The black-haired, green-eyed young woman wore a fiery red mage's robe. Her slightly wavy hair fell like a waterfall, its flowing black sheen broken only by a small cluster of half-open red roses pinned above her right ear.
Her smile was as bright as sunlight, and her large eyes, clear as the purest lake water, shone with sincerity.
Hill began to understand why Joshua could never keep the pride off his face when he spoke of this young lady.
But after acknowledging her with a nod, Hill made no other move. He stood still and smiled quietly at her.
Ellie tilted her head, her long hair brushing her exposed collarbone, then gently stepped back. This mage really did seem older. He clearly did not see her as a peer, nor did he intend to follow the noble custom of offering her his right arm.
She would have to be less enthusiastic and more respectful.
Everything about Belfran's bearing showed that he was a High-Tier Sorcerer of noble birth. He could not have failed to understand that, where Ellie stood, she could have taken his arm in the customary noble greeting.
But his attitude was clear: he did not intend to involve himself in Basia City's noble or political affairs.
So Ellie had to treat him according to a mage's customs.
Ellie drew her arms in, placed her right hand over her chest, and bowed her head slightly. "Sage Belfran, please follow me. You are an honored guest of the Ster Family. Under the auction's usual rules, you may inspect today's treasures before they go up for sale."
She immediately retreated two steps, then turned and walked slowly ahead of Hill on his right, keeping her body angled slightly toward him.
This time, Hill followed her in silence toward the magnificent