The camera then returned to the front desk of a certain auction house.

After quickly finishing the food on the table, Ryuto looked satisfied.

"Wow, that was a satisfying meal. It's been a long time since I ate like this."

"Master Ryuto, it looks like it's about to start," Hiyori reminded from the side.

"Oh, right, I almost forgot."

With that, Ryuto sat up, took out a brooch from his pocket, then knelt down and pinned it on the empty chest.

Of course, they had bought a new outfit for the empty chest beforehand. Luckily, with Miyuki around, the process of buying clothes wasn't too much of a headache. After all, Ryuto didn't really understand these things, and he was almost ripped off by the store clerk last time.

Uh oh, it seems like he's remembering some painful experience again.

So Ryuto cleverly stopped his wandering thoughts.

"Alright, I'll leave it to you now, Sora."

"Okay, I will definitely accomplish what Master Ryuto has instructed."

"No, this isn't really an instruction, just a request."

"A request?"

Sora muttered in confusion.

"Yeah, and..."

Ryuto closed his eyes, then after a moment of silence, he slowly said,

"Most importantly, Sora must also want to do this, considering their situation is very similar to yours."

"Yeah, Sora wants to help them..."

Although the answer was not loud, the determination in it was stronger than anyone else's.

"So, this time, use your actions to help them well, Sora. And your task is unexpectedly important."

"Okay, if Ryuto says so, I will try my best because I want to help them."

After Sora confidently agreed, she left.

Watching the small figure of Sora go away, Ryuto couldn't help but think.

It seems much better now compared to when we first met her. This isn't surprising since her "time" is short, and she's already a kind child. But those other people...

With that in mind, Ryuto couldn't help but narrow his eyes.

Perhaps noticing Ryuto's strange look,

"Master Ryuto, what's wrong? Your face doesn't look too good," Hiyori asked with concern.

"No, it's nothing," Ryuto quickly responded, waving his hand.

Well, let's deal with the things at hand first, Ryuto made a decision in his heart.

*****************************************************

With a "click," all the lights in the venue suddenly went out, surrounding everyone in darkness. Then, a spotlight shone on a person on the stage.

This person held a microphone, dressed sharply in a suit.

Well, he must be the host.

As if to confirm Ryuto's guess, the person with the microphone spoke loudly.

"Hello everyone, welcome to this weekly auction event. I am your host, Jack. I'm sure everyone here is not unfamiliar with me."

Geez, this isn't a TV show; why is there still a self-introduction?

"Alright, let's not waste any more time. I now declare the auction officially begins."

Oh my...

Do you think this is the opening ceremony of some sports event, should we also have a closing ceremony later?

"Well, I won't say anything extra then. Let's just go straight to the goods, first up is product number one, known as Vanke, a man with extraordinary skills."

As the introduction was made, a young man wearing handcuffs and ankle cuffs walked onto the stage, with a number "1" badge hanging on his chest, of course.

Feels like I walked onto the wrong set, more like a beauty pageant...

"Before we proceed, it is only natural that we first understand the features of the goods, so please enjoy his performance."

Just as the host finished speaking, he produced a dagger from somewhere.

And then.

"Whoosh—"

Without any warning, the dagger was thrown towards the young man's face.