Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill Chapter 483:Che! Everyone Is Faunting Wealth

His tone carried a distinct layer of skepticism.

The guard faltered, a moment of hesitation marking his response.

Before he could articulate an answer, another man seated at the same table emitted a scornful snort.

"Fool."

"Have you neglected to recall our organization's own established protocols?"

He lightly tapped a finger upon the table's surface.

"He holds the distinguished title of a Marquise within the Empire."

"That status alone grants him eligibility for entry."

The inquiring man paused, his thoughts momentarily diverted.

Then, his expression grew considerably darker.

"However, that reprehensible individual…"

He subtly clenched his fist.

"He has previously sabotaged several of our established business ventures."

"Do you genuinely believe we ought to permit him to simply walk in here and procure any item he desires from our collection?"

His voice vibrated with evident animosity.

A third figure, who had been quietly observing from a corner, finally interjected. His tone was composed, yet carried an icy edge.

"No."

"Should we resort to forcibly expelling him, it would undoubtedly precipitate needless complications."

He reclined slightly in his chair.

"He is not an individual we can afford to openly antagonize."

A profound silence enveloped the room once more. Every person present grasped the unspoken implication. Ethan was no longer a figure of minor standing. He possessed significant influence. He wielded considerable power. And most crucially, he benefited from the direct backing of the Empire. Any overt action taken against him would inevitably carry severe repercussions.

The man who had voiced his anger earlier slowly unfurled his clenched fist. Yet, the trace of irritation lingered in his eyes, unwaned.

"Then, what course of action do we propose?" he inquired in a subdued tone.

The individual presiding at the head of the table finally made a move. He had maintained a stoic silence until this point. His fingers drummed a soft rhythm against the armrest of his chair, as a subtle, disingenuous smile began to form on his face. It was a chilling smile, devoid of any genuine warmth and failing to reach his eyes.

"There is no necessity for us to engage in direct confrontation," he stated with placid calmness.

The attention of the others pivoted towards him.

"We shall simply endeavor to make the proceedings… inconvenient for him."

The man who had previously expressed anger paused in his thought process.

Subsequently, a slow, knowing grin spread across his features.

"…I comprehend."

The man positioned at the head of the table leaned forward marginally.

"Numerous strategies exist for managing an individual participating in an auction," he remarked.

He retrieved a glass from the table, gently swirling the contents within.

"We shall escalate the bidding prices."

"We will obstruct his acquisition options."

"We will compel him to expend his funds extravagantly."

His smile widened by a subtle degree.

"Or, perhaps even more effectively…"

"We shall ensure that he is utterly incapable of acquiring the items he desires."

The room lapsed into silence once more. However, this time, the quietude felt more substantial and imbued with a palpable sense of danger.

The man who had initiated the conversation let out a low, amused chuckle.

"So, our intention is to engage in a game of manipulation with him."

Another man joined with a soft laugh.

"That esteemed Marquise presumes he can simply arrive here and claim whatever catches his fancy."

"He has selected the incorrect venue for such ambitions."

The man seated at the head of the table relaxed back into his chair. His expression reverted to one of outward composure, yet the underlying cold intent remained unmistakably present.

"Refrain from any reckless actions," he advised. "We are not present with the objective of creating a public spectacle."

"Our purpose here is to serve as a stark reminder…"

"That this territory belongs to us."

The man who had been displaying irritation finally allowed himself to fully relax. A cunning smile began to adorn his face.

"Then, allow us to introduce a measure of difficulty into his experience…"

He emitted a quiet, almost sinister laugh.

"Keekeke…"

...

A soft, resonant bell chimed. Ding.

The clear sound reverberated throughout the entire auction venue. At that precise moment, every gaze in attendance turned collectively toward the stage. Emerging from behind a heavy velvet curtain, a woman gracefully walked into view. She was adorned in a form-fitting, elegant gown that accentuated her alluring figure. The luxurious fabric shimmered vibrantly under the ambient light, while a daring slit along the side of her leg revealed smooth, fair skin with each deliberate step. Her long tresses cascaded gracefully behind her, and her eyes sparkled with an aura of confidence and captivating charm. A subtle smile played upon her lips. Her mere presence commanded the undivided attention of the entire hall.

