CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 749: Reckless Spending [Golden Gachapon Bonus - ]

~5 minute read · 1,305 words
Previously on CLEAVER OF SIN...
Asher finished his shower and met with William, who was also struggling with the hotel's technology. They convinced Finch and Ryaen to join them, encountering the Prince on the way out. The group used a hotel van to visit a massive shopping complex, where Ryaen led them into a women's clothing store.

Asher, aware that women seldom concluded their shopping expeditions swiftly, opted to browse while he waited. He, along with William, Finch, and Vaelric, engaged in conversation amongst themselves as Ryaen completed her shopping.

An entire hour eventually elapsed before Ryaen made her appearance.

She was now attired in accordance with the Thalvorn Empire's fashion standards, donning a graceful, silver, robe-like gown that harmonized perfectly with her hair. In one hand, she held an ornate, unfurled fan, which she lifted to partially conceal her face. Subtle makeup enhanced her already striking features, amplifying her beauty and allure. Capping her transformation was an exquisite Chinese-inspired hair ornament, complemented by several delicate pins, adorning her silver tresses, which had been styled upwards rather than cascading freely down her back.

At this moment, Ryaen's beauty and elegance were even more captivating. Anyone witnessing her would have readily mistaken her for an ancient empress from a legendary Chinese dynasty.

Trailing behind her, numerous shopping bags floated effortlessly, meticulously managed by Astra's telekinetic abilities.

Asher, William, Finch, and Vaelric could only gaze at her in stunned silence, their eyes wide and fixed, mouths agape in sheer amazement.

She was undeniably magnificent, as if every garment had been custom-made exclusively for her.

"Am I truly so beautiful that you all stare as if you intend to pounce?" Ryaen's voice queried serenely, instantly dispelling their captivated thoughts.

And it wasn't just them who were captivated. Even the other female shoppers within the establishment found themselves repeatedly drawn to Ryaen's presence.

Throughout the entire Zarethorne Empire, Asher genuinely believed only Cindralis surpassed Ryaen in beauty. Tragically, even Wuthenya could not rival the Queen Of Bones in terms of sheer attractiveness.

Ryaen offered a faint smirk before proceeding toward the store's checkout area.

"That will be three hundred gold coins," the staff member managing transactions stated politely after tallying the total, "and if you opt for cash payment, an additional ten silver coins will be applied."

The Thalvorn Empire largely adhered to a predominantly cashless system. While trust in conventional banks might typically be questionable in a world like Crymora, the Awakener Association directly supervised and governed all financial systems across the Empire, ensuring a dependable and secure process.

Ryaen was unfazed by the supplementary charge. She paid composedly before turning back to the group with a radiant smile, her shopping bags hovering behind her.

With that, they departed the boutique together. After navigating the shopping complex for a few more minutes, they ascended to another floor. Here, the instant William lightly touched a shirt, he was informed of its hundred gold coin price, almost causing him to spew blood.

The staff member promptly elucidated that the shopping center operated on a tiered floor system; the higher the level, the more opulent and costly the merchandise became.

Asher felt a compelling urge to ascend directly to the uppermost floors, purely to witness the extent of the exorbitant pricing. However, access to these elite levels necessitated special VIP credentials; without them, entry was strictly prohibited. Fortunately, an exception was extended to them as foreign visitors who could not have possessed such VIP privileges beforehand.

Asher stared, dumbfounded, at a pair of shoes priced at five platinum coins, genuine disbelief etched on his face. He earnestly pondered whether footwear he could likely tear apart with his own hands could at least withstand an assault from a Voidstar Life Ranker.

If it couldn't, then what justified its exorbitant cost?

Naturally, the attendant quickly stepped forward, initiating an explanation regarding the materials and threads, purportedly crafted from rare substances and luxurious resources. Asher, however, found himself utterly uninterested in further details.

Yet, during a vacation, one was expected to indulge and enjoy without incessantly tallying expenditures. Besides, he currently possessed several thousand platinum coins, rendering lavish spending feasible. Who could predict when another opportunity to visit an Empire like this might arise?

Furthermore, he ought to learn to spend like an authentic Young Master, rather than perpetually scrutinizing his finances. Not to mention, Azaron had personally bestowed upon him ten thousand platinum coins a month prior, designated specifically for expenditures within the Thalvorn Empire.

'It appears I'll need to contact FatelessPen later,' Asher mused internally, 'I'll probably require a credit card with unlimited spending capabilities.'

Regarding William and the others, they had each received only a few hundred platinum coins. Should they purchase even a small number of items from these upper levels, their funds would be depleted almost immediately.

"Feel free to pick out anything you desire; the expenses are on me," Asher declared with a faint smirk.

He had already resolved to splurge without restraint. What was the point of fretting over finances when the FatelessPen existed? Asher felt quite confident that the individual would eventually consent to his request for some form of unlimited credit. And in the unlikely event that FatelessPen refused, Asher could simply reach out to Malrik, who would undoubtedly assist him without hesitation.

With that assurance, everyone promptly commenced their shopping with great enthusiasm. Asher himself donned a flowing robe, its deep purple hue perfectly complementing his hair. A stylized fake tattoo was elegantly drawn across his neck, bestowing upon him a more formidable and captivating aura. A single purple earring adorned one ear, and even his hairstyle was adjusted to better harmonize with his current attire and demeanor.

William, Finch, and Vaelric also underwent transformations into entirely new outfits, yet regrettably for them, their appearances continued to fall short in comparison to Asher’s astonishing charisma. Even their beloved Mama Bones would likely find it difficult to compete.

Eventually, they all converged at the checkout area, laden with all their acquisitions. Naturally, Ryaen had also procured an abundance of skincare products, cosmetics, brushes, fragrances, and various other items typically favored by women. Meanwhile, the men had predominantly acquired wristwatches, belts, rings, opulent accessories, and apparel.

"Your total amounts to seven thousand three hundred and fifty platinum coins," the male staff member stated courteously, maintaining a professional smile.

The upper levels were so exorbitantly priced that not a single item was retailed in gold coins any longer; everything was exclusively valued in platinum or not at all.

William, Ryaen, Finch, and Vaelric dared not utter a word upon hearing such an astronomical sum. While all of them were wealthy by conventional standards, were they rich enough to expend such vast amounts casually without facing scrutiny from their families? Assuredly not.

However, Azaron was currently disbursing platinum coins to Asher as if they were growing on trees. And with the Wargrave family exempt from tax obligations for the next century, Azaron possessed the genuine capacity to indulge in such reckless spending.

Asher simply gave a nod before calmly inquiring, "I intend to pay with cash; what will be the additional charge?" He was already aware that another fee would invariably apply.

"Seventy platinum coins," the staff member responded without delay.

Asher nodded once more. For a fleeting instant, he was genuinely tempted to instruct the System to convert the entire sum into copper coins just to make the staff members endure the tedious process of counting each one individually.

But alas, as the employees themselves were not responsible for dictating such outrageous prices or ancillary fees, Asher ultimately opted for leniency.

With a nonchalant flick of his wrist, a multitude of platinum coins cascaded onto the floor, forming a shimmering metallic mound.

They were politely requested to hold on while the sum was verified. After several minutes dedicated to counting and confirmation, they were finally permitted to depart.

Courteously escorted to the elevator, they all entered, and the cabin began its descent back toward the lower levels, every single item they had purchased securely stowed within their respective space rings.

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