"Never thought we would meet here of all places. Octavia is gonna be pissed she didn't come, but seeing your companion maybe it's good she didn't. My name is Vicente always nice to meet a lovely lady. What's your name?" Vicente asked while reaching to greet Yu.
"It's Yu," She replied while clinging to Zack.
"How's the guild doing? Any tough jobs you know where to find me. I have more duties now but can still join every once in a while" Zack asked as they sat down.
"What duties is that? You always seemed like a lone wolf to me." Vicente inquired while scoping the room for other women.
"If you have a night to spare I'll show you. Free food, a warm bed, and plenty of liquor. Just think about it while we're here." Zack replied while watching the seats below fill.
"I think I can work it into my schedule," Vicente said as he winked at one of the attendants.
"You buying today?" Zack asked.
"We are waiting for our dungeons to replenish so I'm unloading spare inventory to ensure we have enough supplies before winter hits. Never know when raiding is gonna be a bust and don't want us starving." Vicente replied.
"Talking about starving while sitting among us how pathetic. The mighty Cerebus falling to such a status is due to its leadership. Why they elected a filthy dark elf I'll never know. Maybe Gordon was going senile in the later years, and mistook you for someone capable." Dorion taunted.
"Some people have to earn their wealth and respect with their own hands. Everything you have was handed to you yet you parade around as someone mighty. Have you even won a duel that wasn't someone being paid?" Vicente smirked while drinking his wine.
The others in the room began laughing instinctively, but when Dorion turned around it ceased. When he couldn't identify the culprits he became furious. Dorion knew the restrictions here so he attempted to calm himself.
Even without the restriction, Dorion couldn't stand up to Vicente in a duel. He stomped his feet and balled his fist in anger. It was a spoiled child throwing a tantrum. Dorion was about to retort but the auction began. With the announcement, a beautiful succubus in a skimpy dress came onto the stage.
"I'm Sarlia, and I'll be your auctioneer for today. The first item of the day is a temporal ring containing a thousand magic crystals. The bidding will start at one hundred gold." Sarlia announced.
Everyone in the crowd had a paddle in their hands they could bet with mentally. It helped with being discreet for those in the VIP boxes. That way no thieves could figure out who to follow after.
"Two hundred!"
"three hundred!"
"five hundred!"
"Sold for five hundred gold!"
The next three auctions were the same, and Zack got every one of them. He would normally supply his own crystals, but it was harder to raid with so many at home now. Getting them at auction was always the easiest method, and he had the funds to spare.
Following the magic crystals were a series of bulk potions, and other elixirs none of which Zack needed. His mana was vast, and even then he had his grace. He could also heal himself, and those at home so he didn't need to waste the money. As the auction continued everyone continued to mingle upstairs. Yu was enthralled by the selection on the tables.
"Why did you get crystals? Every time we go together it's always a huge haul." Vicente asked before betting on a set of grade four armor.
"You know I've always sold them and saved the money instead. Never really had much use for them till recently. I would head out myself, but things need to be more stable at home first." Zack replied.
"Sold for three thousand gold!"
"Damnit, I needed something for our newbie, but that's not worth it," Vicente said while staring down Dorion.
"Wasting something this good on someone who will starve anyway is a waste, but don't worry I'll give it to someone qualified to wear it." Dorion taunted.
"Wasting that much gold for a grade four is idiotic, and If it's someone following you they can't be any good," Zack countered.
"A stupid human like you is worse than this dark elf, and you should be careful in a city ruled by demons. It would be wise to remember which family rules this city." Dorion threatened.
"Which family rules this city?" Lilith asked while walking in with the others.
When the guards saw who it was they immediately dropped to a knee. Even Dorion shut his mouth and gave an honorable bow. Dorion despised Lord Ozen and those in the capital but had no choice but to be polite. Ozen's elites are in every city ran by the demon clan, and report directly to the vice-regent. If Dorion were to show disrespect here it could cause problems for his uncle.
"I misspoke so please forgive my insolence, Lady Lilith." Dorion pleaded.
"It's fine mistakes happen from time to time, but don't forget to greet my man as well." Lilith gave him a wicked look.
"I'll do that right away. Which one is he?" Dorion asked.
Dorion was glancing at the two demons in the box participating in the auction. Zack got up as Tanya gave him a hug. Lilith walked over when Tanya finished pulling Zack in kissing him passionately. Dorion was confused about the scene in front of him.
Dating humans wasn't forbidden, but nobles are supposed to have pure bloodlines. If they mingled with a human it would be in secret, but she did it openly with the elites in the room. Dorion gave the same bow to Zack before sitting in thought.
'Could Lord Ozen truly accept this relation or is she bribing the guards for discretion? This could be something worth exploiting in the future.'
When the guards saw Lilith embrace Zack they began sweating. They heard the reports of the Nephilim, and that he was protected by the demon lord. The rumors also spread about Lilith being romantically involved with the individual. Samuel described him as someone he wouldn't wish to face in battle. That even with Zack's inexperience it would still be mutual destruction. They felt like sheep trapped in a cage with a mighty wolf. Lilith placed herself on Zack's lap as everyone took their seats. The auction continued, but nothing interested Zack.