Bck coat, bck tie, bck scks, and bck shoes. A young man was cd with the darkest of colors, an aura of honor and dignity looming over him. His tenance was like the breezy and starry night, cold yet simply geous, one couldn't easily take their eyes off him.

  "Hm? Is something wrong, Yuna?" ［Grey］

  "A-Ah, no... That's not it... Not at all... It's just that... Grey looked so cool.,, I think my heart stopped for a moment..." ［Yuna］

  It was super effective, not just to Grey, but to herself as well. Now, both of them were beet red, face burning hot, uo look each other in the eye. The only thing which could be heard was the sound of heartbeats fluttering in the air.

  Well, it's not like Yuna wasn't just as geous. With her white long dress, gloves, and sandals trasting Grey's attire, she shone like the moon in the night sky, stars sparkling brightly as her dress gleamed and glittered.

  "Well, for me... You look even more beautiー No, you're the most beautiful." ［Grey］

  "Th-Thank you..." ［Yuna］

  Oh, what sweet young love. They have been dating for almost a year already, but the atmosphere about them only got sweeter and sappier as time ticked. So sweet, in fact, that one could see hearts boung here and there, the room turning pink.

  "Umm... I think we should go, yeah?" ［Grey］

  "U-Un... I think so too..." ［Yuna］

  Thankfully, the idiot couple still had some senseー or rather, they 't hahe atmosphere any lohe more they stayed in their room, the louder their hearts beat, face flushed as one be. They were simply too embarrassed.

  Quite a bit of flirting ter and the two finally exited their room, meeting up with Iris, and soon with the Tobias household outside of the mansion, a pair of luxurious, bck carriages awaited them by the path, standing out ever so beautifully.

  "So beautiful... Older Sister Yuna and Older Brrey are so stunning!" ［Violet］

  "As expected of the Boss and the Lady Boss! You both look amazing!" ［Garret］

  "You look dazzling, Yhnesses." ［Gerald］

  They were showered with praises as they went by, making them even more flustered than they should be. Thankfully, it wasn't long before they rode the carriages, a merry journey passing by as they chatted their time away.

  The night was beautiful, the mning over the sky and the stars decorating it brightly. As gentle moonlight graced the sleeping world, the sound of gallops echoed proudly in the air, colors filling their eyes as they passed by the streets.

  But perhaps the most spicuous of them all was the rge mansion looming over by the distance, fshing lights atuating its preseh dozens upon dozens of carriages lined up before it. A bustling crowd as far as the eyes could see.

  "As expected of such a famous au house... They sure are fshy." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! It stands out quite a bit, doesn't it?" ［Yuna］

  Of course, such a massive and grandiose mansion was her than the Geldhart Au House! One of the most popur, if not the most popur, au houses throughout all of Erdeaー No, in the whole ti!

  Just by a quice, one could easily t several a few hundred heads heading ihe au house, each person dressing their best and looking forward to the event before them. Some even had fmes of determination in their eyes like warriors heading towards an intetle.

  Before long, everyone was quickly escorted out of their carriage, all eyes swimming towards them. There wasn't even a limelight directed at them, but their geousness already outshohe moon above them. They were the stars of the night.

  "We wele you, Your Lordship, Your Ladyship, and dear guests. We have already prepared your private chamber."

  "Very well. Please guide us." ［Gerald］

  "That would be my greatest pleasure."

  And as one would expect from the Mayor and his family, they were quickly greeted as soon as they stepped foot on the red carpet. And as their pany, everyone else was also treated with respect, everyone bowing their heads.

  Their chamber was the grahere is. From the fortable sofas, the beautiful furniture, a premium view, and, of course, the treats prepared. There was everything one could ask for, the room even cooled with the use of special magic tools.

  Just a little peak from the chamber and one could easily see the thousands of people participating in the event. There were the gentry, merts, alchemists, enters, and many more. The hall was full of excitement, deliers resting on top.

  "Dear Guests, I hope you enjoy the event. I will now be taking my leave. Please don't hesitate to call if you ever need something."

  "We will keep that in mind. Thank you." ［Gerald］

  The escort then bowed his head and soohe private chamber. But the noise has yet to fade. Everyone looked around the room with excitement traced on their faces. They were giggling to themselves, smiles blooming on their faces.

  Of course, other than Grey and Yuna, everyone has already attended an au once or twice, but attending it with everyone else was a first. They enthusiastically told stories about their past experiences, Garret more eager than anyone else.

