"Yawn~ Theo, I'm going out for a walk. You've clearly got nothing better to do since you've been kneeling like a statue all this time. Come with me," Robin said casually as he pushed the door open. Theo immediately followed, trailing behind like his shadow.
Theo guessed they were heading to Robin's favorite restaurant—it had become a habit for him to celebrate every time he finished crafting an earth-shattering technique. Now that Theo had truly studied and grasped the complexity of Robin's work, he realized how much effort it required. In his eyes, a simple nice meal hardly did justice to such achievements.
Or perhaps they were on their way to the slave platforms instead, to add another "lucky soul" to Robin's growing little unit of special forces. Ever since Robin had revealed his long-term plans, Theo had been certain that three disciples would never be enough.
But to his surprise, they turned down an unfamiliar road. After several more minutes, Theo found himself standing before a massive building, its banner boldly declaring Pills Corner. Yet the front doors were shut tight.
"Hm?" Robin muttered. A pill store this large and reputable should never be closed in broad daylight. Looking around, he realized that many of the nearby grand shops were shuttered as well. "What's going on here?"
He crossed over to a modest shop still open nearby. "Good morning, uncle. Why are so many stores closed up today?"
The elderly shopkeeper smiled. "Good morning, young man. Don't you know? Today is the Great Bradley Auction. Once a year, every major merchant in the Duchy gathers there, hoping to win something extraordinary to boost their trade. The great houses and powerholders attend too, each looking for items that might raise their strength. It's the largest gathering of symbols of power in the Duchy."
"An auction?" Robin's interest sharpened. "Where is it held?"
"Closest street to the Ducal Palace," the man replied. "You can't miss it once you arrive."
"Thank you!" Robin said with a grin before turning toward his new destination.
In front of a luxurious building that loomed like a palace itself, Robin stopped. Guards surrounded the entrance, their presence suffocating. Most were at the 12th level, but one radiated the power of the 15th. None of them were slaves—they were all elite soldiers.
Extravagant merchants, dignitaries, and mighty cultivators flowed inside, their fine robes glittering, jeweled women on their arms. This was definitely the auction site.
Robin blended in behind them until a guard abruptly blocked his way. "Stop! Where do you think you're going?"
"Inside the auction house, of course." Robin's smile was disarming.
The guard glanced him up and down. Fourteen years old at most, his aura just at the sixth level. A little above average for the son of a noble, but hardly the kind of person who usually came here. The guard's tone softened slightly. "Seats are limited. Unless you have an invitation or a recommendation, you can't enter."
"Recommendation, hm… is Lady Mila Bradley inside?"
The guard stiffened, eyes narrowing. "Yes…"
"Tell her Robin Burton would like to come in. I'm sure she'll allow it."
The guard studied the boy's smile with suspicion. "You'd better know what you're doing, or else…" Still, he signaled another guard, repeated the message, and sent him running inside.
It didn't take long. The second guard returned, bowed, and said, "Lady Mila invites you to her private chamber in the upper section."
The first guard's eyes widened. He too bowed quickly and stepped aside.
Inside, the hall was even more magnificent than the exterior. It resembled a grand theater, rows upon rows of luxurious seats filling the main floor. Above, a circle of private rooms overlooked the hall, each with small shuttered windows for their distinguished occupants.
Guided by attendants, Robin and Theo reached one of these rooms. Inside, Lady Mila sat by the window, her back straight, her eyes fixed on the stage below. Even as they entered, she did not turn.
"I never thought a strange creature like you would show up at such events," she remarked coldly.
"Haha, you're right. I had no intention of coming—just went to visit a store today, but the owner was here. I thought I'd see what the fuss is about." Robin strolled in casually, dropping into the seat beside her. "So… what's happening with Caesar?"
Mila snorted. "Ask your family. Why would I know?"
"If you don't keep track of someone as important as Caesar, you're a fool," Robin replied calmly. "And I don't deal with fools."
"You…!! How dare you talk to me like that? Do you have any idea how strong I am?" Mila's voice trembled with anger. In all the Duchy—no, in the entire kingdom—no one dared address her so fearlessly.
Robin smirked. "Given enough time, I could pluck a random boy off the street and make him stronger than you. Do you believe that?"
Her lips tightened. She wanted to refute him, but Caesar's example flashed in her mind. And the talismans. And Robin's inexplicable return to his teenage form. She could no longer dismiss him as a weak junior beneath her feet.
"…At least I'm still a few months older than you. Show me some respect," she muttered, arrogance masking her unease.
Robin chuckled. "We're both closing in on a century and a half. What difference do a few months make? Just answer the question."
"Don't speak like I'm some old hag!" Mila snapped. "A hundred and fifty years is still very young in the cultivation world." She exhaled. "Anyway, no need to worry about Caesar. He was welcomed by the Burton family like a hero. They held a massive banquet in Jura City. All the available descendants gathered to meet their new kin.
It was a long night. Especially when the patriarch announced that Caesar is your adopted son, trained by you. The hall fell silent… then erupted in cheers so loud they shook the city walls.
Some knelt in prayer, thanking the heavens that Caesar was tied to them. Elders shouted that only Robin Burton could raise such a genius. Younger generations who had never seen you demanded to know your story. The old men skipped your… runaway part and painted you instead as the kingdom's number one genius of your era, who left to study the truth of the universe.
And now? You've trained Caesar for the family's glory.
Your boy is being treated like a precious gem. And you… from runaway bastard, you've become a living legend once more."