Through the gate, Rowan and I go to Jack and Jill's auction shop right away. It looks like a small dark-colored shop at a dead end with minimum exposure or lighting, pinched between other two tall buildings. From the outside, it looks pretty ruin and old, the windows are bunged up of thick dust and the wall paint is chipped. But you will be surprised when you enter this shop, it’s brand new inside. The interior is minimalist yet looks modern, it’s bright with comfortable room temperature and sweet aromatics fragrant. It isn’t super big but looks quite spacious and tidy where several display cabinets lining along the wall.

“How can I help you?” a familiar voice comes behind the desk, where someone with white long sleeves shirts and a gray vest is sitting there. His slender body leaning on a wooden chair, facing towards our direction with his two eyes under thick eyeglasses. His eyes look a bit dejected and it's clear to see his eyes bags behind that thick glasses.

It’s Jack who run one of Steins' family businesses (this store) for years with his husband, Jill, the youngest brother of Steins family. Yes, that powerful Steins family, the one who has the power to control this city.

“Hey Jack, Long time no see! How is Jill’s condition these past days? I heard he was sick?” Rowan said.

“.... Hopefully good, I think, I believe he can move around happily doing what he wants now.

What kind of items do you bring this time, Rowan?” Asked Jack trying to change the topic

Jack is looking toward Rowan’s grey bag with a curious look. Rowan then pulled up several pieces of makeup that he found before and give them to Jack for examination.

"Interesting... never thought that you might give me something valuable than all that rubbish you've given to me," said Jack

After a while, Jack moves back behind the cashier and take a huge sum of money, enough to have a nice dinner in the bar and buy other luxury things.“Take it, and leave…. I give some extra money as a bonus, for a little bit of luck, since I’ve been struck with bad luck nowadays.” Jack said.

“Wait, I don’t need this, you can take this money back… actually what I need is something else. I want you to provide me with a nice outfit you can find in this city. The outfit that usually worn by official or nobles.“ Rowan Said. “Hmm... I didn’t ask you where do you get that makeup since it isn’t my business. But let me ask this, why do you need that kind of outfit?” Jack becomes curious.

After hesitating a bit, looking around, and becoming more cautious, Rowan then put his hand into his pocket. He pulled out a gold-colored pin from the brown jacket he wore, no... more likely a real gold.

“This, I think you already know what it is”. Rowan said while showing it to him.

“Interesting….. How do you get that? No one from cordville could ever hold that valuable pin. People could kill each other for that. If my guess is correct, it’s a pin that is being used by the official, it has several functions aside as a badge to show authority. I believe it is used by officials to judge people's sin, moreover, it's a permit to access certain restricted areas here. I don’t even know what does it look like, only heard some rumors about it from Jill and his family, that talk highly about that place. Now I know why you need some nice outfits... Of course, you need to look alike any other official, for the guard to pass you through the gate.” Jack said.

“Correct, if not, they will probably assume me to steal the pin and won't let me in. That’s the reason why I only show it to you because you’re the only one I can trust. I think you do not have any desire to move out. You are pretty settled with things here, living with Jill and such, running this store...” Rowan said.

“….. hmm... Got it…. Give me 1-2 hours to prepare everything. I need to ask Jill to bring several outfits here from his family wardrobe, I get exactly what you need.” Jack said.

"Then... We're going back later. I need to fill my stomach in the bar next street. We'll come again later." answered Rowan.

Rowan asked me to follow him to the bar, just like he promised, he will treat me to a nice meal and drink today. It could be a great memorable day, but, little did I know, it’s a tragic farewell party for Rowan and me.