Lein leaned back slowly on the plush sofa provided in the VIP zone, but a subtle discomfort still clung to his body. It wasn't the couch—it was too soft, too luxurious... too exposed.
From what he knew, VIP lounges were supposed to guarantee absolute privacy. Important guests were usually seated in separate chambers, hidden behind impenetrable magical barriers. But here, at the Arcteron Auction, the arrangement was different.
All VIPs—whether high-ranking kings, imperial merchants, or nobles from distant continents—were seated in one open area. No curtains. No partitions. Everyone could see who had arrived, what they looked like, and how their faces reacted to each artifact presented.
They did this on purpose, Lein thought as his eyes swept across the room.
