Chapter 82 A Deal For Favorable Marks
The crowd erupted in shock and amazement at the auctioneer's statement. Erwin was confused, not understanding what the auctioneer meant by "first circle."
'I am first circled, mage?'
"Excuse me, auctioneer, how can we believe that Erwin is a first circle mage?" one bidder spoke up from the crowd.
The auctioneer's face lit up with a smile. "Well, my friend, take a look at this."
Erwin watched as the auctioneer held up his hand for all to see. The auctioneer gestured towards Erwin's right hand, and the crowd leaned in to get a better look. Erwin held out his hand, and to his shock, he saw a small circle tattooed on his pinky finger.
The circle on his pinky finger glowed in the dim light, and the crowd's gasps and murmurs grew louder with each passing second. He felt his heart race with anticipation as he waited for the auctioneer's response. 'Is am gonna get a good master with this glowing pinky?'
"That's the mark of a first circle mage, folks!" the auctioneer exclaimed triumphantly making the crowd erupt shock.
**********
The luxurious looking room for esteemed guests exuded opulence and luxury. The walls were adorned with intricately carved wooden panels, decorated with gold leaf accents that caught the soft ambient light. The plush carpeting underfoot was a deep, rich red, and the room was furnished with elegant chairs upholstered in soft velvet.
Large windows draped with heavy curtains provided a stunning view of the city skyline, and crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling cast a warm glow over the space. A mahogany table sat in the center of the room, surrounded by high-backed chairs with ornate carvings.
In one corner, a tall vase overflowed with a bouquet of fresh flowers, their sweet fragrance perfuming the air. On a nearby table, a silver tray held a selection of fine cheeses and a bottle of vintage wine, waiting to be savored by the esteemed guests.
Overall, the room was a sight to behold, exuding an air of refinement and exclusivity that was reserved for only the most elite guests.
One of that elite guest was now occupied by this room. The elite sat comfortably in the opulent room, his eyes fixated on the grand auction hall visible through the massive window. The room exuded luxury, with plush velvet curtains adorning the windows and a dazzling chandelier hanging above. But the elite paid no heed to the lavish decor; their gaze was locked onto the stage below, where a small child with striking purple locks was shackled in chains.
The man in the room looked at Erwin on stage with interest. He leaned forward in his seat and muttered to himself, "Hmm, a first circle mage, huh? That could come in handy."
The man gazing out of the window appeared to be in excellent physical shape, with broad shoulders and a lean build. His crisp posture and confident demeanor hinted at a life of rigorous training and discipline. Although he wore no armor or sword, his short, well-groomed hair and sharp, focused eyes suggested he was a man of action.
"What do you think do you need him? Professor." the man asked mature women standing at his side.
She had standing an air of elegance about her. Her silver hair cascading down her back. Her sharp, golden eyes scanned the child before looking before settling on the elite. She smiled at the man, her white, rosy skin glowing in the soft light of the room.
The woman's small nose wrinkled slightly as she took a deep breath before responding to the man's question. As she spoke, her glossy lips moved with precision and grace.
"Well, he certainly has potential," she said, her voice smooth and confident.
The woman turned her attention back to the child on stage, her golden eyes focusing intently on him. As she looked, the fine lines on her mature face softened with a sense of compassion and understanding.
"He's only a child," she murmured softly, more to herself than to the man at her side. Her sharp golden eyes flickered over the purple-haired boy in chains, assessing him. "But I suppose he will do for now." She paused, her glossy lips curling into a slight smile. "My last servant met an untimely end. His hips gave out on him. I will be careful with him."
This caused a disgust flashed in the man's eyes, but just for a second before he smiled back at her. "Well then, Professor, how about I buy him for you in exchange for some favorable marks on our next finals?"
The woman raised an eyebrow, considering the man's proposal. "I'm not sure I can guarantee any marks, but I'll see what I can do," she said with a slight smirk.
The man chuckled at her response. "What if I were to buy you two slaves? Would that sweeten the deal?"
The woman's smirk deepened at the man's offer. "Two slaves? Now, that is tempting. But they have to be a mage or 4th circled knights at least." she said, her golden eyes glinting with amusement.
She turned her attention back to the stage where Erwin was still standing. His eyes scanning over the crowd and stopping at a woman with large breasts. A lewd grin spread across his face. The woman noticed Erwin's gaze and smiled slightly. "He's already showing signs of disobedience," she commented to the man next to her. "I have to teach him."
"Then it's deals done." The man said and waited for the auction to proceed.
As Erwin scanned the crowd, his eyes locked onto the woman with the large breasts. He licked his lips lasciviously, causing the woman to shift uncomfortably in her seat. The auctioneer noticed the exchange and quickly stepped in.
"Alright, folks, let's not forget there is a fine specimen here. Let's start the bidding on this first circle mage!" the auctioneer exclaimed, trying to bring the attention back to the stage.
Erwin looked away from the woman and back at the auctioneer. He knew he had to focus if he wanted to get a good master. As he looked around, and his bidding started.
"500 gold coins!" someone shouted from the back of the room.
Erwin glanced at the man and smiled, asking. 'Do you reckon 500 gold coins suffice for this divine, handsome individual?' Erwin looked away from that poor fellow and searched the crowd for another master.
"550 gold coins!" another bidder called out.
Erwin felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe he would still be able to get a good master after all. He looked out at the crowd, trying to see who was bidding.
"600 gold coins!" a voice called out from the front row.
The bidding continued, going back and forth between a few different bidders. Erwin held his breath, hoping that the man with the golden eyes would come out on top.
"1000 gold coins!" the man called out confidently.
"Going once, going twice..." the auctioneer called out, trying to build up the tension.
'just 1000. the elf boy sold for more than that.'
"1500 gold coins!" a voice called out from the back of the room.
Erwin's eyes looked at the crowd with anger seemed to be telling, 'I am worth more than that.' He had read the story of mages selling for tens of thousands of gold coins. But it seemed that he was destined to be sold to the highest bidder, regardless of their intentions.
"2000 gold coins!"