Chapter 24: Auction (2/2)
"Iaway the hand that one of the guards held out
He regardedelse as he turned away in disdain
"Now! For the final iteh to acquire this!" The auctioneer's drae covered by a silky cloth was dragged onstage
Everyone in the room was still noticeably tense from the initial shock of an intruder, but their attention was now focused back onto the stage after Vincent announced he had been killed
After a dra a s
The auctioneer bellowed at that exact norant of this nificent mana beast, an adult world lion has the capability to at least become a B-class mana beast I dare say that if taken care of well, this infant world lion could even become an A-classcare of and treasuring this fine beast will allow its endary beast tamer!"
The audience below us erupted into a frenzy as hands shot into the air, bidding without even waiting for the auctioneer To lass with his hand as his eyes stayed glued to thenever traversed to the Beast Glades, I was intrigued by cub as well
Sebastian walked over to the edge of the rooet a better view of the mana beast currently on display However, he etting another greedy eyeful of Sylvie
I nor jealous of the fact that I had a bond, but it was obvious that Sebastian had intentions to try and take my bond away from me Needless to say,increasingly thin
"Noon't be able to start the bidding until everyone gets settled!" The auctioneer shook his fingers with a satisfied grin plastered on his face as he waited for the crowd to sedate
As the bidders all reluctantly settled, the auctioneer finally announced the starting bid "We will start at one hundred gold!"
Back in Ashber, ten silver coins were h to feed a family of four for a year Of course, there were obviously luxury foods that totaled astrono off of that standard, one hundred silver coins, which ah to feed a fa up in the humble outpost of a town, I had never realized how much money was truly spent by the affluent class
Immediately, the price for the world lion soared Soon, it passed four hundred gold and the bidders had no intention of stopping
"500 gold!"
"550!"
"600!"
"700!"
"1000 gold coins!" the King bellowed into a voice-a's voice, the crowd's incessant bidding stopped It was obvious that, while there were plenty who could afford to bid higher, they were ainst their own king
It didn't see stepped in, but he at least had the decency to put up a high enough price
After the auctioneer counted off, the price was eventually settled at a thousand gold coins or one white-gold tablet; so I'd only seen in books and pictures
Vincent walked up to the King with his hand held out "See Glayder," he congratulated
"One white-gold tablet shouldn't be too unfair, right?" the King joked as he peered back down onto the stage, obviously excited
"Thank you for the consideration," Vincent chuckled in defeat "What are your plans with the new royal pet? Will you use it for yourself, or perhaps give it to your son?"
"While te it to Curtis…" he said casually "Of course, that all depends on how he does," he finished, patting his son's head
"D-Dad!" Prince Curtis, whose face had visibly brightened at his father's first remark, stuttered out in worry
Queen Priscilla, adding fuel to the fire, added, "Curtis, I re off on your sword lessons"
"Ah! Mo prince tugged on his mother's sleeve as his eyes switched been his mother and father
"Mama, can I have a pet?" Ellie asked
"Haha! I don't know Mana beasts only want to be pets for nice ladies," ht, Brother?" She pulled onme out to battle on her behalf
"H her an evil smile, I placed Sylvie on
The Tenth Anniversary event ended without any further couards escorted all of us back downstairs
Upon reaching the storage rooe wrapped in a black cloth The itee by soraciously
"For everything you and your fah," Vincent replied "Arthur, we have some swords in the back if you want to take a look while you're here Theyspecial, but I'm sure you'll be able to find a solid sword to last you until your body finishes growing"
"Oh! Are you planning on taking lessons with the sword?" The King inquired, putting a hand on his son's shoulder "My boy has just started learning as well Maybe you two can spar one day"
"Swords are merely a hobby for me, Your Majesty I would never hope to a back to redeem Vincent's offer
"Your Majesty, Prince Curtis would only beco with
As I turned back to retort, my father and the Twin Horns cauys are here! How did you enjoy the Auction?"his respects to the King and Queen
My father pulled Vincent aside as he and the Twin Horns began debriefing about the event
"Your Majesty If I may have a ith you," I heard Sebastian say as he leaned closely to the King's ear
After a few lance, but let out a sigh
As the talked towards me, it was obvious what they had just discussed by the way Sebastian wasn't even looking at me, but instead, attosmiled at him, but his eyes remained stern "I never did catch your na boy's father, correct?" he affirmed rather than asked
"My naht be thehihtly
"Sebastian, here, has been a royal guard for a while now and has helped our family an uncountable amount of times"
His voice stayed relaxed he spoke to my father, but the condescension in his tone was still apparent "For the exemplary services he has provided me, and therefore the country, I do feel the need to reward him at times You see; he has taken a fancy to your son's bond I know it's not easy to sever a contract and I'rown close to his little pet, but I would be e to take care of the contract and compensate you and your family for the troubles"
"Y-Your Majesty," ht by surprise by the severe request Taking a glance at ize, Your Majesty Neither I norto do to with my son's bond He had acquired it himself, so I cannot speak on my son's behalf onturned his attention toaze He realized, then, that for the entirety of their conversation, I had been staring icily at hiuard
"Boy Didn't your father teach you to lower your gaze when speaking to someone of your superior?" Sebastian snarled in disdain as he slaround
"Sebastian, silence!" The King held up his hand Besides the royal faht the attention of the rest of my family as well as Vincent's
"hello, child" The King approached, standing an arth away from me "I'm sure you've just heard me speak to your father so I won't repeat myself How about it? My royal ar that of any aspiring knight"
Not wanting toco to spew out of racious offer, but I must refuse A simple sword could never replace Sylvie"
"How dare⎯"
"Sebastian!" King Glayder roared Turning back to ain with a much more impatient tone "How about a trade then? The world lion cub that I just purchased for your bond?"
"Father!" Curtis scurried over to his father, pulling on his sleeve "I thought thewaited for my response
"Perhaps I didn't ive, sell or tradeto mask the annoyed expression on my face
"I have asked you twice, child, for a favor Twice," he erave "I will ask you once ive me your bond?"
The air was tense as everyone's attention was directed atlook fro to be released The rest of the royal guards were on standby near the two, carefully observing the situation
"Then let me ask you a question in response, Your Majesty Howto sell your children toan eye
Thrown off-guard, the King wasn't able to respond to the seely random question "You have asked me twice and I have rejected you both times, yet it seems your pride won't allow you to acceptive you in return for your son or your daughter, King Glayder?" I rephrased, without wavering
I heard the sharp whistle of a sword leaving its scabbard "Insolent peasant! You dare insult the King and his faed at me before anyone had the chance to respond