Black coat, black tie, black slacks, and black shoes. A young man was clad with the darkest of colors, an aura of honor and dignity looming over him. His countenance was like the breezy and starry night, cold yet simply gorgeous, one couldn't easily take their eyes off him.
"Hm? Is something wrong, Yuna?" ［Grey］
"A-Ah, no... That's not it... Not at all... It's just that... Grey looked so cool.,, I think my heart stopped for a moment..." ［Yuna］
It was super effective, not just to Grey, but to herself as well. Now, both of them were beet red, face burning hot, unable to look each other in the eye. The only thing which could be heard was the sound of heartbeats fluttering in the air.
Well, it's not like Yuna wasn't just as gorgeous. With her white long dress, gloves, and sandals contrasting Grey's attire, she shone like the moon in the night sky, stars sparkling brightly as her dress gleamed and glittered.
"Well, for me... You look even more beautiー No, you're the most beautiful." ［Grey］
"Th-Thank you..." ［Yuna］
Oh, what sweet young love. They have been dating for almost a year already, but the atmosphere about them only got sweeter and sappier as time ticked. So sweet, in fact, that one could see hearts bouncing here and there, the room turning pink.
"Umm... I think we should go, yeah?" ［Grey］
"U-Un... I think so too..." ［Yuna］
Thankfully, the idiot couple still had some senseー or rather, they can't handle the atmosphere any longer. The more they stayed in their room, the louder their hearts beat, face flushed as one can be. They were simply too embarrassed.
Quite a bit of flirting later and the two finally exited their room, meeting up with Iris, and soon with the Tobias household outside of the mansion, a pair of luxurious, black carriages awaited them by the path, standing out ever so beautifully.
"So beautiful... Older Sister Yuna and Older Brother Grey are so stunning!" ［Violet］
"As expected of the Boss and the Lady Boss! You both look amazing!" ［Garret］
"You look dazzling, Your Highnesses." ［Gerald］
They were showered with praises as they went by, making them even more flustered than they should be. Thankfully, it wasn't long before they rode the carriages, a merry journey passing by as they chatted their time away.
The night was beautiful, the moon reigning over the sky and the stars decorating it brightly. As gentle moonlight graced the sleeping world, the sound of gallops echoed proudly in the air, colors filling their eyes as they passed by the streets.
But perhaps the most conspicuous of them all was the large mansion looming over by the distance, flashing lights accentuating its presence with dozens upon dozens of carriages lined up before it. A bustling crowd as far as the eyes could see.
"As expected of such a famous auction house... They sure are flashy." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! It stands out quite a bit, doesn't it?" ［Yuna］
Of course, such a massive and grandiose mansion was none other than the Geldhart Auction House! One of the most popular, if not the most popular, auction houses throughout all of Erdeaー No, in the whole continent!
Just by a quick glance, one could easily count several a few hundred heads heading inside the auction house, each person dressing their best and looking forward to the event before them. Some even had flames of determination in their eyes like warriors heading towards an intense battle.
Before long, everyone was quickly escorted out of their carriage, all eyes swimming towards them. There wasn't even a limelight directed at them, but their gorgeousness already outshone the moon above them. They were the stars of the night.
"We welcome you, Your Lordship, Your Ladyship, and dear guests. We have already prepared your private chamber."
"Very well. Please guide us." ［Gerald］
"That would be my greatest pleasure."
And as one would expect from the Mayor and his family, they were quickly greeted as soon as they stepped foot on the red carpet. And as their company, everyone else was also treated with respect, everyone bowing their heads.
Their chamber was the grandest there is. From the comfortable sofas, the beautiful furniture, a premium view, and, of course, the treats prepared. There was everything one could ask for, the room even cooled with the use of special magic tools.
Just a little peak from the chamber and one could easily see the thousands of people participating in the event. There were the gentry, merchants, alchemists, enchanters, and many more. The hall was full of excitement, chandeliers resting on top.
"Dear Guests, I hope you enjoy the event. I will now be taking my leave. Please don't hesitate to call if you ever need something."
"We will keep that in mind. Thank you." ［Gerald］
The escort then bowed his head and soon left the private chamber. But the noise has yet to fade. Everyone looked around the room with excitement traced on their faces. They were giggling to themselves, smiles blooming on their faces.
Of course, other than Grey and Yuna, everyone has already attended an auction once or twice, but attending it with everyone else was a first. They enthusiastically told stories about their past experiences, Garret more eager than anyone else.
