A few more uninteresting lots went by and the auction was over. Chuck was still reeling from the huge purchase and was starting to have buyer’s remorse. He didn’t really know what he was going to do with it in the first place, he just thought it looked cool. It’s not like he really needed a robot for anything, plus it was in pieces. If he couldn’t get it working again then it would just be a decoration for his home. A very expensive decoration. He put his head in his hands and groaned then shook himself and went to claim his purchases and receive his payment for the books which would all go toward the robot.
The parchment was easy enough but the robot proved to be heavier than it looked. Chuck had to arrange to come back later with his pickup in order to load it. On their way out they were stopped by a fancy dressed lizard kin with two hulking orcs behind him. “Congratulations on your purchase otherworlder. I never expected to be outbid. My employer will be very unhappy with me as they were looking forward to owning the golem.” The lizard kin said with a fake grin.
Chuck was instantly on guard as the lizard gave off a sleazy vibe, akin to a mobster. “If you could find it in your heart to sell it to my employer, I think everyone could walk away happily and we wouldn’t need to resort to any unpleasantness.” The lizard continued, glancing at his bodyguards. Tess grabbed his shirt while Raz and Maz started growling. Chuck wouldn’t mind getting his money back but he wasn’t going to be intimidated by these thugs. If he agreed, Chuck had a feeling he would be forced to sell the robot at a discount as well.
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“Sorry, your boss will have to stay unhappy as I’m not selling. Now kindly get out of our way.” Chuck said, placing his hand on his gun which he had worn even with his dress clothes. The fake smile disappeared from the lizards face. “You’ll regret this otherworldler. We won’t be so kind to you next time.” The lizard said while slowly stepping aside. “I’m looking forward to it.” Chuck said with a smile as he walked past the thugs. Once they got a good distance away, Chuck let out a deep breath. That had been scary. “You were pretty cool back there hero.” Tess whispered in his ear, which caused him to blush.
“Any idea who that was or who their boss is?” Chuck asked Tess. “Nope, but they have deep pockets whoever they are so we’ll need to be careful.” Tess replied grabbing his arm tightly. “Well, we pretty much accomplished what we set out to do in the capital so while it would be nice to stay longer, I think we should leave tomorrow.” Chuck said looking at Tess. He figured whoever it was wouldn’t have as much influence in Axtol. Everyone agreed and they went back to their inn.
Chuck figured there was more security at the auction site than the alchemy guild so decided to get the robot on the way out of town the next day. Plus, if something did happen at the auction site then they would be responsible and would have to give him his money back. Chuck apologized to Tess that they wouldn’t get to see her clan this trip but she didn’t seem to mind. They made their preparations and started early the next day. The robot was still where they left it so Raz and Maz helped load it into the back end. Chuck secured it with straps and they were ready to go. He just hoped the robot was worth all the trouble and expense.