Chapter 19: 19
Duke Adelaira’s Mansion, Zion’s Room
It took about two days for Zion to get used to the flow of magic within him. To truly master it, he knew he would need more time. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t imbue this magic into weapons or transform it into spells.
‘El Tesoykve’s magic is best used for holy arts.’
El Tesoykve, being a Magic Sword of light, contained sacred power. This allowed for the implementation of holy arts, including healing and purification.
‘It’s going to be tough for me.’
Zion had acquired the magic through the holy water made by El Tesoykve. Naturally, it was incomplete, and for a human to possess the magic of a Magic Sword was nearly miraculous. In some ways, El Tesoykve’s magic had adapted to a human body.
‘First, I need to get Exceed Rain… and if possible, learn holy arts later.’
But he wasn’t sure he could. Even the one who wielded both El Tesoykve and Exceed Rain had failed.
‘One more to go.’
Zion straightened his clothes in front of the mirror and gathered his money and entry ticket. He checked the auction catalog daily, waiting for the item to appear. Now that it was available, he planned to go to the auction and win it himself.
‘If I miss it this time, I may never get it.’
The item he wanted was a pair of gloves made from black iron armor. These gloves had once belonged to a lieutenant of the three great demon lords and were imbued with a significant amount of evil magic. Using this dark power, he could easily draw out Exceed Rain.
‘Though it will appear eventually… I can’t wait that long.’
Exceed Rain, being the last of the Magic Swords, appeared much later in the story, and the protagonist encountered it at the very end. Waiting for that would take too much time, and Zion couldn’t remain idle until then. It was better to seek out Exceed Rain’s hidden location himself.
‘I hope I have enough.’
Zion had the money Freed had given him. He had spent almost all his previous savings on Limpi Machina. Freed’s money should be enough unless something unexpected happened.
‘I could borrow from Hanette if necessary…’
Zion shook his head, dismissing the thought. Hanette wouldn’t lend him money. She was saving up to escape, so she wouldn’t have any to spare.
‘Asking Duke Adelaira isn’t an option either…’
“What are you doing? Aren’t we going to the auction?”
An all-too-familiar voice interrupted him as the door opened.
Zion cleared his mind and turned toward the door.
“You don’t have to come if you don’t want to. I’ll be fine alone.”
“Who said I’m coming because of you? I want to go.”
“You could go to your usual places.”
“Would you want to keep going to the same places repeatedly?”
“Oh, you’re bored of them.”
Zion chuckled and started moving.
Hanette scratched her neck in irritation.
‘Why am I even wearing this…’
The so-called relic necklace felt cumbersome and didn’t please her. She considered getting a refund and returning the money to Zion. But since Zion was always watching, she couldn’t take it off.
‘I’m the older one; I should bear it. I can’t let him pull another stunt like that.’
Hanette had been increasingly conscious of Zion’s presence. Though he was a decent partner, he wasn’t someone she had to think about all the time. What was making her emotions so unstable?
‘Why am I so attached to someone like him…’
“Don’t like the necklace? Then don’t wear it.”
“It’s fine. I’ll wear it because of you.”
“Why is it my fault?”
“Because I can’t leave you alone. What do you want me to do?”
“Anyone would think I’m the one dragging you around.”
“No, it’s the other way around. I’m following you.”
“Oh… Trying to pick a fight?”
“Aren’t you tired? Why do you always have to argue?”
“Because you keep pushing.”
“Yes, yes, you’re so great. Now hurry up. How long must I wait for you?”
“Hmm… Until I die?”
“Ha! Do you call that a joke?”
“Better than not making any.”
Zion laughed and walked past Hanette. She started to say something but reluctantly followed him.
‘Is he suggesting we die together? Ridiculous.’
—
Aelin Kingdom Capital, Eila Auction House
Auction houses of various sizes were spread across the Aelin Kingdom, with many in the capital. The capital’s auction houses had the most items and attracted many nobles and merchants.
“What are you planning to buy?”
“Take a guess.”
“Is there a prize if I guess right?”
“If you guess right, I’ll buy you a drink.”
“… That’s a bit much.”
Hanette, intrigued, glanced through the auction catalog. Each page listed items up for bid and included the most recently sold and highest-priced items.
“Knowing you, it’s something unusual.”
“What’s usual?”
“Things nobles usually buy—paintings, ceramics… or jewels?”
“Wrong on all counts. Two guesses left.”
“Hey! That shouldn’t count!”
“You need to be careful with your words, or you’ll lose chances like now. Understand?”
