The annual auction of the Fernando family was held as scheduled at Wanderer's Port.
This was arguably the grandest auction in the entire Kronos Expanse, with many Rogue Traders and Imperial nobles traveling vast distances to attend.
In the most chaotic fringes of the Imperium, where law was difficult to enforce, even Imperial Navy generals had long been bribed by the Fernando family, becoming beneficiaries behind this auction.
And spots at the auction were incredibly sought after, almost impossible to obtain.
This was because, it was said that at the auctions held by the Fernando family, there was nothing you couldn't buy, only things you hadn't thought of.
Even things strictly forbidden by the Imperium had a chance of being bought here!
Of course, these were all rumors. As for whether they were true or false, Emrys intended to see for himself if the Fernando family's auction was really as impressive as the legends claimed.
"Do you really not need me to accompany you?" Iilya asked solemnly, wearing a full set of Vow Armor and carrying an Execution Greatsword. "In case of any accident, I can protect you."
Undeniably, although Iilya was still somewhat lacking compared to a true sisters of Silence in various aspects, fully equipped, she was definitely a strong deterrent!
Here, Emrys also deserved thanks for his friendly provision of the sisters of Silence's Vow Armor and Execution Greatsword.
It was also fortunate that he had the sisters of Silence's equipment; otherwise, he wouldn't know where to find another set of such precious ancient gear for Iilya!
"No need. If you go, it will probably only make the Fernando family more vigilant," Emrys shook his head, declining Iilya's kind offer.
At least on the surface, they posed no threat to the Fernando family yet, and the old fox wouldn't jump the gun.
Leaving Iilya to guard the house, Emrys and Jackal took a car to the core area of Wanderer's Port, which was also the venue for this auction.
"Good afternoon, Lord Charles."
The Fernando family's greeter was already waiting at the entrance; she was a tall, beautiful woman with a hint of charm in her eyes.
"And you are?" Emrys raised an eyebrow, his gaze scanning her brazenly, as if he wanted to strip the woman naked.
The woman showed no discomfort at his rather aggressive gaze; instead, she smiled sweetly, "I am Lillian Fernando. is a bit busy today, so he asked me to receive you, Lord Charles."
A bit busy?
Emrys sneered inwardly, probably busy analyzing the runes on the Destroyer Armor, wasn't he?
But he didn't show it on his face, greedily scrutinizing Lillian, reaching out to embrace her waist, looking utterly impatient.
"Alright, shall we go then?"
Lillian pursed her lips and smiled, cleverly dodging Emrys' outstretched 'perverted hand', and threw him a flirtatious look.
"Lord Charles, please follow me~"
A wisp of dark hair brushed past, leaving a fragrant scent. A faint light flickered in Emrys' eyes, but his face showed an expression of extreme enjoyment.
"So fragrant, wait for me, I'm coming!"
Jackal's mouth twitched, and he whispered, "Be careful, Lord, that one is a Living Saint."
Emrys, who was walking ahead, suddenly stopped, his expression seemingly frozen.
"What's wrong, Lord Charles?"
Lillian looked back at him, a little surprised.
"Ahem, nothing—" Emrys felt a pang of guilt but still pretended to be fine, comforting himself that this was all for the Imperium!
Soon, they arrived at the second floor.
The entire auction was divided into two levels: the lower level was the main hall area, while the upper level consisted of independent private boxes arranged in a circle around the center.
Lillian sat with him in a private box, her long legs crossed, a hint of white skin subtly revealed from the side. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said softly, "Lord Charles, said that to show the Fernando family's respect, everything you fancy today will be paid for by us."
"Hmph, you think I need you to pay?"
Emrys scoffed dismissively, sneering, "I am a descendant of the Emrys family; I have plenty of money. What is your Fernando family in my presence?"
A flicker of anger crossed Lillian's eyes, but she quickly hid it, replacing it with a smile.
