章 53: The Meeting Point [1]

"My body is still growing. It should be normal since I am about to turn fifteen." Haldor observed his body in a long, wide mirror. Having such a physique was normal because he was a man from the north. Although adults say one isn't a man until they've dipped their rod in a magical bush, many prefer to say nonsense instead of simply calling it having sex.

However, Haldor appeared older due to the magic within his body, surpassing many elders who have trained their entire lives to improve. Considering this, he had already regained more than half the size of his original body, and no normal human could harm him in this world. But he wanted to be cautious; poisons kill more men than swords.

In recent days, a knightly order called the 'Templar Knights' was created, a legion of knights who followed only the voice of man and believed in the strength of their sword. There was no religion that touched the heart of each man who joined this legion, and every member received a sword and had to pledge loyalty to someone who pursued only the light without surpassing glory.

This order of knights was being led by a low-ranking knight named Criston Cole, so everyone suspected that this legion was being sponsored by Haldor. Consequently, several small families wished to visit Haldor to express their good intentions regarding his marriage, seeking to support his cause and have backing in the struggle for power.

It was amusing, but Haldor accepted the oath with the simple condition that none of them tarnish his name with acts he would not tolerate in the nobility. Some nobles abandoned vile customs and accepted change, but those who refused were mysteriously killed that night.

Haldor spent his time reading history books, learning languages, and educating knights who worked in his mansion. During this time, no one interrupted him, not even the King, who ignored his actions these past weeks. Thus, Haldor could act as he pleased without anyone getting in his way.

"My lord, the carriage is ready." Ravyn's voice was heard from outside, and Haldor, who had dressed more casually, left his room.

"Is there anything new that might interest me?" Haldor asked as he climbed into the elegant golden carriage provided for his movements around the capital.

Ravyn, who always had a serious look when facing Haldor, responded: "Nothing that might interest you, but the purchase of slaves we're making to send to our territory and the division of talents is in progress for future jobs that will need reliable people."

"Everything in this life has a value, doesn't it, Ravyn?" Haldor smiled as he looked at the slightly more lively streets of the city.

"It seems so," murmured Ravyn, glancing at a woman who was the shadow the King had given to Haldor, the only one allowed to be seen.

"Anita, how is the training of my dear assassins?" Haldor asked, looking at Ana, who usually remained silent.

"It will take years to show results. No one has talent, so they must train hard to produce satisfactory results." Ana's flat tone was normal since she seemed to dislike talking to others.

"It's amazing that she only speaks to you, my lord." Ravyn was surprised. He recalled the time he scolded her for eating the sweets given to Haldor and felt the terror Ana could cause with knives that day.

Before arriving at the meeting point, a red house that served as an auction house, Haldor told Ravyn that he didn't want to have forced conversations with fake nobles, so they wouldn't stop to talk to them.

Finally, the carriage stopped outside the main door of the auction house, and Ravyn was the first to exit, revealing his enormous body clad in an impressive black armor that seemed to weigh hundreds of kilograms, but for him, it was nothing.

"It's the princess's betrothed! I never thought I'd see him here!"

"This is the first time he has appeared at an event outside the castle!"

"My God, he really is, as the rumors say."

Ignoring all the senseless comments, Haldor reached the door of the house, where only wealthy men satisfied their carnal desires. It was easy to recognize as it was the largest building within the premises.

Even though this auction house was expanding throughout the kingdom, if it continued at this pace, it could become the first auction house to reach the land of the seven kingdoms without any issues.

But all of this was due to the meticulous movements of the owners, who seemed to have chosen good managers for the respective branches. Maybe someone special raised them, which is not surprising since there are always useful people everywhere.

Although this auction house never interfered in politics, they held much power due to the special items they auctioned. Neither royalty nor nobles dared to touch them because everyone made a silent agreement not to lay a hand on the items from this auction house before they were auctioned.

Upon entering the auction house, Haldor noticed that many people were already inside.

The entrance hall of the auction house was very large and beautifully decorated with heroic paintings depicting different types of magical creatures and races. Some paintings even had delicately printed poems.

The entrance hall was divided into three parts. In front, there was a huge door leading to the auction room. To the right, there were stairs leading to private salons where people from prestigious families could attend the auction. Finally, to the left, there were stairs leading to reserved rooms accessible only to the workers of this place.

"My lord, I will find someone to guide us," said Ravyn, the only companion of Haldor in this place.

Haldor nodded and watched Ravyn move through the crowd towards the counter, where the receptionist was located.

After exchanging words, the receptionist looked at him and immediately ran to the left of the stairs.

A moment later, a robust woman wearing a tight men's suit descended the stairs from the left and approached them.

"Future Consort, welcome to our auction house! My name is Sarah, and I will take care of you until the owner visits you." Sarah said,, smiling respectfully.

"Where is he?"