Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 215: Auction [1]

The Black Market Auction...I don't know where it's happening!

I mean, I had a general idea where the auction would be held but I don't know the exact location.

At that time I just wrote 'Healberry first appears in the black market' with the time and date.

I didn't write specific locations and details of the black market.

Unlike the Silva City black market, I don't know the location of this black market.

But there is no need to fear because I know someone who can help me.

That's why I'm standing in front of this pub.

Creak–

I pushed aside the sliding door with rusted tracks and entered the shabby pub. I took in at a glance the interior of this establishment which was illuminated by lanterns and a fireplace. The various voices of the customers who had come before us overlapped one another.

"Just slam down! You're dead if you lose, hear me!"

"Hoho! And then?"

"A glass of beer for one here! No, make that two!"

The noisy cries from the fellows who were making bets on arm wrestling, the coquettish laughter of young ladies seducing men, the bard playing the guitar in the corner, the female worker quickly serving glasses of alcohol…

Very slowly, I stepped inside of the pub. Wary glances were thrown at me from all sides. Although the atmosphere didn't grow cold at my appearance, it was without a doubt that something in the air had changed — because I was a newcomer and a 'noble'.

'The 'Noble' part because I changed my dress code. The place I'm right now is the outskirts of the Irion hold region. In this place, many thieves, bullies, and mercenaries like to make trouble for newcomers who come here.

But they won't do anything against the noble, because they know that they would deep trouble we they tried to do anything to the noble.

That's why I changed my dress code. It's not that I fear them it's just that I don't want any problems right now.

After all, today is a very important day for me...

I paid it no mind the stairs I was receiving and walked up to the bartender.

The bartender who had been wiping a glass spoke to me first.

"This lowly one's eyes are delighted that Your Lordship has come to this shabby pub together with an amazing beauty. What will you order?"

His manner of speech was as smooth as flowing water. Although his eyes were shaped like a rattlesnake's and gave off a sharp impression, his amiable smile, well-groomed moustache and immaculately white suit made up for this.

Leon, that was the name of the old man in front of me. He is the one I was searching for.

Leon is an inner member of the black market and he has access to information about all the blamarketsket in the human continent.

He also already knew which items would be on the black market auction house going to be.

"Leon."

"… Does Your Lordship know of me?"

"Quite well," I said with a smirk on my face.

I spoke in the 'code words' that were only used in the black market.

"Leon. Has some stock of good liquor arrived today?"

"I will accommodate you a little if you give me a price you would like."

Different Black markets have different code words, Silva City's black market code word was a poem while this one is different.

Leon's eyes gleamed with recognition as he caught on to my use of the code words. He discreetly nodded and motioned for me to follow him to a quieter corner of the pub.

As we walked, the atmosphere around us shifted. Whispers and hushed conversations followed our every step, acknowledging the presence of someone who held a significant position in the shadows.

Once we reached a secluded corner, Leon leaned in, his voice low and confidential. "Your Lordship, I assume you're not here for the usual spirits. What brings you to my humble establishment?"

I cut to the chase. "The Black Market Auction. I need the details, location, and everything you know."

Leon's eyes narrowed, assessing the gravity of my request. "You're treading into dangerous waters, Your Lordship. Such information doesn't come cheap. What's in it for me?"

I reached into my pocket and slid a small pouch towards him. The clinking of coins within emphasized my sincerity. "Consider it a token of appreciation for your continuous cooperation, Leon."

He weighed the pouch in his hand, a calculating expression on his face. "Very well, Your Lordship. The auction is set to take place beneath the Abandoned Cathedral at midnight. It's a discreet location."

I nodded, satisfied with the information. "And the items up for auction?"

Leon grinned, revealing a hint of his rattlesnake-like eyes. "Ah, now that's where it gets interesting. We have a rare collection tonight, including artefacts, enchanted weapons, and a few peculiar items that would catch any collector's eye."

"Perfect. I appreciate your assistance, Leon."

"As always, Your Lordship, a pleasure doing business with you," he said, pocketing the pouch of coins.

I left the pub, my mind focused on the upcoming auction. The Abandoned Cathedral at midnight—the stage for a clandestine exchange of wealth, power, and secrets. It was time to prepare for the shadows that would unfold in the heart of the Black Market.

***

As the clock ticked towards midnight, I found myself standing before the imposing silhouette of the Abandoned Cathedral. Its towering spires, long bereft of divine grace, cast eerie shadows in the moonlight. A chill ran down my spine as the whispers of a forgotten era seemed to echo within its crumbling walls.

I adjusted the collar of my attire, a mask concealing my identity secured in place. Tonight, within the hidden chambers beneath this desolate sanctuary, fortunes would change hands, alliances would be forged, and the elusive items of desire would replace new owners.

Approaching the concealed entrance, I could sense the air thickening with anticipation. The guards stationed at the door scrutinized every guest, ensuring the exclusivity of this gathering. I presented the invitation I had acquired through Leon's connections, and the heavy door creaked open, granting me access to the clandestine world that awaited below.