"And then, there was that one time I brought a sword to this place. It was seriously awesome, Boss, Lady Boss! And it was High-Grade too!" ［Garret］
"Quite an interesting story you got there, Garret. Wasn't this the time when you acted like a phantom thief and broke through our vault?" ［Gerald］
"Fufu! I was quite shocked why the money was lacking. So it was here that you spent them on. A High-Grade sword, was it?" ［Cynthia］
"A-Ah, now that I think about it... I think it was actually Middleー No, Low-Grade...?" ［Garret］
Though, as it seems, it looks like there was more to the story than what Garret led everyone to believe. Gerald and Cynthia were smiling, but their eyes were not. It was decided, they're going to have a long and lovely talk after this.
Shenanigans unfolded and excitement only grew. As more and more people entered the auction house, the venue became even louder and livelier. Everyone was now holding onto their paddles, eyes glancing at the stage time and time again.
Click Click Clack
The time for waiting was soon over, and lights illuminated the stage one after another. A fine gentleman walked across the stage, a microphone-like magic tool by his hand. He walked with grace, eyes shining with confidence.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to the Geldhard's monthly auction! We are very much pleased to see you tonight! And it seems like..." ［Auctioneer］
The auctioneer was merry and full with enthusiasm, engaging with the audience as much as he could. With just a couple statements of his, he managed to rile them up, loud cheers booming throughout the air.
He knew full well how to please the audience and explained the rules to them as concisely as he could, making sure everyone understands them. After all, there are also some who are attending for the very first time.
"Well, less talking, and more action! Let's start the auction!" ［Auctioneer］
"""""Oohhhhhh!!!"""""
The auctioneer cheered and everyone followed suit, a loud boom rupturing the air as everyone's passions were lit ablaze. It wasn't simply an auction house, it has become a battlefield where everyone was their enemy.
As soon as he gave his signal, two beautiful ladies walked in with a refined cart, pure white silk resting atop of it, covering a certain item. As soon as they unveiled it, blue crystals were revealed, sparks pulsing inside of them.
"For our first item, we have several pieces of lightning crystals which would be sold in sets of three. These crystals can be used to power a great deal of machinery and are also great for inscribing during enchanting. They can generate...." ［Auctioneer］
Just like before, the auctioneer quickly explained to everyone what the item is and how it can be used, everyone nodding and cupping their chins. Some even started fiddling with their paddles already, ready to raise them at a moment's notice.
"The starting price for these lightning crystals is 60 thousand kiels per set! Let the auction begin!" ［Auctioneer］
"65 thousand!"
"67 thousand!"
"68 thousand!"
And raise the paddles, they did. As soon as the auctioneer gave his signal, paddles were raised left and right, loud voices booming al, throughout the place. They were like madmen, barking at each other, not willing to back down even a little bit.
Seeing such a lively and chaotic spectacle, everyone up the private chamber couldn't help but watch them with fascination. Grey and Yuna were amazed at how fierce the completion was, the prices increasing with each passing second.
"Wow... They really are going at it, huh..." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. This is just the start, Your Highness. Once we advance to the multi-hundred thousand kiel bids, things will get much livelier." ［Gerald］
"Fufufu! As expected of Erdea's best!" ［Yuna］
Said Yuna, giggling as she looked back at the unfolding competition. None in their chamber was bidding, but they weren't the only ones. Some simply waited for the big ones to be brought out, enjoying the spectacle as of now.
The raising of bids continued, and after some time, the noise slowly died down. There were only a couple bidders raising their paddles, soon slowing down as the others finally gave up, heaving a lengthy sigh as they resigned themselves.
"83 thousand going once!... Going twice...! Gone...! And, the first auction is finished! The lightning crystals now belong to bidder 377!" ［Auctioneer］
After a long battle, the bidding winner was finally settled, a bright smile blooming on her face as she heard her win. She was a member of the Enchanters' Guild who had participated in the auction for so long. Winning as a breeze.
But the auction didn't simply stop there. As soon as the first set of lightning crystals were sold, came the second set, the third, and all sets after it. Before long, all sets of lightning crystals were sold, happy bidders all over the place.
"Now, for our second item, we have a special bracelet made of gold and rubies! it is one of the earliest works of the master artisan, Knan and is said..." ［Auctioneer］
The auction's rapid momentum didn't stop. As soon as the first items were sold, the Auctioneer then introduced the second one, and this time, it seems to be a not-so-beautiful bracelet. One which was made by an amateur.
And like before, everyone was like starving wolves as they jumped towards the beautiful bracelet, offering ridiculous prices which were even much higher than the previous ones. It went over a hundred thousand kiels.
