EPISODE 138: REMEMBRANCE & AUCTION 2
— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7291. SEASON: COLOR FADING.
Bucca displayed the image of the Imp Aero racing against a [Wyvern Rider] at full speed. The vehicle propelled itself forward by spitting flames from its rear in a powerful display of waste, but it could be the perfect gift for some young scion of these wealthy noble houses. She smirked internally, already she could imagine the pile of coins she’d be sleeping on tonight. Lawruthian was a very generous employer. He gave the employees of LSG and the multiple different organizations under him high wages and certain benefits that were entirely unheard of.
What even was holiday pay?
Or maternity leave?
The mages of New America Research Center did NOT hold back, knowing they could still receive pay while staying home to raise their children in the first few months.
For this, Bucca ensured that they took as much as they could from the hands of the nobles below. Lawruthian left her fully in charge of the items of the auction and the order they appeared. She’d even decided on how much [Edryani Honey] could appear per sale. Bucca had little plans to let any family who entered today leave without paying a price.
“The Imp Aero starting price will be three large platinums,” Bucca finally said.
She’d given those in the hall nearly a minute to inspect the vehicle and understand its properties. It boasts powerful defensive capabilities and sufficient speed that it could work as a life-saving item should its user need to escape danger.
“Five large platinum, one small.”
“Eight large platinum, two small.”
The bids began to pour in, and Bucca internally nodded in satisfaction. Her eyes glancing up for the briefest of moments toward the room of her employer.
Lawruthian was hidden behind a dark glass, his focus elsewhere. What he was waiting for was the later half of the auction, when the big players began to speak more often. There wasn’t an item within the auction that interested him just yet.
“Sold for twenty-one large platinum to room two hundred twenty-four.”
It seems one of the bigger middling houses took an interest in the Imp Aero. The vehicle was a theoretical model that Lawruthian had the craftsmen at the Caden Mountain Range, the location of NARC, build. The Imp Aero was highly inefficient with its mana to power conversion and held a top flight time of an hour before it would need an entire day for its charge to return to full. At a leisure pace, it could go for five hours without stopping.
The reason Lawruthian revealed the concept vehicle now was not from a desire for money.
“Our next item may look similar to the previous, but it is meant for exploration in a different field. This is the Imp Hydro. It holds a similar operational lifespan as the Imp Aero—only this is built for the sea instead of the land. The starting price for the Imp Hydro will be three large platinums,” Bucca called.
Lawruthian looked at the name of the family who received the Imp Aero, a smile on his face. They were the Longhorn family, who specialized in the carriage market and more. They were elite craftsmen who catered to high-paying clients. Most of the decorated carriages in Edryan emerged from them.
“Sixteen large platinums, two small.”
Now, they showed an interest in acquiring the Imp Aero. Perhaps within a dozen years or less, Edryan would have personal flying vehicles of a different nature.
What Lawruthian wanted to do was change the thinking of the people—change the thinking of the nobles and expand what they were used too.
“Thank you, King Lord Deveni Kangius Edryani—for it was you who first attempted to open the minds of the Edryans to a different path—an [Edryan’s Three Steps], was the first major change in creating a diverse class market. It allowed those at the bottom to no longer follow the same path as their father, and his…, and his.”
Lawruthian once again felt like he heard a nearly imperceptible… “Thank you.”
“Sold for twenty-nine platinums to room two hundred fifty.”
Yet, he quickly forgot as the Imp Geo was put on display. This one truly looked far different from the rest as a giant drill head was placed before it. It was clear it wasn’t a personal vehicle built for enjoyment.
“This is the Imp Geo, a model under the Imp series that focuses on excavation and other types of groundwork. Its controls are simple enough for a commoner with little mana to use effectively and efficiently. No longer can it take days or weeks of digging to travel to an ore deposit. Now, such a task can be done in hours, so long as the conditions prove right. I’d like to mention, replacement batteries can be bought for each of the new Imp vehicles to extend their daily run time. The Imp Geo starting price is three large platinums.”
For a moment, there was nothing but silence as the houses within the room watched the recording of the Imp Geo in action. In the next, as Bucca’s words finished, and she stepped away to reveal the product in its entirety did the offers begin.
This time they were much higher than the previous bids.
“Twenty-one large platinums.”
“Twenty-six large platinums, one small.”
“Twenty-eight large platinums.”
“One small Edri, fifteen large platinums.”
