Third Point of View

  "Any news on the Great Hero?" Kraken inquired, his voice low and gravelly, as he leaned forward in his lavish chair, the opulence of the room contrasting sharply with the darkness of his intentions.

  The personnel shifted nervously, avoiding his penetrating gaze. "We haven't found any trace of him. It's speculated that he left the kingdom a while ago."

  Kraken's lips curled into a smirk, revealing a hint of satisfaction. "And what about the Hennessy family? Any leads there?"

  "Nothing on that front either," the personnel replied, anxiety evident in their tone.

  "Good. So they have no business here after all," he said, a malevolent glint in his eyes. He reveled in the power of knowledge, knowing that the absence of the Hero and the Hennessys meant fewer obstacles for his plans.

  "What's happening with the auction?" he pressed, leaning back and steepling his fingers, a predator relishing its hunt.

  "It's running smoothly as usual; guests are arriving as expected," the personnel answered, trying to sound reassuring.

  "Good. Now you can scream," Kraken commanded, and the personnel scurried out of the room, their relief palpable.

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  As the door swung shut, an elf woman glided into the room, her presence both graceful and sinister. "Like I said, no need to be anxious," Kraken said, his voice dripping with false calm. "Being involved in this is a good thing after all; this is for the good of this kingdom."

  "You really are the King of Trade," she replied, her tone laced with sarcasm as she settled elegantly onto the plush sofa, eyeing him with a mix of admiration and disdain.

  Kraken chuckled darkly. "I may not be as knowledgeable as my aunt, the Queen of Merchants, but her methods are outdated. This approach? It's the easiest way for me to make this kingdom thrive."

  He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Olivia, just make sure that the promised man your husband mentioned arrives. His power will cement our control over the trade routes."

  "Don't be so hostile," Olivia retorted, a flicker of annoyance crossing her features. "When an elf makes a promise, we always ensure it's kept."

  Kraken narrowed his eyes, sensing her hesitation. "Do you doubt our plan? We're on the brink of something extraordinary, Olivia. The promise of that man is our ticket to unrivaled power. Think of the wealth, the influence. This kingdom will bow to us, and all those pathetic heroes and families will be nothing but a memory."

  Olivia's lips curled into a sly smile. "You're right. With him by our side, we can crush anyone who dares oppose us. The Hennessy family, the Great Hero—they'll be nothing more than pawns in our game."

  As she spoke, a shadow crossed Kraken's face, his mind racing with the possibilities of domination and deceit. "Then let's ensure everything goes according to plan. This kingdom will flourish under our rule, and the auction will be our grand showcase. Let them see the true power of trade—manipulation, coercion, and wealth beyond measure."

  Olivia nodded, a glimmer of malice in her eyes. "They'll see it, Kraken. They'll see exactly what we're capable of."