Strongest Kingdom: My Op Kingdom Got Transported Along With Me

Alix inclines his head. "I understand. I leave the particulars in your capable hands."

Cedric rises, carefully gathering the items. "Thank you for entrusting us with these treasures. I will personally oversee their authentication and ensure they are presented appropriately."

Cedric's gaze lingers on the exceptional items Alix has presented, his mind already calculating the immense interest they will generate. He straightens, his professional demeanor returning.

"Sir," Cedric begins, "in light of the extraordinary nature of these items, I propose we delay today's auction by an hour to properly announce their inclusion. This will allow us to inform our esteemed clientele and ensure that these treasures receive the attention they deserve."

Alix nods, his expression calm and understanding. "That's acceptable. I can wait."

"Excellent," Cedric responds, relief evident in his tone. "I shall make the necessary arrangements immediately."

With a respectful bow, Cedric departs the VVIP lounge, leaving Alix and Draya in the opulent room.

News of the upcoming auction featuring Tier 4 skill and spell books, along with the remarkable sword housing an embedded skill, spreads rapidly throughout Valgros. Messengers are dispatched to noble estates, mercenary guilds, and influential figures across the kingdom. The announcement causes a stir, as such rare and powerful skills or spells are seldom available for public bidding.

In the opulent VVIP lounge of the Silvercrest Auction House, Prince Asdri and his companions—Pyke, Ingra, Famir, and Valia—are comfortably settled, anticipating the commencement of the day's auction. The room exudes luxury, with plush seating and a selection of fine refreshments at their disposal.

The door opens quietly, and Cedric Langston, the house manager, enters with a composed demeanor. He approaches the prince and offers a respectful bow.

"Your Highness," Cedric begins, his tone measured, "I must inform you of a slight delay in today's proceedings. The auction will be postponed by one hour."

Prince Asdri raises an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "A delay? What is the cause, Mr. Langston?"

Cedric maintains his professional composure. "A distinguished gentleman has presented several exceptional items for auction, including Tier 4 skill and spell books. To properly announce and authenticate these items, we require additional time."

The prince's companions exchange intrigued glances. Pyke, the burly warrior, leans forward slightly. "Tier 4 skill and spell books? Those are indeed rare."

Cedric nods in agreement. "Indeed, they are. Furthermore, Your Highness, I must extend my apologies, as the order of the auction has been adjusted. The item you provided will no longer serve as the finale."

Prince Asdri's eyes narrow slightly. "Oh? And what item has taken its place?"

Before Cedric can respond, Ingra, interjects with a hint of skepticism. "Is there an item in the three kingdoms more valuable than our Tier 5 sword? Could it be a Tier 5 skill or spell book?"

Cedric offers a subtle smile, choosing his words carefully. "It is not a Tier 5 skill or spell book, Lady Ingra. The item in question is a Tier 4 sword. However, its unique attributes elevate its value beyond that of a standard Tier 5 weapon."

Famir, tilts his head in curiosity. "A Tier 4 sword surpassing a Tier 5? What makes it so extraordinary?"

Cedric maintains his composed demeanor. "I am bound by discretion and cannot divulge specific details at this moment. However, I assure you that all will be revealed during the auction."

Valia, offers a gentle smile. "It seems today's auction will be more eventful than anticipated."

Prince Asdri leans back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Very well, Mr. Langston. We shall await the auction's commencement with heightened interest."

Cedric bows respectfully. "Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness. Should you require anything during the interim, please do not hesitate to summon me."

With that, Cedric exits the lounge, leaving the prince and his companions to ponder the unexpected turn of events. The room buzzes with quiet speculation, each member contemplating the nature of the mysterious Tier 4 sword and the impact it may have on the auction's outcome.

An hour passes, and the grand hall of the Silvercrest Auction House buzzes with anticipation. The delay has only heightened the excitement among the attendees. Just as the auction is about to commence, the doors swing open to reveal a distinguished figure clad in the regal colors of Ordeya. The representative strides in, his presence commanding attention.

From their vantage point in the VVIP lounge, Prince Asdri and his companions observe the arrival.

"It seems Ordeya has sent someone after all," Ingra remarks, her eyes narrowing as she watches the representative take a prominent seat near the front.

Pyke grunts, crossing his arms. "Expected. News of Tier 4 skill book and spell book would draw even the most reserved parties."

Famir nods in agreement. "Their interest mirrors ours. Let's see how this unfolds."

A hush falls over the hall as Cedric Langston ascends the podium, his demeanor poised and professional. He surveys the assembled guests before speaking.

"Esteemed guests," he begins, his voice resonating through the chamber, "we appreciate your patience. The Silvercrest Auction House is honored to present an array of exceptional items today. Without further ado, let us commence."

An attendant approaches, presenting a velvet cushion upon which rests a leather-bound tome embossed with a warrior's emblem.

"Our first offering," Cedric announces, "is a Tier 3 Warrior Skill Book: 'Blade Dance.' This tome imparts the wielder with advanced combat techniques, enhancing agility and precision in battle. Bidding starts at twenty thousand gold coins."

A merchant from the eastern territories raises his paddle. "Twenty-five thousand."

A noblewoman adorned in emerald silks counters, "Thirty thousand."

From the VVIP lounge, Ingra leans slightly forward, observing the bids with keen interest.

A burly man, likely a mercenary leader, raises his voice. "Forty thousand."

The representative from Ordeya in the VVIP room remains composed, observing the proceedings without participating.

Cedric's gaze sweeps the room. "The bid stands at forty thousand. Any further offers?"

A jeweler from the southern isles lifts his paddle. "Forty-five thousand."

The noblewoman hesitates, then declares, "Fifty thousand."

Cedric nods, "Fifty thousand. Going once, going twice..."