Instantly the inhabitants of the auction quieted down and Lawruthian leaned forward with interest. He checked his list and what house was located where until he found the owner of the voice. Fortunately, the voice came from a room on the third level, and that left only a few options.
“Hmm, Lord Ode, I’m not surprised.”
The shock was quickly broken as a feminine voice spoke out. “Hmph, the Ode House must be struggling. One small Edri, seventeen large platinums.”
“Do not test my patience, Andra Koi. One small Edri, twenty large platinums.”
Lady Koi didn’t respond after her initial provocation, the task she spoke out to accomplish done. There was no other voice who wished to challenge Agin Ode, and shortly Bucca concluded the sale.
“Agin Ode, leader of the Ode House for nearly twenty years since the death of his father after his… unfortunate demise due to the {Greed} affliction. He’s kept his families mining business stable ever since and has even recovered a bit since provoking my mother. There should be no possibility of turning him to my side… unless a large price is paid. The man is known for his greed, it’s a wonder the Sin hasn’t infected him as well,” Lawruthian summarized.
He placed a hand on his chin as he contemplated whether it would be worth it to approach the man. “Perhaps I could play off his conflict with Andra Koi, but should I bring Agin, then the Koi will not fold. Should I bring in Koi… then the Ode will not fold… hmmmm.”
Tap.
…
Tap.
…
Tap.
…
Tap.
…
“The Imp Geo goes to room three hundred thirty-one for one small Edri, twenty large platinums,” Bucca began before pausing. She gazed in the direction of Lady Koi’s room as she next spoke.
“Any false bids to intentionally cause the price of an object to rise will be subjected to fines. This will be the only warning.”
Lawruthian smiled at the words of Bucca. Although such provocations would ensure he made more money at the end of it all, he still held a reputation to upkeep as the one who controlled this auction.
Bucca allowed the silence to persist for a while longer after her words. Once she was satisfied the message got across she continued to the next item.
“The next items on the list will be ten bottles of [Edryani Honey]. There will be three separate sales of the honey with a starting price of three large platinums.”
“One small Edri,” a tiny voice from the second floor uttered the moment Bucca finished.
Many hesitated at the sound of the voice and the price it uttered. Eventually, most decided bidding against it as the starting price was just too high of a cost.
“Sold for one small Edri to room two hundred ninety. Let the bidding for the next set begin.”
“Eighteen large platinums, two small. Please do not challenge me—my father-,” a desperate voice uttered. It was cut off as Bucca waved a hand through the air.
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“Twenty-two large platinums, two small,” came shortly as the response.
It was exceedingly difficult to gain bottles of Edryani Honey. Their price, the competition, and value ensured that there was always fierce competition in acquiring it. This was the only opportunity those outside the Great Houses received to acquire the famed honey.
“Twenty-seven large platinum,” came another response.
There were no friends here. Only those who could pay the price played this game.
Lawruthian watched this all from above. He’d nearly thanked most of the important people—most of his important ancestors, who influenced Edryan in this way or that. Now, as he watched the nobles bids for the Edryani Honey, some desperate, others not, he contemplated on whether or not he should offer two final prayers.
“Sold for Twenty-seven large platinum to room two hundred forty.”
“Sold for Twenty-nine large platinum to room two hundred ninety-nine.”
One after the other, the final two sets of ten bottles were sold. There were many who were stuck at this level or that. To them, the opportunity for such a valued good could not be missed. The stock was small, but the demand was always apparent.
“Our next item is a sword excavated from ruins in the Ro’Joan Rocks. The blade is called (Rouge Beast Bane), please inspect it at your leisure… as you’ll notice…”
Slowly, Lawruthian tuned out the auction, and he took a large tome from his spatial bracelet. The book was worn. It was a brown leather-bound book with a buckle that kept the pages closed together. It was the item he received from the first [Chosen of Madris].
He’d yet to open it. Not out of a lack of ability to do so, but Lawruthian couldn’t shake a feeling off. Once he opened this tome, and began to read… then it may set the world off down a timer he didn’t know he could stop.
It was the same for the three marks received from the [Echoes]. The inheritance of Carno Edryani appeared like three small parts that fit together. There was a head, body, and tail. Altogether, they appeared snake-like. Lawruthian felt the moment he accepted to view the inheritance, his world would change forever.
