Chapter 899: Price Premium
Older Brother Jayad had just lost his usual silver sword, and I thought this greatsword was powerful. With Older Brother Jayad’s strength, it shouldn’t be difficult to wield, so I was tempted to buy it as his new weapon.
Although Older Brother Jayad said he wanted to get a cane, according to him, canes were used to assist spellcasting, not as combat weapons, so buying a greatsword wouldn’t conflict.
Another point is that according to the Knight Captain, when they put out a warrant for us, the intelligence already included that Older Brother Jayad could use Holy Light and wielded a silver sword. At least that Jester and the Chief Knight should have known this.
So, if Older Brother Jayad continues to use the power of Holy Light, it would be quite dangerous. There are very few Holy Knights who act alone like him, often use Holy Light in combat, and yet don’t wear a Cross or armor. With these characteristics combined, the possibility of Older Brother Jayad being exposed is very high.
Taking advantage of the lost silver sword, it’s a good opportunity to change Older Brother Jayad’s weapon and create a diversion. As long as he restrains himself from using Holy Light again, the probability of being recognized should become very small.
I immediately bid up to three thousand gold coins. This price was already very high for a weapon, and because greatswords, as special heavy weapons, aren’t something everyone can use, most bidders directly gave up.
But I didn’t expect that after one person hesitated for a moment, they bid three thousand five hundred gold coins. I had no choice but to grit my teeth and continue bidding with him.
Unexpectedly, this person was unwilling to give up easily! He kept bidding with me, past four thousand, and then up to four thousand eight hundred, looking like a rich fool who was determined to win.
This price was a serious premium for a magical weapon. After all, this wasn’t a weapon with special skills, only enchanted. Such a high price made the surrounding guests gasp.
“Five thousand gold coins!” I impulsively shouted a price that was not worth it at all. No, I got carried away. Calm down, calm down. This is not worth it at all. If the other guy bids one more time, I’ll let him have it. At worst, I’ll find another weapon for Older Brother Jayad.
“Five thousand one hundred!” the other person shouted again. I looked at him strangely. He looked like a youth. Although he wore a mask to conceal his identity, judging from his thin arms and legs, could he really lift a greatsword? Or is he an extraordinary person who, like Older Brother Jayad, hides his true strength?
I had no choice but to stop. This price had far exceeded my acceptable range. Furthermore, even if I continued to bid, the youth didn’t seem like someone who would give up.
The audience was stunned for a few seconds. Even the Vampire Girl didn’t immediately start the countdown. Instead, she turned to me and asked, “Madam, are you sure you’re not bidding anymore?”
This was already a violation of the basic principles of an auction. Generally, auction hosts should not proactively induce guests to bid. However, the guests thought she was just asking out of surprise, as I had previously seemed completely unwilling to give up.
But I knew her real intention was to hint that I could bid whatever I wanted, and Lavias (M) would cover all my bidding expenses. However, I had already decided not to owe anyone any more favors, so I just shook my head, not intending to compete anymore.
“Alright, is anyone else bidding? One, two, three, sold. Elaine’s Greatsword belongs to this young gentleman.” The Vampire Girl asked as a formality. Perhaps she also felt it was impossible for anyone to continue bidding, so she quickly counted to three and declared it sold.
Two maids carried the sword down and brought it to the youth. Banxi also walked up to the youth and asked with a smile, “Sir, how will you be paying? Cash or check?”
The youth looked at the greatsword with longing eyes, but when asked about payment, he seemed hesitant and embarrassed. The guests immediately became suspicious. Did he actually not have that much money?
If it were true, it would be a fake bid. Such a false bid or malicious price inflation is a very serious offense at an auction. Especially since the people at the auction are not kind, the guests felt that if he couldn’t provide a reasonable explanation, he would be in big trouble.
“I’m very sorry, Madam. I don’t have that much cash on hand. Can I use other items as collateral?” the youth asked.
Banxi smiled and said, “Of course, you can. However, your items will be valued according to our auction house’s standards, and the price may differ from the market price outside. What would you like to use as collateral?”
“This, the land deed, the ownership certificate of Zono Bridge and the surrounding area,” the youth produced a stack of papers.
Everyone immediately started discussing. Some of them had mentioned earlier that Zono Bridge was Sir Elaine’s fief. Now that this youth possessed the land deed for Zono Bridge and was so determined to acquire Sir Elaine’s遗物 (remains), he must have some connection to Sir Elaine.
But to their surprise, Banxi looked at the land deed and shook her head directly, “I’m sorry, we cannot accept this land deed.”
“What?! You won’t accept it? Why? This land deed is absolutely genuine!” The youth unfolded the pages and showed them to her. Indeed, there were many official seals on it, and it looked genuine.
Everyone was also puzzled. Logically speaking, Zono Bridge was a lucrative area because passing merchants had to pay a toll to the bridge owner. Valuing it at five thousand gold coins was not excessive, and it could be recouped quickly, even becoming profitable for the auction house. They didn’t understand why she refused to accept it.
“I’m sorry, little brother. Zono Bridge is the territory of the Count of Deep Lake City, a neighboring city. Even if you give us this land deed, we would still have to go to the Count to finalize the transfer. However, we are not familiar with the Count, and with Sir Elaine dead, he can completely appoint new vassals to take over. We cannot take that risk,” Banxi said.
The guests immediately understood. The people here all had some social status, and they understood why the auction house wouldn’t accept it.
If one understood the surrounding map, they would know that Zono Bridge was a crucial route from Deep Lake City to the Royal Capital Madrid and the surrounding villages. In the past, Sir Elaine was powerful and trusted by the Count, so he was assigned there.
Now that Sir Elaine had died, the Count would certainly not feel at ease leaving such a crucial place as Zono Bridge to outsiders. He could reclaim it or grant it to someone else at any time.
This piece of land deed was actually useless. The gentlemanly Count might offer some compensation for this land deed, or he might directly reclaim it if he didn’t recognize it. After all, that land was his territory, and he had the final say. Even if one protested, it would be like asking for justice in vain.
Moreover, I knew another reason. Both Lavias (M) and the Death Trinity Church were clandestine organizations. Operating cemeteries was still seen as reasonable, but it would be difficult to justify to the Count that they would manage a bridge within his territory.
