"Number 8, 6000 Gold Coins."
"Number 3, 7000 Gold Coins."
"Number 7, 8000 Gold Coins."
One bid after another rang out in the auction hall.
Upon hearing the 8000 Gold Coins bid, Prince Gelo slumped his head in despair inside the private box, realizing he had no chance for the second Examination Exemption Certificate either. If only he had persisted on the first certificate, perhaps the Old Nobles would have let him win it in consideration of his status. But now... the price of 8000 Gold Coins left him without even the qualification to raise the bid.
Eventually, after some more bidding, the second Examination Exemption Certificate was acquired by the initial high bidder, number 9, for 9000 Gold Coins. Prince Gelo clenched his teeth and fists, nearly slamming the table.
But just as his fist was about to hit the table, he suddenly became alert and hastily restrained himself.
