Chapter 167
Translator: penny
Chapter: 167
Chapter Title: Auction House (3)
Of course, just because the buyer wants to meet doesn't mean I have any obligation to agree. The auction house simply relays messages between buyer and seller—they don't force any decisions beyond that.
"Of course, if you accept the meeting, we can provide one of our prepared rooms here at the auction house. It's thoroughly secured, with magic in place to prevent any eavesdropping..."
The auction house staff member eagerly explained another facility available at the venue, but I felt a bit uneasy.
'Do I really need to?'
I'd sold the items—that should be enough. Why bother meeting? If we met, they might demand a refund, or even if not, encountering the Earth Guild psychologically would be...
'They're not outright hostile to me, but their image isn't great.'
They'd never directly antagonized me, but given our history of clashing with their members in the tournament and at the Festival of Fire, I was reluctant to meet. Seeing my hesitation, the staff member added something as if it had just occurred to them.
"And beyond the statues you sold, if you have any other items, they expressed interest in purchasing those as well..."
"Let's meet."
Ah, of course, money changes everything.
Not that I'm meeting purely for the money—it's a decision I made after some thought.
'Honestly, I've always wanted to properly meet someone from the Earth Guild someday.'
I'm human too. I'd lived without much issue so far, but I do feel some nostalgia for Earth. And naturally, my interest was drawn to the Earth Guild, which I suspected had a large concentration of Earthlings.
'It's just that I can't trust people easily.'
You never know. What if the Earth Guild was exploiting gathered Earthlings? It might be excessive worry, but one thing I'd learned as an adventurer is not to trust people too readily.
'But if it's inside the auction house.'
I adjusted the mask still covering my face, checking it was properly secured. For good measure, I made a few small sounds to confirm my voice was altered.
"Under the name of the Golden King, no harm of any kind can be inflicted on each other within the auction house."
"For a place like that, there sure are a lot of hyenas openly targeting other guests."
"Haha. Sir, I said 'within' the auction house."
"......."
The words felt a bit off, but it was the main reason I'd hesitated then decided to meet. The rule upheld in the Golden King's own 'name.' Violating it would be seen as making an enemy of the Golden King himself.
'I thought it was just ceremonial.'
Before entering, I'd read the auction house rules, including no disruptions inside. I'd assumed it was standard for such places, but apparently, it carried real weight.
"In the past, someone ignored that rule and tried to use force inside the auction house to bully another guest and seize their items and money."
That was surprising. Everyone there—eyes full of murderous intent, dripping with greed—behaved like lambs inside. That's why I'd relaxed and snagged a few items myself.
"What do you think happened to that man?"
"Well, given the timing you're bringing it up, he probably didn't go quietly."
"Oh my. Die? Such cruel words. He's alive and well, limbs intact."
Hmm. The way it was phrased usually implies a fate worse than death.
"Did you happen to see the golden statue on the first floor when you entered?"
"First floor? Oh."
Come to think of it, there was an odd statue in the first-floor lobby. I'd figured it was for showing off the auction house's wealth... Wait, no. Bringing it up now means...
"Sharp intuition. Correct. That disruptive guest became an important asset of our auction house."
".........."
"By the way, he's still alive? Most of his body is turned to gold now."
Fuck.
And I was reconfirmed: no one with a committee title is normal.
...Anyway, despite the staff's unsettling words, it convinced me there'd be no major issues inside the auction house 'premises,' so I entered the space where the buyer waited to meet me.
By the way, they covered the room rental fee.
As I opened the door and stepped in, I saw a woman in one corner, intently examining the statues I'd sold, with them set up there. She was still disguised with a magic tool like me, so I couldn't judge much yet, but the aura she exuded the moment the door opened...
'She's strong.'
At least stronger than me, I thought. Honestly, the Earthlings I'd met so far were all so underwhelming I'd subtly looked down on them, but this presence... not to be underestimated.
"Ah."
Noticing I'd entered, she cleared her throat lightly, straightened her posture, and greeted me.
"Nice to meet you. Are you the seller of these statues?"
"Nice to meet you too. I'm relieved my items found such an excellent owner."
I deliberately altered my speech for formal pleasantries. From the moment I entered, she'd shown a friendly demeanor, and now she asked amiably,
"Um, if it's not rude, may I ask one thing?"
"What question?"
