Lackey's Seducing Survival Odyssey

Chapter 1617: Welcome to Amara Rosavere’s Auction, esteemed rulers of the empires.

Soon, rulers of empires arrived at the Rosavere Pvt. Company, where they were received with a grand, meticulously orchestrated welcome one by one.

At the forefront, Julian himself stood at the entrance, flanked by servants in vibrant ceremonial attire. Their garments shimmered with embroidered patterns, and trays of fragrant petals and sparkling wine rested in their hands.

With composed authority and a measured smile, he stepped forward to receive the first guest.

”Welcome, Emperor Kaelen Darkfang. Rosavere extends its highest honour to your presence today.”

BOB!

BOB!

Clap!~Clap!

Balloons burst overhead, scattering fine glitter that caught the light like falling stardust, while servants applauded in unison, their smiles wide and perfectly trained.

The onyx-haired man, strikingly handsome in layered royal garments threaded with obsidian accents, gave a slight nod that carried both acknowledgement and quiet dominance.

Behind him followed his mother, a woman of fierce bearing, her reddish-black hair cascading like embers along her back. Her sharp gaze swept the hall as they moved forward.

A servant stepped ahead with a respectful bow and guided them toward the auction chamber on the ground floor, where a long stretch of red carpet led inward like a ceremonial path.

On either side, rows of servants and guards lowered their heads in synchronised reverence.

Next,

”Welcome, Archpriestess. May this gathering be worthy of your divine presence.”

BOB!

BOB!

Clap!~Clap!

Julian bowed deeper this time, clasping his hands with visible reverence.

His gaze lingered for a brief moment on the gray-haired beauty before him.

She wore a warm white robe, delicately embroidered with golden floral patterns that shimmered faintly. Though her aura radiated divinity and calm authority, the natural allure of her form refused to be concealed beneath the flowing fabric.

Behind her stood a crimson-haired woman with a sturdy, well-built frame. Her eyes wandered with curiosity, scanning every detail of the hall, the guards, the wealth, as though stepping into such grandeur for the very first time.

The Archpriestess offered Julian nothing more than the briefest glance.

Without a word, she continued forward. Another servant stepped in seamlessly, bowing low before guiding her and her companion toward the chamber beyond.

”Welcome, Princess Aqualina Naiadia. Your presence brings distinction to this evening’s gathering.”

BOB!

BOB!

Clap!~Clap!

The woman who entered carried herself with composed authority. Draped in elegant purple garments that flowed with luxury, she moved with deliberate grace. Her cold eyes settled on Julian, studying him for a fleeting moment before she inclined her head slightly.

”It has been quite some time, Julian Rosavere.”

Julian’s eyes widened as he was surprised to know this woman knew about him... well, it was not as though he was shocked at being forgotten.

Rather, decades ago, he had indeed been widely known, his name recognised everywhere, until his granddaughter took over the company, and he gradually faded into the background, and only old people would know his face.

Younger and New Generation... they didn’t even know his name.

So yeah, he was kind of shocked to know this generation Aqualina remembered him.

Julian lowered his gaze respectfully, a faint, controlled smile forming as he responded.

”It is a rare honour that Your Highness remembers a humble man long withdrawn from the stage. Rosavere remains grateful for your presence today.”

Aqua’s lips twitched, ’Humble? This man nearly scammed the previous Arcane King; the Emperor of Naiadae...’

She exhaled softly, smoothing her expression into something far more pleasant, a polite smile that carried just enough warmth to pass as courtesy.

”If you are here welcoming guests, then I presume your granddaughter is the one who discovered the artifact capable of being used against the invaders?”

Julian’s chest lifted slightly with pride as if the words themselves fed his stature.

”Indeed, Princess. Just like your mother, Her Majesty, your perception remains as sharp as ever. May I ask why Her Majesty chose not to attend this auction?”

His aged face tilted with curiosity, though his eyes carried a glint of calculation beneath the politeness.

Aqua’s smile vanished as if erased.

”Do you have a problem with me being here, Mr. Julian Rosavere? Or... is my presence insufficient for your Rosavere Company?”

!!

Julian’s composure shattered for a brief, dangerous second. Sweat gathered instantly along his temples, his throat tightening as he forced a hurried bow.

”Of course not, Princess. I am truly honoured to have you here. I would never—”

”So you are not happy with my mother?”

”...”

Julian froze, his expression blank for a heartbeat too long.

”P-Please, Princess, I was merely being courteous. I did not intend to question royalty in any manner. If my words caused offence, then I sincerely—”

”I am just teasing you... Haha...”

Julian’s own lips twitched, the strain evident as he forced a polite expression back into place.

Without wasting another breath, he gestured subtly to the servants.

They moved immediately, bowing low as they guided the Princess toward the inner chamber.

Only after her figure disappeared did Julian allow himself to exhale.

’Ah... a daughter exactly like her insufferable mother,’ he thought bitterly.

As the memories of a dangerous woman popped into his mind... Misty Purple cold eyes, the day she had him thrown out of the gambling house he built under the previous Emperor’s command, the ruthless way she had it torn down without hesitation.

Julian inhaled slowly, steadying himself. He drew out a kerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead with elegance, though his fingers betrayed a faint tremor.

His gaze shifted to the clock.

”Only three have arrived on time... the other two...”

A quiet sigh slipped through his teeth as his brows pressed together.

He remained at the entrance, waiting for the rulers of the Void and Pyra Empires to appear.

Minutes stretched, each second tightening the knot in his chest.

If the delay continued, it would not only disrupt the auction but stain the reputation of Rosavere itself.