"A bracelet... We have a lot of those, don't we? Is it really worth it paying that much? And, it isn't even that beautiful..." ［Yuna］
"Well, it's a rare collectible, as they say. If they miss the chance now, they might never get to see it again." ［Grey］
"Collectibles, huh... I really don't get it..." ［Yuna］
Or so she says, but she has one of the biggest collections of herbs, magic plants, and alchemy materials and ingredients there is. She has yet to realize it, but that side of her is what makes her even more adorable. Grey could only chuckle softly.
The auction progressed some more, and with the passing of time was also the rise of the values of the items presented. Now, they easily reach a couple hundred thousand kiels. Money which can already buy large houses.
Both Grey and Yuna were quite shocked by the development, but it was ironic more than anything. After all, they were the most loaded ones in the whole auction house. Buying everything they saw would barely make a dent in their deep pockets.
"So beautiful..." ［Violet］
And like usual, Violet is once again admiring the beautiful items presented to the audience. Her eyes were sparkling brightly as she looked at the different kinds of items displayed, finding beauty in each of them.
The auction progressed and coins, silver, gold, and platinum alike, were spent like water. With more items presented, the prices only rose higher and the crowd only became more excited. The hall was as loud as a concert.
"And the next item... The moment all alchemists have been waiting for...! A rare magic plant which could only be found in the depths of Haurelia rainforest... An ingredient known for its potency against poison..." ［Auctioneer］
It was the moment Yuna had been waiting for. The Auctioneer was still introducing and explaining about the item yet her excitement was already through the roof. Her body was trembling with excitement, ready to raise the paddle in a moment's notice.
"It's the Mila-mila!" ［Auctioneer］
"1 billー Mmph!" ［Yuna］
Too excited, in fact, that she almost raised her paddle before the auctioneer could even start the bidding. To top it all off, she offered a whole billion kiels right off the bat. Thankfully, Grey was able to stop her, covering her mouth as fast as he could.
"Yuna, My Dear, let me handle this one, yeah?" ［Grey］
"Ehh～? But I want to bid too..." ［Yuna］
"I know, I know, but we can't have you spending such a large amount of money like that. The market price's not even a million, you know?" ［Grey］
"E-Eh? But the auctioneer said it was precious... It's really not...?" ［Yuna］
She was entirely hopeless when it came to herbs. Though Grey managed to stop her for now, the same couldn't be said for the future. She might enter auctions with him not around and get into such a situation. There was no telling.
With all his might, Grey stopped Yuna and explained to her as best as he could the auction process. Thankfully, Yuna was a bright one, quickly understanding things in just a single explanation, nodding so enthusiastically.
"235 thousand! I offer 235 thousand!"
"Hah! You think that's enough?! 240 thousand!"
"You cheapskates! Do you have no money?! 245 thousand!"
And just as Grey explained things to Yuna, the auction finally started, raising 5 thousand kiel increments as they raised the paddles. The alchemists were like wild beasts fighting over a harmless and juicy prey. Quite a frightening sight, indeed.
"Looks like they already started... Just leave this to me, alright?" ［Grey］
"Un! Good luck, Grey～!" ［Yuna］
Before long, Grey finally joined in the fray. He didn't simply dive in like everyone else, he first observed the people bidding and saw them quit one after another. There was no need to compete, he simply needed to wait.
"290 thousand! Is there anyone who would like to raise?!" ［Auctioneer］
And so, the wait was quickly over. After a couple minutes of competition, every other alchemist had finally given up on buying the mila-mila. The current highest bidder wearing a triumphant smile on his face... One which won't last long.
"290 thousand going once! Going twiー" ［Auctioneer］
"295 thousand." ［Grey］
The auctioneer couldn't even finish his words, when Grey suddenly raised his paddle, thus raising the price. His voice was calm as one can be, eyes clear as he glanced at the item as if he was looking at merchandise in a simple street stall.
Everyone's eyes were on him, yet he remained unfazed and indifferent, giving the expression that 295 thousand kiels was a simple sum for him. Only one person had a different reaction, now trembling in anger and irritation.
"Hah! Th-That won't stop me! 300 thousand!"
"305 thousand." ［Grey］
"Th-Then I'll bid 310 thousand! Let's see how youー"
"315 thousand." ［Grey］
The opponent already had irked veins popping up in his head but Grey remained cool and collected, his indifferent voice echoing in the hall. The more he kept up the act, the more frightened the people became from how calm he was.
On the contrary, Grey's opponent only lost his temper with each passing second. He raised his paddle again and again, each time getting more and more hesitant, hands now trembling as he raised his paddle. A face of dread loomed over him.
