849 Raising the Price (1/2)
In the end, the Crimson Tear was sold for nine thousand gold coins. The pirates were apparently still rational, while the merchants got a good deal.
A diamond like this could readily be sold at double the price.
If it was cut and made into elegant jewelry, the profit could be as much as dozens of times the cost!
And only such huge profits could attract the merchants here despite the dangers on the way.
Bill and Wilson stared wide-eyed at the precious and rare commodities, each one sold at five thousand gold coins or more.
Of course, some peculiar items with no practical use remained unsold in the end.
”Next is lot number thirteen, the incomplete piece of a treasure map…”
The emcee tried to incite excitement using his voice. ”As everyone knows, pirate teams like hiding their fortunes on deserted islands so that they can be unearthed in the future… And although only an incomplete piece of the treasure map is being sold at tonight's auction, the seller disclosed that it's from the Soro Pirate Team! The auction house can guarantee the authenticity of this information!”
”The Soro Pirate Team? Isn't that the pirate team that used to dominate the Solomon Strait?” The great merchant Formosa stood up, looking excited.
”Oh my… The team leader of the Soro Pirate Team was known as the man most similar to an Evil God! His power horrified all the nations with strong naval forces, and he almost became the Pirate King!” An exclamation was also heard from the Trident Pirate Team.
”Cough cough… However, while the auction house can guarantee that this treasure map is from the Soro Pirate Team, we're uncertain about the profits it can bring… Nevertheless, based on the extraordinary power on this piece, it shouldn't be pointing to a small treasure trove…”
Having aroused everyone's enthusiasm, the emcee was satisfied, but he immediately emphasized the risk. ”… I only have an incomplete piece in my hand, which is about one-fourth or one-fifth of the original map. However, our appraiser said that the treasure map has the blessing of destiny, which will let its pieces reunite one day!”
He was the auctioneer of the auction house after all, so all his words served to maximize profit and minimize risk.
”All right, the incomplete piece of a mysterious treasure map. The starting price is one thousand gold coins, and at least one hundred gold coins must be added in every bid!”
The emcee waved his hand.
”Two thousand gold coins!”
As soon as the emcee finished his sentence, Formosa waved his hand.
”Twenty-one hundred!”
The Trident Pirate Team raised the price immediately.
”Twenty-two hundred!”
…
Fang Yuan watched the scene coldly, extending his hand into his coat and gripping the incomplete piece of a treasure map in front of his chest.
This piece he had picked up from inside a book cover had an aura extremely similar to that of the one being auctioned. He was sure that both pieces were from the same map.
”The Soro Pirate Team dominated the Solomon Strait… They were famous in history as well. Their leader was a godlike man and possessed a famous legendary ship…”
Having made sure that the treasure map before his chest was related to the Soro Pirate Team, Fang Yuan decided to do something.
In terms of financial capability, he would not be poorer than anyone at the scene, as he had just plundered a port.
The intense bidding subsided when the price was around five thousand gold coins.
Evidently, the pirates and merchants were not idiots. They all knew that this was already the maximum value for a piece of a treasure map.
Even though it was a treasure map from the Soro Pirate Team, it was only an incomplete piece, which significantly reduced its value. Moreover, there was a lot of uncertainty in the destination it pointed to. These two factors together meant that this treasure map fragment could not be auctioned at a high price.
”Fifty-three hundred gold coins going once! Any higher prices?”
The emcee pulled his collars in excitement, as the price had far exceeded his expectations.
”Fifty-three hundred gold coins going twice. It seems that this treasure map will soon belong to the great merchant from Cecil, Formosa…”
When he was about to pound the gavel, a voice intercepted him. ”Wait a moment. I bid fifty-four hundred!”
”Hmm?” Formosa's peaceful smile suddenly disappeared. He gritted his teeth as he looked at Heathfrey, who had just bid. ”Six thousand gold coins!”
Heathfrey did not even blink and offered a higher price right away. ”Seven thousand!”
Formosa was stunned.
After all, although he was rich, an incomplete piece of a treasure map was not worth so much money.
With that thought, Formosa raised the price again. ”Seventy-one hundred gold coins! This is my final bid. I'm simply interested in everything related to Solomon. If you offer an even higher price, I'll let you have it!”
”Since you've said that!” Heathfrey touched his trim mustaches. ”Seventy-two hundred gold coins!!!”
Hearing this, Formosa sat down with an emotionless face.
”All right. Then this treasure map belongs to…”
The emcee coughed and was going to announce the final outcome, but Fang Yuan's lazy voice sounded. ”Ten thousand gold coins!”
”What?” The emcee almost choked on his own saliva. ”Sir, are you sure your bid is ten thousand gold coins?”
Fang Yuan glanced at Heathfrey and said in a contemptuous tone, ”That's right… I'm not like some miserly people!”