The guard lowered his head once more before quietly withdrawing from the private gallery.
Only after the doors closed did another knock sound from outside.
"Enter."
The doors opened once again.
This time, it was the manager of the auction house.
Behind him, four security officers carefully carried a reinforced security case, while another attendant followed with a smaller velvet-lined case in his hands.
The manager bowed respectfully.
"Mr. Volkov. Congratulations on acquiring the Mad Vale's Manual and the jade bracelet."
With a fingerprint scan and two separate keys, the locks on the reinforced case disengaged one after another with a series of soft clicks.
The lid was carefully lifted.
Resting upon black velvet lay the ancient manuscript.
The attendant carrying the smaller case
