Path of the Extra

Chapter 253: Numbers Don’t Bite… Right?

The attention of the paparazzi was so intensely focused on Azriel and Jasmine that none of them noticed the third figure stepping out of the car.

Nol.

Dressed in the same uniform as Azriel, he calmly approached the swarm of cameras. With an innocent grin, he waved brightly at them.

If any of them had been ordinary people, their eyes mightʼve gone blind from the flashes. But none of the three were even remotely normal.

Linked arm-in-arm, Azriel and Jasmine moved toward the entrance. Nol followed a single step behind, slipping quietly into the auction house just as the doors sealed shut behind them.

Silence.

It felt as though they had stepped into another world. The noise from outside was gone—replaced by a deep, sacred quiet that hung in the entrance hall like a veil.

Before they could take another step, a man with tousled orange hair hurried toward them. He wore a clean-cut suit, and though he smiled, the nerves behind it were impossible to miss.

Once in front of them, he stopped and brought his right fist to his chest with a sharp thud, bowing low.

”It is a true honor to welcome you, Princess Jasmine. Prince Azriel.”

Jasmine, still linked with Azriel, glanced at the man with the same cold expression sheʼd worn since stepping out of the car.

”You may raise your head, Lord Oscar,” she said in a voice as smooth and sharp as crystal. ”As thanks for inviting us to todayʼs event, weʼve brought a gift. Feel free to auction it—or do with it whatever you see fit.”

Releasing Azrielʼs arm, she reached into her storage ring and pulled out a small crimson box, presenting it before Oscarʼs eyes.

He hesitated, then carefully took the box from her hands, making sure not to brush against her fingers. With a breath held in his chest, he opened it.

Inside sat a golden ring—elegantly crafted, crowned with a radiant red diamond that pulsed with an inner fire. For a moment, he said nothing. His breath caught. His hands trembled.

Quickly, he shut the box again and exhaled shakily, before bowing deeper.

”I am eternally grateful to receive such a priceless treasure from the Crimson Clan,” he said with sincerity. ”Please, if you will allow me, I would be honored to personally guide you to a private room where you can view the auction in comfort.”

As he dipped his head once more, he couldnʼt resist a glance upward—toward Azriel.

Azriel noticed.

Their eyes met for the briefest moment.

Azriel gave him a tight, practiced smile. The kind that meant nothing. The kind that made Oscar immediately avert his gaze.

ʼ…Well, after today, only someone living under a rock wonʼt know my face anymore.ʼ

This was the first time Azriel had publicly appeared—truly appeared—in front of the world, where every moment was captured, recorded, and shared.

Oscar turned and began leading the way down the corridor.

Azriel made to follow… only to freeze when he felt Jasmineʼs arm slip into his once more.

He looked at her, blinking in surprise.

She offered him a soft smile—and without a word, took the lead.

Azriel sighed beneath his breath, lips curling into a dry, resigned smile as he followed.

Servants passed them in the hallway, halting in place as soon as they recognized the figures walking by. First, they registered Lord Oscar. Then, their eyes widened at the sight of the Crimson Princess. Another heartbeat later, they processed Azrielʼs identity—and finally, Nol, the silver-haired boy trailing silently behind.

Every one of them bowed in silence, stepping to the side as the four passed.

Eventually, they reached their location in silence, with any conversation making the mood a bit awkward.

A door stood before them, sleek and quiet, marked with a golden plaque.

The VIP Room.

Oscar turned around, hands clasped together, that ever-present polite smile still on his face.

”This here is our finest VIP lounge,” he said, gesturing toward the door.

”Please, make yourselves comfortable inside. I hope youʼll forgive me—Iʼll have to take my leave now, as the auction is about to begin. I will be hosting personally tonight.”

”Weʼll be looking forward to it,” Azriel replied with a pleasant smile.

”The entire world seems to have turned its eyes to this auction. I hope it lives up to everyoneʼs expectations, Lord Oscar.”

Oscar blinked, caught off guard by Azrielʼs calm tone, then quickly bowed.

”I assure you, Your Highnesses—today will be a day the world remembers.”

”That it will be,” Azriel replied quietly.

With that, Oscar took his leave.

Nol stepped forward, casually pushing the door open for them.

What greeted them was a room that reeked of wealth and power. At the far end stretched a floor-to-ceiling glass wall, offering a panoramic view of the auction hall below. Dark mahogany floors and rich crimson drapes created a heavy, regal atmosphere. Gold accents glimmered beneath the soft lighting, and plush leather couches were arranged around sleek bidding tablets. A screen embedded in the glass wall displayed a live feed of the podium, already flickering with movement.

To the side stood a fully stocked mini bar. Behind it, a man waited silently.

Azrielʼs eyes narrowed slightly.

ʼ…Thatʼs Oliver. A Master-ranked human.ʼ

As the door closed behind them with a soft click, the man stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

”It is an honor to meet you, Princess Jasmine, Prince Azriel,” he said in a formal tone.

