Primordial Draconic Incubus With A Gourmet Chef System

Even Lucian was slightly surprised, which was quite evident by the raise of his eyebrow.

Lily continued, "Y-your the 'Branch Leader's friend'? Why would you lie to everyone?"

Yoshiko explained, "I will be frank with you two. I had no choice."

In any case, there was no turning back.

"It is common knowledge that the experts of Harmony City have all left, leaving their subordinates and weak family members behind. Because of that, today's auction was sorely lacking powerful items that could draw attention. As the Branch Leader, the failure to acquire showstopping items would have fallen on my shoulders. I was afraid I would lose my job.

So with no other choice, I put the sealed map up for auction under my friend's name."

'No wonder she wanted us to swear a Soul Oath.' Lucian mused.

But Lily was still confused.

Understanding Lily's confusion, Lucian explained on Yoshiko's behalf, "It's your first time attending an auction, so it's natural you wouldn't be familiar with all of the intricacies. Although it's not an official rule, it's an unspoken agreement that the auction house and its staff won't personally enter their own items.

Otherwise, the participants of the auction would start questioning the integrity of the auction. It could even make the bidders think twice before bidding.

Lily's brows eased slightly, and she turned to the Branch Leader.

"So Branch Leader lied to protect your reputation and to protect the auction house?"

Yoshiko nodded.

"Exactly. I had no choice but to consign the item under a different name. If the bidders knew the Branch Leader was auctioning an item, it would raise suspicion. Even worse, they might assume I had ulterior motives, that I was manipulating the auction for my benefit. My job would be on the line and the auction house's reputation would crumble."

"The people's trust is everything to an auction," Lucian said.

—--------------------

An hour later, Lucian and Lily stood at the edge of the Southern City Gates, waving as a carriage, carrying James, the members of Lion's Liver, and Fenwick trotted down the path.

Waving back from the trotting carriage, Fenwick sternly said. "Remember what I said."

Lucian nodded.

"Don't worry, I'll keep her safe."

Beside him, Lily energetically waved with both arms. "And I won't trouble Big Brother Lucian."

"I hope so." Garrett sighed with his head sticking out of the carriage window in their direction.

Garrett, similar to his Uncle, was unsure how to feel at this moment in time. They felt a sudden sense of unease, relief, anxiety, happiness — a mix of emotions.

Thirty minutes or so ago, Chef Lucian had returned after his private discussion with the Branch Leader, and upon seeing them, the first words he had uttered were:

"I'll be staying in Harmony City for a while, you guys can go back. Don't wait for me."

It had shocked them greatly. The Secret Realm could open at any time, yet he wanted to stay. It was ridiculous, but what was even more ridiculous was that Lily wanted to stay behind with Chef Lucian.

Needless to say, an argument had ensued between him, Lily, and their Uncle, but like always, they had lost. Lily somehow managed to obtain their permission to stay in Harmony City with 'her Big Brother Lucian'.

'It might be Harmony City... the place we should least be visiting, much less staying for an extended period of time at. But... with all of the experts gone, it should be even safer for Lily. Also, there's Chef Lucian by her side.'

Meanwhile, Lucian and Lily watched as the carriage pulled by four Fire Hoof Horses trotted away into the distance. Before long, the carriage could no longer be seen.

"Let's go," Lucian said to Lily. Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire

He then turned and glanced at a young man standing beside them, dressed in a chef's uniform.

"Let's go, Duan Mu."

Duan Mu bowed respectfully. "Yes, Master."

As they walked through the bustling streets toward James' mansion, Lucian's thoughts drifted to an hour ago.

The conversation they had with the Branch Leader was short and nothing significant.

Yoshiko had recounted how she came across the coin — a seemingly insignificant piece of metal from a street vendor.

"It was covered in ancient sealing Runic Symbols." She had explained with a thoughtful expression. "I've seen my fair share of Runic Symbols, but these… they were different. They had instantly sparked my interest, so I bought it on the spot."

Later, when she began investigating the coin, her intrigue changed to astonishment, realizing it held a map to a Secret Realm.

However, even with all her knowledge of Runic Symbols, it proved to be fruitless. The Runic Symbols belonged to a Race she had never come across.

An ancient or extinct Race forgotten in the rivers of time was what she said the Runic Symbols belonged to.

"The coin's value is immeasurable." Yoshiko had admitted. "But without removing the Sealing Runic Formation, it's just a piece of metal. That's why I so readily submitted this item."

After that brief story, Lucian and Lily had to swear on their Souls that if they managed to unseal the Runic Formation, they must inform her and take her along to the Secret Realm.

Suddenly, as they were walking, Lucian's sharp instincts kicked in, breaking him from his recollection. Something felt off. He felt the gazes of countless people on him. Looking around, he scanned the streets, alleyways, and even the rooftops.

In an instant, he understood.

It was said that the eyes were a window to a person's Soul.

The eyes of the people on the streets proved the quote truthful.

Their curiosity, admiration, awe, and even respect, it was clear as day, not only in their eyes, but their expressions as well.

Their eyes followed him as they passed by.

'News travels fast.' Lucian inwardly chuckled and no longer cared about them.

Lucian had expected it. After all, what happened at the Dragon Phoenix Auction House was bound to disseminate out into the public.