King Leonard had only turned 28 this year and was still considered a rather young king. Despite that, he had sat on the throne for seven years and brought prosperity to his people ever since.
And yet in all his years, king Leonard hadn't seen anything like this.
In the evening of the day before he had been in a meeting with the high priest of Eclesias regarding the disappearance of their oracle. Eclesias had gone silent and the entire priesthood was worried.
As one of the major gods prayed to in Saital this naturally affected him too. The disappearance of an oracle meant a drop in the military power of the kingdom leaving them vulnerable. If they didn't do something fast they would face an invasion from their neighbors.
In the middle of the meeting, they had been interrupted by a peculiar occurrence in the sky above the capital. In the already darkening evening sky, a shining script had appeared. The script promoted an auction held by the traveling silver coin in two days' time.
At first, they had been about to simply dismiss the script when one of the ministers pointed out the main item up for auction. Epic (grade 6) grade equipment!
The ministers had never of such a grade before but Leonard as well as the high priest knew about it very well. The mystic (grade 5) grade was the highest grade known to the commoners. Most kingdoms had one or two mystic (grade 5) weapons as trump cards.
However, the epic (grade 6) grade was only known by a select few. Three such items were known of and they had all helped their bearers achieve great fame. Coupled with an epic grade item an archmage could fight an oracle to a draw or at least stall it for some time.
King Leonard and the high priest had exchanged glances. Their kingdom needed to obtain this item at all costs! Should they succeed, they would be able to largely mitigate the loss of the oracle and even stand a chance to expand their borders.
Leonard had immediately given the order to have the traveling silver coin investigated and the next morning the report arrived. A minister came in and started to report his findings.
"A few days ago the traveling silver coin was used as collateral to cover the owner's debt. The arena then set it as the reward for defeating their champion. A D-rank adventurer fought the arena battle and defeated the champion becoming the new owner.
"After winning she left for a while and all the employees quit their jobs. Yesterday however she was sighted talking to her secretary. We have also verified that the traveling silver coin is indeed holding an auction tomorrow. They are already selling entry passes."
"Entry passes? What for?"
"According to the secretary, there are seats of different quality available for purchase. Without purchasing an entry pass corresponding to a seat one cannot join the auction."
"I see, what about epic (grade 6) grade item, could you verify its existence?"
"We did inquire but to no avail. Only customers who have purchased a VIP entry pass can view the merchandise before the auction."
"Then why didn't you get a look at them?!"
"The VIP entry pass is priced at a hundred gold coins."
"A HUNDRED gold coins!!! What for?"
"We were in a hurry to report to you so we didn't ask."
"That's it! I'm going there myself. Prepare my carriage."
Not even an hour later king Leonard arrived at the traveling silver coin guild building and entered. Just like the minister had described to him during the ride here an arachne was standing behind the reception desk. Making full use of his kingly air he strutted up to the desk.
"What is this place? How dare you charge a hundred gold for a mere entry pass! I will not stand for this."
The arachne was certainly intimidated by his outburst. Leonard knew well that if he leveraged his position of king he might able to get the entry pass without spending a single gold coin. Just then someone descended from the gallery of the upper floor.
"Greetings king Leonard and welcome to the traveling silver coin. I do welcome you bit you should know that I do not take kindly to people yelling at my employees for no good reason."
As the blue-haired lady arrived king Leonhard felt a formless pressure assault him. He knew that she had defeated the arena's champion but he didn't expect her to be this scary. Few people could give him pressure.
Whoever this lady was she certainly wasn't a D-rank adventurer. He'd been foolish to think his position as King would afford him leverage. Any individual that could produce an epic grade item and dared to auction it would have a terrifying backing.
"I apologize for losing control of my temper. However, 100 gold coins just to take part in the auction is a bit much, is it not?"
"100 gold coins is the price for a VIP entry pass that brings multiple benefits with it. For example, VIPs are allowed to preview the items being auctioned. Furthermore, VIPs get a private booth that even allows them to conceal their identity. 100 gold coins are well within the range of reason."
"I see."
"Additionally, since you are in a position of power you have access to a special pass. The hegemony VIP entry pass is priced like the normal VIP entry pass but allows access to a lobby with food and refreshments. Would you be interested?"
"If I purchase that entry pass will I be able to see the epic (grade 6) grade item now?"
"People are here just for that epic grade equipment. Sigh... Yes, if you pay up right now I can immediately bring you upstairs to take a look."
King Leonard quickly fished a platinum coin out of his pocket and offered it to the lady. She took the platinum coin and turned around going back up the stairs.
"Follow me."
King Leonard was led into a large hall where many pedestals were placed. He ignored them all and focused on the pedestal in the very back. A pair of shining, golden gauntlets was floating above the pedestal.
King Leonard wanted to touch them but before he could reach the gauntlets the thin film of a barrier stopped his hand. He tried to push through but found the barrier to be very robust.
"Why can't I touch it?"
"Merchandise can be assessed prior to auction but it can't be touched until it was purchased."
"Then I will return for tomorrow's auction!"
King Leonard left the hall with large strides and returned to the palace by carriage. He immediately summoned all his ministers to pass down his orders.
"Get me an account of the treasury! Contact the dragonkin's merchant guild and see if they are willing to loan us some money."
"But your Majesty, we aren't in need of money! The dragonkin will ask for an enormous interest rate."
"I know this but we must obtain these gauntlets and we can't afford to be outbid by another kingdom. The dragonkin's merchant guild is the most likely one to loan us large sums needed in case of a bidding war."