“Thank you, Alidra Edryani… for the sacrifice you made. The task you set out to accomplish was heavy. I could not imagine having the will to betray those I have lived alongside for years. Yet, your reliance, your faith… it is inspiring. I do not know the pain in your heart, but I recognize your strength. This world… it is dying… and you chose to open the eyes of those around you at the cost of everything.”
He paused considering his next words. There was so much he wanted to say to the woman who proclaimed herself the first [Chosen of Madris]. So many things he wished to ask her, whether it be about her journey, reasons, and more when shattering Union. He looked at the tome.
“Maybe… just maybe the answers to my questions are in here.”
Lawruthian sighed, there was no point in trying to find more to say in worship and acknowledgment of the first [Chosen]. He decided to keep it simple, and with the next words he poured the emotions he felt into them. “ Thank you, Alidra Edryani — Chosen of Madris, for your sacrifice. ”
Lawruthian’s long ebony-gradient hair shifted, and he shivered, placing a hand on his neck. His hair was nearing his lower back and would soon need to be trimmed. There was no response to his words. Only silence, but for a moment Lawruthian believed someone gently ruffled his hair.
“The (Staff of Al’Mur) is sold for one small Edri, thirty large platinums.”
Lawruthian focused on the events down below for a moment. It was picking up and the auction was nearing its finale. It’d been over an hour since its start. Once Bucca sold off the (Staff of Al’Mur), it signified the most anticipated round was coming. She’d sold several more groups of Edryani Honey but nothing past ten bottles at once. Lawruthian allocated just a bit over five hundred bottles of the honey although in reality they produced just over six hundred—in truth, they neared the later end of the six hundreds. The [Edryani Honeybees] only grew more mature as time passed and according to [Bee-tamer] Karma, the colony was ready to produce a second queen.
The [Chosen of Madris] still kept a portion for himself and mother to use as rewards and gifts for the deserving.
Bucca floated in the air as she prepared herself to announce the next items. This time she suspected intense bidding, perhaps enough to truly make the heavyweights of the country make a move.
“We will enter our final round of the auction. There will be ten sales of Edryani Honey, each will be sold in quantities of twenty-five. Afterward, there will be another five sold in quantities of fifty,” Bucca paused. She allowed her words to settle over those present for nearly a minute.
This was not out of the generosity of her heart, instead, it was to allow the Houses to ensure they planned and prepared correctly. Bucca Skywalker wished to extract the maximum value she could. There was a reason Lawruthian kept her around all these years. Many wished to take her position and many tried, yet none could continuously rake in profits the way the sky-elf did.
Once she was certain her words marinated throughout the nobles present, she spoke once again.
“The starting price for the first set is one large platinum.”
“One small Ed-,”
“One large Edri, two small,” a powerful masculine voice interrupted. It came from the third level and showed that it belonged to one of the Great Houses of Edryan. The speaker didn’t even bother to allow the first contester to finish before they offered a price—their voice seemed to dissuade many on the second level from speaking.
“Two large Edri, two small.” Yet again another powerful voice said. This time the voice was feminine and held a hint of challenge.
“Hmph, such paltry sums. Do not bid if you are unwilling to pay the correct price—ten large Edri, two small.”
“Oh, those voices belong to Lord Liaon, Lady Adel, and Lord Ode,” Lawruthian mused. “It’s impossible to convert Lady Adel to my side. At least we managed to leak the information properly. Thankfully, my spy in the Old Powers hasn’t been discovered…,” Lawruthian recalled one of the quotes of the leaders of the Old Powers.
‘To even attempt to establish your own kingdom on our Elrunian Continent, you must first give up the territorial rights your family has long since held in Edryan. There is a maximum amount of support the Edryani are willing to give before they pause in any help to accomplish this task.’
“He’s smart, but he cannot halt this change I will bring. No one can, ” Lawruthian said, clenching his fist. He returned his attention to the task at hand.
“As for Lord Liaon… hmmm. His family was never a core power in the Old Powers. There may be a chance should I play my cards right. Their house is close to the Romus…”
Lawruthian eyes shone as he started to formulate a plan of action. The sale of one larger quantity of Edryani Honey finished and the sale of another began. “I don’t need to do these things myself. Tonight, I will invite Selene for a chat.”
“Fifteen large Edri, we are willing to give a villa near the Marrah Bamboo Forest in this trade. Its price is estimated at twelve large Edri.”
“Sold to room three hundred thirty-three.”
