Chapter 195: A Game Without Losers

The fair-skinned ceramic teapot emitted steam, and the temperature in the room was rising rapidly.

At the same time, the venue downstairs was the same; a war without visible blood and gore was transitioning from a contest of drums and gongs to close-quarters combat.

The faces in the main hall of the venue were like red-hot charcoal, even replacing the roaring fireplace, roasting the air of the entire venue until it was dry and hot.

At first, the wealthy people on Queen Street were still participating in the bidding contest, but as the price gradually entered the 100,000 mark, even they, with their deep pockets, couldn't help but beat drums in their hearts, weighing whether it was worth it.

Meanwhile, the nobles sitting on the second floor were the exact opposite; the increasingly high price not only failed to calm them down, but instead made them even more fanatical.

As the servant of the Count of Nanxi Valley raised his paddle and pushed the price to 300,000, the atmosphere at the venue reached a complete climax.

Sitting at the edge of the venue, Andor's eyes were wide open as if they were about to pop out, his neck was as red as pig liver, and his daughter Lucy, who was holding his arm, couldn't catch her breath and fainted backward.

It wasn't just their family that experienced a similar situation; the entire venue was filled with gasps and exclamations one after another.

"300,000, going once!"

The host took a handkerchief from the waiter to wipe the sweat from his forehead, but before he could shout the next sentence, a shout followed immediately from the floor that made his heart jump into his throat.

"350,000!!"

A servant wearing a silk dress suit raised the paddle in his hand.

Judging by the gold-rimmed embroidery of swords and spears on his shoulders, he was a servant of Glanston, the Count of Beixi Valley in the Principality of Campbell.

When shouting this bid, the servant glanced around nonchalantly, then finally looked at the dumbfounded host, signaling him to hurry up and do what he was supposed to do.

The host, as if waking from a dream, hurriedly threw away the handkerchief and picked up the wooden mallet, while Wenkdun, the Count of Nanxi Valley sitting on the second floor, frowned with his thick, heavy brows.

The two of them were locked in a contest.

Watching the irrational price, Andi rubbed the ring on his index finger; although the expression on his face remained calm and composed, sweat was still seeping from his forehead.

It seemed that neither he nor the respected Mr. Kelin were conservative enough; they had completely underestimated the wealth and vanity of the nobles of the Principality of Campbell.

350,000 gold coins!

In a large city with a population of one million like Lei Ming City, based on an average annual income of 2.4 gold coins (24,000 copper coins) per capita and a tax rate of nearly 30%, excluding import/export taxes, commercial taxes, and consumption taxes, the annual income tax would only be 720,000 gold coins!

The income of a county ruled by a feudal lord is often not that high; for example, the villages around Lei Ming City only have an annual income of a few thousand to ten thousand coins.

If they continue to bid like this, they might end up throwing away several years of their own county's income all at once!

After repeatedly weighing the gains and losses, Andi finally made up his mind and raised the paddle in his hand.

"Fifty thousand gold coins!"

"Fifty thousand gold coins! O-once! Praise the generous Mr. Andi... Saint Xisi above!" The host tapped the wooden mallet in his hand tremblingly, almost failing to hold the mallet handle soaked in sweat, letting the mallet fly out of his hand.

At the same time, he couldn't restrain himself from shouting in his heart.

Saint Xisi above!

Its value is already expensive enough; it cannot continue to expand. Anyone is fine, come quickly and stop this group of crazy guys!

The atmosphere at the scene was boiling, Pangke clenched his fists, eyes wide, looking at this absurd world he had never seen before.

And in the corner of the venue, Andi, who had stood up excitedly, almost threw away the daughter holding his arm.

Ten Morning Embrace hotels!

He had thought that he, who could get an invitation to the banquet, was rich enough, but he hadn't expected that he was still a dozen Queen Streets away from the real Kingdom of Heaven.

If a pocket watch of ten thousand gold coins was still within his cognitive range, then this fifty thousand gold coins completely made him lose his mind.

He and his late father could struggle for ten lifetimes and still not earn so much money!

Standing in the middle of the boiling crowd, the servants of the North Creek Valley and South Creek Valley Earls almost simultaneously cast their gazes at Andi.

Their eyes narrowed slightly, flashing with dangerous expressions in their surprise, like hungry wolves in the Yinsong Forest.

