209 Obnoxious Princes (1/2)

Also, Argyle would answer all of Jack's questions pertaining to the dozens of visiting dignitaries.

Fifteen of the royal families had come from all over the continent, just for this auction. And it wasn't the princes or advisors who were sent this time. The kings and rulers of each nation came personally to bid on the items.

Since Jack was one of their rarest of patrons, like the many visiting kings, Argyle hinted to him about some of the more valuable items that would be up for grabs.

Jack committed that information to his memory. This time, Jack couldn't be as greedy since he would be bidding against the kings themselves, but that didn't mean he couldn't go after the things he wanted most. It only meant he couldn't take everything and leave the kings nothing like Jack wished he could do.

With so many visiting kings, the entire city was in an uproar and it only grew more frantic as the auction date neared.

After Jack got the information he needed from Argyle and had learned the general layout of Federal City, he didn't bother roaming the crowded streets.

He or the girls would only leave when they needed something or a few of them would go and check the market to see the new wares. Since kings and noble family heads were visiting the city, most of the market stands would finally bring out their most valuable goods, making it the perfect time to search for some good items.

Maynard and Rydel spent their time in the Heavenly Palace Inn, drinking away with Zariff.

They told Zariff all about their journey, minus their meeting with Lunara and Sterfen. While drinking with their old friend, both of them were elated to no longer be seen as the two old men of the group.

One morning, the girls left together to the market to search for more goods. Lina went with Maura and Daliea, who was using her illusion to appear human, while Eliza went with Keela, who had bundled herself up and covered her face with a veil to conceal her identity.

It was extra early, just after the stands opened and before the crowds became unmanageable.

Like always, the girls had tried to bring Jack along. But he would always refuse, not wanting a repeat of what happened in Scorch City.

Instead, he took the day off to drink with Rydel, Maynard, Zariff, and Argyle. It had been a while since he was among only guys, so Jack cherished the moment while he could.

Of course, the room was already silenced. Like all of the Heavenly Palace Inn's private booths, there was a stone on the wall that could cast silence upon activation.

”So, Jack, of all the things I mentioned, which one catches your attention the most?” asked Argyle.

”Like…” Rydel added. He and everyone else were all curious about Jack, especially after they had learned about what Jack did during the last auction he participated in.

”To be completely honest, I hope that you or the other auction houses put up some mythic-tier or legend-tier items by mistake, like last time,” laughed Jack. ”Know that if there are any legend-tier items, I won't care who I offend to get my hands on them.”

”Jack, isn't that a little too much?!” shouted Zariff. ”You can't be that crazy, do you realize what might happen if you offend too many people?”

Zariff spoke up, but he was surprised to see that none of the other three men appeared surprised by Jack's statement. If anything, they were acting like they expected nothing else.

The other three men were smiling on the inside. Each of them knew who Jack really was, Jack J., the Legend of Trodar. In the past, Jack J. was the most unusual hero yet also the most accomplished. He had offended entire nations and guilds in the past, so why wouldn't Jack dare do so while his identity was concealed during the auction?

”Don't worry Zariff, I won't go overboard, not unless someone forces my hand. At that time, I'll be seeking the help of my powerful father-in-law for help to keep things under wraps,” stated Jack.

”Well… I guess I can't blame you if they really are legendary items. But just be smart and don't cause too much trouble. You're known for that,” Zariff sighed.

He found it hard to berate Jack for too long. After helped get him healed and even gave him the new pact with no EXP loss, Zariff was finally starting to acknowledge him as more than a brat. Also, the fact that his entire party was now almost as strong as Zariff helped with that.

'JACK!'

Suddenly, Jack heard a shout go off in his mind.

'Jack, come quick! We're at the market!'

This wasn't the first time Eliza had suddenly called him for help during their market errands. It had happened before and Jack had fallen for it.

Normally he would ignore such a plea, but Eliza seemed frantic and a second voice soon sounded off, followed by a third.

”Jack, please hurry to the market! Keela and Daliea need you!”