Chapter 43 Lurking at the Auction House
The lower district. It stank. A mix of rotting tobacco, sweat, and damp air that made it hard to breathe.
Gisella pulled her cloak hood lower, her face twisted in annoyance. "Ilse, seriously, what are we doing here? This place isn't for us. If my father knew I was in a rat hole like this, he'd go ballistic."
Ilse just snorted, her eyes constantly scanning the crowd of rough men jostling around the tobacco auction house. "Quiet. I told you, this is for your future. Do you want to stay a runner up forever, or do you want a man who can secure your position?"
"But this guy... who is he anyway? You said he was a high-influence candidate," Gisella pressed.
"Patience. He usually eats lunch at that tavern." Ilse pointed to an old building with dusty windows across from the auction house. "He doesn't like crowds, and he has... unique tastes. So, don't ask too many questions. Just follow my lead."
They slipped through the crowd of merchants screaming about prices. Gisella felt uncomfortable, constantly smoothing out her clothes, which, even disguised, looked way too expensive for this place. Ilse was truly insane.
Then, Ilse stopped.
Right in the corner of the dim tavern, at a weathered wooden table, a man sat alone.
He wasn't wearing any gold. No diamond pins, no expensive silk.
Just a pitch-black velvet top, the texture rough, contrasting with the cold aura radiating off him.
His face was hard, like he hadn't smiled once in his entire life, and his eyes were sharp, scanning the room like he was hunting for prey.
There he was. Julian Vance.
"That's him," Ilse whispered, a hint of pride in her voice. "Look at how everyone in the tavern keeps their distance? That's power, Gisella. He doesn't need a title to make people afraid."
Gisella squinted, trying to get a better look.
Then, the man looked up, nearly turning toward them.
Gisella's heart stopped. Her face went deathly pale, and she yanked Ilse's arm, dragging her back behind a narrow alley wall.
"Ilse! Are you insane?!" Gisella hissed, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "That... that's him! That's Julian Vance!"
Ilse frowned, confused. "Yeah, I know. Why? Isn't he cool?"
"I am not dealing with him!" Gisella flatly refused, her voice trembling. "Remember the last meeting? He was so rude! He treated us both like garbage, Ilse! He was disrespectful, arrogant, and he... he's the most annoying man I've ever met. Don't you remember? He hates my eyes!"
Ilse was stunned. "But he has influence......"
"I don't care about his influence!" Gisella cut her off, tears of anger and fear welling in her eyes. "I will never close with a man like that. He's not a man, he's a monster!"