Chapter 106: Is It Entertaining?

The grand auction in Sorens was primarily organized by the Blue Sky Commerce Guild, held at a large venue called Cornerstone Tower located in the western part of Sorens City—also a property owned by the same guild.

The Blue Sky Commerce Guild had legal branches and assets in many countries, originally registered in the small nation of Savoy, likely for convenience. Over time, it had developed into a substantial capital cycle, encompassing production, transportation, and trade within its own system. While reaping enormous profits, it also contributed significant tax revenues to various nations every year.

Today, a notice was posted outside Cornerstone Tower announcing that, due to the early arrival of goods, all conditions for the auction had been met ahead of schedule. Consequently, the auction would be held two days earlier than planned, in the afternoon.

Not only was the notice posted publicly, but staff from Cornerstone Tower also personally delivered invitations to confirmed major clients within the city to inform them of the change.

Typically, auction dates are not changed lightly, as clients often need time to prepare and arrive. However, this auction was different. The organizers had not extended many invitations, and the original timing was somewhat flexible, initially set about a week later due to “logistics issues.” Now, for the same reason, it was simply brought forward.

Moreover, some of the bidders had already arrived, some of whom found it inconvenient to appear openly in Dirgalu. An earlier auction was therefore preferable.

Upon learning this information, intelligence personnel stationed at Rhine’s seventh outpost promptly informed Mulan.

In a corner of the inn’s dining room, Mulan, who was eating, furrowed her brows slightly upon hearing the news.

“Moved up?”

“Yes, my lady. The notice was just posted.”

Mulan glanced at Faroling.

“What’s your take?”

Faroling took a sip of water, his face thoughtful.

“Perhaps the seller encountered some issues and wishes to conclude the auction early, or there might be other reasons.”

“Well, earlier is fine—good even. Has the auction list changed?”

Mulan’s primary concern was the Sunstone and the possible presence of an alchemist, which were also the key focuses of the intelligence team. They responded immediately.

“The Sunstone is confirmed to be on the auction list. Cornerstone Tower says it’s consignment, but the seller should be present. The guild has a tradition of ‘cash and goods cleared’—for valuable items, the seller must be present throughout or at least send a trusted representative to ensure no foul play.”

Mulan then asked the most pressing question.

“Are our auction funds sufficient?”

Although the Sunstone was intended for Mulan’s use, this resource was backed by both the Dirgalu royal family and the Black Castle, who had pledged their full support. Naturally, Mulan wouldn’t pay for it herself—nor could she afford to.

“Rest assured, my lady. We have long prepared ample funds, ready to be withdrawn from the Sorens Grand Bank at any time. Besides banknotes and minted gold and silver coins, several chests of high-purity gold are also ready. There is no limit on funding.”

Mulan drew a slow breath—no funding limit?

‘Her Majesty the Queen truly supports me wholeheartedly!’

The Sunstone was being auctioned as a jewel. Some might consider it priceless, but an auction always sets a final price—perhaps astronomical to ordinary eyes, yet just a trifle to true elites, who regarded it merely as a plaything.

Nishelriel’s preparation of funds was extravagant—far more than needed—but it was intended to show just how much she valued Mulan.

As Mulan spoke with Number 6, another intelligence operative suddenly entered the dining room and quickly approached their table, handing a blue envelope to Mulan.

“My lady, an invitation from the Blue Sky Commerce Guild.”

“Hm?”

Mulan looked surprised, glancing at the two operatives with her. Number 6 was equally startled, while Number 11 furrowed his brows slightly.

“It seems the Blue Sky people know our situation very well…”

“My lady, the invitation was delivered by a child. The child is still here and wishes to see you.”

Upon hearing this, Mulan found the situation somewhat amusing and, after a moment’s thought, nodded in agreement. Since the other party appeared well-informed about their affairs, meeting them seemed no problem.

“Let him in.”

“Understood.”

Number 11 left quickly and soon returned with a boy who appeared no older than eleven or twelve.

A mere child?

Mulan’s expression shifted to curiosity. Faroling also watched the boy attentively, while Number 6 had already withdrawn to a corner.

The boy’s clothes seemed slightly oversized, with long sleeves and pant legs that were rolled up yet still loose. He looked somewhat nervous, glancing around the dining room before fixing his gaze on Mulan. Upon reaching her table, he spoke up.

“Greetings, my lady!”

“Hello. What would you like to say?”

The boy thought for a moment before replying.

“May I ask if there is an item you are interested in from the auction? They said that if you choose an item, its auction will be canceled.”

“Oh?”

Mulan’s eyelid twitched slightly.

“Why would they cancel it?”

“That item will be privately given to you!”

Interesting. A slight curve lifted Mulan’s lips.

“What are the conditions? Such a fuss can’t be just to gift me something. Miss…”

The boy was momentarily stunned, nervously looking at Mulan.

“My lady, what are you saying? I’m a boy, not a girl!”

“Hahaha, you can keep up the act if you like, but it’s unnecessary. Besides, your true form is far more pleasing to the eye than that of a little boy.”

Mulan said with a smile, then stared intently at the boy, who looked back at her with fearful eyes.

This standoff lasted about a minute before black smoke suddenly billowed from the boy’s body. Amidst the smoke, his form blurred, hair grew rapidly, and his figure elongated.

Eventually, the boy transformed into an extraordinarily voluptuous woman. The oversized coat that had hung loose on the boy now clung tightly to her curvaceous frame, accentuating the explosive curves of her chest. Her long, wine-red hair cascaded over one shoulder and flowed down her back.

The woman stretched her limbs, then leaned forward, placing her hands firmly on the table. With a serious yet inquisitive look, she addressed Mulan.

“This isn’t a simple illusion; even my form has changed. How did you see through it?”

Mulan wanted to feign nonchalance, but the woman’s overwhelming presence was impossible to ignore. Since she had revealed herself so boldly, Mulan simply stared a few moments longer, then smiled and returned her gaze to the woman’s face.

“An impressive transformation technique. But you should be careful to conceal your shadow. Your existential power far exceeds that of an ordinary boy. Though your shadow appears transformed in the light, the soul’s shadow has not contracted. On the ground, I see a faint silhouette of a graceful figure.”

The woman straightened, nodding slightly to Mulan.

“Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“In fact, I have a solution. If you truly intend to have the Sunstone gifted to you, I wouldn’t mind teaching you.”

She smiled.

“So, you want the Sunstone. Aside from those short-lived noblewomen who fancy it as jewelry, few can use it or have the skill to do so. Let me guess—you’re on the path of the Mysterious Radiant Knight, a direct scion of the Dirgalu royal family?”

“Being known too well is rather troublesome,” Mulan tapped her head and shook it slightly at the woman. The woman smiled back and glanced down at her chest, tugging at the open collar of her coat.

“Do I look good?”

Faroling quickly turned his head away, while Mulan felt a bit embarrassed but kept her composure.

“Very striking indeed.”

“Hmph, message delivered. See you at the auction!”

The woman turned and strode away. Her wide gait and the close spacing of her legs caused her voluptuous hips to sway sensuously. After a few steps, she suddenly glanced back at Mulan.

“You’re watching, right?”

Mulan finally showed a hint of embarrassment and shrugged helplessly.

“I can’t very well close my eyes, can I?”

“Hahaha, I’m Chris. Some call me Miss Misfortune. And you? Radiant Knight, my lady?”

Mulan slowly stood, nodding respectfully to the woman.

“Mulan Jonest.”

“Mm, farewell!”

The woman left with a radiant smile. She thought Mulan was quite impressive—someone worth cooperating with, and very handsome too.