Chapter 240 - Relationship progress

    (3rd Person POV)@@@@

    As Firfel looked at Arthur, her mind raced with possibilities. With his status as a famous filmmaker, he most definitely has enough influence to be invited by Alicorn Auction, she concluded.

    Feigning ignorance, she tilted her head. "Alicorn Auction? Can''t say I''ve heard of it." She paused, then added, "What sorts of things do they auction?" Her question was a careful probe, an attempt to discern whether Arthur had indeed received an invitation.

    Arthur confirmed her suspicions with his next words. "I hadn''t heard of them before either," he admitted, "but I recently received an invitation. Apparently, they''re quite an influential auction house, known for being highly selective in their guest list. Only those with significant power and influence make the cut."

    He continued, "From what I gathered, they specialize in auctioning off creatures suitable for forming pacts, like wyverns."

    Firfel schooled her features into an expression of surprise, as if this were the first time she''d heard of such a thing. "Hmm... They do sound like a big deal."

    Nodding, Arthur took a bite of his fried rice before responding. "Definitely. And get this—they only hold auctions once every three years. That''s how exclusive they are."

    Humming thoughtfully, Firfel speared a piece of tender Japon beef, savoring the rich flavor before posing her next question. "So... Are you planning to attend?" She kept her tone casual, despite already having a strong inkling of what his answer would be.

    "Absolutely," Arthur confirmed, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "How could I pass up the opportunity to potentially own a wyvern or maybe even..." He paused for dramatic effect. "A dragon?"

    This time, Firfel''s surprise was genuine, her eyes widening. "A dragon? They''re actually auctioning off those magnificent creatures?"

    Arthur sighed, a mix of excitement and concern in his expression. "Yes, unfortunately." He elaborated, "As much as I''d love to have a dragon of my own, I recognize them as intelligent, noble beings. Part of me wants to attend the auction simply to purchase one and set it free."

    Firfel furrowed her brow. "But then how would you be able to call it your own?"

    "Well," Arthur explained, "I would let the dragon choose. If it wished to stay with me, I would be honored. But if it desired freedom, I wouldn''t stand in its way."

    A warmth blossomed in Firfel''s chest at Arthur''s words. As an elf, she had always held a deep affection and respect for all creatures, and Arthur''s compassionate approach resonated with her own values.

    Her mind drifted back to the incident three years prior when Arthur had gone out of his way to liberate a herd of elephants from the clutches of marauding orc tribes. His kindness and bravery had only served to deepen her admiration for him.

    With a playful grin, Arthur raised his hand. "And none of it would have been possible without my contributions," he reminded her.

    Rolling her eyes, Firfel shook her head. "Yes, yes, I''m well aware," she acknowledged, her gaze settling on the camera in Arthur''s hand, the Hellfire and Impact logos prominently displayed.

    It had only been a few weeks since Arthur''s company, Hellfire, had entered into a partnership with Impact, solidifying their presence in the camera industry.

    Almost unconsciously, Firfel voiced her thoughts aloud. "It''s no wonder you''ve been invited to such a prestigious auction house. With the wealth you''re accumulating from your various business ventures, they''re undoubtedly eager to secure a chunk of your fortune."

    Arthur chuckled, nodding in agreement. "I couldn''t agree more." Then, catching Firfel off guard, he added, "Speaking of the auction, I''m planning to attend, and I''d love for you to join me. What do you say?"

    Firfel''s eyes widened in surprise. "What? You want to invite me?"

    "Absolutely," Arthur confirmed with a nod.

    Hesitation crept into Firfel''s voice. "I''m not sure I have the funds to participate," she admitted.

    "Don''t worry about that," Arthur assured her, his smile warm and genuine. "I''ll cover the expenses for you." Seeing her uncertain expression, he added, "I might even buy you a unicorn while we''re there if you''d like."

    A soft laugh escaped Firfel''s lips. "I hope you won''t come to regret that offer," she teased.

    Arthur''s smile only grew. "Never," he promised. "The auction is set to begin in a few days, so make sure you''re prepared."

    Firfel nodded, a thought suddenly occurring to her. "If it''s alright with you, could I invite Shafel to join us as well?" she asked, hoping to use her friend''s presence as a buffer for her own conflicting emotions.

    Stroking his chin, Arthur considered her request. "I was hoping it could be just the two of us, but if it would make you happy, then by all means, invite him along."

    "Thank you," Firfel said, her smile genuine and appreciative.

    With their plans settled, Arthur and Firfel bid each other farewell, Arthur driving her home before returning to his own mansion.

    As he settled into his room, Arthur''s thoughts turned to his followers, particularly the filmmaker Levi Strauss. He had recently learned that Levi''s film had been accepted into an indie film festival, a development that pleased him greatly.