Chapter 58 - Purple Cloud Auction

(AN: Apologies for the silence and the consequent slower release of chapters. I was actually trying to figure out a couple of issues in the back end related to WN service. Sadly I got no answers even now, a month later.

Anyway, I do not want to keep everyone hanging, and thinking the story is abandoned. Far from it actually, I am just gradually shifting my attention in regards to this story to other mediums.

Chapters are already written till Chapter 65 (and even made available as well), they are just not posted here (yet). For info and details about where to look for the content and lots and lots of exclusive extras, side stories, detailed info sheets... e-book formatted print-ready versions, please read my note at the end of this chapter. Thanks in advance, and have a nice day!)

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From a quick glance, the card could be easily mistaken for a high-profile bank or credit card. Though the lack of text was somewhat strange no doubt, from a distance, it couldn't really be seen anyways. Adding the very lavish-looking golden threading going through the edges, it wouldn't be a huge mistake for not noticing the peculiarities right away.

Aziel looked at the card Lydia was waving between her fingers.

"So, what do you know about it? Where is it? How does it work?" He asked.

If his old world's experiences were anything to go by, finding an Auction House and attending one of its scheduled, advertised events would be Aziel's biggest opportunity in finding something valuable.

Although Auction Houses were open in the normal nine-to-five work schedule, every weekday, most of its daytime operation wasn't worth the time and effort. Small-time items, herbs, and average worthless antics would be available for sale.

However, during big scheduled events, some exclusive and incredible treasures could be found. At least on Nova, it was the case. Whenever a big event was scheduled, the various local lords and nobles would gather. It was the event what most would target to sell their most precious heirlooms, or what the treasure hunters and adventurers targeted, as it promised the biggest return for the risks they took in whatever crypt or dungeon they ransacked prior.

"Oh? Well, it is called the 'Purple Cloud Auction House', it is a large, very powerful business. They have a local branch here in the city, at the harbor district." Lydia responded with a wave of her hand, as she pocketed the card.

Walking up and hugging the boy's arm, she added.

"Come, let's go buy some clothes for you, mister! I can tell you more while we get you decked out!" She exclaimed, already pulling the boy along without giving him a chance to argue.

Rejoining the pedestrian traffic, the pair walked towards the clothing stores found on the eastern side of the building.

Soon they found themselves in one of the first, a Men's Clothing store. As they walked in, a shop assistant came forward, greeting the duo with a polite bow.

"Good Day to you Madam and Master!" She spoke with a respectful tone. As she bowed, her shoulder-length wavy light brown hair fluttered against the wind. Her bright smile and her lightly freckled golden brown skin painted a rather alluring, charming sight.

As she looked up, her deep, ocean blue eyes glimmered like a pair of beautiful gemstones, hide away in the crescent crevices of their sockets. She had a healthy-looking smile, creating the perfect image that any similar shop should probably strive for.

"A good day to you too Miss…" Seeing as Lydia was about to wave her away, Aziel spoke up, greeting the young maiden with a handsome smile of his own.

"A-ah.. I-it is Gabriella. M-My name is Gabriella, M-Mister!" The girl spoke, stuttering as she met the gaze of the charming, handsome devil of a young man. His smile almost instantly captivated both her heart and soul, she felt like a young deer in front of a hungry predator.

Feeling annoyed and increasingly jealous of the young girl's, the shop assistant's actions, Lydia couldn't hold herself silent anymore. She waved her hand dismissively as she coldly spoke.

"Don't just stand there like a big idiot! We need some new clothes for MY man here!" She said, emphasizing the last part of her speech as if clearly marking her 'territory'.

"A-ah y-yes, r-right away m-miss!" Gabriella jumped up in fright at the scolding, taking a step back and turning towards the aisle of shirts. On one side all the official, buttoned shirts lined up, whilst on the other the more casual versions, t-shirts could be seen hanging.