However, they didn't act out.

Because their masters hadn't let them do so yet.

Andi stood up calmly, turned around and bowed slightly to the guests behind him, then cleared his throat and spoke.

"Please forgive my lapse in composure; when I saw this diamond, my mind went blank, and I only had one thought—only a true crown and an eternal legend are worthy of this shining light."

"Mr. Kelin presented it as a gift to the Princess and the Campbell Principality, and I, as an ordinary citizen of Lei Ming City, want to present it as a congratulatory gift to the respected Grand Duke Edward, congratulating that gentleman on his ascension and the future prosperity of the Campbell Principality!"

Just as his voice fell, thunderous applause erupted in the venue.

And that applause also allowed the two nobles sitting in the private box on the second floor to calm down, resolving a conflict invisibly.

Watching Mr. Andi, who sat down elegantly, and the two servants who returned to their seats, Pangke, who was clapping in the seating area, only felt admiration in his heart.

This remark not only gave enough face to those two Earls but also implicitly pointed out that if the two Earls continued to fight, they would be overstepping, while also taking the opportunity to do a favor for the Campbell family.

Sure enough, no one continued to bid.

Of course.

What he admired most was his own master, Mr. Kelin.

A diamond was played with by that noble gentleman, both winning the Princess's heart and using the prestige of the Campbell family to invisibly raise the price of the diamond, and in the end, it was the Andi family's money that was spent, and he made the latter pay willingly.

The most critical thing is that there were no losers in this game until the end; a diamond changed hands several times, everyone got what they wanted, and not a single person would hate his master because of it.

Amidst a round of applause, the host standing on the stage tapped the wooden mallet for the third time, finally throwing away the mallet that had long been soaked in sweat with a sense of relief, announcing the winner of this precious auction item.

Saint Xisi above—

Finally over!

In all his years in the industry, this was the first time he had been so urgently eager for it to end, to the point that he couldn't say any inspiring words at the last moment.

The auction was still continuing.

Successively appearing were manuscripts of famous musicians, marble busts of unknown figures, and lifelike oil paintings, or jewelry donated by some noble young lady.

Although these things also sold for good prices, they were much dimmer in front of the shining "Ailin's Eye," and combined, they couldn't compare to the pocket watch that appeared at the beginning.

Pangke didn't stay at the auction for the whole time, but went to the balcony on the second floor at the agreed time, handing the pocket watch he had obtained to Mr. Kelin.

"Mr. Andi asked me to send his regards to you, and besides... he wants to set a time with you to talk about the next cooperation."

Luo Yan took the golden pocket watch in his hand and scrutinized it for a moment, using the "Alchemy Eye" to gain insight into its internal structure, and also confirmed the guess in his heart.

This so-called dwarf craftsmanship was no different from the common mechanical watches on Earth; the core was the tourbillon and the long mainspring, recovering and storing power.

The related technology on Earth was born in the 18th century, and the civilization level of the Aus Continent was also around this time node.

In addition, the dwarf who made this thing was quite scheming, setting a locking structure on the tourbillon; violent removal would cause the metal parts inside to twist into a ball.

This was of no use to magic, but ordinary mages wouldn't study this thing anyway.

For example, he was too lazy to study it.

"Let's do it now." Closing the watch cover, Luo Yan stuffed the pocket watch into his pocket and looked at Pangke, who was waiting on the side, and said.

Pangke hesitated slightly.

"But the Princess's side..."

Luo Yan said casually.

"She needs to calm down for a while now; in five minutes, you go for me and say that Mr. Andi's invitation is hard to refuse, I might not be able to get away for a while, and I hope the Princess will understand, and I will apologize to her in person later."

Wine that has been brewed needs to be sealed and placed for a while before it will be more delicious.

Although it was also interesting to appreciate that at-a-loss look, staying too long would make her lose her dignity, ultimately backfiring.

Taking a step back at this time would be more meaningful than taking a step forward, and this was also the reason he chose to come out for air at this time.

As for striking while the iron is hot, that is a speed-run method.

And what Luo Yan needed was not such a superficial thing, but to have her mind filled with thoughts of him after she calmed down.

Pangke didn't ask more, seriously remembering Mr. Kelin's instructions, standing on the balcony, watching the watch and starting to time it.

