<...A billion energy pearls>
"I see Lord Sindal has graced us with his presence today!" Lord Morval placed one hand atop the other in a composed yet subtly respectful gesture.
"Hah hah!" echoed a loud, hearty laugh from one of the floating clouds above. The source was a short figure with a long, flowing beard that danced slightly in the wind. His eyes sparkled with mischief and insight. "I merely spoke up to lend a hand, to nudge the process forward a bit—get to the real auction. I'm quite eager to see the next item."
A heavy silence fell.
The stands, which only moments ago blazed with the intensity of fierce competition—where nobles and powerhouses alike had fought to shine for even the briefest of moments—fell deathly silent once more.
"...." Renara, who had just raised her hand to place a bid of 200 million, let out a long, weary sigh as she slowly lowered it. "Heh~ Just as I expected. We've wasted our entire day on nothing but illusions," she muttered with a bitter smile.
