Reincarnated as the Lady Prodigy

Thirty-Three

Faceless Auction House

THE invitations were successfully sent to Duke Franklin and Marquess Rolfe according to Aya so the only thing left to do is to advertise the auction house and announce its opening. For that, I had the employees spread the news through word of mouth. We also had the Hunters Guild post a notice about our opening on their board. That notice includes the price of our weapons, armor, and magic items. I have to make sure to get the attention of the hunters which was effective from what I heard.

The news of our opening spread like wildfire, all the nobles and aristocrats in Griselda received their invitation, although unlike Duke Franklin and Marquess Rolfe, their names weren't addressed. I also sent an addressed invitation to Griselda Hunters Guild Head, Mr. Vicar Garrat.

All the preparations are successful that's why two days before the opening of the auction house, here I am, watching how Alarkson run around the city's marketplace like a child who went out for the first time.

"What is this?! That, is that a food?! Oh! Look, Mistress! This meat is tasty! Hey, what's that for?!" Blah blah blah. I chuckle while watching him. Vana and Siren both sighed while Kiera burst out laughing.

"Isn't he an i***t to be amazed by th— oh wow! What is that?!" As if she's any better. Seriously, Kiera.

As promised, now that they can transform in their human form I had them accompany me around, of course, while I'm in disguise since I'm still supposed to be on house arrest. I had a short talk with Mom before I left. Like me, she is also on house arrest. She is being used by Felicia to blackmail me so I feel bad about that.

Elise, Blake, and Eufema are in the auction house helping the employees to settle down in their boarding house. Elise would send me news from time to time through the communication scroll, she was having fun helping so I let her be.

Those three are not only diligently helping me with the auction house and my personal whatnot, but they are also training their magic to perfection.

The three of them might already be in High-Advance level or even Superior level. I'm so proud of them I might cry. Especially Elise, that girl's very focused on her healing magic training. I should ask her to heal me sometimes, so for that, I should get myself some wounds.

Ah, wounds. I don't like pain.

"Mistress? Are you all right?" I flinched slightly surprised when Vana called my name. She's looking at me worriedly, so is Siren who's silently watching me.

I smiled, "I'm fine. I was thinking about something and got lost in my thought. How are the two?" I asked then turned in Alarkson and Kiera's direction,  my smile wiped out.

I sighed. "We should stop them before these two turned Griselda to bits."

The two are lowly growling and glaring at each other while what seems to be the last meat in the tall is both in their hands trying to pull it in their direction. None of them wants to give up.

I caught sight of the stall's owner, he's pale as paper, cold sweats running on his face. He has become a ball of sweat, he might be able to use some magic based on his magic energy and that's why he is that nervous. Kiera and Alarkson's magic energy is skyrocketing and it's intimidating him. Some passersby are also keeping their distance from us, most of them can use magic and some cannot but still distanced themselves since these two are emitting a dangerous aura. The two are still focused on their little fight. Both their faces are crumpled in irritation against each other.

Vana clicked her tongue while Siren sighed.

I know, girls but Vana should also calm down. I tap Vana's shoulder and smiled. "It's fine," I whispered.

Vana is strict when it comes to discipline amongst the four.

I cleared my throat. "Kiera, Alarkson," I called their names but they're too absorbed they didn't hear me. Ouch. I'm being ignored.

I cleared my throat this time louder than before. "Kiera... Alarkson..." Still. Ignored.

Vana took a step forward ready to break apart the two and maybe break Griselda apart too.

Scared of the latter possibility once Vana moves, I grab her shoulder. She turned to me, I shake my head. "It's okay..." I smiled at her before I directed my eyes at Kiera and Alarkson. They're still fricking engrossed with their fight!

I released a wave of my magic energy directed in their direction.

"Eek!" I don't know who was that. I was too busy looking at Kiera and Alarkson.

The two finally felt the wave of my magic energy directed at them. Both of them flinched before they slowly turned their heads in our direction. I smiled at them. "Kiera? Alarkson? What seems to be the problem?" I asked with my toothpaste commercial smile.