“Sigh… Fine. I’ll bear it for free drinks.”
Hanette, wanting to save money, examined the catalog closely. She had given up guessing the item but found some enjoyment in this new experience. She rarely visited unfamiliar places with someone else.
“This one?”
“Nope.”
“Ugh… then this one.”
“Right below.”
“What?”
Hanette frowned and looked where Zion pointed.
Of all things, he wanted to buy this?
Was her fiancé into wasting money?
“What’s the point of this?”
“It’s useful.”
“Why not buy proper armor? Why just one glove?”
“It’s my money. Can’t you respect that?”
“So, you want me to respect the necklace you gave me?”
“I’d appreciate that.”
“Such an odd one.”
Hanette closed the catalog and followed Zion. He showed his entry ticket to an employee and walked in. Hanette trailed behind, feeling a hint of regret.
‘… I shouldn’t have brought my money. Why am I doing this?’
—
Eila Auction House, Exclusive Auction Room
The auction rooms at Eila Auction House were divided into three types: Exclusive, Premium, and Standard. Exclusive handled the most expensive items, Premium handled somewhat costly ones, and Standard usually dealt with common or cheap items. Most people frequented the Exclusive and Premium rooms.
“Not many people here.”
“The items here are pricey.”
“Hmph… They must be rich.”
Hanette casually glanced around. Young people like herself and Zion were rare. Most attendees were wealthy nobles or merchants looking to spend money.
“Those nobles have specific things they’re after. It doesn’t concern me.”
“The stuff I mentioned?”
“Mostly. No one wants a worn-out glove.”
“You never know. There might be another odd person like you.”
“… Let’s hope not. Competing would be a hassle.”
The item Zion wanted was originally used by an enemy of the protagonist. Though the exact acquisition method was unclear, it was known to be auctioned in the capital. That enemy, swayed by dark power, went on a rampage and was eventually killed by the protagonist. The gloves were destroyed, making retrieval impossible after that.
‘Since it’s an early enemy… now is the only chance.’
In about two months, the protagonist would arrive in the capital and quickly encounter this enemy. Thus, Zion estimated when the gloves would be auctioned.
“How much did you bring?”
“240.”
“Gold coins?”
“Yeah.”
“… That’s a lot.”
Even one gold coin could surprise store employees, as it was much more valuable than silver or copper coins. Only wealthy nobles or merchants typically used gold coins.
“If I can buy it, I’ll use all I have. If there’s any left, I’ll buy you a drink.”
“Trying to act nice now?”
“I’ve always been nice. You’re the grumpy one.”
“Sure, sure. How much did you pay for this necklace?”
“30.”
“Hey, you crazy…”
“Thank you for waiting! I’m the auctioneer for today’s exclusive auction…”
The auctioneer’s cheerful voice filled the room as he appeared. Hanette, speechless, stared at her necklace.
Who would have thought he’d spend 30 gold coins on superstition?
“The first item! Do you recognize this painting? Originally one of four, but two were lost…”
The auctioneer unveiled the item, and participants eagerly held up their paddles. Zion, uninterested, waited for the demon gloves to appear.
‘They should be the third item.’
“Starting bid, 200 gold. Begin!”
“400! A strong start!”
“600, 700!”
“1,000 just bid!”
Despite the huge amounts, Zion remained calm. The demon gloves had a low starting bid and weren’t highly valued.
“Now for the third item! A bit worn, but made of unique material. Not usable by humans, but a valuable collectible…”
Zion finally raised his paddle. The dark gloves lay on the platform, dented and scratched but still useful for his purpose.
“Starting bid, 10 gold. Begin!”
“20!”
“30… no, 40!”
“50! Any more?”
The amounts were lower, but the bidding was fast. Zion hesitated briefly before raising his paddle.
“100! 100 gold bid!”
Hanette glanced nervously at Zion. He could have started lower. Was he trying to intimidate the competition?
“150! Current bid is 150 gold!”
Both Zion and Hanette flinched, exchanging glances.
Had their fears come true?
‘If I show weakness now, I’ll lose…’
“200… no, 250!”
Zion raised his paddle, but the price rose again. Hanette frowned in thought.
“Any more bids? Counting down… 10, 9, 8…”
Zion sighed and lowered his paddle. He didn’t have more money. He needed another way.
‘It felt like things were going too well. My luck isn’t that good…’
“3, 2, 1… 260! 260 bid!”
Zion looked around in confusion. Who joined their bidding war?
But the bidder was closer than he thought.
“Hanette?”
“Sigh… What can I do? Your elder has to help.”