Chapter 20

The auction house was just a few paces ahead, its grand structure standing tall amidst the bustling district. News of my arrival had already reached the ears of the auction house owner, and as we approached, I saw him waiting at the steps, dressed in his finest attire. His eager expression made it clear—he had likely announced my visit in advance.

Upon inquiry, I learned that today’s auction had been upgraded from an ordinary event to a special auction, drawing an even larger and more prestigious crowd than usual. It seemed my presence had caused quite a stir.

I signaled Gauriash to step forward and instructed him to arrange for an anonymous bidder who would bid on my behalf, ensuring that my involvement remained discreet. Bao was given the task of handing over 500 Royal Marks to fund the purchases.

With the arrangements in place, we finally approached the auction house. Victor Dainhart, the owner, came forward with a polished smile, bowing slightly in greeting before welcoming us inside. He guided us through lavish halls adorned with intricate tapestries and golden chandeliers, leading us up to the first floor—a reserved space of utmost luxury.

At the center of the room sat a grand throne, clearly meant for me, while plush velvet sofas surrounded it, providing ample seating for my party. The scent of exotic incense lingered in the air, mingling with the rich aroma of wine. Moments later, a group of elegantly dressed serving girls entered, carrying an assortment of delicacies—exotic fruits, spiced meats, and the finest wines available.

Victor took it upon himself to entertain us, engaging in light conversation while ensuring our every need was met as we awaited the start of the auction.

When it was time for the auction to begin, Victor took his leave for a few minutes, likely to make final preparations. From my elevated position, I had a clear view of everything happening on stage, yet the tinted glass and draped curtains ensured that no one could see into my private viewing area. It was a perfect vantage point, offering both secrecy and authority.

A pleasure girl was brought in to keep me entertained, but I politely declined. While such services were common in these circles, I had no interest in distractions at the moment. Instead, I focused on the proceedings below, where a man stood near the stage, waiting for a signal—likely the lead auctioneer.

Moments later, Victor reappeared, walking confidently onto the stage. With practiced ease, he projected his voice across the grand hall, ensuring everyone could hear him clearly.

“Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, today we are honored by the presence of none other than the Seventh Son of His Majesty, Prince Asher Vaelthorn Aldrenor!”

A murmur of excitement spread through the crowd as Victor gestured in my direction. “Tonight’s auction is unlike any other. We have reserved our most exotic and prized slaves for this annual event, and in celebration of this grand occasion, we shall begin the bidding momentarily. But first, Your Highness, would you care to address the audience?”

All eyes turned toward my booth. Though the glass prevented them from seeing me, they knew I was there. I stood up smoothly and projected my voice with the confidence expected of a royal.

“Citizens of the realm, it is truly a pleasure to witness such a lively gathering. This is my first visit to an auction house, and I must say, the energy here is electrifying. I am here today simply to observe, to enjoy the experience, and to appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into such grand events. Let your enthusiasm shine, bid to your heart’s content, and may the best offers win.”

I then turned my attention toward Victor. “And, of course, my thanks to our gracious host, Mr. Victor Dainhart, for orchestrating such a splendid evening.”

Applause and cheers erupted from the crowd; their excitement renewed by my words. I sat back down, and the auctioneer took the stage, launching into his welcome speech, setting the stage for what promised to be an eventful night.

One by one, the slaves were led onto the stage, their appearances carefully arranged to entice the bidders. Some were shackled in gleaming silver chains, the clinking sound echoing through the grand hall with each measured step. Others were draped in sheer silks or elegant shifts, their features carefully highlighted to emphasize their desirability. The air buzzed with anticipation, a mixture of hushed murmurs and excited whispers as the wealthiest bidders prepared to stake their claims.

As was tradition, the pleasure slaves were the first to be presented. A procession of men and women—each trained in the art of seduction—graced the stage, their bodies displayed with an alluring blend of grace and submission. The auctioneer took his time, emphasizing their skills, their exotic origins, and their obedience, ensuring that the bidding war would escalate to impressive heights.

The prices soared almost instantly, as nobles, merchants, and aristocrats competed fiercely, their pride pushing them to outbid one another. Some slaves were taken within moments, their fates sealed with the slam of the auctioneer’s gavel. Others sparked intense duels between bidders, their values rising until only the most determined—or the most wealthy—emerged victorious.

I observed everything in silence, my expression unreadable as I sipped from a goblet of rich wine. From my secluded seat, I studied the bidders as much as the slaves, taking note of who among the elite held the most power in this particular arena. The night had only just begun, and already, it was proving to be an insightful experience.

Next came the slaves of war. One by one, various species were brought onto the stage—elves, dwarves, trolls, and more. Each group consisted of 100 battle-hardened soldiers led by their respective commander, their expressions stoic, their bodies marked with the scars of countless battles.

While many of these warriors were formidable in their own right, my interest lay in only two species—the Minotaur’s and the Werewolves. Their sheer strength, resilience, and combat prowess made them a valuable addition to any force.

Without hesitation, I signalled Gauriash to place the bids. The auction for these warriors was intense, with multiple bidders vying for such powerful assets. However, with precise timing and strategic increments, we secured them at a total cost of 150 Royal Marks—100 for the Minotaur’s and 50 for the Werewolves.

With this purchase, I had acquired two elite warbands—unmatched in strength and ferocity—each capable of turning the tide of battle in my favor.

The final section of the auction was led personally by the owner, Victor Dainhart, a sign of just how exclusive this portion was. One by one, the most exotic and breathtaking beauties were brought onto the stage. Each was a rare gem, carefully selected to captivate the audience. Their origins varied widely—from elegant humans to mesmerizing hybrids, each possessing unique traits that set them apart.

I leaned forward slightly, my interest piqued. This was the part of the auction I had been most eager to witness. The level of refinement and rarity in this selection was unparalleled, and I intended to pay extra attention to every detail.

Many slaves came and went, yet none had truly caught my attention. Just as I was about to lose interest, Victor Dainhart presented something unexpected—eleven human girls. The moment they stepped onto the stage, I felt an unusual magical presence emanating from them. It was subtle yet distinct, unlike anything I had sensed before.

With a practiced smile, Victor addressed the audience. “These eleven girls are known as sacrificial treasures. As many of you may already know, within their wombs lies a small dimensional gate. Over time, a random egg materializes inside them, and when the creature is ready to hatch, it tears through their bodies to emerge. If fortune favors you, you might receive a rare or even mythical beast.”

A hushed murmur rippled through the crowd. The concept was both gruesome and fascinating. My mind raced with possibilities. Such an ability could be invaluable—perhaps even priceless.

Leaning slightly toward my companions, I spoke in a low voice, ensuring only they could hear. “I need them at any cost.”