Noir was seated, observing everything and everyone with sharp eyes.
When Levi had arrived, Noir had watched him closely like a hawk, to see whether there's any indication of the Azure King knowing what was going to happen tonight but the Levi was just as cold and calm and collected as ever.
That means he couldn't possibly know because if he does, no matter how calm and collected he was, he'd have shown small sign of agitation since what was said to appear tonight will be important to him more than anybody else.
And even if he knows, Noir was sure he wouldn't know what form the thing would appear. This put his mind at ease. He believed he'd have no competition for it tonight and even if he does, then he'd have no choice but to take it away by force.
With that thought in mind, he watched on as the bidding continues. The auction was lively as everyone was competing to bid.
There is no shortage of items to bid on. Ranging from Powerful magical enchanted items to antique crystal glasswares to paintings of famous artists, magical equipments, precious artifact, rare medicinal herbs and lots of other valuable treasures from other realms which is why no Royal or noble liked to miss the yearly auction.
" Next up, we have in the house a Finfolk women's sparkling silver necklace called starfell. This necklace was sold only for a limited time of four days in Hilda island. This will surely get the attention of the ladies in the house." Archmage Rayan who was acting as the Auctioneer waved his hand and a servant brought forward a small beautifuly crafted wooden box and opened it. Inside lay the starfell, sparkling brightly.
All the ladies in the room gaspe. The necklace was too beautiful. " Bidding on this start at twenty thousand gold coins"
" Twenty-five thousand gold coins! " One princess said.
" Thirty thousand gold coins " another replied as the competition became heated while the men watch on as their daughters compete. They're all powerful people afterall, their princesses spending that much money on a piece of jewelry is nothing to them.
" Thirty-five thousand "
Nerida nudged Levi after seeing a lot of girls bidding for the necklace. " I want that necklace, Levi." She said looking longingly at the it. " Don't forget you still owe one" Nerida pouted when she didn't hear his reply immediately.
Levi turned to look at her. Seeing her dreamy expression, he said " I thought you wanted a customized one? "
" This is more beautiful, Levi. Buy me this instead." Nerida replied trying to act cute.
Levi shook is head. He can never understand women. One time they want one thing, and the next they're wanting a completely different thing altogether. He should have known Nerida would not miss a chance to get something good at the auction since she like beautiful things.
Seeing her expectant look, he have no choice but to do as she says afterall he still own her one. " Okay. Bid for it."
Nerida give him a dazzling smile. " Thanks brother "
" forty-five thousand !"
" Sixty thousand " Nerida boomed.
All the ladies turned to look at her and fell silent. This was Levi's sister and she was using his number to bid, nobody could dare compete against her. They wouldn't win anyway if they try. It will just be a waste of time and money.
" Going once, going twice, sold to number one !" The other girls could only look at the necklace in henvy as the Auctioneer announced.
Nerida smile at Levi, looking extremely happy. It's good to have a brother that spoils you silly. " Thank you brother "
Levi only replied with " hm " His mind was pre-occupied with something else.
"Alright ! It will definitely get alot hotter in hereas we present to you the next item in the house. A powerful fire protection artifact." The Auctioneer said as he opened a small case with an intricately designed beautiful unisex bangle sitting in it. " To use this, you only need to infuse your magic powers into it and the protection will be activated. The starting price is thirty thousand. Let the bidding begin."
" Thirty-five gold coins"
" Fourty gold coins"
The auction continues as another item was presented and the bidding start again.
Noir looked around spotting the three spy sent by King Vader sitting at a corner in the crowd. He scuffed. He wasn't sure they will even recognize what they were looking for.
He had informed King Vader about the Magic stone but hadn't exactly tell him what or how it will look like. The mad King had taken his word for it and immediately send three of his best men here. Stupid man. Noir himself wasn't even sure he'll be able to pull it through yet.
Azure kingdom's security was very tight. He'll have to be careful before doing anything lest he blow his cover. He was even surprised they could get through easily at all.
"Fifty once, fifty twice, and it's sold to number thirteen" the auctioneer rings his bell.
Everyone turned to look at number thirteen, it was prince Ivan, the son of King Dylan of Zmey Kingdom. Their kingdom is the third most wealthiest in Midgard.
Levi had been observing everything from his seat and have noticed a few things but he kept his cool.
" Do you notice anyone suspicious " his father asked in a whisper. He'd also been keeping his eyes on the auction but haven't noticed anything or anyone peculiar yet.
" Yes, but we'll have to wait for them to make a move and take the bait before doing anything. Everything has been prepared. They won't be able to escape." Levi replied.
" Good" Rex was relaxed. he knew his son has a plan and was more than capable to deal with the situation.
**************
The bell was rang again to grab the crowd's attention. "Now everyone, we'll be presenting to you the second to the last item." everybody quiten down and wait in anticipation as one of the servants brought in a box.
The Auctioneer collected and pull open the box placing it on display for everyone.
Sitting inside was a beautiful White round Gem sparkling and shining a brilliant white magical light.
Everyone was captivated. they'd seen a lot of gems in their life but this, this has to be something else entirely.
" This is a magical stone gem with lots of divine energy in it." The mc continued. " Absorbing the power in it can boost your Magical prowess to an astounding level. The starting price for it is Eighty thousand gold coins and will be raised by five thousand on every bid "
" Eighty-five thousand " people started bidding immediately the Auctioneer finished.
" Ninety thousand "
The competition immediately become very frenzied and a show of money and power, no one's willing to back down for the other.
" One hundred thousand gold coins " A noble man in black robe finally said raising his hand. He was Attor, one of the three men that had disguise as nobles and enter the auction to acquire the magic stone.
" Hundred and five thousand " Another person shouted from the crowd.
Attor frowned " Hundred and ten thousand" he said again.
This was what Levi had been waiting for. He had been watching the commotion for a few more minutes, letting the price escalate to a ridiculously high amount before giving his plaque to Nerida whispering to her ears.
Nerida blushed when she felt his breath on her ear and happily raise her hand " Two hundred thousand " Everyone looked sharply at her, noticing the number card she raised belong to Levi who was currently sitting relaxed beside her with an uninterested expression on his face. As if he wasn't the one who just ask his sister to bid.
Anyway, the Azure King was filthy rich. it wouldn't surprise them if he squandered that much money on something like that.
Though the stone was said to be powerful and useful but that's just a ridiculously high amount especially when most of them still did not believe a stone could hold such power as described by the mc. They immediately stop bidding.
Besides, nobody wants to compete with the Azure King anyway. They wouldn't win if they try.
Attor's frown deepened. They had know the competition would be fierce but they hadn't expected Levi to be their competitor or to offer such a ridiculous amount.
" Two hundred and ten thousand " another noble in back with a scare on his face raised his bidder card. This was Cadmus, another of the three men.
People look at him as if he had gone bonkers. The gut of this noble! to still dare to compete against the Azure King! he must be really stupid or just crazy.
But obviously, Cadmus didn't care about their looks. He knew this must be the item they came here for and they can not go back now without it or the King would have their head.
Nerida's face darken and shouted again " there hundred thousand ". How dare this noble compete against her brother.
Everybody gasped.