Strongest Kingdom: My Op Kingdom Got Transported Along With Me

As the final applause fades and the last attendants begin to file out of the grand auction hall, a hush of reverence lingers in the air—like the afterglow of a storm. The chandeliers above still shimmer, catching the flicker of movement below as staff begin their careful cleanup.

Cedric Langston, ever composed, descends from the auction platform and strides through the grand corridors of Silvercrest, a small lacquered case tucked securely under one arm. He passes through velvet-curtained halls and up to the VVIP lounge.

Two guards bow and part without question.

Inside, Alix stands near the tall arched window, bathed in soft amber light. To the others, he appears a young noble of calm presence, his posture refined, his expression unreadable. But beneath the illusion lies something far more monstrous. A predator draped in elegance.

Draya sit next time him, her hands folded neatly in front of her, eyes watching Cedric's approach with interest.

Cedric bows deeply. "Lord Alix," he says with polished formality. "The final accounting, as promised."

Alix turns, his golden eyes glinting faintly in the light. "You've moved quickly, Cedric. That's commendable."

Cedric offers a slight smile and places the case on the ornate table beside them. With a quiet click, he opens it to reveal several neat stacks of golden plaques and platinum slips—high-denomination tokens used for ease of large transactions.

"Nine million gold coins, your total earning from the three items sold," Cedric says smoothly. "Had it been a standard consignment, the auction house would claim ten percent. However—"

Alix lifts his hand and a flicker of prismatic light pulses in his palm. The Diamond Token shimmers into view, floating for a heartbeat before vanishing again.

Cedric bows his head in acknowledgment. "Indeed. As a Diamond Token bearer, your commission fee is reduced to five percent. Thus, four hundred and fifty thousand has been retained by Silvercrest, and the remainder is now yours."

Draya's smile widen slightly at the sound of the final sum, but she says nothing, merely glancing at Alix to gauge his reaction.

Alix closes the case with a soft click, his expression unreadable. "Excellent," he says quietly. "You've handled this with the efficiency I hoped for."

Cedric folds his hands. "It was an honor to present such rare items. The sword, in particular, has created quite the stir. Prince Asdri's purchase will no doubt echo through courtrooms and academies across the continent."

"Let it echo," Alix murmurs. He turns to the window again, eyes casting over the city's glowing skyline. "It'll keep them guessing."

Cedric hesitates, then speaks with mild curiosity, "Forgive me, but may I ask… will there be more?"

Alix doesn't look back. "When the time is right."

The silence hangs, rich and unspoken.

Cedric, sensing no further questions will be entertained, bows once more. "Then I shall take my leave. Thank you again, Lord Alix."

Alix nods once, and with that, Cedric retreats, his footsteps soft against the thick carpet.

The doors of the Silvercrest Auction House swing open, and Alix steps into the night. The soft hum of the city's nightlife pulses through the main avenue, carriages rolling past, noble chatter drifting on the breeze. Draya follows a step behind, her eyes scanning casually but alert as ever.

Alix walks with purpose, the lacquered case in one hand, his monstrous presence carefully veiled behind the elegant silhouette of a young noble. The cold night air brushes his skin—not that it matters. His senses stretch farther than the average human, and even before he fully descends the marble steps, he knows.

They're waiting.

Standing near the edge of the plaza beneath a polished obsidian statue, Prince Asdri and his two companions—Pyke and Famir—watch the entrance closely.

Alix doesn't falter. He descends the final step and walks directly into their line of sight.

Asdri's body stiffens the moment he sees him.

Asdri gaze is locked on Alix. A sudden pulse surges down his spine—cold, sharp, primal. Danger.

His sixth sense. The same feeling that saved his life more times than he can count. The feeling people mock as paranoia. But it has never failed him.

And it screams now.

His breath slows, the hairs on his arms rise.

It's him.

He looks the same—those calm, unreadable cold eyes, the air of effortless control. And the woman beside him. Elegant. Silent. Watching everything.

Asdri inhales slowly, steadying himself. The storm in his instincts quiets, though it never fully fades. He steps forward, offering a smile—polished, princely.

"You carry yourself well," Asdri says, voice smooth now. "I realize we haven't been properly introduced."

Alix halts a short distance from them, his gaze level. "That's true."

Asdri extends a hand slightly, a diplomatic gesture. "I am Asdri, second prince of Valgros. And you are?"

Alix gives the faintest nod in return. "Alix."

Asdri waits a moment, then arches a brow with casual interest. "Alix… of which noble house?"

Alix's smile is faint, almost imperceptible. "Your Highness might not be familiar with my family. We've only recently been granted our title. It hasn't been long enough to make an impression."

Asdri chuckles softly, folding his arms behind his back. "Considering your family can produce items like this sword… I think it won't be long at all."

Alix offers a polite nod, saying nothing more.

Asdri watches him for another moment, then gestures toward the main street. "It's late, but I find myself with an appetite—and a few too many questions. Would you care to join me for a meal, Lord Alix? I know a quiet place nearby. Private."

Alix studies him. The prince hides his wariness well, but it's there, pulsing beneath every word.

He could refuse.

But he's curious.

This prince felt the weight of his presence. And still extended a hand.

Alix glances at Draya. She gives the slightest shrug—neutral.

He looks back at Asdri.

"A meal sounds agreeable," Alix says. "Lead the way."

Asdri smiles, genuine this time. "Excellent."

Shortly after, they arrive at one of the capital's most exclusive restaurants—a towering structure of polished black marble and soft golden lighting.