The journey to Merol took four more days.
The road had been relatively peaceful, but the group remained alert. Draven rode at the front with Thorne, while Elowen and Sylara kept watch from the sides. Brase and his daughter Lima travelled with them on the spare horse. Lima had warmed up quickly to Sero, often giggling when the little dragon chased after butterflies or playfully puffed tiny silver clouds.
On the morning of the fifth day, the walls of Merol Kingdom finally appeared on the horizon — a bustling trade city known for its grand markets and famous auctions.
Brase's face lit up with relief. "There it is. My home city."
As they approached the main gates, Brase reached into his pocket and pulled out a small golden card with elegant engravings. He handed it to Draven.
"Here," Brase said with a grateful smile. "This is a VIP invitation card for the Grand Auction happening tomorrow evening. You saved us on the road. Please, come as my honoured guests. The auction is one of the biggest in the region. You might find something interesting."
Draven accepted the card and nodded. "Thank you. We'll consider it."
Brase hesitated for a moment, then continued, "You all have been very kind to us. If you need a place to stay while you're in Merol, my residence is quite large. You are welcome to stay with us. It would be my honour."
Draven exchanged a quick glance with his companions. After days on the road, a proper bed and roof sounded appealing.
"We accept," Draven replied. "Thank you."
Brase smiled brightly. "Wonderful! Follow me."
They rode through the busy streets of Merol. The city was alive with merchants shouting prices, colourful stalls, and the scent of spices and fresh bread. Brase led them to a quieter, upscale district. His residence stood at the end of a wide lane — a grand, two-storey mansion with beautifully carved wooden doors, flowering vines climbing the walls, and large windows that sparkled in the sunlight.
When they entered the courtyard, the group paused.
The residence was stunning.
Marble floors gleamed under the sun. Elegant fountains bubbled in the garden. Intricate tapestries hung on the walls, and the furniture inside was made of fine dark wood with gold accents. Chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, and the air smelled of fresh flowers and polished wood.
Thorne let out a low whistle as he looked around. With a funny grin, he said, "I thought you were just being polite when you offered your residence. Looking at your condition on the road, I didn't expect… this. It looks like a palace!"
Brase chuckled, a little embarrassed. "The road can be unkind to anyone. But yes, this is my home. Please, make yourselves comfortable."
Draven and his group were shown to spacious guest rooms. Servants brought fresh clothes, hot water for baths, and trays of food. After cleaning up and resting for a while, they gathered in the large hallway on the ground floor.
Draven sat on a comfortable couch, discussing the route ahead with Elowen and Sylara. Thorne was examining a decorative sword hanging on the wall.
A few minutes later, Brase entered the hallway, looking slightly hurried. One of his guards leaned in and whispered something urgently in his ear.
Brase's face changed instantly — his eyes widened in shock and disbelief.
Draven noticed immediately. He stood up. "What happened? You look troubled."
Brase took a deep breath, still processing the news. "The box… the sealed box that was stolen from me… it has reached the auction house. It's going to be auctioned tomorrow evening. And the bandits who attacked us… their bodies were found in the forest this morning. All of them dead. No one knows who killed them or why."
Draven's eyes narrowed. The mysterious box again.
Before he could ask more, the System's voice rang clearly in his mind.
[DING!]
[New Quest Activated: "The Sealed Box"]
[Objective: Acquire the mysterious sealed box at tomorrow's Grand Auction.]
[Difficulty: High]
[Reward: Unknown]
Draven remained silent, but his mind was already working.
The chapter ends here — with the sudden quest for the sealed box appearing, the mysterious deaths of the bandits, and the auction looming tomorrow.
To be continued…