The auction had ended one hour ago.
But even before the final seal was declared, the promised announcement was made.
Aurevia, ever composed, stepped forward onto the stage. Her voice rang out with professional clarity—clear, resonant, confident.
"As promised, to all esteemed guests, the Emberdrop Pavilion will be releasing exclusive rights to its signature recipes in an auction to be held here, two months from today. The auction will take place in this same venue."
The moment the words left her lips, waves of excitement and speculation swept through the crowd. To some, it was a strange announcement—an auction of recipes.
But to the wise, to those who had tasted the Pavilion's creations and felt the subtle surges of mana through even the simplest dish, they understood.
This wasn't just cuisine.
It was arcane gastronomy. A fusion of cultivation and culinary mastery.
Then the lights dimmed. Aurevia offered her final bow.
The auction was over.
***