"You are right, Lord Charles, but this is just our humble gesture. Please accept the Fernando family's respect."
"Hmph, let's see the items first."
If someone was willing to pay, why wouldn't Emrys be happy to oblige?
The clamor outside gradually subsided. A curvaceous female host took the stage and unveiled the first item: a rather ancient dagger.
"The first item is an ancient relic excavated from an alien ruin discovered by the Kurle family on Tyrant Star."
The beautiful host deliberately paused for half a second, whetting everyone's appetite, before introducing the item.
"We have named it 'shadow's Tooth'. According to Archmagos Bourne's appraisal, it is a divine weapon capable of cutting psychic energy and void shields!"
"Starting bid, five hundred thousand Throne Gelt!"
An alien weapon capable of cutting psychic barriers and void shields immediately caused several people to scramble for it!
"Eight hundred thousand Throne Gelt!"
"One million Throne Gelt!"
"One million two hundred thousand! This item is of great value to me. I ask everyone to give my Fletcher family some face!"
"What are you? If you don't have money, get lost! One million five hundred thousand Throne Gelt!"
The scramble among the crowd below was naturally nothing to those in the private box. Lillian smiled and looked at Emrys.
"Lord Charles, don't you need this item? It would be good for playing with or collecting."
"Trash." Emrys didn't even bother to look at it. He had a ton of these in his warehouse; they were completely worthless.
Lillian, having embarrassed herself, could only mask her awkwardness with a smile.
The auction proceeded in full swing, but from beginning to end, Emrys never made a single bid. In fact, his expression grew increasingly ugly and impatient.
Every item at the auction was a fine piece, but it depended on who was looking.
These items might be good in the eyes of some Rogue Traders or nobles, but in the eyes of a top noble, they were all trash!
The old man, playing this game with him?
Emrys roughly guessed that this was probably a fake auction, used as a smokescreen. How could the real Fernando auction feature such trash?
Lillian, beside him, felt bitter. Her had sent her to serve this distinguished guest, but from start to finish, His Highness Charles showed no interest whatsoever.
"Trash, all trash."
Emrys yawned boredly, a hint of impatience on his face.
"I'm going back. Tell your that I'm not selling the item anymore. The legendary Fernando auction is all junk—I have no interest in cooperating with junk dealers. You've disappointed me too much!"
With that, he disregarded the flustered Lillian and was about to get up and leave.
"Lord Charles, wait!" Lillian bit her lip and quickly stepped forward to stop him.
The descendant of the Emrys family had brought a treasure, and family head Lloyd was determined to have it. Her mission this time was to keep this distinguished guest as stable as possible and to find out what he was interested in, so as to complete this transaction.
But now, Charles was angry and wanted to withdraw from the deal. Although Lillian wasn't clear about the exact deal he had made with her Grandpa, she knew the importance of that item to the family. If she let Charles leave, she would surely be punished upon her return!
Thinking of this, Lillian mustered her courage, forcing a pitiful expression onto her face.
"Lord Charles, can't you stay with me a little longer?"
Playing pitiful?
Emrys snorted coldly.
"What are you, daring to stand in my way?"
Facing Charles, who was impervious to both soft and hard tactics, Lillian cursed him inwardly for being unappreciative, and could only try to appease him.
"Lord Charles, please wait a moment. I will consult right away and give you a satisfactory answer immediately, okay?"
"That's more like it."
Emrys feigned a nod and sat down in the chair.
"I'll only give you three minutes. Tell your that if he doesn't give me a satisfactory answer, this deal is off!"
After two minutes, Lillian hurried back, bowing with an apologetic expression.
"Lord Charles, to express our apologies, has asked me to take you to a place."
"What place?"
Emrys frowned.
"The real—Fernando auction."
A glint flashed in Lillian's eyes as she smiled.
"Please forgive our caution, but I believe that once you arrive there and see the real auction items, you will surely forgive our mistakes."
