Once a year in Zebuldia, the imperial capital, there will be a large, state-led auction.
It's a big event in the Imperial City. It's called the Zebuldia Auction, taking the name of the country as it is. It will be held over the course of a week and will feature a variety of rarities, luxuries and artwork brought in from home and abroad.
During this period, the imperial capital will be crowded with merchants, hunters and tourists from outside, just like a festival. It's a fun event just to watch.
And Zebuldia auctions had one thing different from other auctions. Treasures make up the majority of the listings.
The money that moves in the auction is huge. Because of the festival's unique air, it is not uncommon for the items served to sell for more than they are supposed to have.
Originally, the Imperial City was a sanctuary for hunters. The distribution of treasure equipment is much higher than in other countries, and the number of hunters seeking it is high.
In addition to the demand, the auction becomes a treasure piece because some treasure hunters based in Teito place treasure pieces acquired for the day, which are also released in one piece.
And even when I say auctions and such, nothing buys treasure gear with unknown abilities.
During this period, the Teito-based treasure troublemaker finds himself in an appraisal of treasure trophies brought in everywhere.
Appraisal results are guaranteed by the appraiser's name, but treasure tools are also fairly common misappraisals. The appraiser's name will also be used as a judgment material at the time of bidding, so I also know that this heartless but handsome grandfather will pull it off.
Door in the counter. Beyond that, there was Mr. Martis' place of work.
Large metal workbench in overlaid wooden box. The walls are lined with strange instruments for use in appraisals, with the impression that they are terribly cluttered compared to neat stores.
The narrow spaces illuminated by dim lights have some flair and an emotional sigh. I, the cautious, love this kind of cramped space.
Tino comes in about me in fear. A golden dagger had been placed on the workbench, which would have been exactly the appraisal now.
This is not the first time I have interrupted Mr. Martis' work. [M]
When they first let me in, I was messy enough that I didn't have a foot stomping ground, but I was getting tidy enough that one day I could get by without falling. I'm sure it's not for me, it's for Tino.
Looking back at me as it was time to follow me from behind, Mr. Martis snarls his nose.
"... when you see it, just go home. I'm not free."
"You brought Tino. What does it matter what happens to Tino?
"Come on, kid, how many hours are you going to sit down!
Mr. Martis' workplace - the workshop is a very interesting place for me.
In fact, the vast majority of treasure objects found in the treasure hall are unbearable objects for practical use.
Like The Dark Wings of Night Heaven, it's still good if it's just flawed. I have a wacky tool that doesn't make sense that when equipped, it's a bracelet that paralyzes your taste, earrings that make you indistinguishable from sound, boots that make you skip all walking.
We treasure hunters respectfully referred to those treasures as' scraps treasures'. And naturally, those treasures rarely line up in the store.
Mr. Martis' workshop, where such scraps gather like mountains, was like a toy box to me.
It can be a very good time to look for the few available joke goods from a mountain (needless to say, you rarely find anything to use).
Mr. Martis is busy this time too, so he won't have time to do that.
"Look, this is the inventory where the request came from. Read it and go home."
When Mr. Martis recommended Tino a chair, he rambled the file tied with a clip at me. The difference between how you respond to me and how you respond to Tino is too strong.
But complaining didn't start, so I started checking the inventory as I stood.
There are many other appraisers in this imperial capital besides Mr. Martis. You'll need to go around there later.
"Hmmm... I don't have any money..."
The inventory contained the provisional name and characteristics of the item. Is it because it is personal information that the name of the person who requested the appraisal is not listed?
Treasures offered at auctions often cost more than the market. The auction is a huge opportunity to take that into account, as most of the useful treasure tools are available in the first place, even if they are small in number and loaded with gold, but it may be difficult to participate with Eva nailed over the debt.
Will you forgive me in the dungeon?
"How have you been, miss? How's the exploration going?
"Yes. It's going well."
"That was good. Treasure hunters are dangerous jobs. Even though I don't like doing business with hunters for years, it hurts. Just be careful with your health."
"You haven't finished your appraisal at all. Grandpa, don't you have any real products?
There's nothing I can do but know the characteristics and tentative names. Some of them are anticipating who they are, but nothing touches my harp line. At least put some pictures on it.
"That's weird! You're in a box there, take a look at it yourself! Don't get dirty!
Is it stressful? He yelled at me, but I didn't care because my heart was wide, so I opened the lid of the indicated box to make sure it was open.
They haven't filled it with magic yet, and it's a shame they can't see the treasure in full condition.
When he sits on the floor, he tries to match it with the inventory and retrieves each piece of unapproved treasure. It's a heart-dancing moment.
The most common are popular accessory types, but some of them are rarely found in the form of bags, gloves, or other items that have expectations. You can expect an auction this year. I can't join because I don't have any money.
