Chapter 36: The Rich Girl Spends Money
After bidding farewell to the student, Rebecca practically dragged Abyss up to the second floor. Leona, eager to see the auctioned potions, pulled Flora along.
As they reached the second floor, a wave of chatter and laughter washed over them. A small auction hall, bustling with activity, was located next to the staircase. It seemed a new auction was about to begin, and numerous guests were finding their seats.
Unlike the exclusive auctions frequented by the wealthy elite, this one was more casual, the guests representing a diverse mix of alchemists, academy students, commoners, and even out-of-town visitors. The items being auctioned weren’t expensive either. Most were potions with peculiar effects, accidentally created by alchemists during their experiments. The unpredictable nature of magic often resulted in amusing and bizarre effects. After undergoing toxicity tests conducted by the club, these potions were sold at low prices, usually starting at their production cost.
The uniqueness and limited availability of these potions made them highly sought-after. Even Rebecca, a genius alchemist herself, was intrigued by these random concoctions. She never let her talent make her arrogant. Observing other alchemists’ work often sparked new ideas.
“Sit, sit, sit! Let’s sit together!” Leona exclaimed, rushing to a row of empty seats and plopping down, waving excitedly at the others, her enthusiasm unrestrained.
“Leona is such a child at heart,” Rebecca said, chuckling.
Flora smiled, her eyes filled with fondness, like a mother watching her daughter enjoy herself.
As Abyss walked towards Leona, hand-in-hand with Rebecca, he couldn’t help but wonder about Leona’s behavior. If he remembered correctly, she had died at the age of eighteen, a princess of the Western Empire. Logically, she should be the most mature among them…
They finally settled into their seats. After a brief wait, the auction began. A small stage with a stone table in the center dominated the hall. An elderly auctioneer, yawning, walked onto the stage, holding a bell.
“Ahem… Welcome to the sixth auction of the day. We’ve received a new batch of potions. Without further ado, let’s begin.” The auctioneer signaled to someone backstage, and a young man carrying a beaker walked onto the stage, placing it on the table.
The guests chattered excitedly, anticipating the potion’s effects.
“Hmm… This potion allows the drinker to dream about… a two-headed ogre?” the auctioneer said, his voice laced with amusement. He was accustomed to auctioning off strange potions and remained unfazed. “Starting bid: twenty imperial coins. Any takers?”
Some guests chuckled.
“Yes! Thirty imperial coins!” Rebecca exclaimed, raising her hand.
Leona, having been frequently compared to a two-headed ogre by Abyss in his unique metaphors, felt a sense of unease. She instinctively tried to pull Rebecca’s hand down. But she quickly realized that stopping her now would be even more awkward. She blushed and remained silent.
Abyss smiled. This potion was interesting. He wondered if it would work within the dreamscapes created by the Lord of Nightmares.
“Any higher bids?” the auctioneer asked, pausing. “Thirty imperial coins once, thirty imperial coins twice, thirty imperial coins three times, sold!”
He rang the bell, signaling that Rebecca was now the owner of the potion. After the auction, she could claim it for thirty imperial coins. The beaker wasn’t included. Guests had to bring their own containers, which could also be purchased at the club. If they wanted to consume the potion on the spot, no one would stop them.
“If you see any potions you like, feel free to bid. We have plenty of money!” Rebecca said to Leona, who was swinging her legs, her feet not reaching the ground. “We’re family now, and that gold is our shared property. I can always earn more!”
“Really? We can bid on anything?” Leona asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Hmph, I’m not bragging, but we’re probably the wealthiest people in Lavoisier City right now,” Rebecca said, her voice filled with pride. “But hoarding all this wealth is meaningless. We should spend it, let it circulate. Money is only valuable when it’s being used!”
Leona grabbed Rebecca’s hand, her voice filled with admiration. “You’re truly wise!”
The auction continued, a parade of strange and wonderful potions being presented. One potion could temporarily grant the drinker (regardless of gender) a pair of beautifully shaped breasts. Leona desperately wanted it but was too embarrassed to ask. Rebecca, sensing her desire, purchased it for three times the starting price. Another potion turned the drinker’s vision green. Another made chocolate-flavored smoke erupt from the drinker’s ears… These bizarre potions amazed Leona. She regretted not visiting this place during her time as a princess.
Even Flora, usually reserved, purchased a potion. It could temporarily make the drinker’s skin rosy and healthy. She had always been concerned about Abyss’s pale complexion. She wasn’t worried about side effects. Her Divine Arts could neutralize any toxins.
“Next…” the auctioneer said, waiting for the next potion to be placed on the table. He consulted his list. “This potion can test the compatibility of a couple after marriage… Both individuals consume the potion, then touch each other’s bodies. The point of contact will emit light. The brighter the light, the more compatible they are. However, the seller claims the results are for entertainment purposes only. I believe this potion will be popular among our younger guests. Starting bid: one hundred imperial coins. Please place your bids.”
“One hundred and twenty imperial coins,” someone shouted immediately.
“One hundred and fifty imperial coins!”
“Three hundred imperial coins!” Rebecca exclaimed, raising her hand. “Please refrain from bidding any further. I really want this potion. If I win, everyone here will receive three hundred imperial coins from me!”
The auctioneer almost dropped his bell. The guests looked at each other, stunned. They had never seen such extravagance. This potion was clearly a novelty item, yet she was taking it so seriously. Those who had intended to bid immediately withdrew, lured by the promise of free money.
Leona stared at Rebecca with newfound admiration. This was a true business queen! Bold and generous!
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