Hello, is this a letter addressed to Demon Fortress?

"It seems you don't have many allies here."

Lin Gui's eyes were half-closed, and his voice was weary.

Unlike when he was greeted by many minor nobles and wealthy merchants outside.

In this place where the most powerful and wealthy gather.

The only look directed at Elvia was one of indifference.

Upon hearing this, Elvia simply picked up the black tea served by the maid and took a small sip, her demeanor impeccable.

This contrasted sharply with Lin Gui, who was practically slumped into the soft chair next to him.

She turned slightly to the side and leaned close to Lin Gui's ear.

They whispered in a voice that only the two of them could hear.

"There are only four groups of people here."

"The eldest princess's faction, the second prince's faction, the third prince's faction, and... me."

"I am different from them."

"My mother was just a top dancer and courtesan at the comedy theater. My father took a liking to her because of her looks."

"My maternal side didn't leave me even a single bit of political resources."

"Everything I have today is something I've achieved through various means on my own."

"And Father..." When mentioning King Carter, Elvia showed no affection for him, only indifference.

"He probably doesn't even remember how many children he has, let alone me, the 'daughter of a courtesan'."

"The merits I earned through my life-or-death struggles have not even earned me the right to freely enter the core area of ​​the royal palace."

The last time I saw him was about the 'Shadow Tree Flower'.

"That old man, who was near death, made that promise himself in order to live."

"Whoever finds that broken flower that can prolong his life will be the next King Carter."

Lin Gui was slightly taken aback.

Because he knew very well that shadowy tree flower.

It was lying quietly in Elvia's personal baggage at that moment.

"Don't you want to be king?" he asked.

Elvia smiled, a smile that held a complex meaning.

"Of course I want to be the ruler of a country, above all others and wielding power. But... it's too late."

Her gaze swept over the well-dressed, imposing dignitaries in the room.

"Almost all the important figures in King Carter's household are here, but look at these people, how many of them are truly loyal to my 'father'?"

"During the time I was away from the capital, that incompetent king had long been completely sidelined."

"His promises made while he was on his sickbed were worthless."

At that moment, the lights on the auction stage focused.

The obese Duke Joseph walked up with a ruddy complexion.

He delivered the opening remarks as the main organizer of this auction.

His few humorous yet flattering remarks immediately drew cheers and applause from the audience.

Many nobles and powerful figures responded with smiles, creating a lively atmosphere.

The auction has officially begun.

One by one, the dazzling goods were carefully carried onto the stage by the graceful slaves.

One after another, astonishingly high prices were shouted out without hesitation by people in different seats.

Each time the gavel fell, it was accompanied by a small commotion and discussion.

Elvia remained seated with her back straight, her manners impeccable.

She wore a faint, formulaic smile.

However, deep within those beautiful eyes lay a cold calm, devoid of any smile.

She looked at the three factions and saw them clearly distinct.

Sometimes they tested each other, and sometimes they tacitly divided the spoils.

She herself was all alone.

Now, even her most trusted and powerful adventurer subordinates have all betrayed her.

All that's left to play are a few low-level adventurers whose loyalty is uncertain.

And that extensive civilian intelligence network, which is difficult to directly translate into military force.

An indescribable sense of loneliness, like a cold tide, quietly washed over my heart.

She smiled, watching the game of power with a cold eye.

Watching each item fall to the ground amidst cheers and competition from various parties.

She seemed like a complete outsider, isolated from this bustling and noisy place.

Suddenly, she felt a weight on her shoulder.

Elvia turned her head and found that Lin Gui had somehow leaned on her shoulder and fallen into a deep sleep.

His breathing was even, and his dark circles under his eyes were even more noticeable up close.

What on earth did this guy do last night? How could he be so exhausted?

Elvia instinctively tried to push his head to the other side with her fingers.

Her fingertips had just touched his slightly cool forehead when she stopped.

She looked at Lin Gui's unguarded sleeping face.

Looking at the deep weariness between his brows.

Suddenly, the corners of his lips curled up slightly.

She revealed a faint smile, different from all her previous smiles, one that carried a hint of genuine warmth.

That smile seemed to instantly dispel the coldness in her eyes and the loneliness surrounding her.

She gently withdrew her finger, letting out a silent sigh.

Oh well... he's still my husband in name only, for a week at the time.

I'll let you... take advantage of me for a little while.

Just then, a new item was presented on the auction stage.

It was a mask with an ancient design and a strange, magical sheen.

The patterns on the mask seem to absorb light.

It makes it impossible to see what's behind it clearly.

"Next item: the legendary magical item 'The Face of a Thousand Illusions'!"

"It can perfectly change the wearer's appearance and aura; those below the Epic rank cannot see through it!" the auctioneer announced loudly.

A murmur immediately broke out in the audience.

These life-saving and disguise tools are always in high demand.

Although the Thousand Illusions Mask is the lowest tier among legendary items.

But it is, after all, a legend.

Several nobles began to make offers, and the price quickly rose.

50 gold coins, 53 gold coins...

However, just as the price reached a peak, the bidding paused slightly.

"100 gold coins."

A clear, calm, yet undeniably powerful female voice rang out from the back row.

The entire room fell silent.

All eyes were on them, including the third prince, the eldest princess, the second prince, and their supporters in the front row.

With astonishment, scrutiny, and disbelief, they all turned to the source of the sound.

Princess Elvia sat upright in the back row, with a sleeping man leaning on her shoulder.

She still wore that faint smile, which seemed somewhat different from before.

He gracefully put down the bidding paddle.