CHAPTER 145: CH 145: THE AUCTION HOUSE - PART 1

’How weird. I’m more sure than ever now... Lysera’s acting stranger than usual. Is something going on? Why won’t she talk to me?’

Kana felt her heart skip a beat as she watched Lysera walk away. Her instincts screamed at her to reach out, to ask what was wrong, but something inside her made her hesitate.

Her feet felt rooted to the ground, and every time she tried to move toward Lysera, it felt as though something invisible was holding her back.

"Are you worried about Lysera, Kana? You truly are kind. But don’t worry about her. I’m sure she’ll be just fine. She’s just going through a little phase—she needs to grow up a bit."

Irielle’s voice was soft and honeyed as she wrapped her arms around Kana’s waist. Her words carried a sugary sweetness, the kind that wrapped around Kana’s doubts and melted them away like warm sunlight.

But a small part of Kana couldn’t shake her worry for Lysera.

Irielle noticed the lingering unease on Kana’s face and decided to distract her. She gently released Kana’s waist, tilted her head, and then tugged at Kana’s wrist with a playful smile.

"I know what’ll cheer you up. How about we explore the town a little? Since we’re already here, we might as well make the most of it, right?"

Kana didn’t even get the chance to answer before Irielle had already locked the hotel door behind them and pulled her down the lively streets.

"Look! That shop looks like it sells amazing sweets. I think I can even smell them from here. Want to check it out?"

It was the fourth shop Irielle had pointed at in just ten minutes. Her attention bounced endlessly from one thing to the next as she wandered with Kana in tow.

From the moment they stepped out of the hotel, Irielle had seized Kana’s arm and taken full control of where they were going. Kana didn’t mind too much—mostly because she had no idea where they even were at the moment.

Still, the streets felt far busier compared to when they had first arrived.

’The shops here are nice... but a little too small and specific. Suddenly, I miss the convenience of shopping back home.’

In her previous world, Kana could buy anything she wanted with a single click and have it delivered within hours—if she was willing to pay the price. But here, no such luxury existed, at least from what she had seen.

Even with magic, you still had to go out and physically search for everything you needed.

’This place desperately needs an Amazon... or at least some kind of delivery service. Maybe I should suggest making one.’

Kana was too lost in thought to notice the fleeting shadow on Irielle’s face as the elf glanced at her.

Without warning, Irielle tightened her grip and pulled Kana closer. When Kana looked at her, she was met with a bright, almost too-perfect smile that made her uneasy.

"Irielle... what are you doing? I thought we were just looking around—"

Kana’s voice wavered slightly despite her attempt to hide it. Irielle’s beaming expression only made Kana’s stomach twist more.

"We are going to look around. But first, there’s somewhere I really want to visit. While I was researching this town, I read about a famous psychic here who can read the future. I’ve always wanted to try it at least once."

Irielle’s grip on Kana’s arm tightened again, making it obvious she had no intention of letting her go. There was no point resisting. Kana could only follow as Irielle led her toward the mysterious psychic she seemed so determined to find.

Irielle’s eyes lit up as they finally reached the small shop tucked between two stone buildings. A faint, purplish glow leaked out from the cracks of the wooden door, and strange symbols were etched across its frame. Without hesitation, she turned to Kana, her excitement practically radiating.

"This is it! The psychic’s shop I told you about!" Irielle said, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm as she tugged at Kana’s hand. "Come on, let’s go in together."

Kana hesitated for a moment, glancing at the narrow entrance. Something about the place felt... off. The air around the shop was strangely still, as though the rest of the street’s bustling noise had been muted here. But before she could voice her doubts, Irielle had already pulled the door open and stepped inside.

With a small sigh, Kana followed.

The interior was dimly lit, illuminated only by flickering candles placed unevenly along dusty shelves. A faint, herbal scent lingered in the air, mixing with the strange tang of burning incense. As Kana’s eyes adjusted, she noticed glass jars filled with unfamiliar powders, bundles of dried plants hanging from the ceiling, and rows of books so old they looked like they might crumble at a touch.

An uneasy feeling crawled up Kana’s spine. Something about this place felt wrong.

She was about to suggest leaving when, suddenly, the door behind her shut with a sharp click. Kana froze, her hand instinctively reaching for the handle, but it refused to budge.

Before she could speak, a soft, feminine voice echoed from deeper within the shadows of the shop.

"Step inside, children... don’t linger at the door," the voice said, smooth yet unnervingly calm. "Fate has led you both here."

Kana exchanged a quick glance with Irielle, but the elf’s face showed no fear—only growing curiosity.

"See? I told you this place would be interesting," Irielle whispered with a small grin, clearly unbothered by the strange atmosphere. She squeezed Kana’s wrist reassuringly before stepping forward, her boots softly tapping against the wooden floor.

Kana hesitated for just a moment longer, unease twisting in her chest, but eventually followed Irielle deeper into the dimly lit shop, towards the voice waiting for them.

The deeper they went, the heavier the air seemed to grow, carrying a strange, electric tension that made Kana’s skin prickle.

Shadows stretched unnaturally along the walls, and the faint hum of whispered chants drifted from somewhere unseen.

Kana swallowed hard, her instincts screaming at her to turn back—but Irielle kept walking.