Both their eyes widen, both unable to answer.

Still smiling, I asked. "Are the two of you perhaps... fighting?" How's my smile? Beautiful isn't it? This is smile is my thanks for ignoring me twice.

I heard Alarkson's audible gulp before both of them let go of the meat.

PLAK

The sound is loud enough for us to hear but the two didn't seem to notice the meat is out of their hands.

This two. After fighting for that meat now they're wasting it and ignoring it on the ground?

My smile widens. "The meat fell. Don't tell me you're wasting food now too?"

They both jolted before they quickly picked up the meat, took coins from their pockets, placed it on the stall owner, who fainted, and then bowed on the ground. All actions were done within two seconds. Wow!

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" They both chanted while prostrating on the ground. Both panicked.

I let out a sigh. Why are they bowing? I'm not a god. Seriously, these two.

"Stand up, you two," I tell them which they quickly followed. "You both paid for that so share it among yourselves." I glanced at Vana and Siren. "Might as well give some to Vana and Siren. I don't think they've tried eating that yet."

Vana and Siren looked at me. I nodded encouragingly. The two of them looked at each other. Vana nodded but didn't say anything.

"Yes. I would like to try eating that." Siren softly smiled.

I turned to the two, Kiera and Alarkson who are looking at each other before they nodded at each other. They have come to an agreement.

"Sure!"

Finally...

"Now then, Kiera and Alarkson are having fun looking around, Vana and Siren should too. Don't worry about me. You four should enjoy."

"All rig—" I cut off Kiera and Alarkson's cheer of happiness.

"—BUT. No fighting." I sternly said looking at the troublemakers.

Like scolded puppies. They both dropped their raised arms. "Yes..." That sounds like a whimper.

I looked at Vana and Siren then nods my head. These two need to learn to let loose sometimes too. They've been with me all this time, never leaving my side. Vana looked bored while Siren would casually look around but that's all. I want them to have fun, to at least appreciate what Griselda can offer.

"If Mistress wants me to then I will," Vana said then walked away. That sounded like I forced her. Wait, maybe I did?

Now I feel bad.

Still, I'm glad I'm able to enjoy the view of Griselda's market since I've been too busy recently. Let me think, ever since I arrived in this world, almost all the time I'm always busy. I guess it's because to attain the life I want I have to make effort for it.

It's been like a roller-coaster ride, it was fun though.

We entered a shop that Siren was interested in. It's a shop that sells books. I thought it would be spell books of some sort but as I was checking, it's anything but that. It's random books mostly about adventures, romance, and fiction kinds of stuff. There are also cookbooks that Siren grabbed. Ah, so that is what Siren is interested in.

Right. Siren likes cooking and preparing food. She is always the one that offers me something to drink and snack on. She must be interested in learning cuisine in this city. I told her about foods from Earth when she asked me what I would like so I told her about french fries, burgers, ah, fried rice too. She also learned how to make ice cream and since her magic is mainly water, she was able to prepare it quite well.

Remembering that ice cream now has me craving for it again. I should ask Siren to make some ice cream for me again.

"I'm done, Mistress," she said holding paper bags filled with books. Alarkson and Kiera didn't buy anything, they were never interested in books. Vana is carrying the same paper bag but it's smaller than Siren. She must be interested too.

"Where do you want to go next?" I asked.

This time, it was Alarkson and Kiera's turn to go to the shops they want.

We left the book store and walked quite the distance. Both Alarkson and Kiera are unsure of what they want so we end up walking around for anything that might catch their attention, not food. I had to stop them since they're planning to eat again.

We are now in a somewhat secluded area when multiple robed people suddenly appeared out of nowhere and encircled us.

The four of them quickly appeared in front of me, encircling me away from the unknown people.

"That one hiding like a coward behind his lackey, come out." Said the one wearing a gray robe. He stands out because the rest are wearing a black robe. So he must be the leader? He's not too obvious. Heh.

He called me a coward. "That's rich coming from you who brought multiple men with you," I mumbled feeling insulted. Besides, I did not hide because I want to. I have to hide because these four won't let me lift a finger.

