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nThe first items for sale were none other than jewelry.

nPolished gems were popular among ladies and aristocrats.

nThe women competed fiercely, and at last, the highest bidder won the jewel.

nWhen the gem portion was finished, the slave auction began.

n“Look at this pure face with honey-like blonde hair that looks like it’s going to melt! I’ll start with 10 gold!”

n10 gold is equivalent to a month’s worth of living expenses for a commoner’s family.

nThat was the ransom asked by the host for the first slave.

nA blonde woman climbed onto the stage with her arms tied behind her. Her fear was palpable; she was in tears and shaking.

nHer value soared, perhaps to sadistic tendencies of the bidders who rejoiced in her trembling.

nAs the price went up, her face turned blue.

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nFinally, a man sang twice as many times as a nobleman yelled before him. He won.

nThe auction was longer than expected.

nI yawned because it seemed so long.

n“Now, here’s our last item of the night! No effort was spared in capturing this slave. An elf! Who wants to be the owner of this handsome beauty!”

nAs soon as he finished his announcement and spoke his last word, the cries of loud cheers rang out.

nThey enthusiastically welcomed Igelto’s stepping up the stage.

nAs if everyone, along with myself, had been waiting for this moment.

nThe man began to jibber away about his selling points. It was disgusting.

n“Starting with 1,000 gold!”

nAt the ridiculous price, I was speechless.

nOf course, it’s not that expensive for me, but it wasn’t easy even for most aristocrats to spend that kind of money.

n“1,500 gold!”

n“3000 gold!”

n“8000 gold!”

nBut contrary to my expectations, the elf’s price jumped from the start.

nIgeltho face turned white.

nFrom the stage, he met my gaze.

nI realized that his desperate eyes were asking why I hadn’t placed my bid.

nThe person he thought was his savior was not responding to the rising amount.

nBut I was just waiting until they reached a plateau so I could say my price.

n“We’ve reached 59,000 gold, folks! Anyone want to place a bid?”

nThe emcee inquired loudly.

nThen he started to count down.

nThe nobleman, who had poured 59,000 gold on Igelto was laughing greedily.

nIgeltho was disgusted and frowned.

n59,000 gold is enough to buy several of the nation’s most expensive stores on the capital’s “Golden Road,” where the elite shopped.

nI clicked my tongue and readied myself to place my bid.

nI didn’t want to deal with a back and forth game. So I decided to announce such an amount to make the others give him up.

nThe longer I let this drag on, the more disadvantageous my position would get.

n“3···! 2·····!”

n“500,000 gold.”

nI shouted, lifting my number.

nAt the enormous amount of money, there was a loud silence and looks of disbelief.

nEven the chatty host forgot his words and was utterly stupefied.

nI didn’t care and opened my mouth.

n“Aren’t you going to count down?”

n“500,000 gold! Anything more?”

nThe moderator quickly regained his senses and started counting down.

nI watched the countdown at my leisure, and Igelto’s expression improved.

n“5 million gold.”

n“1……! Successful bid… W-What just said?”

nThe voice of the presenter stuttered up to a shrill shriek, and his eyes bugged out.

nI, too, was speechless and turned towards the man who had said 5 million gold.

nHe was wearing a suspicious outfit, covered by a robe.

nEveryone here covers their faces with masks, but they aren’t so tightly wrapped up like that.

nThe unidentified man seemed to be from a reasonably wealthy family.

nI picked up my number.

n“7 million gold.”

n“70 million gold.”

nThe bustling auction house became quiet.

nEveryone was amazed at the astronomical amount.

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nMy mouth was left open in shock; I couldn’t help it.

nI need to correct my thoughts.

nThis man is not just from a wealthy family; it seems that he is from a very wealthy family.

n‘I’m in trouble.’

nIf it’s 7 million gold, it’s enough money to buy a castle, but 70 million gold is enough to buy a capital.

nThe man still looked relaxed.

nMust be born into a very, very wealthy family to bid 70 million gold and still maintain a languid manner.

nBut if I lose the elf, it won’t only be my loss.

nThe elf was relying on me, and I needed him.

nI wondered if I would be able to win this game.

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