I clenched my fists.

What would come next…

“The next item up for auction is the Rosewood Arboretum.”

Exactly what I had set my sights on!

As soon as the announcer finished speaking, people let out sighs. The atmosphere suggested they thought the arboretum was a waste of time to auction off.

‘These fools.’

Buried underground in the arboretum was gold. Lots of it. Enough to fund the creation of a midsize company if sold.

I intensely stared at the announcer, putting all my strength into it.

Yet, I thought there wouldn’t be a need to bid too earnestly.

Just as I was about to raise my paddle, considering the price, that’s when it happened.

“Bidder number 13, 10 gold!”

Someone had already placed a bet?

It was even a girl’s voice. Definitely not an adult’s.

‘Who else but Melodia would want this arboretum?’

I turned my head slightly.

Like a little hedgehog with its spines up, menacingly.

The one who bid on the arboretum was, surprisingly, Nun Gabrielle.

She had already heard many stories from Melodia before coming here.

‘It was so hard to get in as bidder number 13. And she has to be number 1.’

Gabrielle was grappling with subtle feelings of defeat. Moreover, beside her was undoubtedly Acid. Ted had abandoned her, and even the healer had sided with Cien.

What exactly was so great about him?

Recalling the letter from Melodia, Gabrielle ground her teeth.

Your conduct has been highly disappointing.

Firstly, you should visit the .

Buy everything you like there. Budget around 100 gold. I’ll be observing your taste in items.

We’ll decide what to do with you afterward.

In one week, we’ll be leaving for the Vatican.

That’s when I’ll be officially appointed as a Holy Maiden.

Please don’t disappoint me then.]

Gabrielle desperately wanted to win the arboretum. Melodia was fond of plants.

But she thought it wouldn’t be a big deal if she couldn’t get it. It didn’t look that impressive anyway.

However, the opponent was Cien Mirmode.

‘This time, I absolutely won’t lose.’

Gabrielle thought of her budget, 100 gold. She would use all of it if she had to, to secure that seemingly worthless arboretum. Would Cien Mirmode really pay more than 100 gold?

The auctioneer who had glanced at Gabrielle spoke.

“Any more bids?”

But… Cien Mirmode looked at her and then opened his mouth indifferently.

“Number 1! 101 gold.”

Just like that, right up to 101 gold…!

Frustrated, Gabrielle trembled with anger.

She knew nothing major would happen if she couldn’t buy a mere arboretum.

And she also knew that Cien was a fool for buying it with that much money.

‘Idiot. Spending 101 gold on that arboretum!’

Though she tried to console herself with that thought…

Still, she had lost out on the arboretum to Cien Mirmode due to a lack of funds.

She bit her lip. This was another infuriating point.

“Any more bids?”

The auctioneer looked down at Gabrielle. But she had no more money. If she spent any more, Melodia might get angry.

How could this happen?

She had lost again.

To that annoying brat, Cien Mirmode!

‘I swear, you wretched girl! I will kill you.’

Soon, when Melodia arrives and becomes the Holy Maiden, crushing someone like Cien Mirmode will be as easy as stepping on an ant.

She had heard warnings that Matthias Mirmode was dangerous.
If Melodia becomes a saint, they’re finished.

According to Lady Melodia, the Mirmod family is doomed by prophecy.

Soon, my status will differ from Cien’s as much as earth from heaven.

Gabriele’s pentup anger reached Cien once again after her defeat.

The total amount came to 101 gold, and thus I acquired the arboretum.

I didn’t originally intend to bet 101 gold.

‘Luckily, there is a week’s grace period after receiving the goods for the payment.’

I had to frantically dig for gold bars for a week.

My shoulders felt a bit heavy, but it was a relief that I had purchased the arboretum.

Then, Acid spoke softly to me.

“That 13th participant is Saint Gabriele.”

“Huh?”

My eyes widened.

‘Gabriele, I’ve been running into her a lot lately.’

I didn’t know someone who could make such a fierce expression.

Given that she had separated Ted and Acid, her character didn’t seem that great.

‘Like the relationship between Mirmod and the temple, it seems I’ve become her enemy.’

But more importantly,

‘Gabriele suddenly showing up at this auction differs from the original work. My actions have definitely altered the original storyline.’

From now on, I thought, it’s not just the original story I should rely on.

I grinned broadly and enjoyed the arboretum auction.

Only then did I hear the sound of people laughing. Most of it was derisive laughter.

“Is it because she’s a little noble lady?”

“She has no idea about land prices.”

Those who were completely ignorant of the gold buried in the land continued to mock.

“Does the arboretum look pretty to you?”

“Spending 101 gold on something so trivial.”