Chapter 42

I walked into the grand auction, the largest event of its kind held in Shatten at the end of the year. This was meant to be a simple affair, but this year’s auction held a significance beyond measure.

After the Succession War had finally ended and a new Emperor ascended the throne, the empire swiftly regained stability. Before the imperial power completely seized control over even Blood Haven, this auction served as the last chance to display valuable items found across the Central Continent whose ownership was unclear. These items were offered to those with inflated egos and the wealth to realize them, encouraging competition for substantial gains.

If we had delayed even a little longer, the new Emperor, who had only been on the throne for less than a year but was already proving his prowess, would have likely imposed restrictions on the sources of the auctioned items, effectively ending such auctions.

The new Emperor possessed the capability to achieve this through legal means if he chose to, even without resorting to unlawful authority. He refrained from doing so merely because there was no concrete evidence. However, once this year’s grand auction concluded, they would trace the massive financial movements in Shatten and gather the necessary evidence promptly.

This was not just known by Shatten, the organizers of the auction, but also by the bidders interested in the items put up for sale. Asulin, who was close friends with the current Empress, knew this well too.

The intense heat felt upon entering Shatten foreshadowed the fierce competition that would ensue in what was essentially the final auction before things changed. Even though I, along with Asulin, planned to use money to retrieve our item, I didn’t mock their enthusiasm.

As I entered the heart of the auction hall, I began to observe the participants, looking for any who might be interested in the Pailord. Despite wearing minimal masks to conceal identities, these individuals from Shatten, the grandest and most vibrant flower blooming in Blood Haven, could not hide their unique characteristics.

Some exuded nobility in every movement, while others displayed their wealth through their attire, despite lacking the same grace. Most attendees fell into one of these two categories, yet exceptions always existed.

“…It seems they came from the Western Continent.”

“…Shatten is famous, especially for the grand auction held annually at the end of the year. Given that it has resumed after a long hiatus, it’s no wonder they came.”

“…”

A noticeable exception was someone who clearly wasn’t from the Central Continent but rather the farthest Western Continent. Even if they traveled by passenger ship for tourism instead of trade, it took three weeks to reach here, making this traveler stand out among the other attendees.

Their exotic attire alone set them apart, not to mention their tall stature and red hair, which was uncommon in the Central Continent. These features grew more prominent over time, making their foreign appearance even more striking.

Besides their distinctive appearance, the golden accessories hidden beneath their clothing drew attention. Their bracelets, necklaces, belt buckles, and rings adorned with cut rubies were enough to make them the center of attention.

With such an entourage of attendants, no one else commanded as much attention. Was this person a merchant operating a prominent guild in the Western Continent?

Given the reluctance of the people of the Western Continent to flaunt their status compared to the Central Continent, it seemed likely that this individual was a noble.

For me and Asulin, this situation…

“Their overt display of wealth suggests they intend to win several items in this auction. It’s a shame if they show interest in the Pailord we seek.”

Indeed, it was troubling that this foreigner, who operated a trading business in the sparsely populated northern Zakarat Mountains despite their wealth from mining rich veins and investing wisely, might be interested in the Pailord.

Even though Asulin, a descendant of the Caladborg Dukedom, whose wealth rivaled even that of the royal family burdened by the costs of the Succession War, didn’t worry about losing in the bidding war, the financial strain would still be significant.

“If you lose with money, you lose everything,” Asulin whispered softly, echoing my own concerns. More competitors meant greater financial losses for Asulin, making the situation anything but trivial.

While it was natural to hope for fewer competitors and thus lower expenses, the news about the Pailord being the final item in the auction changed everything.

“Did you hear? The Pailord will be the last item up for bid.”

“I heard. No one expected the sword that fought to the bitter end in the fortress, refusing to be left behind by the previous Black Swordmaster, to appear in this auction.”

“I heard some people plan to get the sword and use it to pressure the current head of household, who took office through an incomplete succession process.”

“Probably those who were cheated by Dominus during the civil war. They couldn’t dare defy him when he was alive but now act like scavengers as soon as he died.”

“I understand. He needed to be appropriately ruthless.”

“I don’t plan to compete for such a sought-after sword anyway. Watching who gets it could be interesting.”

“How ironic. I’m sure there are people who are just stirring up competition unnecessarily.”

“Hehehe. We need to stir it up just right. If we upset the sword mansion officials or bidders, we won’t be able to walk out of here.”

“Of course. We’ll just watch.”

Listening to snippets of conversations, it seemed such fortunate outcomes were rare.

Even if the fame of the two legendary swords that achieved great deeds didn’t match, the Pailord, a renowned sword from the Central Continent, was a coveted item.

Given its inclusion in this auction, it was no surprise it attracted so much attention. There was no avoiding the inevitable extravagant bidding war.

The thought of Asulin’s funds, which she intended to use to help recover the Pailord, being drained weighed heavily on me.

“Don’t worry,” Asulin reassured me with unwavering confidence. “I’ve accumulated cash and securities in my personal vaults to the point where it’s becoming difficult to manage. While it’s a pity to spend it in Shatten, finding you a fine sword is a blessing in disguise.”

“Still, I hope your money isn’t spent too much.”

“Ha ha.”

Her reassuring words and her composed voice, despite my concerns about escalating competition, calmed my mind.

“There’s no point lingering here and hearing idle chatter. Let’s go to the bidding hall.”

“Agreed.”

With Asulin leading the way, I followed her confidently toward the bidding hall. Despite each bidder’s distinct personality, their fierce determination to secure what they desired shone through their eyes, masked or not.

‘Asulin, who supports me financially,’ I recalled her steadfast presence behind me, pushing away all other thoughts.

Even though Asulin was a formidable warrior, I never imagined meeting her as a dependable ally in this money-driven battlefield rather than on a blood-soaked battlefield.

Though I hadn’t lived long, the saying that longevity brings wisdom struck a chord.

“Even with a mask hiding your face, your good looks draw too much attention from the women here. Next time, I’ll have to disguise your face somehow.”

“…”

Her jealousy, though misplaced, hinted at a slight loss of her usual dependability.

“Strange request, but please wear this ring on your finger whenever you go out.”

“Due to our unusual marriage, I forgot to wear the ring. From now on, I’ll always wear it.”

Her comforting words brought a sense of relief to Asulin, who subtly showed her embarrassment.

Despite her skillful disguise, her unchanged expression betrayed her true feelings, making her endearing.

What mattered more, retrieving the Pailord or spending precious moments with Asulin? Only time would reveal the answer.