Chapter 513 - 402: Raylo’s Special Auction
Chapter 513: Chapter 402: Raylo’s Special Auction
"Raylo, I’ve already made the arrangements for the auction you mentioned in your letter."
Marquis Orlando picked up his teacup, took a sip, and changed the subject.
"The news is out. Many important figures have arrived in Baisha Port these last few days. The Mages, especially, upon hearing that you have a large quantity of High Tier Magical Beast materials, have flocked here from all over the Continent like sharks smelling blood."
"I appreciate your efforts, Father."
Raylo said.
"It was nothing."
Marquis Orlando waved his hand dismissively.
"You are the Duchy’s Crown Prince now, and my son-in-law. Your business is my business."
He paused, his tone growing a little more serious.
"However, the items you’re putting up this time are simply too conspicuous. Especially the Domain Level materials—there are so many of them. I’m worried it might attract some unnecessary trouble."
"I understand."
Raylo nodded.
"However, Black Stone Territory already has sufficient strength to deal with any trouble that lurks in the shadows."
"Since you’ve already thought it through, I won’t say any more."
Marquis Orlando said.
"Tonight, I have prepared a welcome banquet for you and Avril. When the time comes, I will introduce you to all the influential figures in Baisha Port."
"My thanks, Marquis."
That evening, Marquis Orlando’s castle was ablaze with light.
A grand banquet was being held in the castle’s banquet hall.
Melodious music, exquisite food, and fragrant, fine wine.
Nobles, wealthy merchants, and celebrities from Baisha Port had all gathered together.
They were dressed in magnificent attire, holding wine glasses and gathered in small groups of two or three. They conversed in low voices, their faces adorned with elegant and proper smiles.
When Raylo and Avril appeared in the banquet hall, accompanied by Marquis Orlando, all eyes turned toward them in unison.
Avril wore a pure white evening gown, looking as beautiful and noble as a fairy bathed in moonlight.
As for Raylo, he was dressed in standard noble attire. His posture was ramrod straight and his features handsome. The steady temperament forged through a baptism of blood and fire made him stand out distinctly among the crowd of pampered nobles.
"Everyone!"
Marquis Orlando raised his wine glass and announced in a clear voice.
"Allow me to introduce my proudest daughter, Avril. And my son-in-law, the future Crown Prince of the Duchy, Lord of Black Stone Territory, Count Raylo!"
A wave of enthusiastic applause swept through the banquet hall.
The nobles came forward one after another to toast Raylo and Avril, showering them with all sorts of compliments.
Raylo smiled, calmly handling the insincere pleasantries.
Although he disliked participating in such social events, Raylo knew that tonight’s banquet held special significance for Marquis Orlando and the Baisha Family behind him.
As a family focused on commerce, the Baisha Family needed an external ally like Raylo to compensate for their shortcomings.
Raylo knew that what these people valued wasn’t him as a person, but the power he represented and the auction that would soon bring him enormous wealth.
Just then, a woman with a voluptuous figure and a bewitching face, dressed in a fiery red Magic Robe, walked up to Raylo, swaying her hips like a water snake as she held her wine glass.
"Count Raylo, I’ve heard so much about you."
The woman’s voice was filled with seduction.
"My name is Cassandra, and I am a Steward of the Purple Crystal Commerce Association. Our association is very interested in the items you are auctioning this time."
As she spoke, she deliberately yet casually brushed her impressive bosom against Raylo’s arm.
Raylo’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.
Before he could say a word, Avril stepped in, taking his arm and pulling him closer to her side.
"Miss Cassandra, is it?"
Avril smiled as she looked at the woman before her. Though her tone was gentle, her eyes blazed with fire.
"My husband has never been particularly interested in business matters. If your association is truly sincere, you can wait for the auction to begin and let your strength do the talking."
The smile on Cassandra’s face froze for a moment. She hadn’t expected Avril to be so direct.
She glanced at Avril, then at the impassive Raylo, and ultimately had the sense not to press the matter further.
"The Marchioness is correct."
Cassandra raised her glass, concealing the hint of displeasure in her eyes.
"Then I will see you at the auction."
With that, she turned, swayed her hips, and disappeared into the crowd.
"A clever woman looking for a shortcut."
Raylo said softly, watching her back.
"Hmph, what a vixen."
Avril muttered under her breath, her hand tightening on Raylo’s arm.
Raylo chuckled but said nothing.
Halfway through the banquet, Marquis Orlando led Raylo to a secluded balcony.
"How are you finding it?"
Marquis Orlando handed him a glass of wine.
"It’s alright. Just a bit noisy."
Raylo said after taking a sip.
"Heh, noble banquets are always like this."
Marquis Orlando chuckled.
"Don’t pay too much mind to that Cassandra from the Purple Crystal Commerce Association. While their association has some influence in the Southern Territory, they aren’t major players. The ones you really need to pay attention to are a few other people."
He pointed to a corner of the banquet hall.
There, an old man with white hair and a white beard, dressed in a simple gray Mage Robe, was sitting alone, slowly savoring his wine. He seemed completely uninterested in the lively atmosphere around him.
"Who is that?" Raylo asked.