Chapter 108: Auction
September 6th graced the United States of Saherta with its presence. The days leading up to it had been a whirlwind of diplomatic engagements and private soirées. Haruto, with Canary at his side, had explored the city's lavish wonders. Their dates had been a tasteful blend of disovery and intimate moments; whether it was a quiet dinner by the Saherta coast or a walk through the ancient ruins, their connection was palpable to anyone who observed.
President Hiden had requested a few meetings with Haruto, a testament to the Meteor Kingdom's growing influence. The neighboring countries' leaders, not wanting to be left behind in the grand scheme of geopolitics, had flocked to meet the young ruler, their eyes filled with a mix of respect and a hint of envy. Haruto welcomed them with his usual composed grace, each interaction further solidifying his realm's standing.
As Haruto sat across from President Hiden during one of their meetings, the weight of his influence was evident. The older leader, despite his years of experience, leaned in, hanging on to every word Haruto spoke. "Haruto, your kingdom's rise has been nothing short of meteoric. We'd be wise to cultivate our ties," Hiden had noted.
A slight upward curve formed on Haruto's lips, "We look forward to it, President Hiden. Collaboration is the key to prosperity."
However, amidst all the political dance, the evening everyone had eagerly anticipated had finally arrived: the commencement of the Southernpiece Auction. The grand hall chosen for the event was a tapestry of opulence, glistening chandeliers casting a soft glow over antiquities and treasures waiting for their new owners.
Haruto entered the venue, and the atmosphere palpably shifted. Conversations dimmed, eyes turned, and a pathway naturally formed. His entrance was silent yet commanding. Canary, looking stunning in her evening attire, walked beside him, their mutual admiration evident. They looked like a match made in the heavens.
Inside the grandeur of the Southernpiece Auction hall, Haruto and Canary made their entrance, their steps synchronized in a silent, eloquent dance. The murmurs diminished, replaced by an air of anticipation.
Just behind the power pair, Machi, dressed in a sleek, crimson dress that highlighted her athletic build, moved with a purposeful grace. Her sharp eyes darted around the room, scanning for potential threats or opportunities. Kortopi, comparatively unassuming in a simple black suit, followed Machi, his long hair a contrasting shade against the formal attire. His observant nature meant he took in every detail, noting the reactions of the attendees to Haruto's entrance.
As Haruto's gaze swept the room, he was met with a mixture of intrigue, admiration, and the ever-present glint of envy. Canary, bathed in the soft light, took a moment to absorb the opulence around her. The gold and crystal décor seemed almost an extension of her radiant aura, and when Haruto leaned in to whisper something, she responded with a bright, genuine laugh. The exchange drew the attention of many, a testament to their undeniable chemistry.
Machi, taking a more pragmatic approach, commented, "Seems like everyone's interested in what the Meteor Kingdom brings to the table tonight." Her statement was both an observation and a subtle reminder of their position.
Kortopi nodded, his words succinct, "High stakes tonight."
Haruto acknowledged them with a slight nod, his eyes momentarily flitting to Canary, then back to the unfolding auction. "Let's see what they've got."
The auctioneer took the stage, his voice cutting through the subtle undertones of whispered conversations. "Ladies and gentlemen, our first item tonight, a unique piece of history. A Fossilized Deodorosaurus Dropping!" The room echoed with a mixture of intrigued murmurs and restrained chuckles.
Kortopi raised an eyebrow, "That's...an unusual start."
Canary leaned in, her voice laced with amusement, "It might have historical value. Never underestimate the oddities people collect."
Haruto's gaze remained fixed on the item, his mind racing. Every item here had potential significance, and as ruler, he had to consider the broader implications of each acquisition.
Following the fossilized item, a series of rare art pieces and artifacts were presented, each with its own tale and allure. A painting from a lost civilization, a jeweled dagger from a bygone era, and an ancient manuscript detailing forgotten rituals. The bids flowed thick and fast, each item fetching astronomical sums.
But the anticipation reached its zenith when the auctioneer announced the next item. "Now, for the pièce de résistance, the legendary game, Greed Island!"
Whispers exploded across the hall, but what drew most gasps was the sight of the game running on a JoyStation Console—with no visible power source.
A large man wielding a sledgehammer was then invited onto the stage. With a powerful swing, he slammed the weapon against the console. The crowd gasped in anticipation, but the console remained undamaged.
The auctioneer, a tall woman with striking features, spoke up, "This game's power protects the console, ensuring it remains intact as long as someone is playing."
Canary, her eyes widening slightly, leaned in toward Haruto, "It's not just a game, is it?"
Haruto shook his head subtly. "No, it's much more than that."
The woman continued, "We acquired our seven copies of this game from a Hunter named Jeitsari. He agreed to give them to this auction if no one cleared the game by January 1st."
The auctioneer, having given attendees a moment to digest the significance of the item, began detailing the game. "Greed Island is not merely a game. It's a world of its own. Those who enter its confines risk everything. Few have ever come out, and fewer still unscathed."
She paused, allowing the weight of her words to sink in. "This game, ladies and gentlemen, while a marvel, is also a maelstrom of perils. One must be prepared for any eventuality."
As she concluded her brief overview, she announced, "We shall begin the bidding at 100 million Jenny."
Before the words had even fully left her mouth, a voice from the back shouted, "150 million!"
Another quickly countered, "200 million!"
The figures skyrocketed as the crowd got swept up in the frenzy of bidding. Machi's eyes flitted from bidder to bidder, trying to gauge their motivations. Kortopi remained focused on the console, occasionally whispering something to Machi.
Canary, her hand lightly touching Haruto's arm, murmured, "The amount's increasing rapidly."
Haruto, ever the poised eagle, responded, "It's to be expected. But we won't be deterred."
The bids kept flowing, each one larger than the last. "600 million!" "700 million!" "850 million!"
Amid the chaos, Haruto remained silent, waiting. Canary could feel the anticipation building around them. Everyone expected the young ruler to make his move. But when?
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