บท 39: First Real Conversation

Elian reputation had grown unimaginably, every night, his bidding was always fierce.

But lately, there had been one bidder who disrupted the usual balance. A mysterious merchant, cloaked in anonymity, who had an uncanny way of winning the bids every single time.

The other patrons murmured about him. Some were intrigued, others suspicious. How could someone so new to the Pavilion keep outbidding everyone? His wealth seemed endless, and his presence, though discreet, was felt by all.

Elian never saw his bidders before they won. Madame Lula insisted on that. It maintained the mystique, she'd said, keeping the transaction between seller and buyer impersonal, transactional.

But everytime the mysterious merchant walked into his chambers, Elian couldn't help but wondered. Why him? Why was this man so intent on securing his company every time?