"How dare a snotty human like you call my Mistress a coward!!!" Alarkson suddenly yelled. I can't see my familiars' faces because I'm behind them but the dangerous aura that suddenly surrounded them is enough proof that they are mad. Really mad.

I can still see the gray-robed man through the gap between Siren and Vana's back. He pulled out his hood then grinned at us widely before he burst out into a peal of maniac laughter.

"Why? Are you insulted? For a slave, you're quite arrogant. Dare to raise your voice at me?! How dare you!" The new man crazily yelled back. His face crumpled into an ugly frown while he's looking at us as if we're pests.

Oh boy, oh boy. Alarkson's aura turned murderous but the man is still oblivious. He's too absorbed in his own madness that he's not even noticing the murderous aura directed at him. How careless.

To think he's a mage from Konseho. He started casting his spell. Ah, what the heck. How troublesome.

"Alarkson, don't kill him," I warned. He can't kill him but he can beat him to a pulp, I don't mind.

"As you wish, Mistress," Alarkson said when he looked back at me with a grin then disappeared.

"A-Ah! Where—"What was his name again? Ah! Ibin. Ibin Stoharad. Although I call him Daddy-finger. He's still the same as when we first met when the ogre attacked. He's still conspicuous. Yeah right, you're the leader, you're the boss, so what?

Daddy-finger, I mean Ibin tried to look behind him but he was too late, with Alarkson's fist covered in fire and exerting a sufficient amount of force, Alarkson punched Ibin's face that sent him flying in our direction. Those that witnessed that are alerted and started casting but in the blink of an eye, Siren, Vana, and Kiera all made their move. Before the mages can even finish casting their spells, it's already canceled through the interference of the three's magic.

For real. These four really are legendary beings. I tend to forget that sometimes because they don't act like that at all.

Being able to cancel, or to be precise, break a spell being cast is not an easy thing to do. It looked easy because it was them who did it but if normal mage or humans have done it, they could possibly die. To break a spell being cast it needs an enormous amount of magic so the spell can be interrupted, thus, breaking it. According to the book, it requires around ten times the original amount of magic to break the spell, and that also includes what type of spell it is. So if the spell being cast requires, let's say 100 amount of magic, to break it, it will need 1,000. That's just the minimal estimation if I put it in numerical value. Breaking a spell is not a common practice in this world, some would attack the mage casting to interrupt the spell to break it or to weaken it, but to break the spell by applying your own magic power that will most likely consume your magic dry and backfire to you, no one would try. It's considered an absurdity. It's not only because of the amount of magic power need, it's also because of this 'backfire' thing. The spell might counter or reject the magic power you used to break it. It's like the spell has its consciousness that once it's being cast and it got interrupted it will defend itself from whoever tried to stop it from being formed. Once it rejects the different magic power suddenly being supplied, it will bounce back on whoever cast it.

Imagine being attacked by your own magic, magic that you exhausted in hopes of breaking the spell. It is indeed suicide; no wonder none would try it.

Aside from that, it requires a special ability to be able to analyze the magic circle from the spell. You need to be well-versed in magic circles and magic spell themselves for you to be able to know what's being cast. It's troublesome. Not for these four though.

Oh, would you look at that? They're all fast-asleep except for Daddy-finger, I mean Ibin. His face is so swollen I think it will be difficult to recognize him.

I walked towards him while wearing my mask. From my position, I look down at him while he's sprawled on the ground, groaning.

"What seems to be your problem with me, Konseho Head, Ibin?" I asked.

"Brghh-Brggh-Brggh!!! Ugh!" That's him trying to talk but he can't. I look at Alarkson.

He shrugs. "He's not dead." He's got a point. Oh, well.

"I don't know what you want from me but I suggest you to stop thinking of anything against me. You won't be able to win no matter what you do." I sounded so cocky. I mean, can they, he, win against Alarkson, Vana, Kiera, and Siren? I highly doubt that. But still, it's better safe than sorry. He's the one who did me wrong by trying to attack me first.

