Chapter 68: Auction
"Your Excellency Major General! I heard some news today. The Seven Waters City will hold its monthly auction tomorrow. Do you think the pirate Charlotte might show up to join the fun?"
A naval captain in plain clothes leaned toward Major General Wells, speaking in a hushed tone.
Wells considered the suggestion, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. It was a plausible idea. The streets had been plastered with banners advertising the auction, and Charlotte, being unpredictable, might indeed attend.
The more he thought about it, the more he believed it was likely.
Bang!
"We'll go to the auction house tomorrow!" Wells declared, slapping the table in excitement.
The loud thud drew the attention of nearby patrons in the teahouse. Wells quickly lowered his head, pretending to sip his tea.
He couldn't afford to blow his cover; this mission required discretion.
Hearing their commander's decision, the sailors around him nodded in agreement, silently preparing themselves.
---
The Next Morning
The Seven Waters City bustled with activity as the auction drew near. The streets were crowded with princes, nobles, and their retinues. Armed guards accompanied nearly every noble, creating an atmosphere of tension and grandeur.
Disguised as a nobleman, Major General Wells entered the auction house with his "guards" in tow.
To his surprise, no one stopped him for questioning.
"Your Excellency Major General, we've got an invitation. With it, no one will check us," the captain whispered smugly.
Wells sighed in exasperation but refrained from commenting. He adjusted his hat and stepped confidently into the building.
The waiter at the entrance bowed politely. "Welcome, dear guests! Please follow me to your private room."
"A private room?" Wells raised an eyebrow, glancing at his deputy, who avoided his gaze, trying to hide a smug grin.
Once inside the private room, Wells finally turned to his deputy. "Care to explain how we got this?"
The captain feigned innocence, then confessed. "I acquired the invitation through a black-market broker. It cost me about a million Baileys."
Wells rolled his eyes. "Fine. I'll reimburse you when we return to Marine Headquarters. For now, focus on finding Charlotte."
The colonel nodded, though his relief at getting reimbursed was evident.
Wells scanned the crowd below from their private room. Despite searching for some time, he couldn't spot Charlotte.
"Could it be that Charlotte didn't come?" Wells muttered anxiously.
"Your Excellency, the auction hasn't started yet. Not everyone may have arrived," the captain reassured him.
Reluctantly, Wells sat back down.
---
As the auction began, an auctioneer descended from the ceiling on a small ladder, the stage lights shining on him dramatically.
"Hahahaha! Welcome, esteemed guests, to the Seven Waters City Auction! I am your host, Doudou, and I'll be conducting today's auction for you!"
The audience erupted in applause and cheers, the energy in the room electrifying.
Wells, however, paid no attention to the excitement. He continued scanning the audience, hoping to spot Charlotte. His frustration grew when he still couldn't find any sign of the pirate.
"Could he be in one of the other private rooms?" the captain suggested.
Wells considered this possibility. There were only twenty private rooms, so it wouldn't be too difficult to figure out if Charlotte was in one of them.
He nodded and decided to wait a little longer, watching the auction proceedings unfold.
---
Meanwhile, backstage at the auction house, the staff hustled to prepare items for display.
"Quick, quick! Get the next batch of slaves ready for auction!" shouted Butler Fei, directing the workers.
Tied up and shackled, slaves were led one by one to the auction platform. Some had resigned expressions, while others trembled in fear.
Charlotte, still in his iron cage, snored softly, oblivious to the commotion around him.
"Wake up! Stop snoring, you brat!" a staff member barked, banging on Charlotte's cage with an iron rod.
Charlotte stirred slightly but didn't wake up, his snores continuing.
"Hmph, we'll see how cocky you are when you're auctioned off!" the worker muttered before moving on.
Beside Charlotte, the Red Earl began to awaken. His noble demeanor remained intact even as he opened his eyes, taking in his surroundings with a calculating gaze.
"Ugh, where am I?" Charlotte groaned, sitting up and rubbing his temples.
He glanced around, confusion evident on his face. "Why does my head hurt so much? And what is this place?"
His voice drew the attention of everyone in the room, staff and captives alike.
"You're awake," the Red Earl said calmly, his expression darkening as he took in the sight of their iron cages.
Charlotte ignored the looks he was receiving from others and focused on his headache. "Man, I drank way too much. What a pain..."
"Haha! You're finally up. Good. You'll get to enjoy the show of your own auction!" Butler Fei sneered, approaching Charlotte with a malicious grin and an iron rod in hand.
Correcting his posture, the Red Earl turned his piercing gaze toward Butler Fei, his noble pride radiating an aura of intimidation.
But Fei, oblivious to the storm brewing before him, continued, "Get ready to fetch a high price, you arrogant fool!"
---
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