"Th-This... 350 tho-thousand..."
"355 thousand." ［Grey］
"Dammit... I give up..."
Soon enough, the opponent finally brought down his paddle, soul leaving his body. The herb he saved up so much for was now out of his hand, tears now forming in the corner of his eyes. He was already doomed from the start.
'Hmm... It's a little over the market price, but considering how limited its stock is, it's still reasonable... Yup, this is a good catch.' ［Grey］
Meanwhile, Grey was simply weighing his gains and losses, not really thinking too much about the amount they spent. If it was any other time, he would have hesitated, but for Yuna, nothing was too much. An idiot in love.
"Grey! You're amazing, you really bought it!" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, we'll just need to retrieve it later once this is all finished." ［Grey］
"Hahaha, there is no need for that, Your Highness. Since we are in a chamber, they will simply be delivering it to us instead. We only need to wait." ［Gerald］
"Oh! That's quite neat." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. They aren't one of the best for nothing," ［Gerald］
Satisfied smiles on their faces, the auction continued, fierce competitions happening time and time again. Of course, it wasn't just Grey, the Tobias family also bid for the items they fancied, selecting beautiful pieces with Violet's eye for beauty.
Soon after, a couple staff members and some guards of the auction house arrived, a luxurious ebony cart with them. Placed atop of it was the Mila-Mila herb Grey just bought, handed to them after signing a couple documents and paying the price. A quick and easy process.
"Waah～! It's really here! Thank you so much, Grey!" ［Yuna］
"Yuna, it's still too early to be excited. The auction's not yet over." ［Grey］
"Eh...?" ［Yuna］
The young lady tilted her head in confusion, looking at her lover. The very same man whose eyes were now lit with blazing passion, a terrifying yet cold smile plastered on his face as looked down the stage... And so it began!
"230 thousand kiels." ［Grey］
"175 thousand." ［Grey］
"400 thousand." ［Grey］
One after another, Grey's cold voice echoed throughout the hall as he raised his paddle. Each time he bid, all eyes were on him, everyone frozen in shock from the amounts he offered and his unwavering determination.
It was so severe that the moment they heard his voice, some immediately gave up and put down their paddles, crying their eyes out in silence. Grey had already spent a couple million yet there was no sign of him stopping, not even slowing down.
"Amazing... I didn't think Elder Brother Grey would take them all home..." ［Iris］
"Hahaha! As expected of the Boss! Show them how great you are!" ［Violet］
"My, my, how lively." ［Cynthia］
Thankfully, with how high up their chamber is, and how many other VIPs there are, it would be hard to know who they were. Even if some people were to hold grudges over them, they would be relatively safe. Not that anyone could hurt them anyway.
"Ohh! Another high bid from bidder 73! Would anyone like to contend?!" ［Auctioneer］
The auctioneer asked, but there was only silence in the air. The sound of the bidding hammer echoed thrice and yet another herb was turned into Grey's possession. All the alchemists present are now crying tears of blood.
The auctioneer was especially happy with how lively the event was, smiling even brighter with each item being sold. It wasn't even the Festival of Hearts yet, yet they were already making quite the profit.
"190 thousand." ［Grey］
"Let's see how far you can go! 200 thousand!"
Of course, there are also those, who, out of frustration and anger, go out of their way and screw Grey over. Whenever Grey raised his paddle, they purposely increased the price just so they could have their petty revenge.
"Haah... It seems like you really want it. It seems I have to give up for now." ［Grey］
Not that Grey let them do what they wanted to anyway. The moment it strays too far away from the market price, he quickly lives up and simply relaxes in his comfortable sofa, eating the snacks without much care in the world.
"200 thousand going once! Going twice! Sold!!" ［Auctioneer］
"My... My money..."
It was already far too late. The moment the little trickster realized what situation he was in, the bid had already ended. Everyone who witnessed Grey's onslaught felt cold chills run down their spine. He was a menace.
It was still his first time attending an auction, but he was already destroying the others who were more experienced than him. They simply don't stand a chance. Grey was simply too loaded. Money is power!
"Yuna, have you got a feel of the auction now?" ［Grey］
"Un! I think I get it!" ［Yuna］
"Alright, let's have you try bidding then." ［Grey］
"Okay～!" ［Yuna］
The night was still long and the breeze only got colder. The stars shone brightly all over the sky, just like the coins and crystals dished out like meager change, loud voices rocking the slumbering world.
Oh, what a night it was.
CHAPTER 276 END