"Have you been bullied by The Shadow? Cry can't help you, can you? I don't know anything about kids at all when they party."
"It's okay. You're doing well."
"If anything happens, you rely on your people. Some guys have broken personalities, but the Footprints are huge. It will be indispensable for the person who asks for help................ Klee would also be useful, well, in some cases. He's the most level-headed hunter I've seen in years."
"Yes, sir"
Mr. Martis is talking to Tino in a worrying voice. Rarely, there is also a chilling tino for the people outside. Where does he stand after all?
And what does that mean in some cases? I can't believe when I'm useful - only when Tino gets tangled up in Liz and Citrine.
Tino says it as if he were going to tell himself.
"I know. The master is a wonderful man. He owes a lot, but he's still a great guy. How dare you compare me to a master..."
"!? Hey, Klee! How do you teach a lady?
There's a hand on my shoulder that was sitting around fishing for boxes. At a time when there was nothing I could do to damage my reputation, there was one treasure in my sight.
The look is an unusual texture mask.
Holes in the top surface that are empty only in the eye and mouth position.
The texture is close to raw meat. It is soft and damp when touched with your fingertips and weighs disgusting when lifted. The temperature is cold, but if you fill and activate the magic, you will have heat close to a person's body.
My lifting hand was shaking.
Mask of meat. I knew a treasure that looked very similar. [M]
They vary slightly in shape and size, but there will be few treasures that are so disgusting.
The Converting Person (Reverse Face).
My reputation from within my people was wiped out, and there was a treasure that Lizzie should have destroyed at last.
"??? Hey, Klee. Hey, what's up?
Mr. Martis peeks into my hand and glances at my face.
- I want it. I want it so bad.
The Transforming Person (Reverse Face) is a treasure that freely transforms a person's face.
I can freely change my nose and nose, as well as my hair. If you get used to it, it's not just your face, it's your body, it's a mask of flesh that expands.
With this, I can free myself from hunters and criminals hunting and naming high level hunters and walk outside waving the big hand. I know you're handsome, but you're a pretty girl, but you're free to go.
It was a coincidence that we met last time. I thought I'd never get it again when it broke.
Even if they found it in the treasure hall, few would want to bring home such disgusting treasures. Not to mention that none of us must be close to anyone trying to wear this.
"... a treasure that was brought in from the outside. It's not yet appraised, but it's not a lot."
Mr Martis says with a harsh look. Tino breaks his expression only for a moment when he sees the mask.
- I want it. I want it so bad.
Certainly not a lot. Faces, as well as treasures that can change your body and even your fingerprints, are effective against crime if you use them.
Zebuldia law also prohibits the use of items, but it is not illegal to possess them. It's not illegal if you can't see where to use it.
How much? How much do you need? The last time I got it was when The Mourning Ghost crushed the big bandits. It was mixed with loot.
I can't predict the price because it's not what I bought, but given the scarcity and performance...... 10 million geels would be better.
- I want it. I want it so bad. If you don't get it now, you'll never get it.
Rotate your head desperately.
How much? How much do I collect? Down to Eva, down to Citrie, too. And then Liz is grounded.
Are you ready for this? I am. Marry me.
It was no longer blowing my mind to appraise the treasure gear Tino had found.
You can exchange it for the treasure you are collecting. That's all it's worth in this People to Convert (Reverse Face).
Raise your face and look at Mr. Martis. Mr. Martis, who doesn't always break his strict attitude towards me, sweats and takes a step back.
The first thing you need to do - negotiate before they put you up for auction.
If they are put up for auction, they will be the wings of a price competition with the hunters and aristocrats who live side by side. If that happens, luck will depend on whether you get it or not, and the cost is likely to be high.
Negotiate and have it sold before it is listed. Not much praise, but it's a common M.O. in auctions.
I have a place. [M] Not what I got myself, but I have trust. Not if you are choosing the means. I definitely need to get it.
Take a slow, deep breath and calm your heartbeat, asking Mr. Martis.
"I really want this treasure piece. of this product - I want to negotiate with the hunter who requested the appraisal. Will you contact me?
"!? Oh, man, are you insane? Still not appraised!?
It's sane. It's a disgusting treasure. The moment it activates is also an uncomfortable treasure. Only those who have tasted the feeling that the raw meat affixed to their faces erodes their entire bodies will understand.
But I want it. The cheaper the better. With this, I can explore the sweet spot by myself without escort.
".................. chip. Sounds serious...... you treasure freak. Business is up.... Oh, okay, I'll talk to the customer. Lady, lady, this is not how you're gonna be."
Mr. Martis tongues with a grumpy look on his face. Still a bad mouth but a good looking after grandfather.