Chapter 2: New Century (Epilogue)
Chapter 538: Initiating Trace
Five thousand gold coins were offered, and the entire venue erupted in an uproar.
Sapphires were not magical equipment, but mere decorations, so their value was limited. While this sapphire was of excellent quality, it was worth no more than three thousand gold coins at most.
Who was this big spender offering five thousand gold coins?
Everyone looked back curiously, and upon seeing a towering, sturdy man, their contempt grew even further.
*A crude person!*
*An uncultured nouveau riche!!*
This was the first thought of many merchants and nobles.
Their second thought was whether they could find a way to profit from this simple-minded giant.
“Five thousand gold coins! Oh my goodness! This guest who once hit me with his boots is offering five thousand gold coins!” the host exclaimed with delight. If everyone were as foolish as this strong man, he would gladly be hit with boots every day!
“Is anyone offering a higher price?”
Silence fell over the entire venue.
“Five thousand gold coins, one, twice, thrice. Alright, sold!”
The host ran through the process without any hesitation, as if afraid the towering man would go back on his word.
“To this noble guest, the Sea God’s Tear is yours. After the auction concludes, we will arrange for the item’s handover. In the meantime, please prepare your gold coins.”
The host smiled cheerfully and continued with the next auction item.
Auctions in Black River City did not immediately give the auctioned items to the buyers.
Considering the guests’ privacy and the possibility that some guests might not have enough cash on hand and would need to raise funds, all items were to be traded in private rooms after the auction concluded.
Pet sat down with great satisfaction, feeling as if he had shed a few pounds.
“You know, your human, pfft, your auction house is quite good. It gives people a very comfortable feeling, especially when bidding!”
The lion beast-man still seemed to be relishing the experience.
However, he knew that only humans could host such an auction; beast-men would never be able to, as they would likely resort to fighting during the bidding process.
“You flatter me,” Nobody Does Human Things said, pretending not to hear the slips of the tongue from Pet. Pet’s slip-ups had become more frequent, indicating that his guard was gradually dropping. This was a very positive development, making it easier for him and (Player Name) to investigate the matter further.
The items auctioned after the Sea God’s Tear were also quite good.
Mostly weapons and equipment, including a Grandmaster-level shield that tempted Nobody Does Human Things, but he didn’t have that much money. Later, there was also a Magus’s magic notes, materials from high-level monsters, and so on.
There were no more slave auctions held nowadays.
Otherwise, the atmosphere at the scene would have been even more fervent.
The King of Winter had issued an order prohibiting the trade of slaves.
All slave owners were to be eradicated, and anyone found engaging in the practice was to be dealt with severely.
Former slaves had now become hired laborers.
They still referred to their employers as masters, but they no longer worked without compensation. Employers were required to provide two meals a day and wages, and they did not possess the power of life and death over their hired laborers.
After the auction dispersed.
A woman with a graceful figure approached the two men.
“Mr. Nobody Does Human Things, Mr. Pet, did you two bid on the Sea God’s Tear?”
As the woman spoke, her eyes darted back and forth, exuding charm. She was clearly an experienced hand.
“Yes,” Nobody Does Human Things nodded expressionlessly.
Pet also showed no reaction.
He did not like human women.
“Very well, esteemed guests, please follow me.”
The woman was not discouraged. She licked her lips with her small, rosy tongue and turned to lead the way, showcasing her slender waist and voluptuous hips as she walked.
Auction hostesses were also hired.
One could hire them for twice the price of a brothel to go out and play games.
And late at night, they could enjoy an exciting game of Gwent together.
Shortly after, they entered a private room, led by the hostess.
Inside, a man wearing a tuxedo and holding a tray was waiting.
“Gentlemen,” the man asked with a standard service smile, “have you prepared your gold coins? I have brought the auctioned item.”
He unveiled the black cloth on the tray.
The “Sea God’s Tear” lay perfectly on it.
It truly resembled a droplet of water, azure in color.
“We have already prepared the money,” Nobody Does Human Things said, retracting his gaze. He then took out a bag of gold coins from his player backpack. It was bulging, with no shortage of coins. To put on this act, each player had contributed some of their gold coins, pooling them together to reach the amount.
“You have to break a few eggs to make an omelet.”
This maneuver would gain Pet’s trust, and they could get 95% of the five thousand gold coins back later, with the remaining 5% being the auction house’s transaction fee.
“Oh, and we have another request,” Nobody Does Human Things said, tapping the bag of gold coins. “If it’s convenient, we’d like to meet the seller and ask him a few questions.”
“Please wait a moment,” the man nodded. “Due to our auction house’s privacy agreement, we will convey your request to the seller, but we cannot guarantee that you will meet him. It is entirely up to the seller’s discretion.”
“I understand your rules. Just inform him that we have a business proposition for him,” Nobody Does Human Things replied.
“Understood.”
The man took the gold coins and left.
Nobody Does Human Things then handed the “Sea God’s Tear” to Pet.
“Half of the matter is now resolved,” he said faintly, his brow unfurrowing. “The Sea God’s Tear has been found. Next, we need to apprehend the thief and get my money back.”
Pet held the Sea God’s Tear, examining it from all angles.
The heavy burden on his heart had finally lifted.
If he had to find this thing himself, who knew how long it would take.
Furthermore, even if he found it, he wouldn’t have had the money to buy it himself today.
All of this smooth progress was thanks to Nobody Does Human Things and (Player Name).
“Thank you so much,” Pet said, carefully wrapping the Sea God’s Tear in beast hide and tucking it away. He patted his thick chest and solemnly vowed, “Don’t worry, once that thief appears, I, your old brother, will definitely not let him escape, and I’ll get your money back!”
A moment later, the service staff returned.
He shook his head regretfully and said, “I apologize, esteemed guests, but the seller does not wish to meet with you. Moreover, he seemed to be in a great hurry and left immediately after receiving the gold coins.”
“Damn it!” Pet slammed his thigh in anger. “That cunning dog! But it was within expectations. If it were me, I wouldn’t meet them either.”
“Yes, that’s only logical,” Nobody Does Human Things said with a smile and a nod.
“But it’s not a big problem. We still have tracking magic, which we can activate now.”
Saying this, he took out a scroll.
This scroll was inscribed with a genuine tracking spell array.
They had bought it at the magic item shop for five hundred gold coins each.
Pet had been there at the time.
