Chapter 727: True Demonlord [58] (1/2)
”La Mort, final bid 750 million exa.” Time read 21:30, Igna watched in total bafflement, a mutual feeling amidst the collectors. Who had the clout and power to spend so haphazardly on a painting – the bidder in question, the same acquaintance made at the prior auction. The event concluded with an amazing performance from JIO – those famished climbed to the restaurant; the sweet aroma of expensive delicacies filled the atmosphere.
”We've met before, have we not?” inquired Igna tête-à-tête to the bidder.
”I'm afraid not, the one you met was my little brother, my name is Bartholomew Jshosio, an investor working for Stiol,” a business card slid across the lowered glass table. Despite the amount spend, the chosen location for additional payment turned to be the lounges – the very same enthralled in the 'time-loop' incident. Stocky frame, Van Dyke styled facial hair, most often known by the 'roguish lover,' (popularized by the famed story of Inspector Cosnav, a man of many lovers, inhumane levels of charisma and forefather of investigative journalism in the olden era, a private reserved man whose work was subject to scrutiny from the oppressive influence of nobles) light brown hair, sharp jaws, and easy on the eyes.
”Bartholomew.”
”Jsho for short.”
”Jsho, pleasure doing business. Might I ask who in their right mind would drop a third of a billion on a painting, I did say the piece couldn't be priced; this has far exceeded normal levels of expenditure.”
”My lord Igna,” he smirked, ”-fret not,” the fingers reached for the chin and pulled, the mask unglued without a moment's reluctance, ”-long time no see.”
”Goddess Syhton, I'd never guess…”
”The disguise got old quickly. The paintings worth every bit the money, how could I pass on the chance of obtaining such a piece made by the goddess herself.”
”You could ask for the goddess to paint one?” he suggested, ”-there's no law saying goddesses couldn't interact.”
”Wrong my child, the very idea is heresy. I don't exist, my very nature could perturb the already shaky balance. What little life force remains is owed to my devotees, their power of belief has kept this body alive for years. I had to ascertain the legitimacy first.”
”Hold a moment,” he paused, ”-Goddess Syhton, you wouldn't have orchestrated a massive play for thy pleasures, would you?”
”What are you even talking about?” returned she firmly, ”-being blasphemous is…”
”Is?” he hung on the 's', ”-what about blasphemy. My lady, the only reason the expanded realm could have such power is for the intervention of another being. You cast the spell, used the greater demon, and pulled the strings on Haruna, am I correct?”
”Well, I guess I'm found out. It's true, the expanded realm was in fact mine, I possess the grimoire of Laktos, the book of restart. How did you figure?”
”I didn't,” said he cold-faced, ”-the possibilities clicked; no way to prove my theory else for thine lips. I lied, my lady, I lied.”
”You lied to a goddess; how very brave.”
”Not lie, tis more of a payback. You used me as a pawn to test the worth of the piece.”
”Calm yourself, my child. Would be wise to keep good relations with me. I've spent a lot of time studying and being played for a fool, I know my way around schemes. Go on, speak thy mind.”
”Don't misunderstand, my lady, my intentions weren't in the least bit malicious. I'm confused that's all, everyone's at the mercy of another. I'm glad to have been of use in thy scheme, goddess.”
”The tone sure changed hastily, tell me, child, did you see the error in your ways?”
”I guess I did,” he smiled, ”-ordeal aside, about the painting?”
”Yes, yes,” a few taps on the phone, ”-the money should be transferred right away.”
*750,000,000 received,* read the phone, ”-what about the fee for the auction company?”
”I've already handled the matter,” she rose, ”-best get back to my façade,” the manly face reappeared, ”-remember this face, the man's a close ally of mine. Be well, viscount; word of warning, be on guard.”
Thus, the night shuffled along – dinner was served, pleasantries exchanged. The mentally impaired under the influence were taken to the hotel. Through the cacophonous night, Igna made plenty of connections, most being of the noble nature.
23:00 displayed – the nightlife intensified. Plenty o' guests took their leave, he found himself at the entrance bidding the visitors a safe trip home. In the end, at 23:45, only the imperial family remained at Von, the once filled parking lot stood empty.
Water sprinkled atop the innocently resting Loftha, ”-wake up.”
”Using water to wake another,” clambered to an upright posture, ”-where am I?” her legs crossed.
”At the casino,” replied Igna, ”-Hyde and Xyra are passed out drunk,” he pointed to a separate couch, ”-they sure can't hold their liquor.”
”What happened tonight?” her brows furrowed in pain; ”-I don't remember anything…”
”Nothing of importance,” he replied and tapped her back, ”-one thing is for sure, tonight was a success.”
Heavy thumps caught her ear, giggles and chatter snuck underneath the door, *-click,* ”-Igna,” exhaled the sweaty empress, ”-finally, help me take my lightweight husband home.”
”Can't you use magic?”
”Oh no, I'm well gone at this point, the worlds spinning. Igna,” she buckled from Markus' body weight, ”-take care of us…”
'These people.'
”Igna?” approached Loftha, ”-I think I missed out on a lot…”
”More importantly, wake Hyde and Xyra, lady Amber is already at my estate in the company of her mother. The washroom's just around the corner, freshen up – I'll be back.”
'I'm so confused,' she slipped out of the lounge and peered over the chaotic mess of a game area. Retainers were hard at work cleaning the mess, heavy-looking tables hovered into place, strongly dressed guards watched with crossed arms. '-the night must have been wild.'
”Over here, master,” hailed Éclair, ”-transport's ready to head home,” Asmodeus and Mammon sat at the front, ”-the imperial family don't look so imperial after a few drinks,” chuckled Mammon.
”Yeah sure,” added Igna sarcastically, ”-take them home, I'll be there in a few.”
”With pleasure,” nodded Asmo; the drunks were thrown in nonchalantly, Loftha held a face of, '-I don't even care anymore.' They skid onto the road and bolted for the stripe.
”Where's Kul and Midne?”
”At the estate,” replied Éclair, ”-Starix said he's sorry for not being present tonight. A battle broke loose at Stanley's homage.”
”Have arrangements been readied for tomorrow?”
”Yes, my lord, the jet is on the way,” they moved inside on account of the cold wind.
”Éclair, be honest,” they sat on the stairs leading to the lounge, ”-was the trip to Alphia worth the effort, what I mean to ask is…”