"By the way, Master," Lily asked, her voice light as she sipped from her teacup, "what's your plan for the upcoming auction?"
Ace paused, giving it a moment of thought. "Honestly, Lily… I don't think we should be attending such an event. It's pointless."
Lily instantly pouted. "What? But Master… you're the sect master! Our sect barely has any disciples. How are we supposed to run things smoothly with just two per elder? We need to assert dominance and recruit for helpers!"
She leaned forward, voice turning dramatic. "We don't even have enough people to assign basic chores! It's tragic!"
Ace gave her a slow stare. "That's not why."
Then, tilting his head with a teasing glint, he added, "Also, if you just acted a little friendlier with the people from the Fairy Pavilion Sect, maybe we could recruit some of their disciples to help out around."
Lily's eyes lit up with revelation. "Wait! Master... don't tell me… Is that why you've been acting so friendly with them lately?"