"If my eyes aren't deceiving me, these statues... in terms of preservation and materials... they seem quite similar. Did you sell all of them?"
"Well, yes."
It wasn't a serious question, so I affirmed it readily. Even without [Appraisal], anyone with an eye for art could tell from the preservation state that they came from the same place.
"I knew it..! Then, um, did you make these statues yourself..?"
'One question, you said?'
Her immediately breaking her own rule was a bit ridiculous, but I didn't want to flush my face red over this already, so I chose my words carefully.
I had no idea why she was asking, but admitting I'd made them here would be as good as confessing I'm an Earthling...
"No, I just happened to acquire them. I didn't make them."
This should be right.
"...I see?"
'Hm?'
What? As soon as I honestly revealed the truth, the woman's attitude shifted abruptly. Her voice cooled slightly, and the smile visible below her mask faded.
"...Sorry, but one last question."
'This bitch?'
Look at her, only saying what she wants? I hadn't had a great impression of the Earth Guild to begin with, and now it plummeted further. Regardless, without waiting for my response, the Earth Guild woman tossed out her question.
"Do you know what these statues you sold depict?"
Quite a direct probe.
'It's obvious she's testing if I'm an Earthling...'
Honestly, I'd suspect too. You could pass off the others as generic Western-style statues, but selling a Statue of Liberty replica at an auction house? Overkill.
Anyone seeing that would ask if you're an Earthling.
"Who knows. Unique relics occasionally found in labyrinths, right? Isekai folk or elves often claim them as their own cultural artifacts."
Of course, I played dumb. And my acting felt pretty natural to me. The skills honed from secretly bedding countless women without getting caught weren't going anywhere.
...Not something to brag about, though. Anyway.
'But this woman has no tact.'
Starting the first meeting with 'You're an Earthling, aren't you?'? Sure, she phrased it indirectly, but it was practically straight-up. Asking that without even introducing herself—anyone, not just me, another Earthling even, would be on guard.
"...Is that so? Then we're done."
Regardless of my thoughts, her tone grew even chillier after my answer. Polite, but any warmth had vanished.
"Let's talk business. Beyond the statues, do you have other similar ones, or any 'isekai' relics they claim as cultural artifacts? If so, I'd like to buy at a fair price."
Then she switched to a purely transactional tone. I'd agreed to meet partly for this, but... clearly, the prior question was the real intent.
"May I ask some questions too?"
"I don't take personal questions."
'This bitch really...'
She asks away then draws a line?
Boiling inside, I forced a smile and asked a few things.
"Why did you buy these statues?"
"Just because they're pretty."
"...Those questions you asked—any particular intent behind them?"
"Legitimate questions from a buyer."
".......You have a guild emblem— what's your rank there?"
"No personal questions."
Fine, you fucking bitch. I get it—you're not answering properly.
'Just come out with it?'
Recalling her earlier probing about me being an Earthling, I considered revealing it outright but held back. Instead, I swallowed my anger and sold some damaged statues I'd set aside, plus a cross-shaped accessory from the 9th-floor ruins for good measure.
"30 gold."
"...I bought at auction for 20."
"Take it or leave it."
Her attitude pissed me off, so I jacked the price 1.5 times what I'd planned. She hesitated at first, but when I doubled down, she clicked her tongue and paid up for the relics.
I was a bit surprised. I figured she'd haggle. Should've asked more?
"Satisfactory transaction. Goodbye."
Thanks to that, I netted an extra 150 gold from the statues and knickknacks. Wow! Easy money! Feels like just yesterday I was begging for a single gold.
"And..."
"Hm?"
As she finished the deal and turned to leave, she glanced back and added one thing.
"If you have more to say about the statues, come to the Earth Guild guildhall."
"........."
"Goodbye."
Roughly translated: 'If you're a hidden Earthling, come to the Earth Guild.' No plans to go...
-Click.
The door closed, and I leaned back on the plush sofa, lost in thought. Pockets full of gold, but the info I hoped for? Barely any...
"I learned one thing."
Or two? Whatever she does, I learned she's a rude bitch. Anyway.
'...Is that so? Then we're done.'
'Fuck.... Fucking savage barbarian bastards. Primitive isekai scum.....'
Instead, I cross-referenced her cold attitude when I feigned ignorance with that mutter from Axel at the tournament.
'Yeah, that kind of group?'
Too soon to judge... but feels right.