Volume 4 Chapter 25 The Sound of the Hammer Echoes at the Auction
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
We finally stepped into the auction hall.
In the center was a circular stage, surrounded by rows of audience seats.
Most of the crowd seemed to be nobles or those dressed like them.
The whole hall was lavish, a truly dazzling space.
Several seats were already occupied by men and women who appeared to be nobles or the wealthy, chatting and laughing as they awaited the auction’s start.
The men wore well-tailored suits, and the women were draped in dresses adorned with jewels.
Of course, there were hardly any participants who looked like adventurers.
But there was no need to feel out of place.
Lifia and Tifi were more beautiful than any noble lady or mistress.
And my own outfit was top-of-the-line from the ‘Love Hotel’ brand.
We just needed to hold our heads high.
”So, where are our seats?”
”Over here. I managed to snag a pretty good spot.”
Led by Gaedaf, we made our way to our designated seats in the hall.
It was in the back, but we had a full view of the stage.
A good position to keep track of the auction’s flow.
Soon, a man in a white suit and silk top hat appeared on the stage.
He must be the host.
He greeted the audience with an elegant bow.
He spoke the words of his greeting.
”Thank you all for gathering here today──”
I flip through the catalog in my hand to check the items.
There are many items listed, but the second half of the list is blank.
It seems the highlight items are being kept secret.
I don’t see the item I put up for auction.
This must mean my item is being treated as one of the highlight pieces.
This is promising.
”I don’t see any spellbooks in the written range.”
Lifia whispers softly.
”Is it possible they’re hidden in the second half?”
”Maybe. Spellbooks are rare in circulation, after all.”
There are a few items in the first half of the list that catch my interest.
But I’m debating whether I should save up for the second half.
”Usually, the second half items start at a million Aurum, even if they’re cheap.”
Gaedaf says in surprise.
It makes sense when you think about it.
The items being auctioned here are all at a level where nobles and merchants compete.
It’s clear they’ll fetch high prices.
Furthermore, the payment will be made only after the auction ends.
Even if my item sells for a higher price, I can’t buy it.
It seems I was once again out of luck with the spellbook.
In the meantime, the auction finally started.
”Now, let’s introduce the first item!”
As the host said this, a table draped with cloth was brought out from the side of the stage.
When the cloth was removed, a beautiful silver tea set was revealed.
”This is a pure silver tea set crafted by the renowned artisan, Master Gurnatt.”
The audience murmured in excitement.
It seemed like many were already showing interest.
”Starting at 5 hundred thousand Aurum.”
Immediately, the participants began bidding, and the price quickly exceeded one million Aurum.
”Is this really the price for a tea set?”
I honestly couldn’t understand this world.
”Master Gurnatt’s silverware has a great reputation. It likely has been enchanted with magic. The drinks stay at the perfect temperature without losing flavor.”
Lifia explained this to me.
”You really know your stuff.”
”Hehe, I’ve studied it.”
Lifia smiled proudly.
Speaking of which, Lifia had strong opinions about tea.
She probably knows a lot about tea utensils too.
While having such conversations, we continued to watch the auction.
After that, one luxury item after another was presented.
Necklaces adorned with jewels, rare magic tools, decorative items for nobles, and even rare herbs──
Each item saw its price climb, with some even exceeding ten million Aurum.
However, none of those items caught my interest.
There really aren’t many items that could compare to the facilities and tools at the ‘Love Hotel.’
If a spellbook isn’t to be expected, it seems like there’s nothing here for us to bid on.
”How about a magic tool for appraisal?”
Tifi, who was looking at the catalog, made a suggestion.
”You can get appraisals at the Adventurers Guild, but you might end up being seen by other staff.”
I see, that’s not a bad idea.
When I appraised items from the dungeon, I had been using the guild until now.
But that risked leaking information.
It’d be really handy if I could appraise things without anyone knowing.
According to the catalog, an appraisal mirror is up for sale soon.
”The appraisal mirror is coming up.”
Tifi whispers quietly.
”Shall we go for it?”
Appraisal magic tools must be in high demand with nobles and merchants alike.
The competition could get fierce.
But if we score this, only we can appraise dungeon loot ourselves.
We could openly appraise items made with the Love Hotel’s ability too.
”Next item up for bid.”
The host’s voice echoes as a mirror is carried onto the stage from behind the curtain.
It’s a tabletop mirror decorated in gold.
”This mirror reveals the true form of the object according to the viewer’s magical power. It’s what’s called an appraisal magic tool. The stronger your magic, the more detailed information you can get.”
The crowd murmurs.
The more magic power you have, the more info it gives?
So a simple merchant wouldn’t unlock its full potential?
If that’s true, the winning bid might stay lower than usual.
That works out well for me.
Lifia and Yomi have plenty of magic power, so they should be able to use it no problem.
The auctioneer announces the start of the bidding.
”Starting bid: 500,000 Aurum.”
The bid quickly climbs past one million Aurum.
This is clearly a popular item.
I raise my hand to join in.
”One million 5 hundred thousand.”
But the bidding doesn’t stop there.
”Two million… 3 million… 4 million…”
”Four million 5 hundred thousand.”
The audience buzzes with excitement.
”This is really heating up, huh?”
Tifi mutters nervously.
”Should we drop out now?”
Lifia eyes me carefully.
”No, I can still push.”
My head feels hot with adrenaline, but there’s no backing down now.
”Five million.”
I make another bid.
It’s right at the edge of my budget.
”Five million 5 hundred thousand.”
”Ugh.”
”Master, that’s… enough…”
”Yeah, if we lose here, I’ll give up.”
I throw in my final bid.
”Five million 8 hundred thousand!”
There’s no way I can go higher.
This is the limit of the cash I have on hand.
The room falls silent.
If no one bids more, I win this auction.
The bidders fall quiet.
”Any other bids──?”
The auctioneer asks, but there’s no answer.
”Sold for 5.8 million Aurum!”
The sound of the hammer rang loud and clear.
I exhaled deeply and settled back into my seat.
”Well damn… that was cutting it close.”
I glanced up at the ceiling.
Maybe I got a bit too fired up there.
Still, this should make future expeditions a lot easier.
I told myself it wasn’t money wasted.
As the sale was confirmed, an attendant quietly approached.
”Regarding payment and delivery, that will take place in a separate room after the auction ends. Please refrain from transactions during the event.”
Makes sense──the exchange of goods and money all happens at the very end.
”Understood.”
I nodded briefly and watched the attendant walk away.
Then, the next item was brought up onto the stage.
I checked the catalog and saw──
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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