I turned around and walked away not once did I look back. What for? I let him off the hook because he is the head of Konseho's branch in Griselda. If he were just an ordinary mage from Konseho he would have been crippled for all his life. He's lucky Alarkson followed what I told him because if the dragon Alarkson wants to, he would have been dead.

Phew... That was tiring. Who would have thought we will encounter Ibin and friends in such a place? Oh well. I should look forward to the auction house's opening.

I skimmed through the necessary things to do. None. I have nothing else to doooooo!!!!

Phew. I know, I should sleep and enjoy my sleep.

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A certain street in Griselda is buzzing with people and carriages trying to take the first look.

The commoners and hunters hoping to take the first weapon and items are looking at the cloak place in anticipation. All of a sudden, a ball of fire came rushing into the sky and exploded. It wasn't an alarming explosion, the explosion released numerous glittering beads and rained down the spectators. Both men and women are fascinated as they open their palms in hopes of having just one of those sparkling things. Unfortunately, the moment those sparks touches their skin, it disappears into like crumpled sand, magnificently.

Numbers started appearing in the air where the explosion started.

⨘ (Ten)

⨚ (Nine)

⨙ (Eight)

⨕ (Seven)

⨖ (Six)

⨗ (Five)

⨒ (Four)

⨓ (Three)

⨔ (Two)

⨑ (One)

The ground glowed around the vacant area, slowly, like an unveiled curtain, the cloaking magic started to fade from below the ground and then upward. It slowly revealed the majestic mansion. Black, white, and gold.

The people waiting are in awe as the gigantic gate opened.

The spectators gasped in awe, especially the hunters that are all commoner.

"Faceless Auction House welcomes you..."

On cue, the huge double door opened, from the outside, lined men and women are waiting.

The employees bowed.

"Welcome to Faceless Auction House."

Hypnotized, they walked inside and were greeted with the glistening reception, five males and females sitting waiting for.

Just like that, Faceless Auction House's business started.

"Welcome to Faceless, how may I help you?" With a polite professional smile, it was easy for the employees to win the hearts of both female and male customers. Their service is polite, precise and very helpful.

"I... I heard you sell weapons; may I know where it is?" The bulky but blushing man asked. He's wearing an iron chest plate that looked worn-out, the same with his kneepads and shoulder plate on his left. His equipment looked worn and torn it's almost pitiful to look at him.

It's the fate of the hunters though. Almost, if not all, hunters are dressed like that. They possess few weapons and are using shabby equipment with low durability. A single attack even from a low-level monster can break their equipment that's why when these hunters read on the notice about this said auction house that offers high grade and durable equipment at a low price, hunters came buzzing. After being forced to equip shabby equipment that can't even defend them, they decided to trust the notice.

The receptionist smiled. "Yes, we do. The sold weapons, armors, and magic items are on the west side. Someone will assist you there, may I ask you to input some of your magic power in this card sir?"

Without asking, the hunter followed.

"Very well. You are now registered as one of the first fifty customers, with that, you are eligible to receive a special gift from us. Please show this to the clerk in the Faceless Shop." Bewildered, the hunter accepted it. The receptionist smiled. "Thank you for your patronage!"

Faceless Shop is the name given to the western part of the mansion where the sold goods are, ranging from weapons, armors, magic items, enchanted clothes, and more.

The hunter followed and went to the huge open door on the west. He walked for about five minutes along with others in the spacious hallway with wooden chairs on the side. The purpose is for customers that may want to rest from their tiring shopping. After more than five minutes, they are welcome by a man wearing the same uniform from a while back. An employee.

"Welcome to Faceless Shop. Enjoy your shopping." He said with a slight bow.

It was first for him. For them. It was their first time being treated as customers, as humans and not dirt. Most shops kick them out because of their shabby appearance that gives away their job. Being a hunter.

The Faceless Shop is as magnificent as the entrance. It's made of glass but reinforced with magic. There are numerous shelves that contain magic items.

