The auctioneer draws the hall’s attention to a small, unassuming box, and within it are announced to be forty-five C-level mana crystals. As the assistants open the box, the radiant glow of the crystals fills the hall.
The items before them were very valuable, perhaps the most valuable of the night—for a mage, a mana crystal, depending on its rank, could greatly increase their ability for the duration until it’s used up and could even aid in breaking into the next circle. For Aric, it could give him a chance to create a band of powerful humans to cause a neccesary havoc.
"We will start the bid at 600,000 gold coins," the auctioneer announced.
All eyes turned to the prestige section, the rest of the hall already aware that this had gone far beyond their purchasing ability.
However, this was very quickly disproven as a voice shot from the basic section.
"650,000," a man offered.
Aric tilted his head in intrigue as he glanced down to see who had made the bid—it was the lord’s steward whom he had earlier recognized.
---
Masir Genult \\ Human
{Current value: 7}
- Financial advisor and steward to the Lord of Heidz
Accessibility: Medium
Influence: - (You do not have any influence on this)
Expand/?
---
As Aric pulled up the Conquest profile to confirm, others had simply turned to the young man, all sharing the same shocked expression. But only allowing the attention on the man a few moments, a bid was called from the prestige section.
"700,000," a female voice offered from the prestige side, causing all to turn to her booth.
"1.2 million gold," Aric countered.
Serina and Lerai turned to the prince, also shocked by the large summ.
"That’s a huge amount," Lerai muttered.
As he prepared to leave, the auction house manager entered—a slick, well-dressed man with a knowing smile. He approached Aric with polite respect.
"I must admit, you have made quite the impression tonight."
Aric offered the man a glance. He was clearly uninterested in the pleasantries, simply wanting to leave, but the manager was insistent on conversation.
"Few can bid against a lord and win."
Aric nodded at the man. Having finished his business, he turned to the exit.
Then the manager slyly added, "It’s been a long time since we had someone of your status here—an imperial prince, I mean"
Aric’s expression shifted slightly. He turned to the manager with a wry grin.
"You must learn to be patient, Solen. Don’t be foolish... if you keep acting irrationally, it’s the king who will chop off that talkative head of yours, and my work will be little."
The manager appeared taken aback momentarily by Aric’s words.
"I do have a meeting with the king’s council tomorrow. Perhaps I’ll mention your irrationality before him."
At that moment, the manager’s smug look dissolved into complete fear, his fists clenching.
"I apologize. It seems I have misspoken... I assure you, no sound leaves this room."
Aric gazed at the manager, his head tilting slightly before he glanced at the young man who stood beside them, the one who had collected payment. Aric then turned back to the manager, who gave a nod with clenched fists.
"Have a great rest of your day, Solen."
The prince turned away, opened the door, walked through, and closed it behind him, soon meeting up with Serina and Lerai as they exited the auction house. Going back into the street, they found someone waiting for them.
"Sir, may I speak with you a moment?" the steward stepped toward Aric.
"Yes?" the prince answered.
"The Lord of Heidz understands you have an appointment that will keep you in the capital till tomorrow. He insists you stay at one of his many inns. He assures you a very hospitable rest."
Aric gazed at the steward for a moment. He began to wonder if this appearance and meeting were all by chance or something carefully mediated.
"It would be rude of me to decline the lord’s offer, no?" Aric responded.
"Excellent." The steward raised his hand, and a carriage that had been parked at the side began to clop and roll toward them. "Then please come with me."