The carriage traveled for a while longer before finally coming to a slow halt in front of a magnificent building.
Camilla looked through the window. Even to someone like her, who was used to the wonders of the Magical City, the structure before her was striking.
The auction headquarters of the Cain Chamber of Commerce was not a traditional stone or wooden structure. Instead, it was a strange building with a smooth, curved shape, its entire surface covered in dark silver metal plates.
There were no exaggerated decorations or signs around the building. Only above the lintel was a minimalist emblem composed of three intersecting arcs — the symbol of the Cain Chamber of Commerce.
Regarding its origin, several versions circulated within the Magical City. Some said the owner of the chamber had spent a fortune to have a Dwarf Master and an Elf Mage collaborate on the design. Others claimed it was the owner’s personal crest. There were even bizarre rumors suggesting it was the divine symbol of some ancient deity…
Of course, only Camilla knew that she had doodled the logo herself. From conception to completion, it had taken less than 5 seconds.
Even the name Cain Chamber of Commerce was the same. She had simply thought it sounded interesting and named it on a whim. Her general line of thought was — chamber of commerce equals capitalist, capitalist equals vampire, and the ancestor of vampires is Cain. Therefore, it was the Cain Chamber of Commerce.
Since the progenitor of the blood kin in this world wasn’t named Cain, people didn’t associate the name with vampires. Instead, they speculated that ‘Cain’ was the name or pseudonym of the mysterious owner behind the scenes.
“We’ve arrived.”
Lilian’s voice pulled Camilla back from her thoughts. The two of them stepped out of the carriage, and Lyudmila, Frost, and Thunder followed immediately, maintaining a vigilant stance.
Inside the building, the space was even more open and lofty than it appeared from the outside. The floor was made of dark stone polished as smooth as a mirror, and the walls were embedded with crystals that emitted a constant, cool light. The air was fresh, and the temperature was comfortable.
The lobby was already filled with many well-dressed guests, chatting in low voices in groups of two or three. Waiters in matching dark uniforms guided the guests quietly and efficiently.
Lilian was clearly not a first-time visitor. With practiced ease, she led Camilla toward a wide set of stairs extending downward on the side of the hall.
Guards in light armor with sharp auras stood on both sides of the stairs. Their keen eyes scanned every passing guest, but upon seeing the Purple Crystal Card Lilian presented, they immediately bowed and stepped aside.
After descending the spiral staircase for about two floors, the view suddenly opened up. A massive, oval, underground auction hall appeared before them.
The auction hall was divided into two levels.
The lower level consisted of general seating surrounding the central auction stage. At this moment, it was more than half full, and the sound of voices was somewhat noisy.
The upper level consisted of individual private boxes. The side facing the auction stage was made of one-way transparent magic glass. One could clearly see the outside from within, but those outside could not see into the boxes, providing excellent privacy for the VIPs.
The box corresponding to Lilian’s purple VIP card was positioned perfectly, directly facing the auction stage with an exceptional view. Guided by a waiter, they entered box number 7.
The interior of the box was modestly spacious, covered with a thick carpet. It contained several comfortable high-back chairs and a small round table with snacks and tea. The wall facing the auction stage was entirely made of magic glass, clearly displaying the panoramic view of the brightly lit, crowded auction hall below.
“Please make yourselves comfortable, young ladies. The auction will officially begin in 15 minutes. If you have any needs, please ring the bell to call for service.”
After speaking respectfully, the waiter quietly withdrew and closed the door.
Lyudmila took her place naturally in the shadows inside the door, hugging her sword like a silent statue. Frost and Thunder remained in the corridor outside the box, standing on either side like a pair of door gods.
Lilian sat down gracefully in the main seat facing the auction stage, then patted the spot beside her.
“Camilla, sit here. You can see more clearly.”
“Alright, thank you, Your Highness.”
Camilla sat down beside Lilian, her gaze curiously taking in the furnishings of the box and the venue below.
Even though it was her own property, this was the first time she had sat in a box as a ‘guest’ to experience the atmosphere of an auction.
On the small round table were several plates of exquisitely made pastries and a pot of steaming floral tea. The aroma was inviting. Lilian poured a cup of tea and handed it to Camilla, then picked up a small almond biscuit for herself.
“Don’t be too stiff. Just treat it as if you’re here to play and enjoy the spectacle. If you see something you like, just raise the bid.” Her confident tone reminded Camilla of certain overbearing CEOs from novels.
“I will.”
Camilla took the teacup and thanked her, though she was thinking to herself, ‘I hope I don’t run into the embarrassing situation of having to buy my own stuff tonight…’
Time passed minute by minute, and the general seating below gradually filled up. The hum of discussion was constant.
The lights in the upper-level boxes also began to turn on one by one. Faint figures could be seen moving, but it was impossible to tell who they were.
Finally, when the clock struck 7:00 PM, the magical lights in the auction hall dimmed, leaving only several beams of light focused on the central circular auction stage.
A refined, middle-aged man wearing a well-tailored deep purple formal suit, with his hair combed meticulously, walked onto the center of the auction stage with a steady pace.
In his hand, he held a small silver auction gavel, and his face wore a professional, warm smile.
“Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. Welcome to the Cain Chamber of Commerce’s monthly auction. I am your auctioneer for tonight, Rodriguez.”
His voice, amplified by magic, was clear and magnetic, instantly drowning out the noise in the hall.
“I believe everyone here has come for their desired treasures. Therefore, I will not waste any more words and delay your valuable time.”
Master Rodriguez turned slightly and gestured toward the side of the stage.
“Now, please bring out our first item — “
From behind the auction stage, two strong men in chamber uniforms and white gloves carefully pushed out a cart covered with red velvet.
A rectangular object covered by a black cloth sat on the cart, and the eyes of the entire audience instantly focused on it.
Rodriguez walked to the cart, reached out, and gently pinched a corner of the black cloth.
“Tonight’s opening item is a treasure that combines historical value with practicality. It comes from an Ancient Imperial Tomb. Despite passing through 300 years of history, it remains perfectly preserved. Its enchantment effects have been confirmed to still be active by three of our chamber’s Master Appraisers.”
With a flick of his wrist, the black cloth was whipped away. Under the lights, a set of ancient-looking armor with a dull metallic luster stood quietly on a stand.
The armor was not flashy — it even looked a bit old — but the lines were smooth, and the joints were ingeniously designed. The breastplate and pauldrons were engraved with dragon-shaped patterns and protective runes that, while slightly blurred, still looked extraordinary.
“Old Empire Standard General Armor, a product of the late Third Dynasty. It comes with medium physical resistance, weak fire resistance, and a toughness enchantment. The starting bid is 800 gold coins! Each increment must be at least 50 gold coins!”
As Rodriguez finished speaking, the auction gavel lightly tapped the table.
“The bidding begins!”
“Well, are you interested in this?” Lilian asked Camilla with a smile.