Chapter 107: The Auction Begins (3) "Five hundred and ten," Prince Malphas replied, his tone remaining steady despite the astronomical figure. His expression carried the same neutral composure he’d maintained throughout the evening—focused but not emotional. He’s treating this like a business transaction rather than a personal affront. Smarter than I expected. Lola’s smile widened as she prepared her counter-bid, clearly enjoying the elevated price. But before she could respond, an unexpected voice cut through the tension. "Four hundred twenty golden coins—plus three rare Demonica specimens!" Vex? Every head turned toward Viscount Vex, who stood beside his ornate plant cases. Precious clicked her teeth with excitement from her perch behind his ear, apparently approving of her master’s bold strategy. Clearly, Vex defied the norms of the demon society. As an outcast who didn’t really meddle with other nobles and royals. He didn’t mind bidding against the royal prince. The auctioneer paused, clearly calculating the combined value of the monetary bid plus exotic Demonica specimens. Rare Demonica plants commanded decent prices among collectors and cultivators. "The honourable Viscount offers four hundred twenty coins plus Demonica trade goods," he announced. "Estimated total value approaches five hundred and eighty coins!" Five-eighty equivalent. Vex just jumped ahead of everyone through his bidding. Prince Malphas studied Vex with interest rather than irritation. The viscount’s unconventional approach represented legitimate competition rather than direct challenge to royal authority. "Six hundred golden coins," the prince stated, maintaining his measured cadence. Straight monetary response. He’s avoiding the complications of trade evaluation. Lola’s ruby eyes sparkled with delight as the competition intensified beyond her most optimistic projections. Three serious bidders meant sustained pressure that would drive prices toward ridiculous heights. She’s orchestrated this perfectly. Royal bidding plus noble competition plus her own manipulation. "Six hundred ten," she called, keeping the increments manageable while maintaining pressure. Vex consulted with Precious in a whispered conversation, the flower apparently providing advice about bidding. Their partnership had always been unusually collaborative. "Five hundred twenty coins plus three Demonica specimens!" Vex declared, expanding his offering. "The Demonicas include a mature Shadowbloom and juvenile Crystalvine! The total price stands at seven hundred and twenty golden coins." The crowd murmured with appreciation as plant enthusiasts recognised the specimens’ significance. Shadowblooms required years to mature, while Crystalvines provided ongoing benefits. The auctioneer paused, clearly calculating the combined value while considering precedent for mixed-payment auctions. His expression suggested genuine uncertainty about proper valuation procedures. "The honorable Viscount’s offer totals approximately seven hundred twenty coins equivalent," he announced after brief consultation with his assistants. Prince Malphas studied Vex. The viscount’s approach represented creative problem-solving rather than simple wealth display. He wasn’t merely entering with golden coins; he was entering with what he was known for, his Demonica plants. "Seven hundred thirty golden coins," the prince responded, his tone remaining measured despite the astronomical amounts involved. Lola’s ruby eyes sparkled with delight as the competition intensified beyond anyone’s projections. Three serious bidders created sustained pressure that would drive final prices toward ridiculous heights. "Eight hundred golden coins," Lola declared calmly, making the astronomical amount sound reasonable. Vex’s shoulders sagged as the number registered. His face cycled through disappointment, acceptance, and finally admiration for the sheer scale of wealth being deployed. "I..." he began, then stopped. Precious clicked her teeth sympathetically from her perch behind his ear. He’s out. "I concede," Vex announced with as much dignity as he could muster. "May the enhancement serve its new owner well." The crowd murmured appreciatively at his gracious withdrawal. Losing a bidding war to royal wealth and master-level succubi carried no shame. Down to two. Prince versus succubus. This is what everyone came to see. Prince Malphas turned his attention fully to Lola, studying her with a calculating gaze. "Nine hundred golden coins," he stated, his tone carrying subtle weight beyond mere monetary increase. The prince’s expression changed slightly. "Lady Lola, perhaps we might discuss alternative arrangements. You will do me a great favour by letting me take this item." Every demon in the plaza leaned forward. Royal favours were currency more valuable than gold among the nobility. Lola’s smile widened with satisfaction rather than concern, as if she were waiting for this moment. "Your Highness, while your favours are something that can’t be measured with monetary value. But I really need this item, as it might help me push past my current limits." In front of all the demons present, Lola politely rejected the prince. Her tone carried enough respect to avoid direct insult while making her position absolutely clear. Whatever favour the prince referenced wouldn’t influence this competition. Prince Malphas nodded with what might have been approval. "As you wish. Nine hundred golden coins stand." "Nine hundred ten," Lola called. The bidding resumed its relentless climb as both competitors demonstrated a serious commitment to acquiring permanent enhancement. "Nine hundred ninety," Prince Malphas replied with steady confidence. So close to a thousand coins. This is it—the final threshold. But instead of continuing the monetary escalation, Lola’s expression shifted to something approaching satisfaction. Her ruby eyes sparkled with mischief. I know that look...chaos is incoming. She’s about to do something crazy. "It seems golden coins are no longer sufficient currency for such a treasure," she announced. "Therefore, I offer a treasure as a payment." Lola reached into her storage space. Every demon in the plaza felt the change as another treasure entered the equation. What is that thing? The item appeared as a small white orb that seemed to contain swirling mana within its surface. "This is the Eye of Apollo—the powerful artefact that discerns truth from falsehood, sees through all deception, and reveals the nature of any being upon whom its gaze falls." An artefact. She’s bidding with an actual artefact. The crowd’s collective gasp echoed across the plaza as the implications registered. These kinds of artefacts represented power beyond monetary valuation, items that even kingdoms treasured. Noah’s enhanced perception focused on the mysterious orb, triggering his inspection ability almost involuntarily. [Eye of Apollo] [Description] A powerful artefact capable of detecting truth, piercing illusions, and revealing the fundamental nature of any target. Provides absolute truth detection within its area of influence. No deception can withstand its scrutiny. [Tier] 5 [Estimated Price] 1,100 Golden Coins