  "And then, there was that oime I brought a sword to this pce. It was seriously awesome, Boss, Lady Boss! And it was High-Grade too!" ［Garret］

  "Quite an iing story you got there, Garret. Wasn't this the time when you acted like a phantom thief and broke through our vault?" ［Gerald］

  "Fufu! I was quite shocked why the money was g. So it was here that you spent them on. A High-Grade sword, was it?" ［thia］

  "A-Ah, now that I think about it... I think it was actually Middleー No, Low-Grade...?" ［Garret］

  Though, as it seems, it looks like there was more to the story than what Garret led everyoo believe. Gerald and thia were smiling, but their eyes were not. It was decided, they're going to have a long and lovely talk after this.

  Shenanigans unfolded aement only grew. As more and more people ehe au house, the venue became even louder and livelier. Everyone was now holding onto their paddles, eyes gng at the stage time and time again.

  Click Click Cck

  The time for waiting was soon over, and lights illumihe stage oer another. A fileman walked across the stage, a microphone-like magic tool by his hand. He walked with grace, eyes shining with fidence.

  "Ladies alemen! Wele to the Geldhard's monthly au! We are very much pleased to see you tonight! And it seems like..." ［Aueer］

  The aueer was merry and full with enthusiasm, engaging with the audience as much as he could. With just a couple statements of his, he mao rile them up, loud cheers booming throughout the air.

  He knew full well how to please the audiend expihe rules to them as cisely as he could, making sure everyone uands them. After all, there are also some who are attending for the very first time.

  "Well, less talking, and more a! Let's start the au!" ［Aueer］

  """""Oohhhhhh!!!"""""

  The aueer cheered and everyone followed suit, a loud boom rupturing the air as everyone's passions were lit abze. It wasn't simply an au house, it has bee a battlefield where everyone was their enemy.

  As soon as he gave his signal, two beautiful dies walked in with a refined cart, pure white silk resting atop of it, c a certain item. As soon as they unveiled it, blue crystals were revealed, sparks pulsing inside of them.

  "For our first item, we have several pieces of lightning crystals which would be sold is of three. These crystals be used to preat deal of maery and are also great for inscribing during enting. They gee...." ［Aueer］

  Just like before, the aueer quickly expio everyone what the item is and how it be used, everyone nodding and cupping their s. Some even started fiddling with their paddles already, ready to raise them at a moment's notice.

  "The starting price for these lightning crystals is 60 thousand kiels per set! Let the au begin!" ［Aueer］

  "65 thousand!"

  "67 thousand!"

  "68 thousand!"

  And raise the paddles, they did. As soon as the aueer gave his signal, paddles were raised left and right, loud voices booming al, throughout the pce. They were like madmen, barking at each other, not willing to back down even a little bit.

  Seeing such a lively and chaotic spectacle, everyone up the private chamber couldn't help but watch them with fasation. Grey and Yuna were amazed at how fierce the pletion was, the prices increasing with each passing sed.

  "Wow... They really are going at it, huh..." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. This is just the start, Yhness. Once we advao the multi-huhousand kiel bids, things will get much livelier." ［Gerald］

  "Fufufu! As expected of Erdea's best!" ［Yuna］

  Said Yuna, giggling as she looked back at the unfolding petition. None in their chamber was bidding, but they weren't the only ones. Some simply waited for the big oo be brought out, enjoying the spectacle as of now.

  The raising of bids tinued, and after some time, the noise slowly died down. There were only a couple bidders raising their paddles, soon slowing down as the others finally gave up, heaving a lengthy sigh as they resighemselves.

  "83 thousand going once!... Going twice...! Gone...! And, the first au is fihe lightning crystals now belong to bidder 377!" ［Aueer］

  After a long battle, the bidding winner was finally settled, a bright smile blooming on her face as she heard her win. She was a member of the Enters' Guild who had participated in the au for so long. Winning as a breeze.

  But the au didn't simply stop there. As soon as the first set of lightning crystals were sold, came the sed set, the third, and all sets after it. Before long, all sets of lightning crystals were sold, happy bidders all over the pce.

  "Now, for our sed item, we have a special bracelet made of gold and rubies! it is one of the earliest works of the master artisan, Knan and is said..." ［Aueer］

  The au's rapid momentum didn't stop. As soon as the first items were sold, the Aueer then introduced the sed one, and this time, it seems to be a not-so-beautiful bracelet. One which was made by an amateur.

  And like before, everyone was like starving wolves as they jumped towards the beautiful bracelet, ridiculous prices which were even much higher than the previous ones. It went over a huhousand kiels.

