Edgar, as he watched the scene, felt the weight of expectations hanging over him. He knew that this was the kind of event that would mark his formal entry into Draconic society, and he could not embarrass Inessa.

His eyes roamed the figures around him, absorbing the details of each person, trying to capture something beyond appearances. His senses were heightened, analyzing the forced smiles, the discreet conversations and the discreet glances that crossed each other.

He could sense that, even among the formal greetings, there was something more behind each interaction, a web of intentions and manipulations that only the most astute could navigate. He wondered, with a slight ironic smile, who there was genuine and who hid behind a mask of cordiality.

"Lady Crimmont... Lady Lumivelo... What a pleasure to see you again tonight..."

Upon entering the hall, the three were immediately approached by an imposing Caprinus, tall and strong, with goat's horns and feet. His hair was black and long, and his formal attire, luxurious and detailed, reflected sophistication.

The man smiled confidently, his posture and gestures conveying the elegance of a true gentleman. He then approached, closing his eyes, and with a slight bow of his head, he joined his palms in front of his chest, in a calm and reverent gesture.

"Hello, Igor, it's a pleasure to see you again." Abigail said, her expression serious, but her response full of cordiality. Inessa greeted him in the same way, also with a brief smile, but her curiosity soon arose.

"Igor, I thought you were in Bordium." She asked, her curious look reflecting a touch of surprise.

"And I really was, but a friend had an unforeseen event and gave up his spot for me. And, of course, I couldn't miss the Torment Fairs for anything in Ruach. A golden opportunity for any merchant looking to expand their business." Igor replied, his muffled, innocent laugh, but with a touch of wit.

"With that speech, it seems like you're insinuating yourself as a small businessman... I remember you having a fleet of five freighters the last time we spoke. Couldn't all this be a strategy to increase your charisma and win favors?" Abigail asked, joking, with a mischievous smile.

"Hohoho, I may be a wolf, but I'm the weakest of the pack, Lady Lumivelo." Igor skillfully dodged the question, smiling in a relaxed manner. "But to be honest, business has been tough this year. Thanax is preparing for the stampedes... They say it will be the biggest in the last 20 years. Oh, times are dark..." He added, with exaggerated, almost theatrical concern.

"And every year they say that..." Inessa interrupted, skeptical and critical. "And in the end, it is always a baseless fuss."

"Prevention is better than cure, Lady Crimmont." Igor smiled, adjusting his posture. "Thanax survives and thrives precisely because it prepares for the worst. Even with the Empress in her advanced years, she never relaxes the reins when it comes to protecting the people..."

"It is truly admirable, I must admit." Abigail agreed, without losing her tone of appreciation, but with a watchful eye. "That moon elf truly deserves her position."

"Anyway, the young man next to Lady Crimmont must be fellow Nexus, Edgar Crimmont, isn't it? A pleasure to finally see the face behind the name that's been circulating around for the past five years..." Igor turned to Edgar, giving the same greeting, but with a smile that seemed to hide more curiosity than courtesy.

"And you are…?" Edgar politely returned the greeting, his gaze curiously on the man in front of him.

"Igor Argen… One of your Lady's business partners." He leaned slightly toward Edgar, now with a touch of intimacy in his voice. "I've heard a lot about you, Young Lord Crimmont. Is it true that you're interested in Aura Beasts? I have access to very rare specimens, an exclusive source."

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"Really?" Edgar replied, his eyes instantly shining with interest. The man had touched a nerve at just the right moment, without hesitation.

"Of course! From Nivispectrus Tiger cubs to Dominus Eagle eggs... Do you know or have you heard of them?" Igor continued, his tone low and mysterious, as if he wanted to seduce Edgar even more with his words.

"Do you have any Umbra Acinonyx cubs?" Edgar asked, his interest evident, his merchant's mind already beginning to formulate ideas.

"Ah, a difficult request... But I'm sure my source can provide it." Igor replied with a smile, with an expression of someone who knew exactly what he was doing. "Would you like one? As a gift for your debut in the Draconic society."

