My New Life in TBATE

The Second Auction House

A couple weeks has passed since I've returned, and most of it has been spent helping Vincent and Reynolds in preparation for the next auction house event. This will be the 2nd one that I've attended with everyone, though this got me thinking. How come the Leywins hadn't been in the private box with the Helstea's before the time Arthur was there?

I found myself thinking this more and more as I found that I've messed with the timeline a bit. Because at the moment the royal family just entered the room, and the Leywins are sitting in the row of seats in front of me. I shake these thoughts from my head as it's too much of a bother to worry about something such as this.

A couple guards entered first before the King, then queen, then finally Curtis and Kathyln before another few guards stepped in while 2 stayed outside the door. I hadn't seen that guard that tries to get Sylvie from Arthur yet, so I can only assume he hasn't joined the guards yet.

My and Kathyln's eyes meet and her statuesque face breaks momentarily into a smile and I return one of my own. I see her tug the sleeve of her mom's dress and wring her hands as she asks her something. Priscilla's eyes dart towards me with a mischievous grin and she gives a nod. Kathyln brightened once more and she quickly stepped to where I was.

"May I sit beside you for the auction?" She asks and I notice that her voice doesn't carry the same timidity it did a year ago when talking to me. I give her a smile as I slide down so she can have the edge seat.

"Please do, Princess." Hearing my voice speak to her brought the faintest of blushes, but it was gone as soon as it appeared as she sat down. Hands layer upon her lap and her back as straight as board.

"Thank you." She said while turning her head to face, and I give her another smile.

"You're most welcome." Was my reply and just past her I could see the royal family looking this way. Specifically Curtis and Blaine as Priscilla only snuck the occasional glance with a smile on her face. I could never tell if she found the situation comical or she was happy for Kathyln. Maybe it was both?

"I actually have a present for you, though I must admit I didn't pick it up from my travels but actually here in Xyrus." I said as reached for a box beside me, I could see her eyes widen and she turned her body to face me even more. I could see the anticipation flooding her body, though I'm not quite sure how much a girl, a Princess, no less will appreciate my gift.

She seemed to be too excited to speak so I didn't waste anytime and handed her the box. She carefully lifted the lid to find a bright blue almost icy colored mask in the box, this one looked like a normal mask compared to the one I wear as Rez. This one has facial features as well as normal eye, nose and mouth opening. She looked confused at it, then looked to me.

"I'm very thankful for the gift, but are you saying I need a mask." She asked cautiously

"Yes." I could see her face start to frown at that before I quickly continued.

"But not for the reason you think." I clarified, and her face went back to confusion as she looked at the mask again. Finally realization dawned on her, and she looked back to me with sparkling eyes before gently grabbing the mask and putting it on. The mask was again made by Gideon, and uses the wearers innate mana even if they don't have a core yet. Everyone has the smallest amount of mana within their bodies.

I also added my own bit of sound magic into the mask for her, so it changes her voice to slightly more mature sounding voice.

"This is amaz- Wha-? My voice?!" She looked from side to side and felt her ears before looking to me. The eyes in this mask did not black out the eyes like my Rez mask, so I could see the confusion evident.