The Heaven’s Step was luxurious and when Zen looked over the room more closely he realized that this was a platinum level facility. Everything from the food set out to the two maids that served the room spoke of wealth and privilege. This was something he had seen numerous times at family functions in the real world, and the feeling here matched even the best of them.
He walked over to the couch and sat down, and the moment he did the two maids sprung in to action bringing food and wines for him to choose. He took some cheeses and meats from the tray and right as he placed them to his mouth. He could smell the aroma of the spices and couldn’t help but look forward to what ever this ivory tower provided.
He turned his attention to the rules that were still waiting to be acknowledge and read them carefully. The rules were simple, and the only one that truly stuck out to Zen was the one about a client not directly attempting to purchase goods at the auction, but only could purchase directly through a representative. He pondered about the reason for that when a not to subtle voice appeared in is head.
“This is one of the locations of the Heaven Auction.” Bena stated with an excited tone. “It isn’t surprising that you were led here, but it is way to soon. It isn’t that you don’t have enough coins to participate, but many of the things sold in this auction are too high end and won’t be of much use to you yet.”
Zen took a sip of wine and listened to Bena talk about the auction and the way it was done. The auction wasn’t only a place to purchase things, but also a battle ground for natives and players. Each client would choose one or more representatives to buy or sell items. The representatives would be scored on how well they do, and the satisfaction of the clients. The clients on the other hand only needed to let the representatives know what they needed, and whether it was big or small it was up to them to make it happen. The representatives could and would handle client’s needs outside of the Heaven’s Steps, but their biggest earnings would be those items they bought in the Heaven’s Step auctions.
The important point was that he could only get such a representative at the Heaven’s Step, and the representative could only serve one client, and once they form the contract only the client can terminate it. That put a lot of power in the hands of the clients and as such the representatives had to choose carefully who they contracted.
“Honorable Sir, a representative candidate is here to see you.” One of the maids said.
Zen looked over at the pretty green haired maid and nodded to her to let the representative in. The maid walked over to the door, and a young man dressed in a finally tailored outfit of blue and gold walked in. He looked to be in his mid-twenties and had a charming face. Zen looked at him waiting for him to talk first.
“Honorable Sir, my name is Paxton and I am a representative of the Heaven’s Step.” The man said with an even tone. “It is my honor to come and talk about terms and see if I can be of assistance in finding what you need.”
“I see.” Zen said with a flare of arrogance to his voice. “What do you offer that will lead me to have faith for you to serve me in this rather important capacity.”
“I am but a first level representative honorable sir.” Paxton said firmly. “I have recently passed the exams of service, but I passed at the top of the class. My baseline talents and abilities allow me to multi task, taking care of your needs at the Heaven’s Step, and the mundane tasks outside it.”
“What would you say if I was a poor lord with little prospects?” Zen asked casually.
“Then it would be my duty to help change that honorable sir.” Paxton stated.
Just as Zen was going to ask another question the maid had informed him of another representative at the door. He nodded, and the maid went over and let in a beautiful woman with silver hair. She looked to Zen and bowed, and then over to Paxton and gave a mischievous smile before returning her amber gaze back to Zen.
“Honorable Sir, my name is Amelia and I am a representative looking to form a contract.” She said softly. “I am well versed in trading in all fronts and have many contacts throughout the capital. I am looking to use these skills to bring great fortune to you.”
“I will pose the same question that I posed to young Paxton here to you as well.” Zen said. “What would you do if I was just a poor lord with little prospects?”
“I would serve you dutifully in all regards.” The woman said demurely.
“Now what should I do about this situation?” Zen pondered openly.
Zen could hear a soft chuckle in his head and then Bena’s voice. “Well it looks like both are desperate to get a position, because they came and take the initiative so boldly, so you should just form contracts with both. Let them compete against each other to see who gets you the better items.”
Zen was confused now because earlier Bena said that the Heaven’s Step was a little too early for them to be able to use. He was in thought when he heard her laughing and he shuddered and realized he wasn’t thinking as a lord, and he thought of how his mother would handle this. She would definitely hire both and have them compete to see who would win and take control.
“I can tell that both of you are eager to show your ability, and I admire ambition up to a point. I am short of time for this trip.” Zen said with a playful tone. “I hate being rushed, and there is no way to know which one of you would serve me better. So, I offer to make a contract with both of you and test your abilities. The one that serves me better will be in charge, and the one that loses will have the option of staying on, or me releasing them if they so wish. Make your own decision and choose on if you agree with my proposal.”
The two of them looked at each other and Zen could see that they had some relationship before this. He wasn’t sure if bringing that chaos in to his life was a good or bad thing, but at this point it was enjoyable watching the competitiveness in their eyes.
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
“Why don’t we do this.” Zen broke their staring session and turned to the maids. “Is there a place these two can discuss their options?”
“Yes, honorable lord.” The lead maid said. “There is a separate chamber for such things.”
“Ok, then why don’t you take them to that chamber and let them discuss freely what they want to do. Both of you serve them why they discuss, and be sure to treat them as my guests.” Zen said to the maids and then turned to the two representatives. “You two can ether decide who will withdraw or if you are going to take my proposal and compete. Either way. I wish peace and quiet and do not wish to see these negotiations, but I warn you not to take too long. You never know when a better offer might appear.”
The two of them frowned and nodded as the maids led them to a separate room giving Zen a moment alone. He felt awkward and then softly posed a question for Bena to hear. “Is there enough work for two of them?”
