The confusion disappeared, with everyone now looking like lunatics who would even sell out their families to acquire the armor.
Who wouldn't want to gain a few extra years of life?
Even the lounges, which had somehow managed to remain calm, erupted when they heard the confirmation.
They hadn't acted like the nobles below, with them already suspecting that such an item couldn't be so simple.
What Derrick hadn't expected, however, was the reaction it'd trigger.
In a near unanimous vote, the VIPs ordered the investigation of the faction selling the goods. They tolerated the other items, but things that could extend lifetimes were simply too valuable to let go. They would get their hands on the craftsman no matter what.
However, and to Derrick's great fortune, Brigand had anticipated such reactions. It was time to enact the countermeasures.
When she saw things going exactly as expected, Jacqueline promptly made an announcement.
"Dear guests, there is also a note left by the seller. If people inquire about his identity, he'll simply never present such goods again. He knows about their value, which is why he prefers giving you a friendly warning first. Finding him would net you no benefit at all. This item will also be pulled from the auction if his wishes aren't respected"
The pressure in the room, which hadn't yet reached its climax, increased.
The seller was either courageous or stupid. They were Terra's most powerful organizations, which meant they were the ones giving orders, not the other way around.
However, in this situation, everyone knew that if the other party vanished, they wouldn't have another opportunity to buy these products.
They were sure the quality offered right now was top secret within the Krakow Empire, meaning that normally, they wouldn't be able to obtain such things.
While grumbling and expressing their frustration, everyone stopped and recalled their spies. They would have to at least wait at the end of the event before acting.
Meanwhile, Derrick sat in his chair, sweating bullets. He hadn't considered the aftermath, and he would have to sincerely thank Brigand for his foresight.
It was still way too early to be a known entity in the Empire.
"Now that everything has been said and explained, let's begin. The price is set to 1000 gold coins!"
The Army Consortium could only bow in defeat.
Their harvest had been plentiful, with the two previous sets in hand, but they had to say they would gladly exchange them for the one currently on stage. They would have to ask for more funds next time around.
"3000"
Right off the bat, the first bid was spectacular, tripling its original value. The bidder was the Jewel Company.
They had finally bared their fangs. A starting bid this high raised some eyebrows, but the other VIPs knew its true value laid in the fact that the item didn't have a cap.
In other words, the armor grew with its wielder!
"4000"
"5000"
"6000"
The back and forth seemed to detach itself from reality.
The bids were now so high that people could only look from the ground, awestruck by what appeared to be the pinnacle of society.
Of course, it was indeed the top, but only from this region.
As for Derrick, he wasn't surprised by these new heights anymore.
After the last bid, he had realized his hands were made of gold. If he stayed careful and maintained his cover, he would be Akata's bank until it could be self-sufficient.
"8000"
It was the Merchant's Association's bid, and it seemed that nobody else would be able to top it. It was the first time an auction had generated such ludicrous amounts, and the event would surely be the talk of the city.
Derrick would have to leave tomorrow night, or he'd start to face intense scrutiny. He wasn't so naive as to believe that Brigand was omnipotent. He had simply bought him enough time to leave unarmed.
Jacqueline called the final transaction and bid farewell to the audience, saluting the now sour parties that couldn't get their hands on what they coveted.
Derrick calculated his gains and almost chocked on his saliva. He had earned a staggering 12 892 gold coins!
The amount was simply unfathomable, but that also made him more excited for tomorrow's shopping spree!
***
> Merchant's Association's Lounge
"Investigate the party with our best spy. I don't want them to suspect a thing. If we lose the lead on such a talented craftsman, I'll personally hold you accountable"
The fat man gave a sinister look to the bowing soldier in front of him, who gulped in response before hurriedly leaving.
***
> Jewel Company's Lounge
"Try appealing to Brigand first and see if he'll give us the information. If not, I want a profile on every participant. If we can recruit someone this talented, our company won't only be limited to this region"
The graceful and mature madam patted the shoulder of the young man next to her, who nodded. He would succeed in the task, no matter what.
***
> Army Consortium's Lounge
"Inform the Official. A craftsman this talented can be dangerous if he falls into enemy hands. Order our top spies to tail everyone who exits the house. I want to be informed of everything, even if it seems irrelevant"
The man was muscular, tall and had a neatly shaved beard. His face, riddled with scars, invoked a sense of respect. He had clearly gone through a lot. The kneeling soldier nodded before leaving on his mission.
***
The young master was trashing around the room, completely forgetting the butler standing in its corner.
"HOW DARE THEY STEAL ALL THE ITEMS FROM ME! I AM THE YOUNG MASTER OF THE YUTIO FAMILY! THEY SHOULD GROVEL AT MY FEET AND ASK FOR FORGIVENESS"
The attendant was panicking. He had seen the dangerous glimmer in the butler's eyes. His patience was clearly running thin.
"Young Master, don't worry. We will surely find out the identity of the party that insulted you. You'll be able to blow off some steam that way"
It was a last ditch effort to calm him down, and to his relief, it worked.
With a humph, the young man sat down and got his temper in check.
However, a knocking sound once again disturbed him. A soldier then entered the room and immediately kowtowed at his feet.
"Young Master, we found our spy… He's dead"
In a snarl of anger, the young master got up and flipped the small table next to him.
This was when the butler left his spot, ready to do his job…
***
"Cheers!"
When Derrick entered the study, Brigand had already started drinking, completely overwhelmed by tonight's success.
"I'm happy as well, but…"
Derrick's tone brought the festive man back down to earth. He knew what he wanted to say.
"I agree that the success was... too big. Spies are probably crawling everywhere, taking note of every single thing that's happening. Still, I told you I would protect you, so I obviously have a way out of here that is completely unseen!"
The necromancer was surprised. Exiting this place anonymously would be quite tricky.
Seeing the doubt on Derrick's face, Brigand loudly laughed.
"Brat, you're too young to question my methods"
His cheeks were getting redder by the second, clearly affected by the alcohol.
It was Derrick's turn to laugh. The merchant was right, having never disappointed him yet.