The segmented sword lay on the table between them, its many sections locked together so neatly that, at first glance, it almost looked like a normal blade. Almost.
Catherine and Isaac stood there in silence, both staring at it.
Isaac was surprised. He wouldn't deny that. An Imperial-grade weapon was not something you stumbled upon every day. Still, the surprise didn't shake him too much. He already owned an Imperial-grade item himself: the treasure chest that generated money based on the strength of his City. Compared to that, this sword was different, but it belonged to the same tier of absurd value.
Catherine, on the other hand, was completely still.
She didn't even try to hide it.
Her eyes were fixed on the weapon, unblinking, as if someone might snatch it away the moment she looked elsewhere. Isaac had seen her curious, amused, and calculating before. This was different. This was naked greed, plain and simple.
She looked like a child who had just found her favorite toy.
