536 Fierce competition (1/2)
Even though the contents of the chest had been revealed, many guests remained uninterested as they yawned while shifting their gazes elsewhere.
The chest was filled with a coiled up ash gray object, that would essentially look like dried kelp if its color was removed. Though it released a strong fishy odour, it didn’t attract any house flies or mosquitoes. On first impression, it appeared possibly to be tendons flayed off from a certain animal.
Yet when this unappealing object was exhibited, it overflowed with dull golden radiance; leaving one with a sensation of having their consciousness drawn in.
The grade quality of this object was undoubtedly – dark-gold grade!
Fortunately, amongst the guests of this auction, only the contestant Sheyan could differentiate its splendid radiance.
After probing with his helmet’s ability, he was thoroughly moved; because the probed information merely indicated a single statement – [ An incomparably precious ship building material ] !!!
”This…” Sheyan couldn’t help but stare blankly. Even with his usual composure, his heart couldn’t refrain from thumping wildly!
When Brother Black received Sheyan’s shared information, he cried out in astonishment in the party channel.
”Ah, a dark-gold grade ship building material! We absolutely cannot spare this. For the sake of this object grade, even losing a family fortune would be worth it!”
Sheyan could fundamentally determine that this object wasn’t a contestant’s equipment, but a precious unique storyline material. Fortunately, there were no ‘Pirate Captain’ calibre contestants present in this auction, and few could determine its true value!
Unless it was Jack Sparrow, Davy Jones, or those ancient ancestor pirates who possessed the ability to appraise a treasure. With the wrecked state the Hill Maiden was in and the appearance of this object, it was truly a match made in heaven.
As compared to this chest of dark-gold grade materials, the other articles auctioned off were existences that Sheyan could simply disregard; ones that he could casually dump away.
Observing the disinterested crowd, Sheyan rejoiced inwardly as he mentally yelled out that he made it rich.
He wasn’t in a rush to bid for fear of attracting another’s attention, but to let things naturally run its course. Perhaps after the auction concluded, he could link up personally and settle this with merely 500 guineas.
An awkward silence overcame the audience momentarily, indicating the disinterest of everyone. While Sheyan was gloating internally, he remained incessantly praying for this state of stagnation.
However, murphy’s law struck. After speaking till her mouth was dry, the auction hostess was about to announce this article to be ‘passed’ with her third hammer. Yet at this moment, Fernandez suddenly coughed and bidded.
”1,000 guineas, wrap it up for me. I do favour such oddly objects. Besides, Mckinney's auction wasn’t an easy one to set up, and I can’t possibly allow a ‘pass’ to sully his profits. Let me just fool around a little.”
After Fernandez spoke out, who knew that wily old fox, Skrtel, would smile cunningly and interrupt.
”Hey ho, I too feel an attraction to such queer objects recently. Viscount, your excellency, why not allow me to have it instead. 2,000 guineas.” Indeed, Fernandez had contributed enough wealth to buy his viscount status.
By now, Sheyan was wailing in anguish internally. As it turns out, these crafty old foxes were exceedingly interested in this, and were all scheming in anticipation for this object to ‘pass’!
Sheyan released a deep sigh; knowing that if he wanted to acquire this object, he would be in for a relatively fierce competition. Otherwise, it would be impossible to lay hands on it!
”10,000 gold guineas!”
While Sheyan was calming is disorderly train of thoughts, an eerie female voice pierced out. Indeed, it was the gypsy representative, that aged old female shrouded with a red veil. She scanned her surroundings with frosty eyes. The abrupt inflation of this object from 2,000 to 10,000 guineas instantly displayed a resolution in attaining it!
With the gypsy representative participating, the scene fell into a stagnated aspect once again.
Evidently, those individuals couldn’t really fathom the true value of that object, and were reluctant to offend a gypsy adept at divination. Yet ever since he set his eyes on it, Sheyan had already determined this object was paramount. How would he forsake it so easily?
”110,000 guineas.”
”150,000 guineas!” The gypsy representative didn’t bother glancing over, knowing that Sheyan wouldn’t bother with her as well. She didn’t expose a single weakness as she maintained her composure, quoting her bid with great indifference.
Instead, both Fernandez and Skrtel didn’t bat a single eyelid. They were merely contended with themselves over springing up this spectacle, while others remained disinterested in the object. As such, no further bids resulted from them.