"Alright, then I'll see what you're really up to." Emrys breathed a sigh of relief. After all this effort, he could finally witness the true foundation of the Fernando family.
The real auction was at the Fernando family mansion, that towering skyscraper.
Lilian took him and Jackal into the tower, where they met Earl Lloyd, who was waiting for them.
As soon as they met, Lloyd was furious.
Without a word, he swung his arm and slapped Lilian across the face!
Slap!
"You bastard!"
A loud slap echoed as it landed on Lilian's face, instantly making her delicate cheeks red and swollen.
Lilian fell to her knees, tears welling in her eyes, looking utterly pitiful.
However, Lloyd was still not appeased.
He kicked her in the abdomen.
"You lowly collateral bloodline, who gave you the guts to deceive the esteemed Lord Charles?!"
"I, I'm sorry—Grandpa."
Lilian curled into a ball from the kick, cold sweat streaming down her pale forehead from the pain.
She pleaded pitifully.
"I, I was just thinking from the family's perspective, considering that we had to be cautious, which is why I didn't bring Lord directly here."
"Shut up, you lowly bloodline!"
Lloyd roared, his eyes wide with fury.
"Don't you open your dog eyes and look, this is a noble direct bloodline of the Aquius family, what kind of lowly thing are you?!"
"Alright, Earl Lloyd."
Emrys watched the farce unfolding before him, a little bored.
He stopped the "furious" Earl and said calmly.
"It wouldn't be good if such a beautiful person were to be injured."
"Hmph, if it weren't for Lord Charles interceding for you, I would have beaten you to death!"
Lloyd's anger had not subsided.
He then turned to him, apologizing profusely.
"I am truly sorry, Lord Charles.
My original intention was to invite you directly here, but this lowly thing took matters into her own hands, which caused this misunderstanding."
Misunderstanding?
Emrys chuckled inwardly.
One playing the good cop, one playing the bad cop.
How could they shamelessly pull off such a crude trick?
But there was an unspoken understanding among nobles after all, and Emrys was too lazy to expose them.
So he waved his hand.
"It's fine, I trust Earl Lloyd.
As for her—seeing as she's pretty, I'll forgive her."
"Aren't you going to kneel and thank Lord Charles?"
Lloyd reprimanded.
"Thank, thank you, Lord Charles."
Lilian endured the sharp pain in her abdomen and knelt to thank Emrys.
"Lord Charles, please follow me."
Lloyd bowed and smiled.
"This is the true Fernando family auction, and I'm sure it will satisfy you."
"Alright, you go first."
Emrys waved his hand, his gaze still lingering on Lilian.
Seeing this, Lloyd's eyes darted around, and he grinned.
"Alright, Lord Charles, then I'll go ahead."
After Lloyd left and the farce ended, Emrys approached Vivian, slowly crouched down, and whispered.
"You played your part well."
Vivian's body trembled.
She hid her bruised face in her arms, feigning strength.
"I, I don't know what you're talking about, Lord Charles."
"Don't worry, I'm not blaming you, nor am I interested in exposing your farce."
Emrys tidied her messy hair and handed her a tissue.
"For the family's interests, sometimes someone has to make the necessary sacrifices, and often, that person can only be a collateral relative, isn't that right?"
Lilian remained silent, her head bowed.
"Wipe it."
Emrys pressed the tissue into her hand and said calmly.
"Such a beautiful face, it wouldn't look good if it were all bloody."
With that, he turned and left.
Lilian clutched the tissue, watching Emrys' retreating figure, her heart involuntarily skipped a beat, but it was quickly overshadowed by the hatred in her eyes.
"Direct bloodline—hehe."
She wiped away her tears, the look of fragility on her face fading.
In a corner unseen by anyone, her eyes were cold and chilling.
She muttered to herself, in a voice only she could hear.
"I—I don't need anyone's pity!"
"Lord Charles, have you taken a liking to that lowly thing?"
