Chapter 234: Transactions

    Derek and Alanah both waited in their booth until most of the participants cleared out. Some time later, other than a few people, only those who had won an auction, and those who were with them, remained.

    Alanah and Derek chose then to leave their booth. Derek needed to find Malorie and Rudy, while Alanah had a whole load of things she needed to take care of as the host of the auction.

    Once Alanah left his side, Derek looked around at all those remaining. Finally, he caught sight of Malorie and Rudy standing together, close to the exit. He soon squeezed through the few remaining guests and made his way to his people.

    When Malorie saw Derek approaching, her eyes lit up, and she moved to meet him, dragging Rudy along behind her.

    Wow! Derek thats was amazing! she said as they drew close.

    It was a lot more entertaining than I thought it would be. Especially learning about the prices of everything. Derek agreed.

    The Soul Contract was much more special than the auction. Rudy did his best to ruin the mood. Auctions happen all the time. Do you know how rare it is to see a Soul Contract be undone?

    Oh, so youre saying that auctions that sell items for one million gold or more happen all the time and are very common? Malorie chided.

    Well obviously, the auction was special. Rudy conceded.

    Yeah, and had some of the most powerful people in the entire Kingdom as participants. The King was here, for heavens sake, she continued.

    Derek snorted. Thats the least special thing that happened today.

    For you, maybe, Malorie shook her head. I grew up in a small village. Now Im in the same room as the King and sitting at the same table as nobles. I dont even know what to say. They dont even seem to look down on me, either.

    Are you glad you came? Derek finally asked.

    Of course! Malorie said. I met so many people and learned a lot. Stella was amazing!

    You know thats going to be you next, right? Derek said. When Brandi starts pumping out amazing items, you will be the one in charge of everything. Remember, you are our Stella.

    Derek let her have a moment to process before shifting his focus to Rudy. What about you? You think you may have increased your business today?

    I cant know for sure, but I tried my best, Rudy replied. Though I worry that all the advertising I did was lost after such an auction took place.

    That would make sense, Derek said.

    That is why we are by the exit. I made sure to get here first so my face will be the last face people see before they exit the auction. Surely that will help them remember. Rudy grinned.

    Always thinking about business.

    Of course! How could I let this opportunity slip?

    I will remember that, Derek replied. Have a wonderful evening.

    Once Natalie left, Derek waited alone in the lobby, watching as the participants entered the room, then left in a rush. Obviously impatient to get back and use their precious goods. Luckily, the line dwindled quickly and when there were only a couple of people left, Alanah found him.

    Come on, she said. Its best if you are there for the remaining winners.

    And it was, as the next person in line was Tyron Blacksteel. The contract to make the glaive would be with Derek, not the Crown.

    Derek nodded at King Edwin as he walked past the royal and into the room, where Stella waited with Tyron. The giant of a man turned and frowned when he heard the door open behind him, but smile when he saw Alanah.

    Miss Swan. It is a pleasure, as always, the smith said.

    Tyron, no need for pleasantries. We are all friends here, she replied.

    The blacksmith then eyed Derek. You would be Derek Hunt, correct?

    Thats me. Derek smiled. Tyron reached out with his bearlike paw and the two shook hands. I see those muscles arent just for show.

    Tyron snorted. One day I will hopefully get a chance to invest some into Dexterity to lean myself out. But until then, muscles it is. Both Derek and Tyron laughed as Alanah and Stella rolled their eyes.

    Anyway, Mr. Blacksteel, Stella cut in. Derek is the person who requested the glaive, so your contract will be with him.

    I see I was wondering what the Crown wanted with a glaive. Tyron nodded. Then he flicked his wrist, and the halberd appeared in his hand. He handed it over to Derek. Go ahead and take this for now.

    Derek gripped the halberd. The shaft was a little thicker than he would have liked, but that made sense, seeing how it was made by Tyron for Tyron. It was a hefty polearm, but Derek didnt have any problems swinging it around. It was also a tad be long, but that was okay.

    Good weapon, Derek said.

    I would hope so. It was my companion for many high-level dungeons, and I have upgraded it over time.

    Now that you are finished with that, lets sign the contract, Stella said.

    No need, Derek replied. I trust in Alanahs judgement. If Tyron is good enough for a membership to the Crown, then I trust him to make a proper glaive when he is able. I would rather he not rush through his upcoming trials because of a contract, and have an accident.

    Stella looked at Alanah and Alanah nodded nonchalantly.

    Very well. Stella pulled the meal out of her storage ring and slid it over to Tyron. Here are your winnings. Thank you for your patronage.

    Tyron took the meal and turned to Derek. I will begin work on your glaive the moment I am able.

    Derek waved him off. I just got a nifty new-to-me halberd. Theres no rush.

    With that, Tyron Blacksteel left the room. All that was left was the King and his Vitality Elixir. Derek looked forward to choosing a new skill.