“Good morning.”

The next morning, we left the inn after being picked up by Fleur. Unlike when we arrived in the commercial capital, this time we were in a carriage with a passenger cabin instead of the cargo area.

By the way, Nir stayed behind at the inn. There was no way he could enter the auction venue, and there was no stable or holding area for familiars at the site.

I'm glad he's an obedient familiar…

“How was the suite room?”

“It was amazing.”

“Yeah, it was just… amazing.”

It seems both Rio and I had lost our vocabulary. Obviously, as guests of an inn, we didn't have to do anything. But to be honest, I had underestimated what it meant to have a maid.

Tea appeared the moment I wanted tea. Snacks were served the moment I started feeling peckish. I had no idea how they timed everything so perfectly, but whatever I wanted appeared exactly when I wanted it.

There might not be a more comfortable space anywhere. That was the true power of a suite room with a dedicated maid.

“I’m glad to hear that. The auction will be held over the next three days, so if you’d like, please feel free to stay for the duration.”

“Huh? Are you sure?”

“Of course.”

If we couldn’t secure an inn, I had thought we could always set up our camping house outside the city. But it looked like that wouldn't be necessary, which was a relief.

And so, swaying gently in the carriage, we made our way to the auction venue.

The venue was located just north of the central plaza. Apparently, it was usually used as a theater, and the main hall seemed large enough to accommodate a significant number of people. Even now, preparations were steadily underway, and there were heavily armed guards patrolling the area—probably to protect the incoming goods.

Following Fleur, we entered the theater and made our way to the back of the hall, stopping before a door that was also heavily guarded.

“I’m Fleur from the Rashiyu Merchant Association. I’m here to deliver the auction items. May we pass?”

She showed the guards her guild credentials, and they let us through without issue. Although they cast a few glances our way, we weren’t stopped or questioned.

“Let’s see… Where was the Mithril section…?”

“The Mithril section…?”

“Yes. Most of the items you two submitted will be listed in the Mithril section. The minimum bid price for the Mithril section is ten billion flon.”

“Oof.”

Ten billion, huh? And most of our items are in that category? That’s insane.

For reference, the Gold section has a minimum bid of one hundred thousand flon, and the Platinum section starts at ten million flon. The auction is structured in three sections accordingly.

The event is spread over three days, with two sessions each day, making a total of six parts. The first three parts, until the morning of the second day, are for the Gold section. The next two, until the morning of the third day, are for the Platinum section. The final part, on the afternoon of the third day, is for the Mithril section.

“Ah, there you are. I’ve been waiting. So these two are the ones, I presume?”

As we entered the room, we were greeted by a well-dressed, portly man with a warm smile.

“Guild Master… Yes, these are the two.”

Wait, that’s the guild master? And we’re ‘those two’? Does he have some business with us?

“Nice to meet you. I’m Shu.”

“I’m Rio.”

“Ah, pardon me. I’m Lamond, the president of the Rashiyu Merchant Association.”

Well, considering the kind of goods we brought in, I suppose it’s natural he’d be interested. Fleur probably reported back to headquarters yesterday, so they might have already discussed it.

“For now, let’s finish the delivery.”

“Indeed. I’m rather curious to see what you’ve brought.”

He looked excited—probably just eager to see some rare items up close.

Lamond quickly found a staff member and had us led to the appraisal room.

“This is where we authenticate and receive the items.”

“I see.”

“Please start placing them on the table, one by one.”

Following the staff’s instructions, I began pulling items out of my dimensional storage and placing them on the table.

“Oh-ho…”

“They’re all authentic. Everything matches the submitted list.”

The guild master’s eyes sparkled with excitement, while the appraiser remained completely impassive. I guess handling rare items is just a regular part of their job in the Mithril section.

Still, though… A single dragon’s magic stone, heart, blood, or reverse scale each fetching ten billion flon? What kind of world is this?

Apparently, fangs and claws were in the Platinum section, but even those were worth a fortune.

“Can we proceed with the Platinum section items as well?”

“Of course.”

And so, we unloaded all our items. I hadn’t expected the Earth Dragon to be auctioned off piece by piece like this. It was bound to fetch a higher total price than selling it whole.

“Alright, everything is confirmed. Thank you very much.”

“Haha, I appreciate the opportunity to see such rare goods up close. Thank you.”

Once all the items were safely delivered, Lamond expressed his gratitude.

As we left the room, the staff handed us entry passes for the auction hall.

“The auction will start with the Gold section tomorrow. Your items will be up for bidding in the final session on the afternoon of the third day. But if you’re interested, feel free to attend from the beginning.”

“Understood.”

With that, our business at the auction venue was complete, and we took our leave.