Cherreads

Chapter 43 - Chapter 43 – Bidding Day

Scene: Inside a huge hall.Dozens of chairs are filled with people from various kingdoms, all facing a brightly lit stage. Precious is sitting among them, quietly observing.

Kail (Precious's Mana Skill):There are a lot of people here… all from different kingdoms.

Precious:I see. Can you give me details on some of them?

Kail:Of course. (searching)Alright, the beast girl sitting three seats ahead of you is the daughter of "SINY's" secretary. Her name's Ema.Five seats to your left, skip two — that human there is the child of a minister from "Caina State," under "Naco Country." His name's Abdul.Right behind you, the elf — that's Zabuza, right hand of "Mity," the king of the "Eluto" Kingdom.There are also others from Secret Sky, Shin Kingdom, and a few more from different realms.

Precious:I see…

Scene:Suddenly, the curtain on the stage rises, revealing a beastman standing with a wide grin.

Ata (Host):Welcome everyone! I'm your host, Ata — and today's bidding will be full of surprises!(excited and playful tone)Before we start, let me tell you that today's auction includes five items. That means only five — or fewer — among you lucky people will get something!And our main item of the day is—

(A human girl walks on stage, raises her hand, and a glowing magic circle appears. A wooden piece placed on a red cloth manifests on a floating plate.)

Ata:—The Infinity Wood piece! That'll be the final item for today.

(The girl vanishes.)

Ata:Now then, our first item — a legendary dress!

(A blue, white, and slightly golden frock appears out of thin air.)

Ata:This dress once belonged to the First Queen of the Elves.It is said to change color based on the wearer's mood!Alright, starting bid — 100 gold coins!

Random Beast: 120 gold coins!Random Human: 150 gold coins!Precious: 200 gold coins.

Kail:Why are you bidding? We're only here for the Infinity Wood!

Precious:I thought it'd be perfect for Ice.

Kail:Huh? For Pretty? But you stopped talking to her… and Ice too—

Precious:Yeah, well… it's fine.

Ata:201… 202…

Random Elf: 300 gold coins!

Ata:Oh! Things are heating up — 300 gold coins!

That Elf:Hmph! The Elf Queen's dress belongs in the Elf Kingdom!

Precious:500 gold coins.

That Elf:W-What the—?!

Random Ogre: 550 gold coins!That Elf: 600!That Ogre: 750!That Elf: 800!

Precious (thinking):What's even going on here…?

Kail:End this bid already, man.

Precious:3,000 gold coins.

Ata (shocked):What the heck!! Contestant No. 21 bids 3K gold coins for the dress!

(Everyone looks at Precious in shock.)

That Elf:That much money for a dress?!That Ogre:Are you insane?!Ema:Who even is that guy?!

Ata:3001… 3002… 3003!Sold to No. 21!

(The dress vanishes. Next item appears — a sword.)

Ata:Our next item—

(Four more bids pass by in quick succession.)

Ata:And now… the final item you've all been waiting for — the Infinity Wood Piece!

(The same wooden piece reappears, glowing faintly.)

Ata:This piece was discovered three weeks ago near the Infinity Tree by our workers.Starting bid — 50,000 gold coins!

Random Human:That's too high!

That Elf:50.1K!Random Human:60K!Abdul:75K!Zabuza (thinking):That's the one…Zabuza:90K.

Kail:Precious, you should start bidding.

Precious:Not yet. Let it rise first.

Random Human:150K gold coins!

Precious:Who's that?

Kail:That's Mito, head guard of Yatransh, leader of Naco Country's Rangers.He said no matter what it takes, he'll get that wood — even if he spends everything. That's why he didn't bid earlier.

Ata:150K gold coins! Anyone higher?

Random Elf: 160K!Abdul: 200K!Mito: 230K!Zabuza: 250K!Abdul: 300K!Zabuza: 302K!Abdul: 310K!

Precious:500K.

(Everyone goes silent, eyes fixed on Precious.)

Ema:Him again?! I thought he'd already used all his money!

Abdul (whispering):505K.

Ata:Nice! 505K gold coins! Anyone higher?

Zabuza: 510K.Mito: (gritting teeth)I need that wood… 530K gold coins!

Precious:3.

(Everyone confused.)

Ata:No. 21, we're past 500K! You can't lower your bid —

Precious:Let me finish — 3 emerald coins.

(Complete silence.)

Ema:T–Three emerald coins?!Mito:Oh man…Zabuza:F—

Ata:The bid has reached 3 emerald coins! Can anyone go higher?!

Ema:(whispering) 3 emerald coins and 200 gold coins.Mito:3 emerald coins and 500K gold coins!Zabuza:4 emerald coins!

Precious:sigh Fine… 100 emerald coins.

(The entire hall freezes in disbelief.)

Ata (laughing in shock):Wha— HAHAHA! WHAT THE HELL!

Zabuza:Are you kidding me?!Ema:Does that kid even have 100 emerald coins?!Everyone:Yeah! Check that kid!!

Precious:If I don't have it, I'll do whatever you all say.

Ata:Everyone calm down!I don't think anyone can top 100 emerald coins!To be honest, this is the first time I've ever even heard of a bid this high!The winner is contestant No. 21 — congratulations!

(The legendary dress and the Infinity Wood are both awarded to Precious. He quietly leaves the city.)

Zabuza (standing outside the auction hall):What a monster…

Ema:Yeah… seriously.

Mito (in his carriage):I'm sorry, Master… I couldn't get the wood.

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