"Ehrm, do y-you have an idea of what are you g-going for? Gabriella asked, still stammering a bit as she shifted her mindset into that of her role, she grew calmer with each word, almost losing and forgetting her fright from just a moment before. She was looking at the aisle that was just ahead of them, her eyes already looking for suitable options for the handsome master standing just behind.

In a couple of seconds, as she was waiting for a response from the madam, she had already selected some feasible options for him. From his build, and how he carried himself when he came in, Gabriella was leaning towards a darker-colored business suit, with a dark grey, long-sleeved shirt and matte black buttons adorning it from top to bottom.

In her mind, the combo also had black leather shoes to crown the set.

As she fantasized about the end result, she was brought back to reality with the harsh, cold scolding of the woman.

"What are you standing there for! Move it already and show us some suits and shirts that could match my darling!" She exclaimed angrily.

"Aaaah!" Gabriella yelped in fright as she was caught daydreaming again. She hurriedly bowed in an effort to apologize again but before she could do so, the very Master that was the root cause of her clumsiness had reached out and grabbed her shoulders, pulling her back up.

"No, no need for that, Gabriella." Aziel spoke warmly, a charming smile donning his handsome face. "Please, if you could, show us some of the options for suits we could try."

"S-sure… C-certainly…" Gabriella responded looking slowly losing herself in those deep crimson eyes that she found more and more alluring as she kept on gazing into it.

As if a spell of daze was cast upon her mind, Gabriella eventually managed to guide the two through several aisles of clothing. In the end, besides the set, she already dreamed up and envisioned there were several sets of suits selected. Mostly of the same, more official image as that 'devilish' look suited him much better. Still, they did manage to select a couple of 'normal' sets as well, mostly with long-sleeved shirts that tightly fit Aziel's lean, toned body shape and similar tight jeans.

By the time they left the store, with the almost dozen-or-so bags, Aziel was like a densely packed mule.

"Come dearie, let's grab a bite before we make our way back home. We could also discuss more what you asked about earlier since we could once more enjoy some… much-needed privacy." Lydia spoke as she walked by Aziel's side, visibly feeling better as they left the store and that little vixen.

As Aziel brought all the bags filled with his future attire, he couldn't help but suddenly feel an increased need for some sort of storage item.

'I can only hope that I can find something in this Auction when we visit. Walking around like this is incredibly stupid…' Aziel grumbled inwardly.'If not a Space Ring, or Bracelet… even a pouch would do… but if nothing else, hopefully, I could chance upon Void Stones… I refuse to believe that this realm, rich with energy has nothing of the sort…'

Making their way over to the second floor where the food court was found, they both selected a simple hamburger with some fries and took a seat at a mostly empty corner.

As soon as they sat down, Aziel asked, already growing annoyed by carrying everything. Why did he have to carry this stuff? Shouldn't they have brought some of that large staff from the mansion and had them carry everything?!

"So, Lydia tell me more about this Purple Cloud Auction House. What more do you know? Do they hold any special, scheduled events?" Aziel asked as he grabbed a bite from his burger.

"Yes, there is!" Lydia answered with a bright smile as she grabbed a piece of chips and dunked it with some sauce. "There's a monthly event they hold. Their namesake, the 'Purple Cloud Auction, is a nationwide large annual auction where the most exotic, unique items could be found. I've participated in a few events of Purple Cloud Auction and did score a few precious artifacts, even though I did spend quite a large amount of money…"

Aziel thought for a moment and then slowly spoke, "That being the case, then we'll leave tomorrow. However, when will Purple Cloud Auction be held? Is there any chance for us to participate?"

Lydia secretly felt relieved, as she saw the growing interest shining through that 'mask' of his. Upon hearing Aziel's inquiry, she immediately replied, "Just 2 days ago one my contacts have called me to inform me that they have their monthly schedule Auction event scheduled to take place. I originally didn't plan to go, but if you would like, we can visit! My card would allow us to take up one of the VIP boxes!"

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