  "A bracelet... We have a lot of those, don't we? Is it really worth it paying that much? And, it isn't even that beautiful..." ［Yuna］

  "Well, it's a rare collectible, as they say. If they miss the ow, they might never get to see it again." ［Grey］

  "Collectibles, huh... I really don't get it..." ［Yuna］

  Or so she says, but she has one of the biggest colles of herbs, magits, and alchemy materials and ingredients there is. She has yet to realize it, but that side of her is what makes her even more adorable. Grey could only chuckle softly.

  The au progressed some more, and with the passing of time was also the rise of the values of the items presented. Now, they easily reach a couple huhousand kiels. Money which already buy rge houses.

  Both Grey and Yuna were quite shocked by the development, but it was ironic more than anything. After all, they were the most loaded ones in the whole au house. Buying everything they saw would barely make a dent in their deep pockets.

  "So beautiful..." ［Violet］

  And like usual, Violet is once again admiring the beautiful items preseo the audience. Her eyes were sparkling brightly as she looked at the different kinds of items dispyed, findiy in each of them.

  The au progressed and s, silver, gold, and ptinum alike, were spent like water. With more items presehe prices only rose higher and the crowd only became more excited. The hall was as loud as a cert.

  "And the item... The moment all alchemists have been waiting for...! A rare magit which could only be found in the depths of Haurelia rai... An ingredient known for its potency against poison..." ［Aueer］

  It was the moment Yuna had been waiting for. The Aueer was still introdug and expining about the item yet her excitement was already through the roof. Her body was trembling with excitement, ready to raise the paddle in a moment's notice.

  "It's the Mi-mi!" ［Aueer］

  "1 billー Mmph!" ［Yuna］

  Too excited, in fact, that she almost raised her paddle before the aueer could even start the bidding. To top it all off, she offered a whole billion kiels right off the bat. Thankfully, Grey was able to stop her, c her mouth as fast as he could.

  "Yuna, My Dear, let me hahis one, yeah?" ［Grey］

  "Ehh～? But I want to bid too..." ［Yuna］

  "I know, I know, but we 't have you spending such a rge amount of money like that. The market price's not even a million, you know?" ［Grey］

  "E-Eh? But the aueer said it recious... It's really not...?" ［Yuna］

  She was entirely hopeless when it came to herbs. Though Grey mao stop her for now, the same couldn't be said for the future. She might enter aus with him not around a into such a situation. There was no telling.

  With all his might, Grey stopped Yuna and expio her as best as he could the au process. Thankfully, Yuna was a bright one, quickly uanding things in just a single expnation, nodding so enthusiastically.

  "235 thousand! I offer 235 thousand!"

  "Hah! You think that's enough?! 240 thousand!"

  "You cheapskates! Do you have no money?! 245 thousand!"

  And just as Grey expihings to Yuna, the au finally started, raising 5 thousand kiel is as they raised the paddles. The alchemists were like wild beasts fighting over a harmless and juicy prey. Quite a frightening sight, indeed.

  "Looks like they already started... Just leave this to me, alright?" ［Grey］

  "Un! Good luck, Grey～!" ［Yuna］

  Before long, Grey finally joined in the fray. He didn't simply dive in like everyone else, he first observed the people bidding and saw them quit oer ahere was o pete, he simply o wait.

  "290 thousand! Is there anyone who would like to raise?!" ［Aueer］

  And so, the wait was quickly over. After a couple minutes of petition, every other alchemist had finally given up on buying the mi-mi. The current highest bidder wearing a triumphant smile on his face... One which won't st long.

  "290 thousand going once! Going twiー" ［Aueer］

  "295 thousand." ［Grey］

  The aueer couldn't even finish his words, when Grey suddenly raised his paddle, thus raising the price. His voice was calm as one be, eyes clear as he g the item as if he was looking at merdise in a simple street stall.

  Everyone's eyes were on him, yet he remained unfazed and indifferent, giving the expression that 295 thousand kiels was a simple sum for him. Only one person had a differeion, now trembling in anger and irritation.

  "Hah! Th-That won't stop me! 300 thousand!"

  "305 thousand." ［Grey］

  "Th-Then I'll bid 310 thousand! Let's see how youー"

  "315 thousand." ［Grey］

  The oppo already had irked veins popping up in his head but Grey remained cool and collected, his indifferent voice eg in the hall. The more he kept up the act, the more frightehe people became from how calm he was.

  On the trary, Grey's oppo only lost his temper with each passing sed. He raised his paddle again and again, each time getting more and more hesitant, hands now trembling as he raised his paddle. A face of dread loomed over him.

