a hint of implication directed at Fonggha, understanding her unspoken words, Fong Ho promptly responded, "I shall make inquiries.
If the gown is ready, please ensure it is delivered before the evening's event.
" Such a significant public occasion would serve as an excellent opportunity for promotion.
with his fabric shop on the verge of opening.
It was an ideal moment to garner attention within the noble circle.
"Very well, I shall await your gown," Rebecca said, crossing her legs as she retrieved an invitation from her drawer, sliding it towards him.
Upon examining it, Fong Ha noted that his name was prominently inscribed.
It appeared Rebecca had anticipated this, merely seeking to prompt him into arranging the gown's delivery.
"By the way, will dinner be provided this evening?" he inquired, tucking the invitation away.
The maid beside him stifled a giggle once more.
This young, affluent merchant possessed a rather amusing demeanor.
It was common knowledge that he could craft designs to Rebecca's satisfaction, and was quite wealthy, having already purchased two storefronts on the commercial street in a noble estate.
It was rather peculiar that someone of his standing would concern himself with the provision of dinner.
always rambling nonsense.
Rebecca chuckled playfully chiding him as she addressed her maid servants.
"You may leave us for now as you wish, my lady," they replied.
The maids exited the room, closing the door behind them within the confines of the chamber.
"Only Fong Ha and Rebecca remained.
There will be new developments in the next couple of days, so you should stay in the city for now," Rebecca spoke softly.
Fong Ha's expression shifted to one of seriousness.
Very well, but my subordinates require a degree of secrecy.
Otherwise, they may easily come under scrutiny from those individuals, he continued.
I shall ensure that is handled.
Rebecca nodded in agreement.
Fongo pondered for a moment before inquiring.
How did the interrogation of the four individuals progress last time? Instantly, Rebecca's countenance darkened.
It did not go well.
We can say the leads have completely dried up.
What happened? Were the four killed? Fonggho pressed urgently.
The four are unharmed, but the individuals they named had all perished in their homes before the guards arrived, severing the trail once again.
Rebecca leaned back in her chair, looking up at the ceiling, her tone tinged with resignation.
Rebecca had taken measures to protect these four, fearing they might be silenced.
Yet, the opposing party had opted for a simpler method, eliminating all those involved, leaving Rebecca with no further avenues for investigation.
Their network of intelligence is indeed formidable, Fongghao remarked.
Equally astonished.
Indeed, we must exercise even greater caution in our next operation, Rebecca affirmed.
After a brief exchange, Fongghao smiled and confidently stroed out of the Lord<unk>'s manor.
At the entrance, he met with Injia and summoned a carriage, directing it toward the commercial district in the western part of the city.
Within the carriage, Fongau retrieved a sound transmitting conchk to contact ear inquiring about the progress of the gowns at the tailor.
If they're complete, arrange for them to be sent directly to Ley City with a bone dragon and the swift purple-caled horse at our disposal.
We have ample time to deliver the gowns before nightfall.
As they approached the commercial district, the carriage began to slow, the air filled with the clamor of vendors hawking their wares.
This street was not solely comprised of shops.
The edges were lined with various merchants vocally advertising their goods.
The carriage halted before a store, and Fong Hao produced a key to unlock the door.
Inside, the inventory had been cleared out, leaving behind only an assortment of useless clutter and some inconsequential furniture.
What do you intend to do with this shop? And Ja queried as she surveyed the interior.
It shall be a clothing store.
Since this area specializes in luxury goods, we will establish our boutique here.
Fong how replied casually.
Oh, very well.
Then, the two ascended to the second floor while chatting in a crevice of the floor, and Ja discovered a ruby the size of a pinky finger, its facets exquisitely polished and strikingly beautiful.
Fong Hao gave her a thumbs up.
Indeed, nothing of value escapes your keen eye.
After perusing the shop, the sound of hurried footsteps soon echoed from outside.
Gray Bear, accompanied by his subordinates, hastily approached.
"My lord," Gray Bear called out.
Fawn had descended from the upper floor and replied, "This establishment shall henceforth be ours.
Let us tidy this place up and discard anything unnecessary.
" "Yes, my lord," Gray Bear acknowledged, signaling his subordinates equipped with tools to commence the cleaning task.
"Leave this to Gay Bear.
" Fong Hao, accompanied by Jia, made another visit to the quest hall, yet found no suitable tasks, and thus returned to his residence.
Upon arriving home, it was just past 2 in the afternoon.
After a light meal, he sequestered himself in his room.
He retrieved from his storage space all volumes of the secrets of the multi-headed fire python.
Opening to the page marked with a bookmark, he delved into meticulous study and interpretation.
Each mage is, in essence, a scholar.
This is not merely to wield formidable spells, but because every individual who chooses the path of a mage must peruse a plethora of texts and literature, exploring the mysteries of natural elements and seeking the rules of matter.
Thus, the journey to becoming a mage is fraught with challenges, yet promises immense rewards.
The author of this tome, a fire mage named Carlilele, once served as a magical tutor in a noble academy, dedicating himself to the cultivation and research of fire magic.
In addition to the ultimate gold documented in the book, the multi-headed fire python, there are explanations of various fire spells and minor magical exercises.
What Fongo currently examined was another form of fire summoning magic, flame spider.
Upon its casting, it could summon flame spiders to attack targets or follow the caster.
Rising to his feet, Fong Hao took out his spark wand.
And while perusing the explanations in the book, he began to gather his magical energy.
As his power coalesed, a series of magical spiders formed from fire elements began to materialize before him.
However, as soon as they coalesed, the flame spiders extinguished instantaneously.
Spell-casting failure.
What could be the issue? Funhow sat down to reflect carefully.