Divine Beast Ascension

Chapter 497: Checking the Catalog

“You’re... You’re not?”

Oli shook his head while thinking over the proposition. “Hmm... Conquering Prodson wasn’t in our plans, but it’s not a bad idea either. It would increase our influence and reputation while also increasing the resources we have access to. It would even allow us to create a thriving market between Forell City and Iron Town without the inconveniences of being from different regions... I think I like your proposition.”

Trantor blinked but was still unsteady. “... Does that mean-”

“Are you able to act in the name of Forell?” Oli asked.

Nodding, Trantor replied, “So long as we visit my father before the qualifier begins, yes. Otherwise, he’ll unknowingly send someone to Iron Territory regardless of what we decide here.”

“We can do that. There are still a couple of suns till the first round, so we have time to make another trip to Forell. But not right now. First, we need to see if the new moon auction is worth checking out,” answered Oli.

“Does that mean we’re able to join you?”

.....

Oli glanced at Trantor with a slight nod. “How good is Freele at keeping secrets?”

“That depends... She’s either amazing at it or the worst. But so long as she has someone to talk to about it, she can keep more than her fair share of secrets,” Trantor replied honestly.

“If letting a certain secret get out would result in your family being killed, would you bet on her keeping such a secret?”

“... I would.” Trantor nodded with a solemn expression. “So long as she understands the weight of the matter, she’ll handle it properly. In that regard, I’d say she’s actually better at secrecy than Trenk.”

Hearing that comparison somewhat startled Oli but made him feel much better about letting them tag along. With the “okay” from Eeole, Oli agreed to let them join, but only if they let Oli handle all the talking and agreed to wear disguises.

The silent formation faded as the three men turned their attention to Trenk and Freele across the table.

Trantor spoke up, “We’re going to the auction.”

“Yes!” Freele pumped her fist in excitement. “I hope there’s something good to buy!”

Trenk didn’t say much but his cheerful sigh of relief said enough on its own.

Then, half a dozen matching cloaks and masks appeared on the table. Oli picked up his and donned the outfit. “If you want to come, then these are a must. Also, while we’re out wearing these, don’t speak without permission. I’ll handle everything, so just follow along until we’re out of public view.”

Fulkar and Trantor both complied without hesitation. Trenk followed their example in silence while Freele grabbed her disguise with a questioning stare.

“From this point on, consider Oliver as the one in charge,” Trantor spoke up, startling his brother and wife. “Thanks to Oliver, the goal of our family is possible. So listen to him and follow along without question. And don’t share a word of what happens today with anyone without explicit permission from Oliver.”

Hearing that, Trenk felt chills run all over his body. He then gave Oli a quick yet silent bow. Freele was in shock and just stared at Oli for a moment. “... You mean... Oliver, you represent-”

“Yes. And the moment any information about my true identity or my true origin is revealed, you and your families will face the due consequences,” stated Oli. “You wanted to know the truth. Now you do, so I recommend that you kept the truth to yourselves.”

Nodding and bowing, Freele adorned herself with the cloak and mask without another word.

Oli then helped Yeter don the beast-fitted cloak, along with a mask more reminiscent of a helmet to help hide the shape of Yeter’s head. Once all six of them were ready, Oli led the team out of the old inn and toward the city’s center.

They went straight to Icicle Palace with no detours. The first sun was beginning to rise as they entered the auction house. Though they attracted the attention of almost everyone present, there weren’t too many people in the reception hall due to it being so early. Still, Oli went straight to a receptionist with his badge in hand.

“Sir, it’s an honor to have your patronage,” the receptionist gave the group a full bow before Oli could say a word. “It seems you have one person more than the traditional limit of your deposit. Would you like to pay the deposit for them to enter as well?”

“Yes, please.”

“Alright, that will be one thousand gold.”

Freele was about to say something out of shock but Trantor grabbed her arm under the cloak, making sure she didn’t give herself away. At the same time, Trenk was baffled to see Oli accept the price without batting an eye.

“Yes, however, I must first see the day’s catalog,” stated Oli, pausing the payment.

“But of course, sir.”

A much thicker scroll was handed over to Oli, who took it and the group to an open area of the reception hall. There, they sat down while Oli scanned over the items up for grabs. They also activated a silent formation inscribed on the coffee table to keep anyone from eavesdropping.

Fulkar asked, “Any luck?”

“Not yet...” Oli sighed as he went further and further down the list. “I’m not seeing anything worth grabbing...”

‘That.’

“Hmm...” Oli groaned as his eyes came to a halt. He went back over that item.

‘You must win that item. No matter the cost,’ Eeole clearly stated.

Oli blinked under his mask while stroking the chin of the mask. ‘Why’s that?’

‘They include very little information about it in the catalog, but we’ll know more once we see it on stage. If it’s what I’m hoping for, then you must win it even if it clears out every gold coin you own.’

‘... Seriously? What is-‘

‘I can’t say for sure until I inspect it personally, which can only happen after purchasing it and taking it to a more secure location.’