Chapter 223: The Auction Drama [2]
"Without further ado, let us start the auction."
The auctioneer’s voice boomed across the hall, silencing the murmurs of the crowd.
His impressively groomed mustache twitched as he flashed a smile, his eyes glinting with the confidence of a man who could sell water to a drowning man. He easily gathered everyone’s attention with his next words.
"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and esteemed collectors," he began, his high-pitched voice carrying effortlessly to the farthest corners. "Tonight is no ordinary evening. No, no—tonight, we offer treasures that would make kings hesitate and scholars weep!"
Wow, he’s good. I thought. Just a few words, and he’s already stirring everyone’s desires and interest.
I watched as he paused dramatically, letting his gaze sweep the room. "Now, I know what you’re all thinking. You are probably wondering how do I back my claims, isn’t that right?" He chuckled knowingly. "Then let me tell you, today, we have not one, not two, but a series of truly remarkable items that will leave you in regret for not saving enough money."
"And-!" He raised his hand for emphasis. "We will not make you wait any longer. We are beginning with one such treasure right now."
With a snap of his fingers, an attendant brought forward a small velvet case. The auctioneer opened it with practiced flair, revealing a silver necklace with an exquisite snowflake pendant. The delicate design caught the light beautifully, scattering tiny reflections across the room.
"The Winter’s Love necklace," he presented it to everyone to see. And then started talking about its origin, who made it, and so on.
The one thing useful about it was the high cold resistance feature it had. Besides being beautiful, it had no other redeeming qualities. Still, I could already tell it would fetch a ridiculous price.
Half the women in the hall were staring at it like lovesick teenagers, and judging by the sudden flurry of whispered conversations in the private booths, the female nobles weren’t faring much better.