“Yes.” Bena said in his head. “Our assets are quite high and there are many items that would sell nicely here. This would help both raise their status here and serve as an anonymous buyer for slaves and soldiers. They could do it all and you wouldn’t have to worry about the trouble from earlier today happening again.”
“How would we contact them from our lands.” He whispered.
“The contract allows you to draw them to you in your manor or come here directly instead of appearing in the portal square.” Bena took on the voice of a teacher. “It is a good thing even though we can’t maximize their full potential yet. You just need to give them one item to sell and tell them you will be judging them on how they do their job and if they do it in the most optimal way. Play them off against each other and then when you feel it is right choose the one that did the best in the categories that you feel are important.”
Zen nodded as he took another piece of cheese from the tray and ate it. He was a little worried that things were going to good for him and wondered when the other shoe would drop. He had to take a more active part in things, and make sure his relocation plan was successful, and he could start to build his new city earnestly. He needed so many things to start a city and he felt overwhelmed a little as he thought about it. He thought back to Bena telling him that he had to relax and at that point he realized she was right.
His thoughts were interrupted when the two of them came back in the room followed by his maids, and both had a grim determined expression on their faces. They must of came to an agreement privately, but he didn’t say anything and looked up at them waiting for them to talk first.
“Honorable lord we have come to a decision.” Paxton said.
“We have agreed to work together for your sake, and we only ask you to set fair terms.” Amelia added.
Zen sat there and pondered a moment but was letting Bena suggest what he should do. Zen had no idea how to set terms, but Bena didn’t let him down, and suddenly two items appeared in his inventory and they had Amelia and Paxton’s names on them. He withdrew them and handed them to the two and Bena’s voice laugh echoed in his mind.
“You must be loved by the goddess of luck.” Bena said cheerfully. “Why the Heaven’s Step is beyond us right now. Having two of them will help us quite a bit, because we now have agents in the Capital and they came to us willingly. I am starting to wonder if this is just a precursor to a disaster.”
Zen was thinking that exact thing, as he watched the expressions, as they read the terms. Both looked at each other and then they both signed the agreements. A blue light extended from the both agreements and covered both Paxton and Amelia and then strings extended connecting to him. Two alert boxes popped up in front of him and then a few second later a third box appeared.
Paxton Lateer has accepted to become a contracted representative and is legally bound to serve and protect your interests. The contract terms and restrictions are located under the contracted servant tab of your interface.
Amelia Herrington has accepted to become a contracted representative and is legally bound to serve and protect your interests. The contract terms and restrictions are located under the contracted servant tab of your interface.
Congratulations, you have been granted access to the Heaven’s Step Auction house, and through your representatives, you are able to buy or sell common to legendary goods. The perks at the auction house depend on the ranking of your representatives based on their actions on your behalf. The higher the ranking the more options become available at Heaven’s Step. As a platinum VIP you and your representatives gain one free rank in status at the Heaven’s Step.
Representatives: Paxton Lateer (Rank 2), Amelia Herrington (Rank 2)
Client: Rozen Martell (Rank 2 Patron)
Zen read the screen and let a smile reach his lips and was surprised when both Amelia and Paxton went to one knee before him. He stood up from the couch and walked over and placed a hand on each of them and they rose from there kneeling position. “There will be a lot for you to do in the future, but for now I will give each of you 1,000 gold and one item to work with. Choose your actions wisely, because they reflect on me.
Zen looked at the time and he had only twenty-five minutes left before his time ran out, and he pointed to the couch and said. “Please join me for something to eat and drink before I leave for my lands. I look for the both of you to work closely with me and my aids to better increase my holdings.”
Amelia Herrington’s Respect for you has increased by 18
Paxton Lateer’s Respect for you has increased by 13
Zen could only smile as they ate lunch and drank for almost twenty minutes before he saw the gate appear at the edge of the room. He stood up and looked to the maids and said. “Be sure to take care of my representatives until I return.”
Zen then turned to Paxton and Amelia and said in a firm but gentle voice. “I know you two are competing on my behalf but remember that we are one family here. If you work against each other and sully my name I will not be happy, but if you work in the interest of bettering my holdings I will reward the both of you. If you need something let me or my aids know. Do both of you understand?”
“Yes, my lord.” Both Amelia and Paxton said simultaneously.
“Good! Your funds and items will be arriving shortly so use them well.” Zen said as he turned and walked through the portal and disappeared.
Zen arrived back in his sanctuary and saw Bena sitting on the edge of the couch with a big smile. He went over to her and plopped on the couch and let out a big sigh. The screen was still on the room at the Heaven’s Step and both Paxton and Amelia were watching the auction board making notes.
“They seem eager.” Zen said tiredly.
“They probably are.” Bena said as she flopped down beside him. “You did a good job at the capital. The Heaven’s Step sent over a case of wine as a gift for becoming a member of the auction house. We should take this opportunity to relax a little in the manor, because you have to make your presence noticed and act like a real lord for your retainer and villager’s sake.”
“I guess I could do that.” Zen said. “It has been a while since I let loose a little.”
“Good, I will have made sure it is a good meal to go along with this wine.” Bena stated happily.
“Well I am still lost and overwhelmed here so it is probably a good thing.” Zen acknowledged and then said. “Bena thank you for all you done so far.”
Bena beamed at his words and leaned against Zen hugging him. Zen tensed a little bit and then relaxed looking forward to the celebration that was to come. He let his worries of the big task in front of him fade away as he watched his two representatives hard at work.