BXBX NOVEL Chapter 498
[Is she going to trick us again?]
-I will not let her.-
Based on what Vincent saw thus far, all the workers with a slave tattoo collars didn’t look unsatisfied with their current life.
Vincent hardened his resolve and did not waver for the maid’s pity trick. Even if she was currently acting truthful or deceitful, Vincent had decided to trust in Nick and his family.
Vincent sat on the comfy sofa. He raised one leg and placed it on the other. He crossed his arms and said with an authoritative tone, “What will this honorable one be able to gain from allowing an ordinary mortal my pity? What do you request, and what can you provide.”
Sofy became angry when Vincent chose to tolerate the maid’s behavior. She feared Vincent and suddenly became enchanted by her.
On the other hand, the maid became delighted she wasn’t going to get kicked out.
The maid slowly and seductively walked on all fours over to Vincent.
.....
“I can offer my body.” The maid seductively bit her bottom lip and continued, “And any kind of service till your heart’s content, my lord.”
Sofy reached for the whip belt and held it tightly. “Enough you....”
“One question.” Vincent interrupted Sofy’s outburst. He stood up and extended his hand to help her stand up. “What is the first thought that comes to mind when thinking about a man in bandages?”
The maid was delighted that she managed to win a place in his heart. She accepted Vincent’s hand and got up. She patted her dress and fixed her cleavage while peeking at the angered Sofy.
“A man in bandages, my lord? I think about a man who was frugal and hard-headed while being followed by annoying women that stick to him like tree resin.”
“Hmm... so you dislike a frugal man that is surrounded by multiple women. Interesting, unique combo. This honorable one must say, you have quite the imagination.” Vincent said while rubbing the chin of his mask. “Tell me, isn’t staying here decent enough to live like this for the rest of your life?”
“We are treated well and eat three meals a day. We have a place to sleep and can bathe at least five times a week during Winter, Spring, and Fall. In Summer, we can bathe every day.”
After revealing how she is healthy and clean, the maid unbuttoned a couple of buttons from her outfit and continued, “Unlike others, my skin is soft, and I am sure I am suitable to become my lord’s woman. I can become the most favorite mistress if my lord accepts my devotion.”
[So that’s her real intention. She wants to go out of this place by seducing VIP guests. I wonder which unlucky fellow will fall for her ploy.]
“Your desires have been heard. However, this honorable one has deemed your destiny is not fated to be intertwined with mine. Leave and let this honorable one enjoy the upcoming auction.”
Sofy smirked while the maid frowned. She looked at the smirking Sofy and complained, “I know I am better than your elf. Please give me a chance. I will...”
With his finger, Vincent pointed at the door and ordered, “Leave this honorable one’s presence with haste. You are not welcome in this honorable one’s presence.”
“But...” When the maid was about to continue begging, she suddenly felt intimidated and cold sweat appeared on her forehead.
“Begone thot!” Vincent exclaimed while extruding intimidation intent.
The maid lowered her head. “Call for me if my lord needs anything.” She said before leaving.
*Phew* “Finally. She is gone.”
“Hmm, can I know why she knew about your question? How did she know about a man in bandages? And even a very specific man surrounded by multiple women?” Sofy curiously questioned.
Sofy gave the impression she wasn’t going to let the matter go until she knew. The first night Vincent spent with Ester and Lupa in a horrible inn was something Iris, Lilith and Sakura knew. It was their embarrassing secret that they ironically loved and hated at the same time.
*Sigh* “The answer is probably the one in your mind. I was the man in the bandages and accompanied by Ester and Lupa at the time.” Vincent walked over to the balcony and leaned on the railing.
Sofy followed Vincent and asked, “Did she try any advances even when you weren’t alone?”
“Yeah. I guess some people never change.” *Sigh*
“I see. ” Sofy said before going to sit on the sofa and experience luxury.
