In the simplest terms of purchasing power, ten thousand pounds could buy thirty million bottles of mineral water.
As the auction continued, the auctioneer’s voice echoed throughout the venue.
Every time a piece of art was sold, a buzz of discussion would arise in the auction hall, and occasionally, when an item of exceptionally high value was auctioned off, cheers and applause would erupt.
Moreover, outside the main hall stood professionals ranging from art collectors to journalists simply curious, all crouching or standing, intently recording everything that might make for a news story through the small glass windows of the doors.
"Ladies and gentlemen, now we come to the highlight of our auction."
The meticulously arranged auction stage remained the center of attention, with the auctioneer standing upon it, donning a dark suit and wielding a small silver gavel, the symbol of authority.
His brisk speech immediately drew all eyes to him.
It was as if an exquisite solo performance was pushing the atmosphere of the entire venue to its climax.
Subsequently, a servant from the Demon Race was brought onto the stage.
"Celestia, a Sixth-order member of the Demon Race, boasts well-trained, full-spectrum scout capabilities, and is the former captain of the reconnaissance unit of the thirty-fifth brigade of the Sixth Army Group in the Demon King’s Army. After her surrender to avoid the death penalty, she chose to sign a servitude contract of three hundred fifty-five years, which means, currently, she has two hundred thirty-one years remaining on her legally binding contract." 𝑛𝘰𝘷𝑝𝘶𝑏.𝑐𝘰𝘮
The auctioneer described this servant from the Demon Race, who possessed a different skin tone from humans - a light blue - her deep, night sky-like pupils, and long ears that trembled slightly.
Despite being in an unfavorable situation, she maintained a calm demeanor.
As the auctioneer finished introducing the special abilities and background of this Demon Race servant, the atmosphere in the venue became even more tense, with many wealthy individuals seemingly eager to have her.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Celestia is not only exceptional in appearance but also possesses extraordinary combat abilities that could greatly enhance the power of any noble family."
The energy in the room ignited, and the auctioneer once again captured the attention of the guests present with his charismatic voice.
"What is even more incredible is that, once she becomes your servant, she will protect you and your family for generations."
He cleared his throat and continued.
Below the stage,
Talia looked away, no longer wanting to pay attention to what was happening on the stage.
Under her bangs, her eyes were obscured, as if shrouded in shadow.
""
Lanci glanced at Talia beside him but said nothing.
He could probably understand the feelings of a dethroned princess like Talia, watching her own people being auctioned off.
At the same time, she couldn’t argue about it, as it was indeed not the Demon Race’s fault they ended up being auctioned off, and she understood this well.
On stage, the auctioneer struck the podium with the silver gavel, announcing the start of the auction.
Many wealthy merchants immediately began bidding; each one hoped to take this powerful Sixth-order Demon Race servant home.
The numbers in the bidding war climbed rapidly, from several thousand to tens of thousands in less than half a minute, with each increase accompanied by surprised murmurs from the audience.
This bidding was not only a display of wealth but also a struggle for power and prestige.
A Sixth-order servant, even if participating in Huadu’s Holy Grail Servitor competition, would be a strong contender; all the more so for Celestia, being a true veteran of the Demon King’s Army, with unimaginable combat experience and capabilities.
The expressions of the participants were a mix of anticipation and calculation, occasionally observing strong contenders.
Meanwhile, the Demon Race member stood quietly on stage, her eyes devoid of fear, as if she had seen through the noise and vanity of it all.
"55,000 pounds."
In the end, when a blond nobleman dressed in a formal suit, sitting in the second-floor VIP stand, called out the final astronomical bid, there were no more offers from the rest of the venue.
The auctioneer gave the final strike with his gavel, and the Demon Race servant merely bowed slightly, accepting her new destiny.
"Meow meow..."
Cat Boss had never seen so much money in its life.
It was utterly astounded.
"She sold for so much mainly because of her strong abilities and the long term of her work contract."
Without considering the possibility of Celestia dying midway or the risk of her harming her master, this was essentially a long-term employment contract of more than two hundred years.
Moreover, Celestia’s contract clearly stipulated that she couldn’t be forced or harmed, the work content needed to be legal, and she was to be given basic living care, a meager statutory salary, and normal holidays.
"Another part of the reason is that she is very beautiful; often, the auction price for a good-looking member of the Demon Race can double."
Lanci explained to Cat Boss.
""
Talia’s gaze immediately locked onto Lanci.
"Putting aside their power level and just talking about sheer appearance, then the Great Love Poet is unquestionably the number one in the world; no member of the Demon Race can surpass her unparalleled beauty."
Lanci said, looking at Talia.
Talia looked away.
That Mad Love Demon King, with both power and unmatched beauty, is indeed the most perfect of them all.
"Meow meow."
Cat Boss felt they were at it again.
"By the way, if Blood Clan members were captured and sold, wouldn’t that be even more exciting? Maybe start the contract at fifty thousand years..."
It seemed Lanci had just come up with an idea, mumbling to himself.
"Meow meow!"
Just hearing Lanci speak, Cat Boss could already imagine Hugh weeping inconsolably before the statue of the Goddess.
As they chatted and enjoyed the show, over half an hour quickly passed by.
Occasionally there were some interesting auction items; every so often, a VIP would enter, or some customers, having lost interest, would leave halfway through.