126 Before the auction
This could be counted as the first time he bullied others. And when he saw them suppressing their anger instead of finding trouble with him, he felt at ease.
He tauntingly beamed at them.
‘That’s what you get for shamelessly making a woman your daughter’s age uncomfortable with your disgusting gaze, old bastards.’
That’s what his look told them.
He was asking to be punched.
Yet, it’s because he was accompanied by a dragon no one dared to offend that he was acting so courageously.
Normally, he wasn’t like that and kept to himself.
The inside of the Auction house was designed and furnished with rows and rows of seats.
A stage could also be seen. Item to be auctioned would be presented on it.
It also had private boxes for VIP customers on the first and second floors, and the view of the stage was quite clear from there.
Arlo caught sight of a young person with fair skin and long silky white hair that was accompanied by Fleur and Gaynor and waved his hands at him. “Long time no see, Alfonso.”
“It’s nice to see you again, Honorary Overseer.” Alfonso was dressed in a tuxedo, and his looks were immaculate; his every action was sharp and on the point; not even a breath went to waste. “I humbly welcome you to the Jade branch.” He slightly bowed as he shook hands with the emperor’s third hidden blade.
Yup, he was of the few that knew Arlo well.
Fleur and Gaynor were shocked. They have never seen him treat a person with such humbleness and respect. A thought popped up in their mind.
To be treated like that by the stingy manager, Lord Arlo must have an identity far more special than just being the Fierce Sword Count’s brother.
Roy’s eyes blinked, and his gaze moved from Alfonso, the manager of Jade Branch of Golden Pixiu Auction House, to his uncle. “Honorary Overseer? Just how are you related to them?”
“I am a shareholder of this auction house. I own a 5% share in it.” Arlo whispered into his ears, “Nobody knows, not even Badulf. So keep this a secret from him and others for me.”
“What if I am not good at keeping secrets?” Roy said to him in an equally low voice like a villain in the making, “What if I mistakingly revealed it?”
“Then… I will intentionally smash you with a punch of love! Maybe that will blast you all to the South from the North in one breath?!” Arlo said that so loud with a hearty laugh that everyone heard it.
His laugh came off as grating to Roy.
After all, what Arlo was trying to say was that Roy shouldn’t think of putting him into a dilemma if he didn’t want to get his ass whopped.
Roy already had his fill of getting his head kneaded by the bald man regularly.
“My lips are tightly shut about this matter.”
Thus, he promised not to mess with him.
Arlo turned to Alfonso, who had been waiting at the side to serve him.
Arlo: “Take us to the VIP seating area.”
“Of course.” Without a word more, Alfonso led them to the highest standard private box available and helped them inside; the two following behind him placed a tray of tea and biscuits on the table where a fruit basket could be seen before excusing themselves.
“This is the list of the items to be presented at the auction today. I hope something catches your eyes.” Alfonso handed over a list to him.
“Thank you. But don’t waste your time with us, folks. There’s a crowd waiting for you. You may take your leave. And… we don’t need serving. Don’t send someone else.” Arlo pushed a magic crystal into his pocket as a reward for his good attitude. These types of people he liked the most. He wouldn’t act like a stingy person towards them.
“Please enjoy your time.”
Alfonso left to hold the auction.
Amelia and Julian hadn’t been to such a place before. They scrutinized their surroundings curiously. It made sense for Amelia to have no knowledge of this place. But Julian shouldn’t be the same as her unless he was treated like thin air in his house.
“Wow! Runic designs used to craft magic papers are engraved on the walls. Just how much would that have cost? They are freaking rich!” Julian exclaimed.
“What kind are they?” Roy asked curiously.
“One that erects a privacy barrier around us. We wouldn’t be seen or heard by the people outside it unless we allow it.” Julian explained like a neet.
Roy was reading the list. Delilah was standing beside him, her gaze wandering in search of the silver-ranked assassins hired by Rose. The other two didn’t taste any of the delicacies out of nervousness. This was the same type of nervousness you would feel when doing something for the first time.
Arlo looked at them in pity. ‘They are like that at such an age. They must’ve lived miserably.’
Because his own childhood wasn’t sunny, Arlo understood what they must be feeling, and he also knew how to help them.
“Don’t shy away from them. They’re there to be eaten. Help yourself to some tea and biscuit. They taste quite good.”
Encouraged by him, Julian and Amelia tried them out.
And then… they couldn’t stop picking them up and putting them in their mouth.
They were too tasty to be left alone.
Arlo eyed the other two suspiciously. “Are you two going to miss out on it?”
“Sorry, I am not in the mood.” Roy didn’t move his eyes from the list. It was as if his eyes were glued to it. The first to be auctioned were half-elves that were slaves. This wasn’t enough to interest him. It was their names that caught his eyes. Their names were similar to the two Major Villains of the Novel!!!
“I’m on a diet.” Because she was busy looking out for the assassins and couldn’t spare her attention to anything else, Swift Death also declined Arlo.