On the night of the auction, the entire city was bathed in the brilliance of lights, with marquises, wealthy merchants, and various factions from all over the Eastern Continent gathering together. The hustle and bustle outside contrasted sharply with the luxury inside. Altu Bellva, representing the merchant guild, squeezed into this arena where power and wealth intertwined.
The auction was held at the Dawnlight Auction House in Golden Star Plaza, one of the most prestigious buildings in New Port, constructed from white marble. The murals on the dome depicted the history of Johnson. Inside, the hall was resplendent with gold and opulence, with enormous chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling, reflecting the warm glow of the candles. Each seat was draped in red velvet, and every window was adorned with exquisite trim. The servants, dressed in pristine white uniforms, moved gracefully.
Altu, dressed smartly but modestly, clutched a list of auction items, surveying the surroundings with a keen eye, his ears attuned more than anyone else's. For him, this was not just a transaction but an opportunity to dig deeper into the power map of New Port.
Altu stood in the banquet hall of the auction, outside the door were neatly arranged carriages and a steady stream of nobles and merchants. He observed the crowd and approached to engage in conversation:
Marquis Eric Trevor, a wealthy merchant from the North, his hair graying but his spirit sharp, showed his experience in the market through casual conversation. Beside him was his young assistant, holding a wine glass while chatting with other buyers.
Marquis Lian Andosia, the lord of the eastern borders of Johnson, his demeanor reserved, but his eyes betrayed the ambition within. When he looked at the auction items, his gaze flickered like a wolf on the hunt.
Salina Crozer, the representative of the White Tower Group, a merchant who rose from humble beginnings, wore an extravagant but slightly exaggerated gown. Her smile was sharp, like a blade, unsettling those around her.
Salina sipped her wine and said casually, "No matter how the policies change, for true merchants, turmoil is opportunity."
She turned and fixed a sharp look on Altu, her voice probing, "I heard your guild has made significant gains on the Western Continent recently. Could you share some of your experiences?"
Altu raised his glass in acknowledgment, responding politely but vaguely, "We were just in the right place at the right time. How could we compare to the far-reaching plans of the White Tower Group? You, Ms. Crozer, are the true model."
Salina's eyes gleamed with an unreadable expression, and she did not press further.
Marquis Eric Trevor smiled in agreement, "As long as the policies support stability, we're all in favor. But what exactly is stability? It all depends on whether our king can withstand the test of time."
Altu noticed that when the Marquis spoke, his wine glass wavered slightly, as though concealing a hint of unease.
In contrast, Baron Lian Andosia showed no hesitation in expressing his doubt, "If the fiscal policy is actually implemented, those already struggling on the borders might not be as forgiving as we are."
These words stirred something in Altu. The border situation might be an opening, and he made a mental note of Lian's attitude, deciding to approach him further later.
From the southern territories, Marquis Melis was known for his vast wealth, dressed in a purple robe embroidered with gold, holding a glass of red wine. He whispered to the person beside him, "This coronation feast seems grand, but have you noticed? The new king's finances may not be as solid as the rumors suggest?"
"Your Excellency, you shouldn't speak so freely," the other person cautioned in a low voice, "People have been exiled for speaking about the new king."
Melis scoffed, "The new king is just a paper tiger. His power isn't enough to truly intimidate us old timers."
Meanwhile, New Port merchant Baron Griffith Carro appeared more cautious. He was a key supporter of the nation's finances and a firm ally of the new king. He spoke to several merchants, saying, "No matter what, stability is what we need. The king's takeover of Johnson is a huge blessing. At least for now, we don't have to worry about rebel forces at the borders returning."
"Let's hope so," a younger merchant agreed. "But his new policies don't seem very trade-friendly…"
Altu smiled and nodded, silently absorbing the information.
As the auction began, each faction sat according to their status and influence, clearly reflecting their standing:
Noble Class: Led by Marquis Eric Trevor, including southern noble Marquis Melis and Marquis Lian Andosia, surrounded by attendants dressed in luxurious clothing, exuding the elegance and authority of traditional nobles.
Eastern Merchants: Represented by Salina Crozer and Griffith Carro, sitting apart with stern expressions, their attendants silent yet commanding.
Western Scholars: A few scholarly figures whispered to each other, occasionally glancing at the auction items, their faces full of a yearning for the unknown.
Royal Representatives: Marquis Raphael Elson and his attendants sat in the most prominent position. He wore a deep blue suit with gold-threaded shoulder epaulettes, signaling his noble status.
Altu Bellva sat quietly in the merchant section, his head slightly lowered, his expression calm and composed, looking almost out of place in the lavish surroundings.
With the crisp sound of the auctioneer's gavel, the hall fell silent, and the auction officially began.
First Item: Northern Ice Crystal Wine Jug
The auctioneer announced loudly, "Our first item comes from the North—the Ice Crystal Wine Jug. This rare piece is now extinct, translucent and reflecting a rainbow of light. Starting price: 1,000 Golden Lann."
The price quickly escalated:
Marquis Eric Trevor raised his paddle first, bidding 1,500 Golden Lann, a confident smile on his face, as if it were already his.Next, Salina Crozer calmly raised her bid to 1,800 Golden Lann.As the price reached 2,500 Golden Lann, Trevor raised an eyebrow, a slight smile on his lips, and decided to withdraw.
In the end, the wine jug went to Eastern merchant Salina Crozer, and the auctioneer's gavel came down, "Sold!"
The following items—a lost ancient map, a ring with a rainbow gemstone, and a gilded sword—each sparked intense competition among the factions, the bids rising rapidly, and the atmosphere grew more charged.
The next item caused a sudden hush to fall over the room. The auctioneer's voice became solemn and deep as he said, "Now, we come to the most anticipated item of the night—the Fire Crystal Stone."
He slowly removed the velvet cover, revealing the Fire Crystal Stone. It glowed with a fiery red, pulsating with energy. The entire hall went silent, the light reflecting on everyone's faces, revealing expressions of shock, desire, and greed.
The auctioneer took a deep breath and passionately announced, "This Fire Crystal Stone is said to have been refined by ancient alchemists from deep within a volcano, containing the essence of the earth's fire. It is not just a priceless artifact, but an irreplaceable piece of history. Starting price: 10,000 Golden Lann."
Whispers spread through the crowd as many leaned forward, their eyes full of astonishment.
The bidding intensified:
Marquis Eric Trevor raised his paddle: "11,000 Golden Lann."Baron Lian Andosia quickly countered: "12,000 Golden Lann." He glanced at the Fire Crystal Stone, speaking softly, "It has been rumored for fifteen years. I never expected to see it today."Salina Crozer sneered, "15,000 Golden Lann." Her voice was firm, without hesitation, clearly determined to win the item.
The price soared:
20,000!
30,000!
45,000!
As the price surpassed 50,000, almost everyone backed down, and only Marquis Raphael Elson, the royal representative, remained. He stood up slowly, surveying the room, his voice low and commanding, "90,000 Golden Lann."
The entire room fell silent, no one daring to bid further.
The auctioneer's gavel struck: "Sold!"
The auction concluded, and although the factions appeared calm, under the surface, tensions simmered.