”My name is Oliver. Iʼve been assigned to serve you during your stay. If there is anything you require, please do not hesitate to ask.”

Before Jasmine could respond, Azriel spoke up.

”Weʼll manage just fine on our own, Sir Oliver. You may leave the room. If we need anything, Iʼll make sure youʼre informed.”

Oliver raised his head, caught off guard. His eyes flicked to Jasmine, who remained silent, then to Nol, who gave no sign of acknowledgment either way—his face unreadable.

The man bowed again.

”Very well. Please enjoy yourselves... and happy bidding.”

Without another word, he turned and left, closing the door behind him with a quiet thud.

Once the door clicked shut behind Oliver, silence settled in.

Seeing they were finally alone, Azriel turned to Jasmine.

”You can let go now.”

Jasmine raised her brows, slowly turning her head toward him. Then, without warning, she tightened her grip around his arm and flashed a mischievous smile.

”Donʼt wanna.”

Azriel groaned.

”...What happened to the ice princess?”

She gave an exaggerated huff.

”Why would I show you my cold side, little brother? W-wait... Donʼt tell me youʼre into that sort of thing?”

Azriel stared at her blankly.

”...Youʼre hilarious.”

”Right?” she giggled.

Before he could respond, Nol suddenly leapt from behind, wrapping his arms around Azrielʼs neck in a dramatic hug.

”Wahh, Master! These clothes are way too uncomfortable!” he whined.

”Weʼre finally alone—let me take them off, please!”

”H-Hey—let go, Nol!”

Azriel stumbled under Nolʼs weight, trying to shake him off as the silver-haired boy clung tighter. Jasmine raised a hand to her lips, feigning shock.

”Nol,” she said in a chiding tone, ”Amaya worked hard on our outfits. Just bear with it for today, alright? You wouldnʼt want to hurt her feelings… or do something in public that might ruin our image, right?”

Nol turned to look at her, then pouted and looked away with a dramatic sigh.

”...Using sound logic is cheating, sister.”

Azrielʼs expression was one of pure annoyance.

”Are you done? Let go of me already.”

”Dooonʼt wanna~” Nol sang.

Azriel stared at the two of them in disbelief.

”You two... seriously... haa.”

Dragging himself toward the couch with both Jasmine and Nol still latched onto him, Azriel finally managed to reach the seating area. Only then did the two troublemakers release him and settle down, both wearing annoyingly satisfied smiles.

Azriel slumped into the seat with a sigh, picking up the bidding tablet beside him. He glanced at the number displayed on it—then blinked.

His face paled.

ʼ...666.ʼ

Azrielʼs throat felt dry as he continued staring at the number.

He bit his lip.

ʼIs this a joke? …No, thereʼs no way this is just a coincidence…ʼ

Without another word, he abruptly stood up. Jasmine and Nol both turned to him, confused.

”I need something to drink,” he muttered hoarsely.

Jasmineʼs brows furrowed. The sudden shift in his demeanor wasnʼt lost on her.

”Azriel?”

He didnʼt respond. He simply walked toward the mini bar.

But before he could reach it, a sharp sound shattered the silence.

Glass.

Azriel spun around.

”N-Nol?! What are you doing!?”

Jasmineʼs eyes widened, just as stunned as Azriel, as they both watched Nol standing with the tablet—Azrielʼs tablet—now split clean in half, its pieces hanging uselessly in his hands.

”Nol…?”

The silver-haired boy looked up at him with a completely blank expression.

”Master looked in pain when he saw the number 666 on the tablet,” he said flatly. ”So… if thereʼs no number, thereʼs no pain, right?”

Azriel stared at him for a moment, stunned—then suddenly burst into laughter.

His shoulders shook as a low chuckle slipped out, rising into a full laugh that echoed around the lounge. Jasmine and Nol blinked at him, momentarily stunned.

”What are you even saying, Nol?” Azriel grinned. ”Why would a mere number hurt me?”

”Huh? But—”

”I know youʼve been binge-watching all those ridiculous shows Jasmine keeps recommending,” Azriel interrupted, shooting a mock-accusatory glare at his sister, who swiftly looked away, avoiding eye contact. ”But thereʼs a difference between fiction and reality, you know.”

Nolʼs eyes widened as if the stars had just aligned in his head.

”OHH! That makes sense. As expected of Master!” he said, nodding solemnly like a disciple hearing divine truth.

Jasmine gave the two of them a long, deadpan stare.

At that exact moment, the massive screen built into the glass wall flickered to life.

Oscar appeared, stepping onto the podium and walking up to the microphone with theatrical flair.

”Ladies and gentlemen!” his voice boomed, smooth and confident, ”Welcome to a night of elegance, excitement, and extraordinary treasures here at Auction House Cake!”

He gave a flourishing bow.

”Iʼm Oscar—your charismatic host, master of the gavel, and conductor of tonightʼs unforgettable spectacle! I do hope youʼve all been saving up—because by the end of this event, your wallets might just be empty… but your hearts full!”