Chapter 52: Musical Talent

Chapter 52: Musical Talent

A woman with tanned skin stood at the front of the group of musicians. Her posture was more perfect and graceful than even the highest of nobles. It was as if she had attached a metal rod to her spine. Her long black hair cascaded all the way down her back like a waterfall that had been slowed down with time magic and she wore a long, light-blue dress that trailed along the floor.

Her reddish lips parted ever so softly. Men and women alike had their gazes attached to her as if she was the centre of the universe.

Astrid frowned. She could tell it was an illusion. Her very aura seemed to stir up the crowd. She turned to Freya, and from the stony look on her face, she could also tell. Astrid had the urge to tear down the illusion, but she didn’t have to, as the woman did that herself. With the Illusion gone, she displayed a bright smile and bowed. The crowd all stood up and erupted in a raucous applause.

“Who is she?” Astrid turned to Freya.

She had never seen her before, and judging by the applause, it was only her that was unaware. When it came to the people of the Upper District, she knew a lot. It was a byproduct of being forced to attend countless balls. Apparently, it was necessary training for a noble heir to remember the faces of all the important people within Rebirth.

“Her name’s Koya,” Freya said. “She was born within Dreadline. That’s the rumour, anyway?”

Astrid’s eyes widened. “Dreadline? The survivor colony at the edge of the world? The Dead Sea?”

“Indeed,” Freya continued, “but she now stays at Mount Hullbeck.”

“Seems like more and more people are moving there,” Astrid said.

“People like their freedom.”

“It’s also the haven for Wayfarers, they can pick and choose their missions and go whenever they want.” Leena added.

Astrid nodded. It definitely had more appeal than the militaristic system on Rebirth. No one enjoyed following orders if you didn't have to. It also meant that whatever you looted would belong to you completely. Many Wayfarers weren’t happy that they had to pay a tax on whatever they earned, but it was necessary. The Wayfaring Headquarters provided equipment if one needed it. It was their responsibility to scout the countless towns and cities, and whatever equipment or transport that were damaged during a mission, they would repair it free of charge.

It had its benefits, but if one was a higher levelled and more experienced group, going on their own would be a better choice. Astrid guessed the only reason that Daniel and the others stayed within Rebirth was because they were under her father, Lord Sinwen.

My father probably helped them train. It also wouldn’t be a surprise to think that their families had ties with her father as well. It was clear after spending a good amount of time with them; they didn’t have ordinary classes like most from the Lower District. That meant they held a strong bloodline, and their classes along with it.

With the applause ending, the auction house employees rushed forward and placed down an enormous stringed box in front of her. The box matched her elegance. Smooth corners travelled down at a slight tilt, just like the languid water of a peaceful stream. The dark wood was blended with what looked like a frigid blue glass, or some sort of crystal as it followed the grain of the wood in streaks. The box was hollowed out, and on top lay taut metallic strings. Astrid counted thirteen in total. She had never seen a musical instrument like it before.

Koya gently raised her hand and rested her fingers on the strings. Her movements were graceful, and one could easily tell that she had dedicated her life to playing the instrument just with those trained movements.

“Earl Kamron,” Astrid said, “long night? Your eyes look a tad sore.”

“Indeed,” Earl Kamron said. “With everything going on, I’ve not had the luxury of a good night's rest, I'm afraid.”

"No doubt you've been scurrying around, gathering gold."

“Not just me either," He said. "With these new dungeon items, all the nobility has arrived and if they had delayed the auction, I don't doubt even the twelve pirate lords would arrive here.”

“Indeed, I plan on snatching up a few myself.” Freya nodded.

“That, I believe.” Earl Kamron chuckled. “Knowing you, Lady Freya, you’ll be focusing on the bulk items?”

“Of course, that’s where all the profit lies,” Freya said. “I’ll leave the higher tier items to you and the others.”

“Well, it will be a shame to lose out on some extra competition,” He said. “But I will gladly welcome any advantage I can get for today.”

“There’s always a chance I spot something." Freya said. "You never know.”

“And if there is, let me know. I’ll help you get it.” Earl Kamron checked his stopwatch. “It’s about time the auction started. I’ll leave you in peace. I’m sure you wouldn’t want me hanging around. Lady Astrid, it was a pleasure to see you again.”

“Likewise.” Astrid nodded, while Freya curtsied as he left the VIP box and moved towards his own.

Astrid sighed in annoyance. She was just getting into the band when she was interrupted, and now it was over. The auction house employees rushed onto the stage and took away the exquisite music box at Koya’s feet. She remained on the stage as she held her hands together.

Her sweet voice filled the entire hall.

“Welcome, everyone, to today's auction,” Koya continued. “Without further ado, I will no longer keep you waiting. Auction Master Samuel, please.”

As her words finished, the stage’s red curtains split open as a man walked forward. Everyone clapped as he made his appearance.

Astrid gazed at the man that barely fit his white velvet suit. Long, wild golden hair lay atop his shoulders and fell down his back. His face looked like something sculpted it from stone. Sharp facial features brought with it a heroic aura. His enormous muscles threatened to rip the suit at any movement, yet it remained whole. Thankfully.

He was the Auction Master, Samuel Nairn.