  "Th-This... 350 tho-thousand..."

  "355 thousand." ［Grey］

  "Dammit... I give up..."

  Soon enough, the oppo finally brought down his paddle, soul leaving his body. The herb he saved up so much for was now out of his hand, tears now f in the er of his eyes. He was already doomed from the start.

  'Hmm... It's a little over the market price, but sidering how limited its stock is, it's still reasonable... Yup, this is a good catch.' ［Grey］

  Meanwhile, Grey was simply weighing his gains and losses, not really thinking too much about the amount they spent. If it was any other time, he would have hesitated, but for Yuna, nothing was too much. An idiot in love.

  "Grey! You're amazing, you really bought it!" ［Yuna］

  "Yeah, we'll just o retrieve it ter ohis is all finished." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha, there is no need for that, Yhness. Since we are in a chamber, they will simply be delivering it to us instead. We only o wait." ［Gerald］

  "Oh! That's quite ." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. They aren't one of the best for nothing," ［Gerald］

  Satisfied smiles on their faces, the au tinued, fierpetitions happening time and time again. Of course, it wasn't just Grey, the Tobias family also bid for the items they fancied, seleg beautiful pieces with Violet's eye for beauty.

  Soon after, a couple staff members and some guards of the au house arrived, a luxurious ebony cart with them. Pced atop of it was the Mi-Mi herb Grey just bought, hao them after signing a couple dots and paying the price. A quid easy process.

  "Waah～! It's really here! Thank you so much, Grey!" ［Yuna］

  "Yuna, it's still too early to be excited. The au's not yet over." ［Grey］

  "Eh...?" ［Yuna］

  The young dy tilted her head in fusion, looking at her lover. The very same man whose eyes were now lit with bzing passion, a terrifyi cold smile pstered on his face as looked dowage... And so it began!

  "230 thousand kiels." ［Grey］

  "175 thousand." ［Grey］

  "400 thousand." ［Grey］

  Oer anrey's cold voice echoed throughout the hall as he raised his paddle. Each time he bid, all eyes were on him, everyone frozen in shock from the amounts he offered and his unwaveriermination.

  It was so severe that the moment they heard his voice, some immediately gave up and put down their paddles, g their eyes out in silence. Grey had already spent a couple milliohere was no sign of him stopping, not even slowing down.

  "Amazing... I didn't think Elder Brrey would take them all home..." ［Iris］

  "Hahaha! As expected of the Boss! Show them how great you are!" ［Violet］

  "My, my, how lively." ［thia］

  Thankfully, with how high up their chamber is, and how many other VIPs there are, it would be hard to know who they were. Even if some people were to hold grudges over them, they would be retively safe. Not that anyone could hurt them anyway.

  "Ohh! Anh bid from bidder 73! Would anyone like to tend?!" ［Aueer］

  The aueer asked, but there was only silen the air. The sound of the bidding hammer echoed thrid yet another herb was turned into Grey's possession. All the alchemists present are n tears of blood.

  The aueer was especially happy with how lively the event was, smiling even brighter with each item being sold. It wasn't even the Festival of Hearts yet, yet they were already making quite the profit.

  "190 thousand." ［Grey］

  "Let's see how far you go! 200 thousand!"

  Of course, there are also those, who, out of frustration and anger, go out of their way and screw Grey over. Whenever Grey raised his paddle, they purposely increased the price just so they could have their petty revenge.

  "Haah... It seems like you really want it. It seems I have to give up for now." ［Grey］

  Not that Grey let them do what they wao anyway. The moment it strays too far away from the market price, he quickly lives up and simply rexes in his fortable sofa, eating the snacks without much care in the world.

  "200 thousand going once! Going twice! Sold!!" ［Aueer］

  "My... My money..."

  It was already far too te. The moment the little trickster realized what situation he was in, the bid had already ended. Everyone who witnessed Grey's onsught felt cold chills run down their spine. He was a menace.

  It was still his first time attending an au, but he was already destroying the others who were more experiehan him. They simply don't stand a ce. Grey was simply too loaded. Money is power!

  "Yuna, have you got a feel of the au now?" ［Grey］

  "Un! I think I get it!" ［Yuna］

  "Alright, let's have you try bidding then." ［Grey］

  "Okay～!" ［Yuna］

  The night was still long and the breeze only got colder. The stars shone brightly all over the sky, just like the s and crystals dished out like meager ge, loud voices rog the slumbering world.

  Oh, what a night it was.

  CHAPTER 276 END