Weapons, Armors, Magic Items are divided into different sections with their own clerk. Shelves made of reinforced glasses. That alone is priceless. Not only that, there are employees assisting them.

Edgar, the hunter went to the section of chest plate when he did, he is greeted by shinning chest plates of different colors. Not only chest plate, but there are also shoulder plate made of leather, iron, animal hide, and... other unknown materials.

"Hello Sir, may I ask what you would like to purchase?" A man appeared out of nowhere. It surprised him how he wasn't able to detect the man's presence! He might be a hunter, a hunter who is considered weak by mages and knights but among other hunters, he is considered one of the best. He's weaker than Odalf who is known as the strongest hunter but his ability to sense presence is second to none. He is confident in his ability.

Frightening. He knew it the moment he entered the auction house. These are no ordinary employees. They're all strong!

Even this smiling man.

Edgar cleared his throat. "Ah, I'm looking for a cheap chest plate. Do you have something made of animal hide and iron? If it's expensive then... never mind." He cleared his throat. His budget is only 100 copper. He has 200 copper but the half is for his family. His weapons are shabby but they can still be used, however, his chest plate which he needs most is already broken.

"Oh, we have what you're looking for Sir. This way..." The employee ushered him further to the armor section specifically in the chest plate. They stopped in front of a shelf where chest plates are. The chest plates of different materials are placed delicately above a red cloth that seems to resemble the type of fabrics only nobles and aristocrats will wear.

"May I ask how much is your allotted budget for your chest plate?" The employee asked. He caught sight of his nameplate.

Bryan. The employee's name is Bryan.

"100 copper coins." He answered.

Bryan's face is painted with surprise. Well, that's new. Instead of disdain, he's surprised. 100 copper coins are too cheap for a useful chestplate, he knows that but he can't spend more. He'd rather have his children buy food.

Eventually, Bryan smiled. "That is wonderful Sir. I would recommend this one Sir." He gestured the silver-colored chest plate with intricate markings. From the looks of it alone, it's more than his budget! "This is named 'Chestplate of Sunfire'. It's made of Rucline. We rarely use iron in chestplates since it's an essential material but this chestplate is made of Rucline which is stronger than steel, aside from that, Rucline can handle three types of defensive spells so it's not only. You see this Sir, it's layered with soft cloth made of Beamcloth. It provides comfort for the user to avoid scratches and wounds and for a perfect fit. This chestplate is imbued with automatic fitting so that whoever wants to buy can use this. Would you like to try, Sir?"

Edgar's brain couldn't process the information he just heard.

Rucline. Beamcloth. Those are high-quality materials! He is right, this chestplate is beyond his budget!

"Sir?"

"Ah, no. No thank you. I'd like a cheaper chestplate." He denied with a shake of his head.

"Cheaper Sir?" Bryan asked. He nodded his head. "Oh, your budget is 100 copper coins, isn't that right, Sir?"

"...yes," he trailed off unsure where the conversation is going.

"Then it's all right to try this Sir. This is sold at 50 copper coins, Sir."

"Huh?"

Edgar looked at the chestplate and then the shelf where it was and finally saw the price tag written.

45 ¥€£ (Copper Coins)

Edgar gulped. It's the truth.

Edgar just found himself on the receptionist desk, paying for his chest plate.

"May I ask for the card, Sir?" The receptionist named Joy asked politely.

"Oh, yes, here," he handed the card that was given to him at the front desk back then.

"Oh! Congratulations Sir! You're one of the first fifty customers. You are free to buy anything in here for 1 gold coin." Joy announced while smiling.

Edgar almost fell to his knee when he heard that.

He can buy anything for 1 gold coin?! Free of charge?!

"W-why..." he couldn't find the right words to say.

"It's our opening gift, Sir. The owner wanted to give away gifts for the first customers who waited patiently outside, especially hunters like you Sir." Receptionist Joy said while smiling. There is no hint of mockery or insult, simply telling the truth and offering service. When Edgar look around, it wasn't only him. The people looking around are being assisted regardless of how they look with a polite smile and not scornful look of disgust.

