Chapter 106: The Auction Begins (2) Three ornate bottles appeared on display pedestals, their contents glowing with colours that seemed to shift based on viewing angle. Even from his position, Noah could sense the magical potency contained within. "Phoenix Ash, Dragon Scale Powder, and Essence of Temporal Flow—materials that most alchemists can only dream of acquiring. Combined opening bid: one hundred golden coins!" The crowd’s spending limits are definitely in the right range for my product. The bidding war that erupted was fierce enough to draw impressed murmurs from spectators. Wealthy mages competed against noble collectors, driving prices toward levels that made Noah’s pulse quicken with anticipation. "Sold for two hundred thirty golden coins!" Two-thirty for alchemical supplies. These people have serious money to spend. Prince Malphas had remained silent throughout the preliminary auctions, his expression suggesting boredom with items beneath his interest level. But Noah caught him checking a timepiece, clearly waiting for the evening’s main attraction. He’s here for the protein bar specifically. This is going to get intense. Lola positioned herself strategically within the crowd, her ruby eyes tracking various bidders with predatory attention. She’d identified key players and was clearly preparing her manipulation tactics. She’s ready to work her magic. Time to see what creative chaos she unleashes. "Distinguished guests," the auctioneer announced, his voice silencing everyone else’s. "We now arrive at tonight’s centrepiece, an item of unprecedented magical properties!" The crowd’s energy changed perceptibly as anticipation reached fever pitch. This was the moment everyone had gathered to witness. "By special arrangement with a master human craftsman named Noah, we present the Protein Enhancement Bar—the first known item capable of permanent attribute enhancement at any rank!" Here we go. Everything builds to this moment. "This extraordinary creation provides a fifty percent temporary increase to Strength attribute for twenty minutes, plus a permanent increase of ten attribute points upon first consumption!" Gasps echoed through the assembly. Even though they’ve heard the effects before, hearing it again didn’t make it any less powerful. That’s a good reaction. They are still hyped for the product...I’m going to be RICH! Prince Malphas straightened in his seat, his bored expression changing to interest. Now I have his attention. Let’s see how deep royal pockets actually go. "Given the extraordinary nature of this item, bidding opens at two hundred golden coins or equivalent trade value!" The auctioneer’s declaration sent ripples of excitement through the assembled crowd. Two hundred coins represented serious money, enough to fully equip a starting adventuring party. Double the opening price I expected. It seems Lola really done me good. Hands shot up immediately as wealthy bidders staked their claims. The competition began with enthusiasm that suggested the final price would climb far beyond the opening amount. "Two hundred ten!" called a demon merchant. "Two hundred twenty!" countered a mage whose staff gleamed with high-tier enchantments. Strong opening pace. These people came prepared for serious spending. Prince Malphas remained seated, his expression suggesting mild interest rather than urgent concern. Royal bidding typically waited until competition thinned to more manageable levels. He’s playing the long game. Smart strategy for someone with essentially unlimited resources. "Two hundred thirty!" "Two hundred forty!" The increments climbed steadily as determined bidders refused to yield early ground. Adventuring parties pooled their resources while individual collectors pushed toward their maximum limits. This is already exceeding my most optimistic projections. "Two hundred sixty!" announced Lord Theron, the same noble who’d claimed Korgan’s Voidcutter Blade earlier. "Two hundred seventy!" replied a demoness. The bidding continued its relentless climb as competitors drove prices toward levels that made casual observers wince. Nearly three hundred coins already. At this rate, we might break four hundred. But as the price approached three hundred coins, the pace began to slow. Bidders dropped out one by one as their financial limits approached, leaving only the most determined competitors. "Two hundred ninety!" called the merchant, his voice carrying less confidence than earlier. "Three hundred!" Lord Theron’s bid drew murmurs from spectators who recognised serious money in motion. Three hundred coins. That’s already life-changing wealth. The merchant hesitated, clearly calculating whether he would be able to contend later on. After several long seconds, he shook his head and settled back in his seat. One down. How many serious bidders remain? "Three hundred ten!" the jewellery-wearing demoness called, her voice steady despite the astronomical amounts involved. "Three hundred twenty!" But as the price climbed toward three-fifty, even determined bidders began reaching their limits. The demoness hesitated longer between bids, while the mage’s confident posture showed subtle cracks. They’re approaching maximum sustainable spending. Time for royal intervention. Prince Malphas chose his moment. As the bidding stalled at three hundred forty coins, he raised his hand casually. The gesture immediately caught the attention of everyone present. The prince was finally starting to bid. "Four hundred golden coins." Jumping sixty coins in a single bid. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺 The effect was immediate and devastating. Remaining bidders exchanged glances that spoke to shared recognition of futility. Competing against royal resources was financial suicide for anyone without equivalent backing. The auctioneer paused, scanning the crowd for continued competition. "Four hundred golden coins from His Royal Highness. Any additional bids?" Silence stretched across the plaza as determined bidders accepted defeat. "Going once at four hundred golden coins..." This is it. If Lola’s going to act, it has to be now. "Going Twi-" "Four hundred ten!" The voice cut through the evening air with timing so perfect it seemed planned. Every head turned toward Lola, who’d raised her hand with elegant confidence that challenged the prince. There she is. Let the games begin. Prince Malphas’s expression remained the same despite the unexpected competition that emerged at the last second. His eyes narrowed as he evaluated this new challenger who dared contest royal authority. "Four hundred twenty," the prince replied.. That’s a modest increase...coming from a prince. Lola’s smile widened. "Four hundred thirty." She’s enjoying this. The crowd’s energy transformed from resigned acceptance to anticipation. Royal bidding wars were a rare entertainment that most demons never witnessed personally.