”Yes, the time was clearly given... it is they who failed to arrive. This cannot be our fault...” he muttered under his breath, convincing no one but himself.

With a sharp turn, he strode back toward the auction chamber, dismissing the servants stationed along the path with a flick of his hand.

They dispersed instantly, leaving the corridor eerily quiet.

The chamber doors opened.

Crystal lights from chandeliers shimmered above, reflecting across polished surfaces, while soft murmurs and the faint clink of glass lingered in the air.

Julian’s gaze swept across the room, then halted.

Four individual tables were occupied.

”Wait... four?”

A frown creased his face as he stepped forward, his eyes narrowing.

At the first table sat a blurred figure, its presence distorted as though reality itself refused to define it.

Besides that, Emperor Kaelen and his mother occupied their seats with composed authority.

Further along rested an empty, exquisitely crafted central seat.

Then came the Archpriestess and her companion, and finally, at the end, Princess Aqualina sat alone.

Julian’s breath hitched almost imperceptibly.

He knew that distorted presence.

There was no mistaking it.

Empress Bloody Mary.

Yet he had not seen her arrive.

’Then how did she get here?’

He was not alone in his confusion.

The Archpriestess’s calm gaze lingered a fraction longer than usual. Kaelen’s eyes hardened slightly. Even Aqualina’s composed expression carried a faint crease of displeasure.

None of them had granted permission for the Void Empire to enter their domains so freely.

And yet, she sat there.

As if she owned it!

’She was here before us...’ Kaelen thought with a frown as he glanced at Julian, ’Did they brought the staffs?’ his frown deepened.

If so... he needed to take action and remove any bugs near the teleportation stations.

They couldn’t have any errors on this part, especially after the so-called trading was established.

They had to be even more strict.

Anyway, Julian drew in a quiet breath, forcing his thoughts back into order.

’Whatever the method... she is here. The only empire yet to arrive is Pyra.’

A faint, knowing curve touched his lips.

He could already imagine their reasoning.

Prideful dragons, convinced of their own invincibility, believing they required no alliance, no assistance.

And yet, even they would eventually learn.

And it made sense to him, after all... even Julian, in his prime, had been unable to secure an audience with the Dragon Emperor, a ruler who refused to meet anyone of his standing.

That failure alone had cost Julian a significant portion of his cash flow.

In fact, the Rosavere company had established full control over their shops across four empires... even Bloody Mary had agreed to their contract.

It’s been going like that for 1000s of years.

However, everything changed after the new Dragon Emperor emerged and opened his market to the world.

Even then, Rosavere was still unable to firmly establish their name within that empire, as strict policies continued to restrict external companies from entering and disrupting their internal systems.

Instead, Rosavere adapted, dealing primarily in the transportation of goods and services within those borders.

Still, it remained an undeniable feat that Amara Rosavere had achieved on her own... she had managed to persuade the Supreme General to get access to it.

”Arrh... how long must I wait? It’s rather boring, you know~”

Suddenly, Empress Mary’s voice cut through the chamber, laced with clear annoyance as she stretched lazily in her seat.

’I was hoping to see my new son... but it seems he has no interest in such things. How disappointing... Mommy misses you, dear son~’

Her thoughts drifted dangerously close to tears before her attention snapped toward the others.

Several pairs of eyes were already fixed on her.

”Pff... what is that look? Do you wish to fight, punks? Even without my powers, I could still handle all of you.

You are far too young to challenge me~”

”...”

The air thickened with provocation.

Just as the tension was about to escalate further, when,

”Please forgive me for the delay.”

A soft yet authoritative voice entered the chamber.

All attention shifted.

A chubby woman dressed in refined grey garments stepped inside, her long skirt flowing gently with each step, soft heels tapping lightly against the polished floor.

In her hand, a delicate fan rested, moving with quiet elegance as she advanced. As she passed Julian, she cast a brief glance toward her grandfather, nothing more than a fleeting acknowledgement.

Julian frowned at first, but the expression melted almost instantly.

His gaze shifted past her... landing on the handsome man walking just behind.

A quiet, genuine smile spread across Julian’s face as he stepped back, allowing himself to fade into the dim edges of the chamber.

From the shadows, he watched them both... his granddaughter, and the man who would soon become his grandson-in-law, shaping something far greater than he ever could.

Pride swelled within him!

So much so that his vision blurred, and he quietly wiped the tears from his eyes.

The woman stepped forward, then bowed gracefully, holding the hem of her dress.

”Welcome to Amara Rosavere’s Auction, esteemed rulers of the empires.”

Beside her, Henry followed with a respectful bow, his wide smile carefully maintained.

Amara Rosavere lifted her gaze, scanning the room. Every guest was seated exactly as she had instructed her servants...

Except one.

The empty seat at the centre.

Her brows knit for a brief moment.

Her gaze moved across the room, from Kaelen... to Liora... to Sera and her companion... then to Aqualina... and finally settled on Mary.

’Just as I expected... he truly hates me.’

The thought passed quietly, carrying a faint trace of disappointment beneath her composed exterior.

Amara straightened, her expression returning to one of calm authority.

”Since all present guests have arrived, shall we begin the auction without any further delay?”

***

Outside the company building...

ssshh~

A lone figure stood before the grand entrance, his expression flat, almost insultingly unimpressed as he stared at the empty entrance, where not even a mosquito was flying.

”...”

”Seriously? I was only a tiny bit late, and no one waited? Not even one person?”

Victor’s voice rose in disbelief, as though he had been deeply wronged.

”How dare they!”

He crossed his arms, utterly convinced of his own righteousness, despite arriving late to the most important gathering of empires.