Livia’s heart had been beating a mile a minute when the high level confrontation came so close to turning physical. Who knew auctions could get so hectic? They're still keeping it going.

That Foxkin had seemed strangely enamored with the sword, despite how its nature seemed at odds with the public image they cultivated so carefully. But it certainly makes it easy to see where the Cloven attitude is coming from…

The item was of course powerful, but there were many stronger ones getting sold here every year, even if it happened with irregularity. Not to mention how the Foxkin sects should have access to more advanced crafts, and more potent Natural Treasures from their far richer lands. But then again, the exchange rate is probably favorable, if they even allow weapons of such affinity to be sold in the Sect's lands?

The audience was clearly disturbed, but the show had to go on. Even if it was somewhat ‘expected’ for a Foxkin to have caused a disturbance, it was equally clear that none of the other Foxkin were likely to throw a tantrum at the same time, expected but rare. is that a thing? hAnd really, who knows what happens if she blows a lid somewhere less public? Depending on her connections, what would they be willing to cover for?

One thing was for sure. The whole [That human warrior had a set of balls on him.

When they brought out the next item it felt almost like a lull, with so many minds still occupied by the events of the last one. One [Merchant] was able to stay focused however, and snatched the item before his rivals could react. But it was ultimately no big loss, since it bordered on being a vanity item; expensive enough to be considered premium but not of a quality to raise any eyebrows. In summary it was a bow. One that was Enchanted to stay spry, dry and workable in rough weather conditions; but with the additional ability of being able to summon arrows from the paired, and equally protective quiver, all on its own.

“All you need do is, pull!” Said the [Auctioneer] on the screen as he nailed a 5 ft shot at an apple, impressing exactly nobody.

Livia was no [Archer], but still got a feeling like they might be underestimating the weapon. If they had the kind of cash to make plays with–then she might well have regretted not entering a bid before the timer was up–but it was not on the agenda just yet. The best kind of Enchanted items were ones you could both put to good use, and then sell onward without suffering much of a net loss, once you found something better. Usually that meant at least a partial repair Enchantment, but it could also just be matter of durability, or even some like Oscar's shield... And all our ranged options are magic so far, hm. We might need to remedy that in case we run into something with a resistance...

Not to mention how a good [Hunter], or the like, would be able to supplement their food stores in a very useful manner while they focused on crops and husbandry or the like.

They had plenty of ideas for recruitment, but they would all be temporary members for the scouting mission from now on. If things clicked and started to grow from there, then certainly the sky was the limit for them in terms of working for the [Guild]. But having entered Dormata was passing the point of having nothing to lose and being willing to make rash decisions regarding who to trust. The only reason they had waited this long screening recruits was to make sure they didn’t compromise their budget on anyone high level before knowing they could afford it.

There was a handy recruitment center you could go to, a sort of larger version of how they did things in the Salcret square, but usually meant for longer term commitments. And yes, sure you might not get the best candidates Dormata had on offer by only going there ready to make offers on the spot, not with them only sparing half a day… But with any luck you would at least get some hard-working and humble ones, maybe even pick up a Classless or two, if they found any with birthdays soon enough and who seemed both intelligent and willing to learn. There’s no underestimating having a couple of people who can jump between different Enticer-Skills before having locked in, not in terms of versatility.

But Livia’s distracted thoughts hit a brick wall as the next item came up, because it was like nothing Livia had seen so far in this world.

It was nearly as tall as she was, and it looked to be entirely mechanical. Or near enough, because it was made up of an intricate set of copper pipes and what looked to Livia like gramophone horns. But the front panel was mounted with several mechanical clocks and gauges, and it even had little rimmed wheels on the bottom where it was rolled out.

And the whole thing was encased in glass, almost as if it was not meant to be touched–except it had a corked hole at the top so the whole contraption looked sort of like it was stuffed in a bottle.

Livia had no idea what it was, but she already loved it.

[Oh, that’s an impressive piece. You know, we developed these prototypes a lot further in my time, although I would have expected the current ones to be a lot less intricate. Then again–that looks both like it’s made by a home tinkerer–but undoubtedly expertly calculated, I just can't tell for what.]

But before Livia could ask him to clarify what the hell the thing was that Mr Beard suddenly acted so in the know about–the dress-wearing [Auctioneer] of their local broadcast came to her rescue: As it turned out, this final item of the hour was a homegrown affair.

"We now bring you all, yet another exclusive item from your favorites here at house Bielke. This is an evening exclusive, so don’t miss it just because you happen to be sitting in the wrong house tonight, you should still have come prepared to make your bids on the true goodies,” She actually gave the recorder a wink. “This is, as I’m sure you might not be able to tell, a [Cloche Illuminance Sensor],"

The crowd actually sussurated, apparently the people who were familiar with such items hadn't recognised this one on sight. Livia reluctantly dragged her eyes from the thing at the familiar word, over to Margaret who looked just as surprised that this was it, but after tilting her head a bit and giving it a second assessment, she turned to Livia and gave a reassuring nod as she noticed the [Business Guild Master]'s eager look.

This was one of the items they had been talking about. This was something that could change their prospects from day one. And the [Auctioneer]’s Skill showed it as blue, we might actually be able to afford this thing, so long as the bidding doesn’t grow out of control… But why does it look so damn different from the pictures?

Livia hadn’t yet been out to a farm to look at one of the things for real, but she’d seen the pictures in the library and it was not meant to look like that. Hopefully that just means it’s a better one.

