Chapter 104: Royalty attending Auction "Royalty will be attending," whispered a silver-horned demoness. "Prince Malphas himself is supposedly interested." The demoness clearly enjoyed gossiping and didn’t hesitate when the chance to do so revealed itself. There is royalty coming to buy my products...this is going to be troublesome. Maybe nobody will dare to bid against them...even Lola might not. He thought, subtly glancing at Lola. The rumour had circulated throughout Sin City with remarkable speed, transforming Noah’s auction from a local curiosity into an event that attracted the kingdom’s highest social tiers and lowest social tiers. Royalty were adored in the demon kingdom, hence why most demons participated in the royal parade. "How did word reach royal circles so quickly?" Noah asked Lola during a brief lull between customers. "I may have mentioned the auction to certain well-connected individuals," she replied with vagueness. "Word travels fast in noble circles, especially when it involves unprecedented magic items." She’s been working her contacts. This auction’s going to be bigger than I expected. "Prince Malphas," Noah repeated, testing the name. "Should I be concerned about his royal attention?" Lola’s expression darkened subtly, her usual playful demeanour replaced by something approaching wariness. The change was slight but noticeable to someone who’d spent some time with her. She definitely has issues with royalty. Just like I suspected. "Don’t worry," she replied with casualness. "The royals wouldn’t do anything out of order in daylight. Too many witnesses, too much public scrutiny, that would ruin their good image, that’s something they don’t want to do." "But the auction is in the evening," Noah pointed out, watching her reaction carefully. Lola’s confident response died mid-formation. Her mouth opened, then closed without sound. For a moment, the master-level succubus looked genuinely speechless. "..." The silence stretched between them for a few seconds before Noah broke it. "I-It was a joke..." Noah said finally. "But on a serious note, are you saying he might do something in the dark?" Lola shrugged with nonchalance. "Who knows? It depends on the outcome of the auction." That’s not reassuring at all. Noah felt a chill that had nothing to do with the shop’s temperature. The protein bar represented incredible value, but attracting royal attention might create complications beyond his pay grade. "You’re not going to back off from our deal, right?" he asked, worry creeping into his voice. "The price...arrangement?" If Lola withdrew her support now, the auction could become a disaster rather than a triumph. Royal intimidation might suppress other bidders, leaving him with minimal competition and disappointing returns. Her smirk returned with intensity that reminded Noah exactly why succubi were considered dangerous. "The price game? No, why would I? In fact, I might go harder now... hehe." "What do you mean by ’go harder’?" Noah pressed. "Let’s just say that royal presence creates... opportunities." Her tail swished with anticipation. "Princes are predictable creatures. Pride, ego, and public image—all excellent pressure points. We will use that to increase the price. Although Prince Malphas is known for his humble attitude in the public eye, it’s nothing but a facade." She’s going to manipulate Prince Malphas during the auction. This should be interesting. The door chimed as another customer entered, cutting short their conversation. But Noah caught the gleam in Lola’s eyes that suggested she was already formulating plans for the evening’s entertainment. Royal manipulation by a master-level succubus. Either this auction becomes legendary, or I end up in a demon dungeon. "What if your manipulation backfires?" Noah asked quietly after the customer left. "What if the prince realises that he is being played?" Lola’s laugh carried enough confidence to reassure and terrify simultaneously. "Noah, I’ve been playing political games since before you were born. Trust me when I say I know exactly how to handle royalty." Another wave of customers entered, their excited conversations about the upcoming auction filling the shop with anticipation. Word continued spreading through Sin City’s population like wildfire, each retelling adding embellishments that grew the event’s reputation. "Besides," Lola continued in a whisper, "you have something every demon in the kingdom wants. Permanent attribute enhancement doesn’t come along often. Prince or not, he’ll have to compete like everyone else." Assuming the auction remains a fair competition rather than a royal decree. ... The time for the auction had arrived, and the central plaza buzzed with energy. It’s good that the auction is right next to my shop. Perfect location for maximum impact. Noah had invested one hundred golden coins in hiring a professional auctioneer—a significant expense that Lola’s connections had made surprisingly reasonable. Without her influence, organising an event of this calibre would have cost many times over. Not cheap to organise something like this, but not prohibitively expensive either, at least with the right connections. It will be worth every coin if it drives up the final price. The protein bar remained safely secured within his shop’s protective walls. Too many unknown variables made public display risky, especially with royal attendance confirmed. Better safe than sorry. The last thing I need is someone trying to steal it before bidding begins. Demons began gathering in the plaza as sunset approached, their numbers growing steadily as word continued spreading through Sin City’s social networks. "Did you hear? The item grants permanent strength enhancement!" "Impossible. Nothing provides permanent boosts without catastrophic side effects." "I disagree, the human shopkeeper had kept his word for all of his products. They are all insanely powerful, and he wouldn’t ruin his reputation for nothing. Besides, he wouldn’t dare do it, especially when royalty is in question now." Near the merchant quarter, a well-dressed demoness adjusted her jewellery while speaking to her companion. "Prince Malphas rarely attends public auctions. His presence suggests that the item really does have an extraordinary value." The auctioneer, a distinguished demon with silver horns and immaculate wear, tested his voice projection while assistants made final preparations. His presence commanded attention through sheer professional bearing. "Ladies and gentlemen of Sin City," he announced to the growing crowd, "tonight’s auction represents an unprecedented opportunity to acquire permanent body enhancement!" He knows how to work a crowd.