"A most cordial welcome to our esteemed guests," she announced, her voice flowing with a smooth, enchanting cadence. "I have the distinct honor of serving as the host for today's magnificent auction."

She paused momentarily, her gaze sweeping across the assembled crowd. "It is our profound privilege to gather so many distinguished individuals in this one place."

The hall remained hushed, every attendee attentively listening. "The proceedings of this day's auction have been meticulously curated by the Merchant Association," she continued. "And I assure you, every single item presented will undoubtedly prove worthy of your esteemed consideration." She raised her hand slightly. "Let the auction commence."

The inaugural item was promptly presented upon the stage. It was a scroll, intricately sealed with markings of pure gold. "Behold, a high-tier combat technique," she declared. "An SS Rank Sword Art, known as the Crimson Void Slash. A formidable technique capable of severing both physical and spiritual defenses. The starting bid commences at ten million gold coins." The instant her words concluded, the bidding war erupted. "Fifteen million!" "Twenty million!" "Thirty million!" The prices escalated with astonishing rapidity. Within mere moments, the scroll was successfully auctioned off for a staggering sixty-eight million gold coins. The second item followed without delay. "This represents an SSS Rank Body Strengthening Technique," she proclaimed. "The Titan Core Refinement Method. Commencing bid: twenty million gold coins."

The competition intensified considerably this time.

Loud calls from nobles and warriors filled the hall as they vied for items. The final bid soared past one hundred million before the auctioneer's gavel sounded.

Ethan, ensconced in his private chamber, observed the proceedings with a serene demeanor, leisurely sipping his tea.

Beside him, Rathlos scrutinized the presented items intently.

More treasures were brought forth, one after another.

Exotic potions.

Armaments imbued with enchantments.

Artifacts of considerable power.

Each offering sparked waves of excitement throughout the assembly.

Then, another item was unveiled.

A sword.

Its blade gleamed softly under the illumination, and a sharp, palpable aura emanated from it.

"This is a weapon of superior grade," the host announced with grandeur.

"A sword of Legendary Rank: the Windbreak Edge."

"A weapon designed to enhance both speed and

cutting capability."

"Our starting bid is… ten million gold coins."

Rathlos's gaze sharpened infinitesimally the moment his eyes fell upon it. Without a moment's hesitation, he declared,

"Ten million."

Ethan cast a sideward glance at him.

"Why do you require a sword?" he inquired placidly.

"Could you not fashion one from your own scales?"

Rathlos remained fixed on the stage.

"I need it for the same reason you do," he responded.

"I cannot depend on my inherent abilities exclusively."

Ethan offered no further comment.

Meanwhile, the bidding had already escalated dramatically.

"Fifteen million!"

"Twenty-five million!"

"Forty million!"

The price ascended at a breakneck pace.

Rathlos's brow furrowed slightly, and he raised his voice once more.

"Fifty million."

Yet, the other contenders were unwilling to yield.

"Sixty million!"

"Eighty million!"

"Ninety million!"

Ethan's eyes narrowed subtly as he observed the escalating contest.

The sword was indeed remarkable, but it hardly warranted such an exorbitant sum.

Nevertheless, Rathlos persisted.

"One hundred million."

A hush fell over the hall momentarily.

Then, a distinct voice cut through the silence.

"One hundred ten million."

Rathlos's expression grew taut.

"One hundred twenty million."

The atmosphere in the hall crackled with tension. However, the bidding showed no signs of abating.

"One hundred thirty million."

At this juncture, Ethan finally intervened.

"Stop."

Rathlos faltered in his bid.

Ethan regarded him with calm eyes.

"Let it go," he advised.

"We can find alternative acquisitions."

Rathlos's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. He cast one last look at the sword before slowly exhaling and leaning back in his seat.

"…Very well."

The auctioneer's hammer descended shortly thereafter.

"Sold."

The coveted sword was claimed by another bidder.

Rathlos remained unspoken for a brief period as Ethan took another measured sip of his tea.

His composure remained unshaken.

"This is merely the prelude," he stated softly.

"The truly significant items have yet to emerge. I am confident more will follow, so do not despair."

"I am not… It's simply that this leaves an unpleasant aftertaste…"

"I... A Wyvern Tribe King must yield to some random noble..." Rathlos grumbled, eliciting a chuckle from Ethan.