As for Luo Yan himself, he left the balcony and walked toward the other side of the corridor.

Mr. Andi's servant was already waiting there.

That gentleman in formal attire bowed respectfully to him, and then took him to a private box not far away.

Regarding the cooperation details of "Kelin Mining Company," especially the investment and shareholding ratio of both sides, both sides still needed to discuss in depth.

Luo Yan believed that regarding the standard-selling concept he had proposed earlier, Mr. Andi had already prepared a plan that satisfied him.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have spent a huge sum of fifty thousand gold coins to show his sincerity.

On the other side, Pangke, who was timing, arrived at the door of Princess Ailin's private box and reached out to knock on the door, exactly five minutes, not more, not less.

The one who opened the door was the Princess's female guard.

Pangke didn't dare to be careless at all, conveying his meaning exactly according to Mr. Kelin's instructions, and then hurried away. Learning that Kelin wouldn't be able to return for a while, Ailin Campbell felt relieved, but couldn't help but feel a sense of loss.

Honestly, she had no idea what he was thinking.

At first, she felt that the other party had taken a fancy to her, but just before she started to feel troubled, his pulling away made her unable to make up her mind.

Perhaps it was just her wishful thinking?

Perhaps he didn't think that much at all.

She could feel the appreciation in those eyes, but couldn't see through what kind of emotion was hidden behind that appreciation.

That feeling of being close yet far made her mood unable to calm down completely, like the restless cicada chirping in summer.

"Theresa, do you think there is really anyone in this world who would pay such a precious treasure just because of appreciation?"

Hearing the Princess's inquiry, Theresa, who had closed the door and returned to the tea table, was stunned for a few seconds, then hesitated and gave her answer.

"Sorry, Princess, I don't have experience in this area... but I think there shouldn't be."

"So it really is 'like'?" Ailin sighed lightly, holding her chin with both hands, and said in a joking tone, "It's really troublesome; I didn't expect that I would also become that sinful woman in the story."

【Missing text】

Having been together for so long, Theresa could certainly hear that the Princess was joking, but the slightly curled lips made her unable to make up her mind.

After pondering for a long time, she cautiously opened her mouth.

"Your Highness, I don't know that Mr. Kelin, we can't investigate too much information about him, but I think if he is the same kind of person as your brother Grand Duke Edward, they shouldn't have the emotion of 'like'."

"I know, changing the word 'like' to 'want to get' might be more accurate; don't think I don't understand anything, I just don't like expressions that don't understand the style..."

Ailin sighed leisurely, wise light flashing in her bright eyes.

"But don't you think that no matter what purpose he approached me with, it's not a loss for us?"

The funds raised by this charity evening had far exceeded her expectations, not only being able to settle the refugees outside Lei Ming City but even being able to do more things.

In comparison, she didn't really pay anything, and Mr. Kelin didn't ask her to use the Campbell family's power to do anything.

Since that's the case, it doesn't seem bad for her to play a little girl who admires him, not to mention his conversation and etiquette are quite likable.

Although Ailin didn't write the emotions in her heart on her face, the slightly curled lips still exposed the pride in her heart.

It was as if she had solved a difficult problem in a court lesson that no one else could solve.

Theresa admitted that the Princess was very smart; she even entrusted her to do field investigations to understand the different prices in different regions of Lei Ming City, which was something many nobles disdained to do.

However, what worried her was exactly this.

She remembered her father once said that the reason their family could last for a long time was not because the heads of the family were smart, but because they were not smart.

They were always loyal to the Campbell family, always the sword in the hands of the Campbell Grand Duke, and would not be smart enough to bet between the two princes.

However, looking at the Princess's spirited and stubborn look, she still couldn't bear to disturb this interest.

At least for now, that mysterious imperial noble didn't show naked ambition, just expressed appreciation for the Princess, and his behavior was gentlemanly and dignified enough.

If he really had any bad intentions, it wouldn't be too late for her to warn or advise him then...

As time passed, the auction gradually entered the end, but Mr. Kelin, who had left halfway, didn't return for a long time.

Ailin didn't take it to heart at first, just elegantly drinking black tea, enjoying the quiet of being alone, and chatting with Theresa from time to time.