"Hmm... There's no such thing as a free gift, Igor. I wonder what you expect in return for this gift... A business favor? A personal benefit? Or perhaps... borrowed influence?" Edgar, still intrigued, continued to observe the man closely. His distrust was palpable, but the interest was evident in his tone, which denoted a certain caution.

"Hahaha, where are my manners..." Igor laughed, pretending to apologize. "I was rude, Young Lord Crimmont. I apologize for my attitude."

"I didn't take offense, Igor. Don't worry." Edgar replied with a smile that didn't hide the measure of reserve in his expression. "But, in fact, you managed to pique my interest. I will make sure to consider your offer, if you really have what you offer."

"Of course I will." Igor took out a small crystal plate, which looked like an identification card, but was thinner and more compact. "Here it is, my personal AIF. Contact me whenever you wish. Always available for important clients."

Edgar took the tablet with the aura already circulating in his hands, quickly absorbing the information, before putting it in his jacket pocket with a discreet gesture. "I will do so," he said, with a calculated smile.

"Good, I hope you have an excellent evening, Young Lord Crimmont. Lady Crimmont, Lady Lumivelo, I wish you enjoy the auction and have a fruitful meeting. I understand that some interesting items will be up for grabs today…" Igor said, his expression now softer, although his eyes still carried a calculating glint. "I must take my leave now, the night is still young, and there are many people to greet." He gave a Kung Fu salute, Jin Li, with the elegance of a master, before walking away.

"Likewise, Igor. Enjoy the evening," Inessa replied, returning the salute.

"But be careful not to be deceived, Igor. I do not want to hear another sad story at our next business meeting." Abigail, with a slightly sarcastic smile, offered a sincere warning, but with a touch of amusement.

"Thank you for the advice, Lady Lumivelo." Igor smiled back, with a relaxed tone, before turning and heading to a table where three women of different races were seated, ready for the next part of the evening.

As soon as Igor left, Inessa and Abigail resumed their search, their attentive gazes sweeping the room in search of someone in particular. Along the way, they were frequently approached by guests who came to greet them, and, without wasting time, they returned the gestures politely and briefly.

But if there was one thing that was repeated in each of these interactions, it was the attention that fell on Edgar. Everyone who approached made a point of introducing themselves to him, offering him words of congratulations and luxurious gifts.

The admiration in the eyes of the guests was visible. Some studied him with interest, others with curiosity, but all acknowledged his presence in a meaningful way.

It was only after a final greeting that a firm and seductive feminine voice caught their attention.

"Abigail, Inessa, I've finally found you."

The woman approaching was an imposing sight. Tall, slender and full of three sizes, her luxurious dress seemed to have been made to exalt her curves.

Her long black hair framed a thin, bold face, and her eyes carried a shrewd and dominant expression. Every detail in her posture conveyed confidence, seduction and power.

For a brief moment, Edgar found himself unable to look away. The dress, deliberately revealing, barely contained the woman's voluminous curves, and her magnetic presence made her difficult to ignore.

"Kassandra, finally," Inessa said, turning her body to face her. The relief on his face made it clear that he had been waiting for her.

Abigail, on the other hand, did not share the same tone. With a cynical look, she noticed the male figure behind Kassandra—a young man with a soft and discreet appearance, keeping himself slightly hidden, but present enough to be noticed.

"I see you're a little busy, Kassandra…" she said, arching an eyebrow. Kassandra smirked, clearly amused by the comment.

"Ohh, no, no… On the contrary, this is my date for tonight, Helios." She extended her hand to the young man, pulling him forward slightly. "Hahaha, he's a young Ursinus, intelligent and interesting, and a very talented Socius. I ended up meeting him at a pleasure house in Neulorian some time ago… After a few meetings he ended up winning my favor, and I decided to bring him today to bid on some auction item as a gift."

Abigail’s eyes narrowed with a skeptical glint as she observed the boy.

“A talented Socius…? In a pleasure house?”