Auction Day

The next morning, a sleek black carriage came to a halt in front of the Third Lord's mansion. The polished wood glinted under the morning sun as Ashan and Leone stepped out of the mansion and into the waiting carriage.

"Father, why did Mother decide not to come?" Ashan asked, glancing back at the imposing facade of the mansion.

Leone sighed and settled into his seat. "She wanted to visit the fruit garden with the maids. She's never been fond of auctions."

Ashan tilted his head curiously. "Do you know who will attend today?"

Leone leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Word is that a rare and extraordinary item will be presented. Nobles and prominent figures from across our territory are expected. It's going to be a significant event."

Ashan smiled. "Then it'll be a fierce competition."

Leone smirked faintly. "It always is. In these contests, gold and fortune decide the victor. You'll see."

________

After nearly an hour of travel, the carriage approached Eryndralis. The city's tall, stone walls stood as a testament to its grandeur, with its four massive gates welcoming visitors from all directions. At its heart, a towering spire rose against the sky, its intricate carvings glinting in the sunlight.

The carriage passed through the bustling North Gate, where guards monitored the flow of people entering the city. The streets were alive with activity. Merchants shouted over one another to sell their wares, armored adventurers strode confidently, and mages in ornate robes conversed in hushed tones. Among the crowd, martial artists stood out with their disciplined postures and quiet intensity.

"Look at that tower, son," Leone said, gesturing to the spire. "It's the largest library in the kingdom. Scholars and travelers come from across other kingdoms to visit it. You came here as a child, though you might not remember."

Ashan, however, wasn't looking at the tower. Instead, his gaze was fixed on the vibrant tapestry of people. Through his unique ability to see surface aura colors, the city unfolded like a rainbow, each emotion radiating its hue.

"It really is beautiful. Each person's aura reflects their feelings, layering into a spectrum only I can see. Still, I'm glad I've learned to control this ability and use it only when necessary."

The carriage wove through the bustling marketplace and halted in front of a grand white building.

"We're late," Leone said. "Let's hurry—the auction's about to begin."

________

The hall was a spectacle in itself. Chandeliers adorned with mana crystals bathed the room in a soft glow, while rows of plush seats were filled with nobles, merchants, and other affluent attendees. A palpable air of anticipation hung over the crowd.

Leone led Ashan to a section reserved for nobility. From their seats, they had an unobstructed view of the stage, where a tall man in a black shirt had just stepped into the spotlight. His blonde hair caught the light as he struck the table with a sharp clang of his hammer.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen," he greeted, his voice clear and commanding. "Welcome to this year's auction. I wish all of you the best of luck."

The crowd responded with polite applause, which quickly died down as he resumed speaking.

"As many of you know, this annual event is renowned for its exceptional items. Today is no exception, with one particularly extraordinary item up for bid. Rest assured, every item presented here has been acquired through legal means. Now, let's begin."

Two hooded attendants carried a large, gleaming crystal onto the stage. Its facets refracted the light into mesmerizing patterns.

"This is a mana crystal of rare quality," the auctioneer announced. "It not only absorbs mana of all types but also purifies it—a unique combination. The starting bid is 100 gold."

Ashan's brow furrowed slightly. 

One hundred gold? That's exorbitant for a single item.

In this world, currency followed a strict hierarchy:

1,000 copper coins = 1 silver coin

100 silver coins = 1 gold coin

To put it into perspective, three copper coins could buy a modest meal, and a single gold coin could sustain a family for months.

"110 gold," a mage bid confidently.

"130 gold," another participant quickly followed.

"150 gold."

"155 gold."

"160 gold."

The bids came rapidly, voices overlapping in their eagerness. The auctioneer barely kept up, his hammer striking the table in acknowledgment of each new bid.

This feels more like a battlefield than a marketplace—an arena where wealth takes the place of swords.

 Ashan thought, his expression had no emotion.

Finally, the auctioneer's hammer fell one last time. "Sold to number 27! Congratulations."

As the attendants removed the crystal, a new item was unveiled: a dagger of gleaming gold adorned with intricate silver engravings.

"This," the auctioneer began, his voice taking on a reverent tone, "is no ordinary weapon. It once belonged to Duke Nolen, one of the top five sword masters in Dragoria two centuries ago. Experts believe it holds traces of his aura flow, though none have yet uncovered its secrets. A true artifact of history. The bidding starts at 180 gold."

"185 gold."

"190 gold."

"195 gold."

"200 gold and 50 silver."

"210 gold."

The room buzzed with excitement as nobles and merchants joined the fray, their bids climbing ever higher.

Ashan leaned forward, his gaze fixed on the dagger. Activating his X-ray vision, he examined it closely.

It's made out of Mithrillium. The auctioneer isn't lying; faint aura paths are present. But they're weak and chaotic, likely the result of a novice's use. This dagger is valuable, but the price it's commanding is far beyond its worth.

The bids showed no signs of slowing. The auctioneer's enthusiasm grew with each increase, his grin widening as he encouraged the participants.

Ashan sighed inwardly. 

"They have so much wealth to burn on a blade that's more legend than substance, huh."

To be continued…