However, the two were too familiar after all, and Theresa couldn't say anything fresh, let alone relax and talk freely with her.

Feeling a bit bored in her heart, Ailin's thoughts flew to the distant North, the Academy on the tundra.

Earlier, Mr. Kelin happened to talk about the willow tree that hits people, and the Thestrals that only people who have brushed with death can see.

Really curious about what else is on that vast land.

Just when the bored Ailin was planning to order Theresa to see what was going on and how long the presumptuous Mr. Andi would occupy him, a knock on the door finally sounded.

Almost the moment the knock sounded, Princess Ailin, who had been distracted a second ago, immediately sat up straight, adjusted the teacup on the tray, and put on the look of a dignified lady again.

Looking at the Princess who had perked up in an instant, Theresa smiled helplessly in her heart, walked to the door of the room, and opened the door.

"... Really sorry, noble Princess, for keeping you waiting so long." Looking at Princess Ailin sitting at the table, Luo Yan made an apologetic expression and nodded slightly.

Looking at Mr. Kelin who apologized sincerely, Ailin, who hadn't been angry in the first place, smiled and said in a teasing voice.

"Then how do you plan to compensate me?"

Luo Yan said respectfully.

"I am at your command."

Ailin smiled and said.

"What if I hope you bring me the Demon King's head?"

"I have to admit that this is a challenging task for me," Luo Yan's face showed a troubled expression, "but if it is your wish, I will work toward this direction, striving to hone my skills."

"I'm joking, dear Mr. Kelin, you have already paid too much for me; how could I be embarrassed to ask you to do more. Besides, crusade against the Demon King is the obligation of the Campbell royal family; I don't intend to give this glorious mission to others."

Looking at Mr. Kelin, who seemed to have taken her words seriously, Ailin winked playfully, and a faint pride arose in her heart.

It seems that compared to her concern for him, he cares more about her.

The previous feeling of gain and loss and Theresa's reminder made her feel uneasy, even suspicious, but now it seems completely unnecessary.

The initiative has always been in her hands.

She can easily handle him, as long as she wants.

However, Princess Ailin at this moment did not realize that the reason she thought so was because someone deliberately let her think so.

Looking at Ailin, who was full of confident smiles, Luo Yan also showed a gentle smile on his face and said respectfully.

"If that's the case, then I should hone my skills even more, so that one day I can become your support."

That sincere smile was like warm sunshine, making Ailin's heartbeat subconsciously speed up by half a beat, almost losing her direction.

However, she quickly came back to her senses, maintained her dignified appearance, and elegantly invited Mr. Kelin to sit opposite.

In the following time, the two spent time in a friendly atmosphere.

The flirtatious words that make people fantasize are enough; coming again would be impolite.

Luo Yan didn't paint the lily, but continued to talk about his artistically processed campus life and things about the "Kao Continent."

Especially the second half, he had already told Mr. Andi once, and now he just happened to repeat it while he hadn't forgotten it.

Lest it contradict and expose him.

And Ailin acted as a listener, and asked some questions that made her curious from time to time.

However, it was obvious that compared to the New Continent, this little girl was more curious about the Wizard Tower of the Academy.

Just like that, tonight's banquet came to an end in a friendly atmosphere, and the satisfied guests left one after another.

At parting, Ailin specially put on a robe and, accompanied by Theresa, sent Luo Yan to the door of the manor.

Looking at Mr. Kelin standing beside the carriage, her eyes carried sincerity, and she said in a clear and pleasant voice.

"Thank you for your gift; although the time spent with you was short, it was very pleasant, and I look forward to meeting you again."

Luo Yan smiled and said.

"Me too; this was the most pleasant night since I left home. I wish you a good dream tonight. Besides, you might have misunderstood something; I was just about to give you that mysterious gift..."

Just about to?

Ailin was slightly stunned.

"Could it be that diamond—"

Before her voice fell, someone had already held her right hand.

The warm and familiar touch soaked into her palm.

By the time she came back to her senses, that kind and considerate gentleman had already sat in the carriage, and her palm had an extra golden pocket watch.

"It's just a pocket watch to me, but it's a priceless treasure to you; compared to possessing it, I hope it can accompany you by your side."

"Remember to write to me if you encounter difficulties in the future; don't lose it again."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 196 =====