NOVPUBBefore Jilun could respond—
Knock. Knock. Knock.
The sharp sound of knocking echoed through the room, getting the attention of them both.
They turned in unison, eyes locking on the door.
A voice called from the other side.
"Excuse me, sir. A young man came in and said he wanted to sell you... Everore…"
A heavy silence fell.
Jilun froze, his eyes widening, the slight tremor in his hands betraying a flicker of disbelief.
His usually calm demeanor shattered for the first time in a long time, replaced by a storm of anticipation.
Without a word, he motioned sharply for his daughter to open the door.
"Open the damn door!" Jilun yelled.
Rosie blinked, momentarily paralyzed, but she quickly snapped out of it.
She had never seen her father show such emotion.
Rising from the couch, her feet light with urgency, she crossed the room and flung the door open.
The dealer stood there, visibly nervous, wringing his hands together in an attempt to calm himself.
His eyes darted about, avoiding his boss's piercing gaze.
Jilun's cold stare bore into the man.
"Repeat what you said," he demanded, his voice now sharp, full of a dangerous edge.
The dealer swallowed hard, his throat visibly tightening. "Everore… A young man came in and said he wanted to sell it to you…"
"…" Jilun's hand clenched around his cane, his grip tightening as his eyes flashed.
"Well, what are you waiting for!? Bring him to me!"
"At once, boss!" The dealer nodded frantically, his steps stumbling as he turned and hurried out the door.
Rosie shut the door and turned, her brow furrowed in concern.
"Um, Father… Are you sure this isn't just some bullshit? A scam or some fool trying to pull one over on you?"
Jilun's gaze was cold as ice, his voice like steel. "Language, young lady," he reprimanded.
"Trust me—if I find out this is a trick, I will personally see to it that the young man ends up at the bottom of the ocean."
▬▬ι═══════ﺤ
The dealer emerged from behind the curtain, walking briskly around the counter.
"Sir, please follow me. The boss would like to meet with you."
Luka, who had been standing idly with an almost bored expression, straightened up immediately.
"About time. Bring me to him."
"Of course, of course. Right this way," the dealer said, bowing slightly before turning on his heel.
He moved quickly, his pace brisk, as if afraid to keep his boss waiting any longer.
Luka followed without hesitation, stepping behind the counter and through the heavy curtain.
Behind it was a narrow stairwell, the stone walls lined with faintly glowing lights.
As they descended, the echo of their footsteps against the stone steps was the only sound that accompanied them.
Eventually, they reached the bottom.
Before them stretched a long stone hallway, dim but carefully lit.
They came to a halt in front of a heavy wooden door reinforced with black metal.
The dealer raised a trembling hand and knocked firmly.
"Boss, I brought the young man!"
There was a pause—barely half a second—before a voice rang out from inside.
"Come in!"
Without a moment's delay, the dealer opened the door, stepping aside and motioning for the young man to enter.
Not wanting to waste his own time, Luka stepped through.
As he stepped into the room, his eyes immediately landed on two figures seated within—
Jilun and his daughter, Rosie.
Luka was very aware of who they were.
Rosie Kaisen, a heroine in the game.
Beautiful, calculating, and utterly wealthy.
Better known across the Kingdom as the Heiress of Gold.
And the legendary merchant himself—
Jilun Kaisen.
Said to be wealthier than entire nations and wielding more influence than most high-ranking nobles.
He was a man feared by many people.
He was also a prominent figure within the Round Table of the Black Veil.
Luka lowered his head slightly in respect, placing his hand over his chest in formal greeting.
"It's an honor that you've made time for me, Mr. Kaisen. My name is Luka Rein Junker, from the baron family of Junker—"
"Enough with the pointless introductions," Jilun cut him off, waving his hand dismissively. His voice was laced with impatience.
"I want to see the Everore!"
Luka licked his lips. 'He's beyond desperate… Though, I can't blame him.'
"Of course. It's in the carriage I arrived in, just outside."
He straightened up as he turned toward the door.
"If you don't mind, would you follow me?"
"Just get moving!" Jilun snapped as he rose to his feet with surprising speed for a man of his stature, gripping his cane.
Without a word, Rosie stood and also followed.
▬▬ι═══════ﺤ
As they stepped out from behind the curtain, all eyes in the building shifted toward them.
Especially toward Jilun and Rosie.
In the Capital, they were famous.
Immediately, the tall man who was standing at the front—made his way over, his heavy boots thudding against the floor.
"Boss, what are you doing up here?" he asked, voice low and serious.
Jilun didn't break stride. "Business," he replied curtly.
"Ensure my daughter and I are guarded properly."
The tall man gave a single nod, then fell into step behind them. "Understood, Boss. No one will touch you."
They exited the building, the doors parting to reveal the sun.
Luka walked ahead, stopping beside the carriage, where his personal maid was already waiting. 𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒑𝒖𝒃.𝙘𝙤𝒎
She stood at attention with perfect posture.
Upon seeing her Young Master, she offered a gentle smile.
Luka came to a stop. "Open up the carriage door, please."
"Of course, Young Master."
Doing as she was told, Serene opened the carriage door and stepped aside with a small curtsy.
There it was, resting on the floorboard of the carriage—
The Everore greatsword.
"…" Jilun's eyes narrowed.
With an almost reverent touch, he placed his fingers on the weapon.
He let them glide over, feeling the cold, smooth surface beneath his fingertips.
'It's actually Everore…' Jilun thought to himself.
"Boy," he began.
"How much do you want for this?"
