Murphy strolled leisurely past the auction house. Although the auction was about to begin, he had no desire to go near the building.
"I'll wait a little longer. These so-called world aristocrats are quite troublesome individuals, and wherever they go, they always put on such a parade of pomp."
He kept his distance, watching the entrance to the auction house carefully. There, a large crowd of people were kneeling, welcoming the arrival of the two Tenryubito.
"Holy Charm, Holy Itilia, welcome!" the auction house manager, kneeling, respectfully greeted Tenryubito.
"Lead us," the Tenryubito named Charm casually ordered without even deigning to look at him.
Saint Charm looked quite tall and was different from the other Tenryubito in his attire: while the others wore round helmets, he wore a square one. In his hands he held chains that connected him to two slaves. One of them, a large man, moved on all fours, carrying his master on his back, and the other, a woman in shackles, with tears on her face, who constantly followed her masters.
Walking alongside Saint Charm was a female Tenryubito, apparently his sister, whom the manager had named Saint Itilia. She was also leading slaves, apparently intending to attend the auction with her brother.
"Of course, sir. May I ask you to excuse those present from kneeling during the auction?" asked the manager.
"I'm releasing you, otherwise the auction won't be able to take place," Tenryubito replied.
Every time the Tenryubito visited the auction, the manager would ask this question. Although the answer was predictable, the procedure could not be skipped.
As the Tenryubito slowly entered, several slaves obediently remained at the entrance. Their faces showed no emotion, they only stared blankly ahead, without any spark of life.
At the entrance to the auction house, order was gradually restored. The people who had been kneeling began to rise, their faces looking offended, but soon they were replaced by their usual indifference. It seemed they had long been accustomed to this.
Such was the influence of the Tenryubito, the so-called descendants of the creators, the world's aristocrats, who were accorded the greatest honors everywhere.
When order was restored, Murphy also entered the auction house. From his point of view, everything that had just happened did not concern him unless he was dragged into it. He was neither the savior, nor the creator, nor the enemy of the Gods. He had no interest in currying favor with the Tenryubito, nor in saving the unfortunate slaves.
Having taken his seat, he calmly waited for the auction to begin.
The atmosphere was tense. Most of those present were aristocrats or wealthy people, and they were all eagerly awaiting this grand auction, which was held only once a month.
Soon the auction began under the host's voice. And after a short introduction, the host immediately got down to business...
— So, the first lot is a strongman, known for his strength. Look at his strong frame and muscles! He can do heavy physical work, serve as a pack animal or even a punching bag. The applications are many - anything you can think of! The starting price is 500,000 beli. If interested, raise your bidding signs!
The host skillfully created the atmosphere, in a few words introducing an ordinary pirate as a rare treasure.
"550,000 Belly!" the host announced, pointing to the room where a woman who looked like an aristocrat held a sign high.
- Excellent! We have a bid of 580,000 belli! What excellent taste! This noble gentleman seems to need a worker, and such a good slave cannot be missed!
"600,000 belli!" the previous woman raised the sign again.
Everyone knew that the best lots would be presented later, so only a few people fought for the first item, and it was soon sold for 600,000 beli.
Murphy was not interested in these things at all. He simply sat in his place, casually watching as one by one the slaves found new masters.
The slave auction alternated with the item auction, dragging out the entire process. People like Murphy, who had no interest in slaves, grew bored during the human trade. Likewise, most of the nobles and Tenryubito grew impatient during the item auction.
From that perspective, Doflamingo's decision to split up the slave auction on Sabaody made sense—at the very least, it made the process more professional and saved time for everyone involved.
— The next lot is one of fifty swords of Ryo Wazamono — Saburosa. This famous short blade is known for its ability to cut through anything. Note the exquisite painting of the scabbard, the many precious stones and magnificent decorations, as well as the shimmering cold shine of the blade...
- Enough, no need for so many descriptions. Just name the price, and let's quickly move on to the next lots. Where is the mermaid? I'm losing my patience, - a sudden voice interrupted the host's presentation. Everyone turned to see Saint Charm, impatiently looking at the stage.
The presenter wiped the sweat from his forehead and replied: "Of course, as you command."
Pointing at Saburosa, he announced, "Starting price: 2,000,000 beli. Those wishing to purchase, raise your signs!"
There was silence, no one responded. Most showed no interest, and the few who did were holding back the urge to raise their signs, as if placing a bet would be disrespectful to the Tenryubito.
"2,010,000 Belly!" the host pointed to the audience, where Murphy held up his sign.
Murphy didn't quite understand the men's ulterior motives. He'd just wanted to watch, but when no one made a bid, he decided to take action.
— 2,010,000 belli! Any other offers? 2,010,000 — one!
Everyone looked at Tenryubito, who only frowned slightly, which seemed to express impatience rather than dissatisfaction with someone's bet. Still, no one else dared to place a bet. After all, such a risk to life, even hypothetically, was something to be avoided.
— 2,010,000 — two!
— 2,010,000 — three! Sold! Congratulations to this gentleman who got the Saburosu blade at an incredibly low price. You are very lucky.
Saint Charm realized that this man had unwittingly taken advantage of the atmosphere he had created—other interested parties, frightened, had not made any bets, and the sword had been given to him for cheap. With a slight interest, he turned his gaze from the stage to this lucky man.
Seeing him open his mouth in excitement, as if he had received a huge benefit, Tenryubito said with disdain, "Hillbilly."
"He really is a country bumpkin, just a sword," his sister supported him.
"Hahaha, Saint Charm hit the nail on the head! This man has definitely never seen anything!" voices rang out in the hall.
After Tenryubito's words, the crowd began to jeer. Those who had wanted to place a bet but changed their minds at the last moment now, freed from regret, stood up straight and looked at Murphy.
However, Saint Itilia looked at Murphy and muttered, "Although this country bumpkin is quite cute."
But that was where it all ended, her attention obviously returning to the auction.
At this point, Murphy's face had already returned to its calm expression. In fact, he didn't even notice what had just happened, and didn't even realize that the blade was now his.
Now, although his face remained calm, inside he felt a great excitement. After all, he was staring at the image transmitted by the system.
Long-awaited and yet unexpected.
Roger appeared...
If you want to read advanced chapters follow me on patreon
30+chapters
patreon.com/YellowMonkey27