Lloyd asked, feigning curiosity.
"Oh, you noticed?"
Emrys made no attempt to hide his greed, licking his lips.
"Although her bloodline is lowly, she's really quite pretty."
"For Lord to take a liking to her is her good fortune."
Lloyd immediately seized the opportunity.
"How about this, when you return tonight, I'll send her to your place.
It can also be considered as making amends for her mistake today."
This was not a marriage alliance, but merely an exchange of interests, which was the value of collateral bloodlines.
To be noticed by a top noble, to exchange sufficient benefits for the family, or even to curry favor with someone, was already its greatest significance.
"Hahaha, then I thank the Earl."
Emrys' face was smiling, but his mind was calculating.
He wasn't being benevolent just now, nor had he taken a liking to Lilian.
Rather, earlier, while Lloyd was scolding her, he had accidentally glimpsed a very interesting scene.
In the depths of Lilian's eyes, there was a trace of intense hatred!
If necessary, Emrys wouldn't mind giving Lilian a little "necessary" help.
During their casual conversation, led by Lloyd, they entered a massive building, shaped like a circular trapezoidal structure.
In front of each seat, there was something similar to a curtain, shielding the people behind it.
"This is?"
Emrys feigned ignorance, asking curiously.
"This, is the Fernando's true auction—shadow Dome!"
Lloyd's tone carried a hint of pride.
"Oh? A real auction, how interesting—"
Emrys' interest was piqued.
"I want to see how powerful the items here truly are, to make you all so cautious."
"I guarantee, you will not be disappointed."
Lloyd said with considerable confidence.
The auction at the shadow Dome was different from the outside.
There was no host; instead, items were displayed in the center via projection, and each seat had a detailed description attached.
And the first item shocked Emrys.
"Saint's Remains - Left Hand.
From 387.M40, in a certain battle, the remains of a 'Saint' canonized by the Ecclesiarchy.
It can suppress Warp Rifts and cause immense damage to daemons."
The prices here were also changed from Throne Coins to bartering.
Each bid would be sent to the auctioneer, and if both parties reached an agreement, the transaction would be completed.
"How is it?"
Lloyd was clearly delighted, looking at Emrys' shocked expression, stroking his beard and saying.
"Lord Charles, this is just the beginning.
There are even better things to come, I'm sure there will be something to satisfy you!"
"Not bad, at least it's not trash anymore."
Emrys suppressed his shock.
The Fernando family's audacity was perhaps a bit too great!
They even dared to sell Saint's Remains.
No wonder they were targeted by the Inquisition and even accused of betraying the Imperium.
He now somewhat understood Inquisitor Aldrich.
If the "Saint's Remains" were shocking enough, then the next item was absolutely terrifying!
"Flesh Covenant (One Page).
A living tome woven by a Great Daemon of Nurgle using the fungal carpets of seven plague worlds.
It can spread the plague gospel, and when the page touches blood, it will transmit a customized virus.
However, the holder's wounds will grow tentacles that connect to the page, granting immortality, but gradually losing human form, eventually becoming a living bookmark for the tome."
Emrys' pupils constricted violently, almost in horror!
"What audacity!"
Emrys instinctively clenched his fist, a look of terror in his pupils, and turned to look at Lloyd, who was sitting beside him, only to see him beaming with triumph.
"What do you think, Lord Charles?" Lloyd stroked his beard, his old face, riddled with wrinkles and furrows, filled with pride and arrogance.
"I told you, I would definitely make you 'see the world'."
"The Fernando family—truly formidable!"
Emrys took a deep breath, calming the tremor in his heart, but a hint of shock and anger still showed in his eyes.
"Count Lloyd, aren't you afraid of being discovered by the Inquisition?"
"Lord Charles, this is Wanderer's Port."
Lloyd smiled, his smile containing a chilling meaning, and said in a calm tone.
