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Chapter 73: The Tears of the Mermaid

Roy had anticipated this.

From the moment they met, Leanna had hinted at her knowledge of the Cult.

The three members of Sequence 7 present were indeed tricky, but with Leanna’s connections, it was not impossible to find peers who could help.

If it came down to him, the one bearing the blood of the False King, getting involved, it could only mean dealing with formidable adversaries that even ordinary Extraordinary Beings couldn’t handle.

“Are you sure it’s the Necromancer Sect? I heard they were just suppressed by the Scarlet Sorcery Sect…”

“I’m certain. The Hydra’s venom sac I need is essential crafting material for them. The Necromancer Sect has been chasing after it for ten years; they won’t give up easily. Moreover, that priest attacked specifically for the Hydra’s venom sac, intending to divert the association’s attention from the auction, but he just messed it up,” Leanna explained in detail.

As he listened, Roy felt tension creeping into his nerves.

Cultists acted recklessly, and their conflicts were almost unavoidable.

As much as Roy wanted to wipe out all Cultists, he wasn’t arrogant enough to think he could take them on in a no-holds-barred conflict right now.

Some things needed to be made clear with Leanna.

“Let’s get one thing straight: I’m not your thug. I’m here for what I want, and I’ll only provide minimal help if anything goes wrong. Once I get what I came for…”

“Once you get what you came for, our cooperation ends.”

Her unexpected words left Roy somewhat at a loss.

Somehow, Leanna had released his hand and her usual teasing expression had turned distant and cold.

“Whoever gets the item first gets to leave. If real danger happens, you don’t have to worry about me, and I won’t worry about you. We’re even. How does that sound?”

“…Alright.” Roy sighed lightly.

He stole a glance at the young boy beside him, unable to discern his current expression, which made Leanna wonder if he might regret this.

Used to teasing the boy and enjoying his helplessness, Leanna instinctively lifted her lips to make a joke.

What’s wrong? Can’t bear to let me go?

But she withheld the impulse and shifted her gaze away.

This was for the best.

If she couldn’t have him, then she shouldn’t use him anymore.

She had already gained enough from him; their fate could end here.

From here on, she would walk her own path.

With that thought, Leanna closed her eyes, a hint of melancholy washing over her as she buried her complex feelings deep within.

Little did she know, the boy’s eyes, hidden in the shadows, took in everything.

“Ladies and gentlemen! I announce that the 45th auction is officially starting!”

With the host’s enthusiastic shout, the underground auction finally began.

One beautiful maid after another wheeled movable glass counters onto the stage.

Before the host could introduce, the buyers below could hardly contain their excitement.

“A Salamander? That’s a living Salamander?!”

“The fur of a Frostwolf! Private hunting of Frostwolves is a serious crime in the Winter Empire, even nobles won’t risk it, will they?!”

“Clueless fools, what are those? The Bloodfire Potion is the real treasure! It’s a relic from the early Fourth Era that modern mages can’t reproduce, despite having the recipe!”

The host seemed satisfied with the crowd’s excitement, chuckling, “Let’s start with item number one!”

“A living Salamander, starting bid: 500 gold coins!”

“As a reminder for those attending their first auction, if you don’t have enough cash, you can trade your collections for items!”

Storage items aren’t common, and carrying too much cash isn’t safe or convenient. Even nobles would have a limit on the cash they could bring. Extraordinary items were easier to carry and guaranteed a good price.

Soon, after a bout of competition, someone bid 1,700 gold coins’ worth of Five-Color Poison Grass for the Salamander, ramping up the auction’s atmosphere.

However, as Roy watched the enthusiastic reactions of those around him, he couldn’t help but scratch his head.

He knew full well these were rare treasures.

The Salamander was an endangered magical beast; if raised well, it could rival a Stormwind Gryphon. Five-Color Poison Grass only grew deep in the Elven Forest, useful for both poisoning and healing.

But one, having been accustomed to the lost treasures from ancient eras available in the interface shop, and two, having been around high-born princesses and nightingales often, these items that sent ordinary Extraordinary Beings into a frenzy couldn’t pique his interest.

Honestly, if he casually picked something from the shop, wouldn’t it set this crowd into a frenzy? Roy couldn’t help but grumble internally.

On the other side, in a corner, the hooded Prince of the South, his eyes flickering, remained detached from bidding.

Hex scratched his head, curious, “Sir, aren’t there any items here that catch your eye?”

“They’re decent,” Jason replied, “but personally, there are a few things I find interesting.”

“However, I want something that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the Howling Sea Iron Guards, something that will make those nobles forget about our faction’s disputes! These items are still far from that.” Jason’s tone carried a hint of frustration.

Hex listened, partly understanding. He sighed at the prince’s troubles, something a mere adventurer like him couldn’t grasp.

As time passed, items were auctioned off one after another, with the value rising progressively.

There were supposedly 48 items up for auction, so Roy wasn’t in a hurry.

“Now, allow me the honor of introducing item number 20! The Tears of the Mermaid, a treasure from the South!”

On the display stand, a gleaming gem, clear and radiant, sparkled under the dim lights, exuding a dreamlike beauty.

The gem’s shape appeared simple yet bore an innate sense of artistry that didn’t resemble any man-made object, drawing countless women’s gazes, including Leanna, who stole a few extra glances.

Yet after the initial awe, murmurs began among the attendees.

“A gem? What’s so special about that?”

“The Tears of the Mermaid is nice jewelry, but it’s just that—nice.”

The crowd consisted of many highborn individuals, long accustomed to such luxuries.

A gem without any additional abilities paled in comparison to other items, which either saved lives, won battles, or held miraculous effects.

Even the host’s description was merely vague, hinting that it offered ‘the protection of the waves,’ something rather absurd.

Veteran buyers could immediately tell the underlying meaning: the auction house itself didn’t understand what this thing had as a special effect.

At 300 gold coins, the price was even lower than the initial bid for the Salamander.

Clearly, this was just filler.

Upon realizing this, the crowd’s interest waned. Only a few ladies raised their bids slightly.

To avoid an awkward silence, the smile on the host’s face became stiff as he attempted to sell it quickly and transition to the next item.

However, in the corner, Roy’s eyelid twitched slightly.

Not just because the panel displayed, “Warning! Certificate of Kingship detected!”

But also because it mentioned this item in Roland’s notes!

 

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