It was the first time. The first time he's ever felt welcome in a shop.

Edgar isn't the only one of felt that way. Every single hunter and commoner present were served with a smile and are answered politely.

"Is there anything wrong?" A man asked behind him. When Edgar look behind him, the man is wearing a black and white coat usually worn by nobles so he quickly bowed.

"Ah! Sir Soka, this hunter here is one of the first fifty customer so I told him about our opening gift."

"I see," Edgar is still bowing. "Sir please raise your head." He immediately did. He found the man named Soka smiling at him. "I am Soka Dawun, the Head of Faceless Shop. Congratulations, Sir." After that, the man named Soka walked away to talk to other customers.

"Ah! Sir Soka is not a noble Sir so please be at ease." Joy said noticing his sudden tense behavior.

"Not a noble?" But his dignified posture and movements are that of a noble or someone working under a noble with a high position.

Joy chuckles. "I know what you mean Sir but none of the workers here are noble. We like you, we are all commoners."

Amazing. Edgard can only think of one word. Amazing. Simply amazing. The prices are all cheap and the service is comparable to being treated like a noble. The respect shown to him made him think even just for once that commoners aren't dirt like how they were commonly treated.

"Insolent! I'm a noble! Why am I treated like this?! Why can't I be given the same gift as those lowlives!!!"

Edgar's attention is shifted at the entrance where a man is being held by two employees. "This damned shop! This is trash!!! Why are you treating them like how you treat us!!! This is unforgivable!!!" Edgar couldn't help but clench his hands. There it is. Their usual treatment.

None of the commoners were able to respond. They can only shrink to humiliation.

"Sir." Edgar watched as Mister Soka strides confidently in the noble man's direction. "I apologize for the inconvenience but what seems to be the problem? Are you not treated well?"

"YES!!! THIS BASTARD HERE IS TREATING ME LIKE I'M A COMMONER! LOOK AT HOW HE'S HOLDING ME! HE WANTS TO DRAG ME OUTSIDE! THIS f*****g BASTARD!" The noble is talking about the man that stands as the guard outside.

"Robert, explain."

"Yes. This man here is causing a scene in the magic items section and demanding to be given the 1 gold coin gift, however, Sir, his card does not indicate that he's part of the first fifty but the first 100. He is number 65 so I Gwy explained it but he wouldn't listen. I had to escort him outside to calm him down since he's making a commotion."

"STUPID BASTARD!!! SO WHAT IF I'M NUMBER 65?! STUPID! I'M A NOBLE—"

"Sir." Edgar shivered. What was that? Soka's voice turned sharp for a second there and his aura changed. "I understand the confusion however I cannot have you making a scene here. Would you like to follow me outside, I'd like to explain this clearly and offer some apology for how our employee acted."

Edgar wanted to retaliate for the guard and the other employee's sake. They were simply doing their job but Edgar also knows the power a noble holds.

It's a matter of rank.

The noble harshly waved their hands off of him. "YES! That's how you should treat me! Don't lump me with the likes of lowly birth!" He then pushed, tried to push the employees but they didn't budge.

"SIR." Once again, Mister Soka's voice sharpened. "Raising a hand against our employees who are simply doing their job isn't part of our policy. Please refrain from doing that again. Or else..." Edgar watched as the noble stared at Mister Soka and then started sweating and nodding his head furiously.

The commotion ended with Mister Soka's apology. He is then ushered by Bryan, the employee who was helping him.

"Magic items Sir? Sure, this way."

He asked him what will happen to Mister Soka or the employee if they'll be chastised by the owner but Bryan simply chuckles telling him the owner will compliment them instead.

It was weird. Why would an owner of such huge business care about his employees and their right? But Bryan told him how different the Master is.

Edgar can't help but wonder who the owner is. He seems to be an outstanding person.

On the other hand...

"UGH! I DON'T HAVE WORK TO DO! WHYYY!!!"

Wail the woman whose work is taken away from her by her familiars and her executives. No more job to do.

Zaire has never felt useless in her entire life. Just now.

To be continued...