"The will of the Imperium has its limits, and here—the will of Fernando, is the law!"
The meaning of this sentence was already very clear.
The will of the Emperor could not reach this distant frontier, and in this small corner of Wanderer's Port, their Fernando family was the true 'Emperor'!
Heaven is high and the Emperor is far away; this saying could not be more apt for the Fernando family.
"What?" Lloyd, the old fox, looked at Emrys meaningfully.
"Does Lord feel that something is not quite right?"
"No, I'm just a little shocked." Emrys immediately reined in his emotions and said.
"A mere Trader Dynasty on the frontier actually has such audacity."
"Hahahahaha—" Lloyd stroked his beard and laughed loudly.
"Lord Charles, this is nothing; there are even better things to come."
"Oh?" Emrys raised an eyebrow slightly, surprised.
"Are there things even better than these two?"
"Of course." Lloyd was very confident, and said mysteriously.
"I guarantee, there will definitely be something you want."
"Alright, then I'll look forward to it."
Emrys redirected his gaze to the projection in the center, intending to see just how arrogant the Fernando family truly was!
The first two auction items had all fallen into the hands of the same person, which made him a little curious. Not even letting go of Nurgle's things, could it be a cultist who worshipped Nurgle?
The Flesh Covenant—if this thing was not handled well, it could easily turn an entire hive city into a purgatory rampant with plagues and diseases!
"Aren't you worried that the person who bought that thing will use it in Wanderer's Port?" Emrys asked.
"They won't."
Lloyd smiled very mysteriously, but did not explain the specific reason.
The third auction item appeared.
"Profane Blueprint from the Dark Mechanicum. When a STC template contaminated by the Warp inputs data, it will be mixed with flesh 'curses' and 'daemon codes', causing the creation to be contaminated by Warp power, turning into a fusion of flesh and steel, suspected to contain 'daemon' consciousness within. Each use requires the sacrifice of '88' skulls, otherwise the user will be 'corrupted'."
"Integrated Matrix of unknown origin, produced on Segementum Obscurus K-37 world, unknown alien civilization ruins. It forcibly assimilates all creatures within a radius of several hundred kilometers, regardless of their form or consciousness, into a single entity, forming a cluster-minded lifeform similar to a 'Hive'. The user operating the 'Integrated Matrix' will become the brain of this 'collective consciousness'. If the collective consciousness fiercely resists, it will cause the 'Integrated Matrix' to overheat and burn out, and the user's brain will also suffer a backlash."
"How wonderful... Yet another two 'Chaos Artifacts'!"
Emrys pressed hard on his throbbing Sun temples, trying his best to calm himself down.
First, he had to admit one thing: the Fernando family's audacity was far greater than his own; he conceded defeat.
First the 'Flesh Covenant', then the 'Profane Blueprint', and now the 'Integrated Matrix'—all were artifacts closely related to Chaos. This also made Emrys very curious: what kind of person would be interested in these two things?
His gaze involuntarily turned towards the veiled areas behind the curtains.
As if seeing Emrys' curiosity, Lloyd stroked his beard and smiled faintly.
"Don't be surprised, Lord Charles, I forgot to tell you something: those who come to the 'shadow Dome' auction... are not just humans."
"You mean?"
Emrys' pupils constricted slightly, his heart suddenly tightening.
His sharp gaze swept over the hazy curtains, and many questions that had previously lingered in his mind were immediately resolved.
"Lord Charles, this is Wanderer's Port."
Lloyd's tone was filled with pride, and he said meaningfully.
"Here, nothing is impossible."
With that, he raised a hand and pointed to a spot.
"Please look, Lord Charles, the buyer sitting behind that curtain is Countess Anna Asmodeus of the 'Night Owl', one of the largest Drukhari pirate forces in the Calixis Sector."
"She is no simple individual. Just her 'Night Owl' is a mothership converted from an Eldar cruiser. Its hull is also covered with Tyranid biological remnants, retaining the ability to devour biomass and repair the ship."