She decided to probably bid, but still held out for the final bit of information, which was the opening bid.

The smiling woman looked around the room, challengingly. “We head off at 14 000 silver, do we have a primary bidder?”

Since it was a premium item Livia decided she had time, and so she went over to consult with Elin and Margaret a little closer, since it didn't hurt to have your [Accountant] in on the job. Unfortunately the [Scholar] had just as little clue why the thing looked so different from the models recorded at the library. I guess we’re just going to need to take a shot.

This was one of the things they’d been looking for after all, and something which was not usually readily available except to order from the Enchanting schools, or finding one second-hand, which was also rare.

The item was supposed to help you find and grow things; all manner of things, anything that triggered an affinity check and took advantage of the sun while needing moisture basically. It did so in a way that was not empowering the vegetation exactly, or even increase its survivability directly, no. Instead it simply helped you track a huge area of plants and their relative exposure to lux levels, and moisture levels directly, thereby warning you of any changes that risked harming your plants.

It was among the most useful things you could put up when you started a farm or a homestead that was meant to grow luxury crops, especially if your Enchanted version had any extra features, the textbook example being one that also fired projectiles at approaching hostiles; mostly used by true hermits.

Livia got back to her seat, and finally noticed how the [Auctioneer] had neglected to explain any such special features, despite how different the thing looked. She had only mentioned one thing; it was charged from ambient magic as per usual, but you could charge it faster by pouring water into the corked opening at the top. No way it only recharges faster, right?

Then she noticed how the entire room had been relatively silent the whole time, and especially the [Auctioneer], who was stuck looking around for any sign of a bid. Oh, this has to be our lucky day!

But the thought lasted for only a few seconds, before the lack of activity made Livia suspicious, and she looked over at Elin to see if the fellow business-Class had any advice.

It was strange seeing such a lack of interest, but it happened on occasion. The opening bid had certainly been high for a normal version, and with the only vocalized feature being how it had an extra affinity for water and could possibly use that to charge faster… It was not exactly groundbreaking, you could save several thousand silver and just suffer the nightly downtime of a regular one when it was meant to charge; which you only really needed when you used the thing all day, every day. Not very likely without any extra features.

But it had given Livia such a good feeling originally, and the opening bid was only for 14 000. They had come here ready to spend 30 000 at most, and that much would put them in a position to need a loan if they still wanted to fully fund the expedition too, so in the end they would be shelling out at least an extra 3 000 for the item as interest accumulated. That was a bad road to travel down so soon.

However… 14 000 they could definitely swing, and more than a minute had already gone by with no bids being placed, so they were unlikely to have to pay more. There is a secret staring us all in the eye here, but is it a catch or a perk?

Livia raised her paddle with a scant 30 seconds remaining, and the bid stood strong.

20 seconds.

And then the final 10, and of course someone had to come rain on Livia’s parade.

“15 000!”

Livia didn’t even think, she just let her competitive spirit raise her paddle before even stopping to think. Who the hell does nothing for so long, only to barge in now at the last second!?

Her first thought was that they were just messing with her, trying to raise the price on her end, simply because they could afford the risk. But they put the amount to 17 000 before Livia had even lowered her paddle, and that forced her to stop and think.

But she only had six seconds.

They could have just as well been planning to buy it all along, and maybe just didn’t wanna let on to the rest of the room how the item had hidden value.

A last minute bid would have done just as well after all, with the way things had been heading. And the bid had come from one of the darkened balconies, Livia could not remember them placing a single bid before this.

The possibility could not be discounted that they knew something good about the item, something vital. Certainly not in the allotted time. But Livia was gambling with all their fates here. She closed her eyes and accepted the defeat, with a mere 2 seconds left on the clock.

But Margaret had shimmied between the seats and gotten closer, and she said just five words. “I think it’s worth it,”

And that gave Livia the confidence to follow her hunch. If they were prepared to raise, then they were looking to graze damn it.

She lifted her paddle, but she kept it turned with the numbers to the side, showing only the thin side–signifying halving the amount, something that was not permitted on premium items–unless you were referring to a higher sum.

The [Auctioneer] confirmed it only once, and Livia raised her paddle the same way again.

“Raise, to 22 000!”

But the counter came after only a dozen heartbeats, but quick ones, so only a second or so.

“Balcony matches the amount; 27 000.”

And that almost took the wind out of Livia’s sails. It could mean their pockets were endless… Or it could mean they were approaching their limit and were looking to intimidate before their shot slowly passed them by.

Livia trusted her gut another time. “We have 28 000.”

The seconds almost ran out, but the stage turned once more to Livia. “29 000.”

Livia closed her eyes, but she still raised her paddle this time. “We have 30 000, from our young lady in the front,”

Livia crossed her fingers, despite how she swore she wasn’t superstitious, and she hoped and prayed. They can’t just keep going, they can’t. The bidding started out at fourteen, this thing can’t be that expensive, surely? Surely?

She noticed after a few seconds how it was all strangely quiet after her bid, despite how the [Auctioneer] should have spoken by now.

She looked up, and the flush woman on stage was pointing right at her, with a smile on her face.

Sound returned. Everyone she knew in her row were smirking and hooting in her peripheral, and now the woman on stage could be heard again. I always pay attention, how did I miss it?

“Sold, for 30 000! We will now enter the final intermission before the four hour finale. Thank you all for bidding, and I hope you do stick around. You will certainly not want to miss what comes next,”