Xiesita herself wasn't present... which was not unexpected in the least.

After all, considering the capabilities and habits of these cult magicians, Ronald hadn't expected much from them at the outset.

Following the cult magician guiding them, named Rees.

Just before 9 o'clock in the evening, Ronald and Costate had successfully arrived at the ambush location.

The situation at the attack site was almost as Ronald had anticipated.

Surrounding the largest lake in Waterfall City, there was a branch office called the Moissanite Chamber of Commerce, strategically located for their operations.

Moreover, because they were preparing for a commercial event tonight.

The area around this office maintained a high density of people, with many continuously going in and out.

Mixed personnel, late hours, and the unique lakeside environment...

These cult magicians had indeed chosen a good spot to take action.

Thinking this, Ronald glanced at Rees by his side.

If Rees had not been called into action tonight, even if these cult magicians started the ambush, they could escape danger quickly by blending into the chaotic crowd or using the nearby lake after being discovered.

The location of the Chamber of Commerce did indeed have a beautiful landscape.

But unfortunately, it also served as an excellent spot for ambushing.

"..."

"Wait here. I'll go in first to survey the area."

Having confirmed the surrounding terrain, Ronald instructed Costate and the cult magician to stay put and then confidently walked toward the Chamber of Commerce building.

When acting alone.

Ronald now found it very convenient to infiltrate somewhere.

He altered his appearance with a spell and controlled the security personnel who checked identities at the door with a command spell.

The entire process was carried out smoothly.

After executing everything perfectly, Ronald entered the crowd inside the Chamber of Commerce without attracting any attention from anyone.

...

Walking further inside.

The situation inside the Chamber of Commerce was not much different from what was visible outside.

The flow of people was sufficiently complex, with everyone visible around participating in the event.

Some were using this opportunity to network and expand their business plans; others were purely there for pleasure, using the occasion to strengthen connections with others; while some were merely making a brief appearance, merely greeting acquaintances they knew, which encompassed their entire social activity.

Since it was still early, Ronald's target for tonight was not present yet.

In line with his initial scouting intentions, after pacing back and forth in the crowd for a while, Ronald gradually figured out the actual situation.

Superficially, the guests coming here tonight were to attend the celebration event of the Moissanite Chamber of Commerce opening new industries in Entrode.

But secretly, it seemed that there was also a hidden auction happening underneath the Chamber, concurrently running with some basic operations during the event.

"Hehe…"

"I knew it, there are always people who want to go underground."

Ronald chuckled and reflected on this.

Facing the phenomenon of 'local customs' again, Ronald continued to wander in the crowd and quickly figured out the entrance to the underground auction.

Compared to the check at the main entrance of the Chamber.

It was much stricter here.

Having three people in different positions, responsible for guarding the entrance. Ronald was also distinctly aware of the considerable magic fluctuations emanating from these three individuals.

—They were not necessarily professionals trained by any major institution.

——At least she could be considered a skilled Caster by now.

"Make way!"

But such guards were no match for Ronald.

Using a spell that kept Magic Fluctuations to a minimum, Ronald instantly took control of the three men. Without alarming anyone, Ronald entered as smoothly as ever.

It was probably because of the trust in the guards.

There were no more complex and unique mechanisms in the Moissanite Chamber of Commerce's underground auction hall.

Like any normal person, he descended several meters down the stairs and after a natural turn,

the hidden mysterious space was revealed in front of Ronald.

Here, a circular corridor filled with people surrounded a large display platform, with luxurious interior decorations, a prestigious crowd, and an air both mysterious and suggestive.

When Ronald entered.

An enticing auctioneer stood on the stage, and in her clear and bright voice, she loudly addressed the guests with concealed faces in the surrounding corridor:

"Ladies and gentlemen, the upcoming lady has a remarkable background!"

"Since the war erupted on the land of Entrode, the bloodline heirs of the former royal family have been disappearing, vanishing forever from this special land. Many have sacrificed their lives, money, and time in the search for these noble bearers of secrets, to no avail!"

"Some say that the former royal family perished in the war; others claim that the demon Lalaye has assassinated all royal members—"

It was a lengthy introduction, after which the auctioneer raised her voice by a pitch:

"But today is different!"

"Our chamber, after countless difficulties, has finally found a member of the former royal family of Entrode. Although this lady is in poor mental state, even as a collectible or as a tool to add noble blood to one's family, she is the most precious commodity on this land!"

The auctioneer paused, then turned and pointed toward the entrance to the backstage.

Ronald saw it clearly.

As the auctioneer made her gesture, lights were immediately directed there to heighten the attention of the participants.

"Please welcome tonight's fourteenth item—Princess Vilarnika!"

"Ah?"

Ronald's face first turned green, then black.

Had there been some mistake?

The princess of the former royal house of Entrode named Vilarnika...

Wasn't she supposed to be at his home in Curpis?

Moreover, Ronald also had an Array to confirm the situation.

Just by verifying casually, you could tell that Vilarnika hadn't left Curpis.

But looking at the girl presented above.

Her beautiful face, graceful figure...

Wait!

Ronald quickly noticed something off.

The person these guys brought out, while indeed resembling Vilarnika in appearance, had subtle differences in body shape and hair care.

So... was this an impersonator?

Understanding everything in an instant, Ronald also recalled the words of the heretic Magician from earlier.

The target for tonight's assassination—Kirill was a core member of the Moissanite Chamber of Commerce and was also involved in human trafficking.

And now it seemed.

These guys weren't just involved in human trafficking but had also maintained fraudulent activities.

God knows where they had found a girl similar in age and appearance to Vilarnika, and after minor adjustments, finally presented her as a product on the stage of tonight's auction!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.