Reincarnated as a step-dad in a fantasy world

Chapter 361 : An advice

"I find it amusing that you can speak so highly to someone who could quite literally crush you the moment he wants to," Alex said as he appeared right in front of the Earl, his body towering over the latter.

However, he had barely finished speaking when he found himself surrounded from all sides, blades pressing against his neck. One figure even appeared before him, blocking his path to the Earl and pointing a dagger at his throat. If he moved his head even slightly, the blades poised around him would slice through his smoke mantle and into his flesh.

Seeing the appearance of his guards, the frightened expression on the Earl's face—caused by Alex's sudden appearance—vanished, replaced by an arrogant sneer.

"What did you say again? That you could crush me?! Hah!" the Earl laughed.

"You'd be dead before you could even lay a finger on me!"

The Earl erupted into laughter, and many among the onlookers actually nodded in agreement, sharing his confidence.

In the minds of those present, a level 5 was a literal walking disaster. While rumors had spread that Arcanor had once held his ground against five level 5s, those same rumors also claimed that, in the end, he had been saved by Althea and another unknown figure. As such, it was clear to them that he would have eventually lost had the fight continued.***le nom du gars là***

On the other hand, most of the crowd—if not all—had never seen an ability that allowed someone to move through space as Alex did, so they simply assumed that he was just so fast their eyes couldn't keep up with him. The Earl also shared that same misconception, believing that Alex was merely swift.

However, not everyone thought along those lines. Ironically, the only ones who knew—without a shred of doubt—that he was literally teleporting were the five guards currently protecting the Earl.

Just a couple of days ago, they had Arcanor in a similar position, and yet he had escaped their encirclement. Who was to say he couldn't do it again? This was why they didn't lower their guard for even a second.

Unfortunately for them, it didn't matter whether they were prepared or not.

The Earl's booming laughter came to a screeching halt as Alex disappeared once more. His head whipped left and right, trying to pinpoint his location—until he felt a strong grip on his shoulder.

"Just an advice," Arcanor's deep voice resounded behind the Earl, "you shouldn't count too much on borrowed powers."

Earl Drickon almost felt his legs give out as a cold chill ran down his spine, like icy fingers crawling along his back. A primal instinct screamed danger, and for a brief second, he forgot how to breathe.

Pushing through the fear that seized him, the Earl spun around—but saw no one. He turned again, only to notice that Arcanor had returned to his original position near his carriage, as if he had never moved.

"I hope you will consider my advice next time before making an 'unwise' statement," Arcanor said, his deep tone once again sending a shiver down the Earl's spine.

A few seconds passed in tense silence before the Earl's breaking voice resounded, "You—you..., you just attempted a murder on an Earl of the Fiore Empire!" Earl Drickon shouted, his anger fueled more by humiliation than conviction.

Before the words could even settle in the minds of those around, Freya stepped up.

"Let's not exaggerate, Earl Drickon," Freya said, stepping slightly forward. "Sir Arcanor barely touched you. As he demonstrated, he could have harmed you but chose not to. Accusing him of attempted murder is an overstatement."

The Earl glared sharply at Freya for a moment before his expression relaxed.

"You are right, Lady Freya. I might have... exaggerated."

With that, he shot one last glare at Alex before storming into the auction house, his guards closely following behind him.

Once they got farther from the entrance, Earl Drickon spoke again, his tone colder than before. "I've changed my mind. Don't kill him—I want you to bring him to me alive."

"It will be done as you wish," the guards replied.

"Don't think you are out of the woods yet," the Earl added, glancing behind him. "You all just stood there doing nothing while this bastard attacked me. For that, you will all be punished."

The guards just nodded, and nothing further was said as a steward appeared and guided them to their private viewing box.

Outside the auction house.

After the altercation between Arcanor and Earl Drickon, Freya resumed inviting the rest of the guests inside, while Arcanor simply stood next to her, almost like a silent bodyguard.

As each of the young nobles they had escorted to Drisidd passed by, they greeted Arcanor with warm smiles, thanked him sincerely, and assured him that his payment would be delivered without delay—something to which Alex simply responded with a silent nod.

Before long, the crowd at the entrance thinned, leaving only a few people lingering.

"Ladies," Freya greeted as Talia, Celine, and Marinna approached. "It's been a couple of years since we last saw each other, Lady Talia. I hope you're doing well," she said with a genuine smile.

"As well as one can be," Talia replied, returning the smile. "Honestly, I'm surprised you even remember me, Lady Freya. We barely interacted last time."

"Of course I remember you. Your performance at Maya's birthday was unforgettable," Freya replied warmly.

"Thank you for your kind words," Talia answered before sneaking a glance at Alex. 'Am I imagining it, or is this bastard leering at me?' she wondered, narrowing her eyes slightly.

After a moment, she shook her head. 'It's probably just in my mind.'

Unbeknownst to Talia, Alex was really staring at her—more precisely, at her chest. 'Hmm... yeah, hers are definitely bigger than... what was that witch's name again? Ah—Kizzarae!' he mused.

While Alex silently debated who had the more impressive bust between Talia and Kizzarae, Freya continued greeting the remaining guests until only she and Alex remained.

Sighing lightly, she turned to him and smiled. "You didn't have to wait for me. Thanks for doing that, though."

"Anytime," he replied, offering his arm. "Shall we go?"

Freya's smile widened as she slipped her arm through his. "Let's go. The auction will be starting soon."

Moments later, the two of them were comfortably seated on a large, luxurious sofa, Freya's head resting on Alex's shoulder, their fingers intertwined in a quiet display of closeness.

The room they were in resembled the private box they had used to watch the theatre two nights prior. It was soundproof and fitted with one-way glass, allowing them to see and hear everything happening in the main auction hall, while remaining completely hidden and unheard by those outside.

Apparently, every noble Freya had greeted earlier had been assigned a similar private room to ensure discretion and comfort during the event.

"It's a little late to say this," Freya began, her tone cautious, "but maybe you shouldn't have antagonized Earl Drickon as much as you did. We may share the same title, so he can't act against you here in Drisidd, but outside this city, things are different. He's not just an Earl—he's an influential one. He could... no, he will most certainly come after you."

"I'll be waiting for him then," Alex replied with a casual shrug, entirely unconcerned.

He looked down at Freya and smiled. "Forget about him. You're absolutely breathtaking in that dress."

"Thank you," Freya answered softly, a gentle blush coloring her cheeks as her eyes sparkled with delight.

Their eyes met and held for just a heartbeat—but in that fleeting moment, everything else faded. The rest of the world faded away as their feelings for each other pulled them closer.

They leaned in, lips only inches apart, on the verge of kissing—when the lights in the auction room suddenly dimmed.

"Thank you all for attending the Drazen family's annual auction," a clear and confident voice echoed through the room. "Without further delay, we shall begin."

As the stage lights focused on the speaker, Alex realized it was none other than Frieda.