Vincent looked down and saw many people waiting for the auction to start. “Do other nobles get the same reception as I just had?” He questioned.
[I wonder.]
Kazumi didn’t want to think VIP guests were pestered like Vincent every time. However, she doubted her previous thought as some people do not know when enough is enough.
“You look new here, my young VIP friend. I assume you already had the usual new attendant experience.” A middle-aged man wearing a mask covering the upper part of his face said.
The noble was on the balcony of the adjacent VIP room. In his hand was a glass with wine still swirling. He raised the glass to his nose. He took a whiff and took a sip. The noble gave the impression of being an elegant man.
[It appears many attendants tried their luck so many times that it became common knowledge to frequent VIP guests.]
Vincent placed his hands behind his back. “This honorable one has enough women. Furthermore, a venomous snake isn’t welcome to be by this honorable one’s side. ”
“A venomous snake, is it? Well, you might be right. Many love to humor these venomous snakes and decline their offer when the auction ends to pass the time.” The old man revealed.
[Does it mean this is sort of hazing?]
-I believe you are thinking way too hard.-
[Pshhh! The new servants have the chance to meet with nobles considered VIP by the Graymoon Auction House standards. Isn’t this the ultimate test of loyalty?]
-You might be right, but I now want to focus on keeping my persona.-
“You speak very differently, and your attire isn’t from around these parts.” The middle man asked.
The lights began to dim when Vincent was thinking of a response. As it was getting darker, a couple of light gemstones shone like stars in the night.
A man walked to the middle of a well-lit stage, grabbing the attention of everyone without any introduction. The auctioneer respectfully bowed six times. Once at different angles, for all the guests to feel welcomed and respected.
The auctioneer was a different person than the last time Vincent had participated in. He wondered how many professional auctioneers the auction had.
“Lords and Ladies, I welcome you to the Graymoon Auction House. Today we have a lot of items that will make many interested. Thus, many of the valued guests in front of my lowly presence will leave happy.”
“Now, without further ado, the first category of the day is spell scrolls.”
The auctioneer clapped, and four maids entered, each pushing a custom-made wooden moving table cart with two dish covers on them. It looked like they were bringing food from a distance.
The auctioneer snapped his fingers, and one of the maids respectfully removed one of the dish covers in front of her. Two rolled scrolls were tied with a ribbon, but the farther the person was from the stage, the less they could see.
It meant people like Vincent, who are on balconies, could see less than those on the ground level. They were VIPs, and what happened next made Vincent and Kazumi surprised.
A hologram of the item appeared in the middle of each balcony railing. It had all the details necessary for a noble to bet without taking a glimpse at the item.
“The first item on the list is a lot of two Minor Healing Scrolls made with high-grade materials. The starting bid starts at ten silver coins.”
Vincent looked at the process and became impressed the auctioneer could discern when a light gemstone flashed and who flashed it. Vincent wanted to check his status window to see if the auctioneer was closer.
A couple of minutes later, the lot of two Minor Healing Scrolls made with high-grade materials were sold for one gold coin. It made him wonder about the value of a Minor Healing Scroll made with low-grade materials.
[No wonder Ester could have a cabin built when she gave that drunkard a healing scroll. It might have been made with low-grade to medium-grade materials.]
-Did you forget how a price can fluctuate?-
[Yeah. You are right on that one. Ten or it could be now eleven years ago, the price might have been higher than now, or the money had more value than now.]
The auctioneer continued with all the spell scrolls. Afterward, he started with the next category. It was the book category.
Two maids pushed a moving wooden table cart with two dish covers again. There were four items to be auctioned this time.
The first three dish covers contained Mage magic book journals. They were sold for a high price.
The fourth and final dish cover was removed, but when this happened, the auctioneer revealed an apologetic expression to the guests.
“The next item is a book written by an esteemed man that regrettably became paralyzed years ago. The book contains the progress he made as a Sigil Mage until his body couldn’t let him remain healthy anymore.”