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At the same time, Eeole sighed and groaned to himself in secrecy. Thanks to the bidding Eeole already had a pretty solid idea of who it was placing such a high bid, even passing the projected value of a low-king item.

‘Magicite... By chance, could that be Lord Draco that I heard about?’

Eeole dodged the question, stating, ‘For now, just focus on the bidding. Don’t add any more oxite just yet. Let’s see how this bid goes first.’

The image from Oli’s window finally changed after the awkward pause experience by the audience below.

“Once again, the highest bidder changes despite the unexpected, incredibly valuable bids!” announced the auctioneer. “Currently, the highest bid is two hundred and fifty oxite coins, three early-king cores, an early-king helm, three low-king cores, and a matching set of low-king daggers! Can anyone top such a priceless offer?!”

Without pause, all illusory images vanished from sight in the blink of an eye. Even Oli’s rival bidder reluctantly pulled back their bid after a moment of consideration.

.....

“TRULY INCREDIBLE!! What a dominating bid! ... GOING ONCE!”

The auctioneer’s voice was slower and clearer than before, yet the pressure throughout the auction hall was almost unbearable for most people on the lower floors. The tension of such an outstanding bid was beyond anything they could imagine or even fathom.

“... GOING TWICE-”

Finally, another image appeared, and it came for the same bidder from a moment ago.

“Spectacular! AMAZING! Once again, the highest bidder changes and by such a narrow margin this time,” the auctioneer explained. “With even more refined magicite as before, two early-king cores, two low-king cores, a low-king longsword, and now an additional mid-king core!”

But Eeole wasn’t hesitating anymore. He knew that the other bidder likely couldn’t go higher, or at least wouldn’t be willing to risk much more than that. That left Eeole an opening to quickly gain full control of the current bid.

“What? We already have another bidder take the lead?!” exclaimed the auctioneer. “They’ve also added a mid-king core! What an unbelievable battle of the bids! ... GOING ONCE!”

“... GOING TWICE!”

The other bid’s illusion held strong but didn’t seem to get any changes.

“... SOLD!!!”

DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG!!!

The curtain was abruptly closed, leaving the auctioneer alone in front of the crowd. “LADIES! GENTLEMEN! It’s been an honor to spend the day with you and to see your coin purses do battle! Congratulations on your gains today, and may the bidding always fall in your favor!”

Just then, the man leaped back behind the curtain before anyone could shout or react.

More than ever before during the auction, Oli slunk back into his seat in full relaxation mode. He needed a moment to readjust back to the mood of the room.

“Excuse me, Master Oliver,” Freele spoke up, showing a level of care and concern that Oli had never seen from her up till that point. “... Did that really just happen? Did you actually just... bid with such priceless items?”

Sighing, Oli nodded and stated, “I did, yet I also didn’t. After the meeting with the Forell Family head, then you’ll be able to understand more clearly. But I will say that I had to get that fossil no matter the cost and am glad we pulled it off while also getting other great goods as well.”

Fulkar silently nodded and played along. He was shocked as well but could at least understand that it wasn’t just Oli making such a bid.

Most surprising, Yeter was silent during the whole interaction. That was a level of maturity Oli hadn’t anticipated.

“... I’ll also say this, while we’re in a secure place and your curiosity is at an all-time high,” Oli added, noticing the unrelieved tension on all of their faces. “Iron Territory recently acquired a few smiths in secret. They can’t be known to the public, but they’ll be in charge of creating all weapons and armor for the territory leaders and patrician clans, including king-grade pieces.”

Trenk, Trantor, and Freele all felt their bodies tighten up from instantaneous, overwhelming shock. It faded in seconds but still left a hefty impression on them.

Trantor swallowed some of his hesitations and asked, “Then, now that the auction is over, can we leave and see my father?”

Oli nodded. “We can, as soon as we make the exchange for everything. Then, I believe we can pay for a secret escort out of Icicle Palace.”

The others all silently agreed with that proposition. None of them would dare chance getting caught with so many valuables on their persons.

It only took a few more minutes before a knock sounded from the door. “It’s me. I have your purchased items. Your total is-”

Cling, cling.

“It should all be there,” Oli replied while dropping a void ring in the door’s compartment.

Seconds later, the man on the other side replied, “Yes. That’s the total. Here are your newest items. Please, enjoy. And we thank you for your great patronage!”

“Before you go,” Oli asked, “is there a way to leave in secret? We’re more than fine with leaving a great tip.”

The man didn’t miss a single beat, directly answering, “Of course. For one thousand gold per person, we can give you a private escort to one of our many hidden exits.”

Cling, cling.

“... Very well. We’ll provide the six of you with such an escort. Give us a few minutes to prepare. I’ll be back shortly.”

Oli took back his void ring and returned to the others. “You heard him. We’re leaving soon, so be sure to don your disguises. After leaving the auction house, we’ll wander the streets in our casual clothes.”

Everyone followed directions without a single question. And a few minutes later, there was someone at the door again. “We’re ready. Please, hurry and exit so we can get you out in a prompt manner.”

The door was opened and all six cloaked figures stepped out.

The old-looking man wore a blindingly warm grin, giving them all a bow. “Dear patrons, please, follow me.”

Traveling in silence, the team was led down the hall but towards the dead end of the hallway. However, there was a server standing there motioning for them to continue walking straight into the wall.

“It’s momentarily an illusion. Please, continue,” remarked the appraiser guiding them, taking the first step through the wall.

Oli smiled under his mask and was the next to exit the hallway. The rest of the team was directly behind him, entering a new, less extravagant passageway. It was plain in color and lacked all forms of decor. Clearly, it was a staff hallway to help get to and from the various places in the huge auction house in a more timely manner.

Their guide led them down some stairwells and through a few halls. But they soon arrived at was seemed to be a service entrance for the auction house.

“Here’s where we’ll part ways. On the other side of this door, you’ll enter a lonely alleyway under our surveillance. For the next few minutes you’re clear to exit undetected,” stated the appraiser. “But there’s someone that would like to have a quick word of thanks before you go.”

From behind the team, a man in a glittering silver suit appeared, offering them a deep bow before saying a word. “Patrons, thank you dearly, from the bottom of my heart. We won’t forget your contributions today. May I see your reservation badge, please?”

Oli nodded and handed it over.

The auctioneer accepted it and passed them a new platinum badge. “I’m Gavriel Mowsard, a vice president of Icicle Palace. On Icicle Palace’s behalf, I give you this, a platinum patron badge. With this, you’ll receive free entry to all auctions and a guaranteed private booth. If you’re able, may we know any discerning details regarding you, young masters?”

At first, Oli didn’t want to say anything but Eeole gave him a quick tip. “... You may know one thing. We’re from Iron Territory.”

“Phenomenal! Henceforth, Iron Territory is considered a patron of Icicle Palace. Should Iron Territory wish it and pay for the expenses, Icicle Palace is willing to visit and offer an appraisal of its capital. If the conditions are suitable, we’re willing to discuss the opening of a branch in Iron Territory.”

“... That’s indeed an intriguing offer. Given more time for us to better prepare for your arrival, we’ll consider discussing such a matter,” stated Oli. “For now, we thank you for your courtesy and professionalism.”

Accepting the team’s bows, Gavriel cracked a genuine grin. “We appreciate that. And we wish you the very best on your travels.”

Gavriel then left, letting them exit Icicle Palace without a single eye on them. The team traveled the streets for a little while until they found a clear enough place to remove the disguises, using their common clothes as their new disguise to hide their high-profile purchases from the rest of the world.