“Twelve large Edri, two small. We are willing to provide a five-year contract at base cost plus fifteen percent when obtaining precious metals and transportation cost.”
Bucca paused and looked upward—to which Lawruthian stood, opened his window and gave her a thumbs up.
“Sold to room three hundred twenty-five.”
The houses that bid for the twenty-five quantity of Edryani Honey decided it was best to secure what they could. There would only be five sales of where fifty bottles were sold, but there were twenty-nine different competitors. Many of the Great Houses decided now was the best opportunity to receive Edryani Honey even if it wasn’t the exact quantity they wished for.
“Eight large Edri, two small—my Usaap family is willing to give His Highness three thousand young men, all at the rare grade and trained in my Usaap’s family archery.”
Lawruthian frowned, he didn’t like the connotations that could rise should he accept this trade. He stayed silent for several moments, but the conversation he held with his two generals came to mind. Eventually, he sighed and showed Bucca a thumbs up.
“Sold to room three hundred twenty-six.”
One by one multiple sales emerged as the auction neared its finale. The moment Lawruthian accepted the trade from the Usaap family it seemed to open up a floodgate of offers as more and more troops were offered instead of the coin of the country. Quickly a second troop of five thousand men, all specializing as defensive tanks, was accepted from the Koi. Thereafter, Lawruthian no longer accepted any other offers.
He’d mainly accepted the second offer as a show of interest within the Koi family. Lawruthian decided it was much too difficult to bring the Ode to his side, but the Koi were much more malleable. He’d seen a greater chance for corporation with them over the Ode. This forced the competition to become much fiercer as they neared the ending.
“Thirty large Edri,” one voice uttered.
“Twenty-two large Edri—my Indrian family are willing to give a freshly unearth iron mine and provide the labor to unearth it at base cost plus ten percent. We can guarantee this mine’s value is no less than fifteen large Edri.”
“Sold to room three hundred fifteen.”
“Now we begin the final items on the auction. Once again, there will only be five sales of fifty bottles of Edryani Honey. All sales are final—should any who bid be unable to pay the amount they offered, assets and goods will be seized until the amount is accounted for. The starting price of fifty bottles of [Edryani Honey] will be one large platinum.”
“Fifty large Edri—my Drumian House is willing to offer land near the Cidedon Hill in the Caphai Lakes. This land is fertile and is roughly the size of a medium barony,” Liana Drumian called.
“Sixty large Edri—my Lorde Kingdom does not lack in calamity level scales and other shed parts of the calamity sea beast. Whether it be the scales of the [Blackwater Serpent] or shed pieces of the [Kraken]—name your price,” Tendra Lorde said.
“Fifty large Edri—my Drrow House is willing to give our vote in the upcoming event.”
Right before the next offer could come, the voice of Lady Drrow stunned all into silence.
“ Do not get carried away, ” was the only response to the silence. It came from one of the highest rooms where the Queen of Edryan was stationed.
“In that case, we offer the frigate class warship (Indignant Star), it is less than a decade old and boasts superior speed and firepower. Its value is no less than twenty large Edri.”
Lawruthian let out a breath of relief at the words of his mother. She was stationed in the room next to his and was here for situations just as the one that just occurred. If he were to accept such an offer, then the foundation of his proposed change in government would collapse. It would show that the vote could be brought and easily exchanged for goods. It was a trap—a clear one, but valuable in its appearance nonetheless.
Should Lawruthian have accepted such a deal, the foundation he was only just constructing would have fallen. It showed the [Chosen of Madris] could be brought.
Lawruthian began to tune the rest of the auction out. Instead, he’d leave everything to Bucca from this point on. She knew best what his limits were and the items that would benefit him the most.
He focused his mind, glancing at his left wrist and the snake-like tattoo like objects upon it.
“Thank you… Carno Edryani. I do not quite understand the struggles you went through—nor do I know whether your actions were out of desperation or vengeance. Regardless, I don’t believe you were the demon they made you out to be. The title [Knowledge Breaker], your actions, they will not go to waste. I believe I’ve already seen the message you left.”
Lawruthian closed his eyes and bowed his head as he spoke. An image of a figure, much like his own, popped into his mind. A young man with short-cropped military faded hair seemed to appear. His face was similar to Lawruthian’s but his eyes… they were different—golden-red instead of the red-gold of the Edryani’s.
“ Thank you, Carno Edryani — Chosen of Madris for your sacrifice. ”