Chapter 435 A Complicated Auction 1/3 (2/2)
”Miss Natasha. Mr. Grendy. I'm glad to see you two here.” Rhode greeted them and observed the surroundings as he could sense that there were many people in the crowd sizing them up with gazes filled with curiosity, excitement, unfamiliarity, and alertness. However, this was a normal reaction to expect since this was a small venue and Rhode's group was indeed filled with outsiders. But Rhode was here for the auction only and he had no intention of mingling with the crowd. Natasha led the group towards the auction venue.
”I've spoken to my father and you can use our private compartment today. Please be assured, Mr. Rhode. With us here, we believe that the item that you want won't be snatched by others,” Natasha spoke with a friendly smile and with a hint of pride in the expression. It seemed that this young lady was proud of her family and she seemed to have her own views on matters now. That torture must have affected her a lot, and it developed for the better. But…
Rhode suddenly felt a sinister stare from the crowd. However, it lasted for only a second.
”What's wrong, Mr. Rhode?” Natasha asked curiously as Rhode stopped his movement and observed the surroundings. After exchanging glances with Gillian, Rhode shook his head.
”No, it's nothing. Let's go.” Rhode lifted his head and entered the auction venue.
The entire auction venue wasn't huge in scale. It was similar to a circular theater, with trapezoidal rows of seats before the stage. The luxuriously decorated private compartments were located in the comfortable, open areas by the walls beside the 'stage' and the observers inside had a panoramic view of the entire auction. At this moment, the private compartments were fully occupied and the compartments were covered with red velvet curtains supported by brass brackets in order to prove the guests with a quiet, comfortable space.
As the city owner of the Eagle City, the treatment was clearly better. Not only were there soft, comfortable sofas, there were even delicious wine, fruits, cakes, and food. There was a list of auction items on the mahogany table before them and Rhode spotted his target quickly. The keys to access the underground maze was ridiculously named on the list as a 'Magical Adornment'. However, this wasn't much of a surprise because, after all, this key didn't look like a key at all. Instead, it looked like a slate puzzle.
Soon, everyone sat in their seats and Rhode naturally was seated with Gillian and Anne while Natasha and Grendy were beside them, whispering into each other's ears excitedly regarding the auction. An old man in a butler uniform stood quietly by the side, ready to serve everyone.
”Have you sensed it, Master?” As Rhode flipped through the list, Gillian leaned to his ears sneakily and whispered.
”Of course. But, let's wait and see.” As the two of them spoke, the bells tinkled crisply and the magical radiance revolving around the theatre faded dramatically. Within a few seconds, the bustling venue restored its peace gradually. All the distinguished guests in the private compartments and the ordinary guests by the seats sat straight and shifted their attention to the stage before them.
An auctioneer in a tuxedo stepped onto the stage.
The auction had officially began.