"Not only that, this warship also carries a 'Void Garden' where 'Pain Thorns' are cultivated. The fruit of this plant can extract concentrated essence of souls, which is an indispensable 'resource' for shadow Dome. Many nobles like their products. If you wish to try, I can offer you one."
At this point, a glint appeared in Lloyd's eyes.
"I'm not boasting, but when it comes to spiritual enjoyment, and even the pinnacle of ultimate desire, the Drukhari are number one in the entire universe!"
God damn... isn't this just a euphemism for drugs?
Emrys' eyelids twitched. He politely declined Lloyd's offer; in this life and his previous one, this was the thing he hated the most.
If he ever got the chance, he would definitely obliterate the 'Night Owl'!
"Lord Charles, please look at this one." Lloyd smiled, pointing to another spot, barely concealing his pride in his tone.
"Mad Tusk, the Star-Shatterer, leader of the Flagship Tusk, commanding an entire force of Ork Orks, and also the most unruly power in this star sector."
This time, Emrys was truly shocked.
It was well known that Ork Orks' brains contained nothing but war, making it difficult to insert other thoughts. However, for such a Orks pirate force to obediently sit here, Emrys couldn't help but feel very surprised.
"You truly are an eye-opener, but I'm curious, how do you make brainless creatures like Orks obedient?" He looked at Lloyd and asked.
"It's actually very simple, Lord Charles."
Lloyd smiled slightly and said.
"Because only by following me can they find more 'Waaagh!' wars, and greater excitement."
Even though they were adversaries, Emrys couldn't help but feel a flicker of respect for Lloyd Fernando.
Eldar pirates, Orks, the Imperial Navy, and even suspected Chaos cult forces, all gathered at Wanderer's Port, maintaining peace among themselves. In some ways, Lloyd was already a talented individual!
Too bad—his efforts were misplaced.
"Count Lloyd, you've said so much, surely you're not just trying to show off how powerful the Fernando family is, are you?" Emrys lightly tapped his seat with his index finger, looking at him meaningfully.
Facing his inquiry, Lloyd stroked his beard, smiling as always.
"Lord Charles, I just want to tell you that we—the Fernando family—are your best partners."
"Are you threatening me?"
Emrys' eyes narrowed into slits, and an invisible aura of pressure emanated from him.
"No, you've misunderstood my meaning."
Lloyd remained unmoved, meeting Emrys' oppressive gaze, and said in a calm tone.
"Just a reminder, this is not the Imperium's holy territory. In the chaotic Calixis Sector, anything can happen, wouldn't you agree?"
Emrys naturally understood the implicit meaning of Lloyd's words. Recalling the Eldar pirates and Ork Orks fleets mentioned in the earlier introduction, a look of 'horror' immediately appeared on his face, and he rose in anger.
"You, you are so audacious, Lloyd, do you not know that I am a scion of the Emrys family?!"
"Mr. Charles, calm down!" Lloyd placed a hand on his shoulder, forcibly pressing Emrys back into his seat, and bent down, saying with a smile.
"Don't be so agitated. To be frank with you—our Fernando family is determined to get your treasure, no matter the cost."
At this moment, the cunning old man finally tore off his hypocritical mask, his gaze dark and cold, and his voice hoarse as he whispered in Emrys' ear.
"Mr. Charles, the Emrys family has many scions, and you are not a direct heir. Even if one or two are lost, the Emrys family would not go to such great lengths to trouble us in such a remote star sector, would they?"
Seeing the increasing horror on Emrys' face, Lloyd was very pleased, and even more disdainful in his heart, sneering.
"Do you want the friendship of the Fernando family, or do you want the enmity of the Fernando family? Think carefully, Lord Charles!"
The Fernando family had finally laid their cards on the table, their blatant greed and shamelessness revealed without a trace of concealment on Lloyd's face!