Adventures of the last Wild Dragon

Chapter 287: A Noble Crowd

The grand building spread out before them, more of a complex than a standalone building in truth. Before them the main building stood, towering up to nearly half the height of the wall standing behind its visage.

It was constructed with a marble like stone, grand columns holding up its arched roof whilst an immaculate garden ringed the primary structure. Around it smaller but no less extravagant buildings dotted the expansive land, their purpose as of yet unknown.

The 4 girls were not alone in approaching the auction house, known as the Sovereigns Vault. Several carriages disgorged finely dressed nobles and merchants whilst a smaller stream strolled into the grand entrance that stood open. Smartly dressed attendants flanked the doors, taking payment for entrance and directing the guests to the appropriate location.

They joined the short queue that started at the base of the short flight of stairs that led up to the main doors. Subdued chatter rang out around them as people discussed various things, from the apparent success of their business to the local politics.

The two companions tried to keep an ear out for any useful bits of information but were distracted by the majesty of the structure and by maintaining their conversation with Rose.

"So this is truly your first auction? I can’t imagine not having been to one before! This shall be a great opportunity for you both then!" Rose said to the two with a warm smile.

"Yes it is looking to be a fine event, I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of items will be put up for sale!" Replied Violet with genuine excitement, it wasn’t every day that you were presented with a vast array of rare and unique items up for grabs.

Sure their was the slight issue of those items costing money, but, that was hardly even a consideration for Violet. Her wealth in simple gold coins was enough to bury this entire auction house and then some, even that act alone wouldn’t truly harm her finances. She did wonder how her mother actually managed to mamas such an extensive collection of coinage.

Violet guessed that it may have been inherited from the dragon king, her grandfather. Or perhaps from even before then.

However, Violet did also have another idea which she felt might actually be more viable as to how she amassed such wealth. She guessed that her mother may have... liberated, the coins from several sources.

She had no solid evidence supporting that fact, yet from what limited information she knew about her mother, it was an entirely feasible possibility. Not that Violet judged these actions of course, of the people were not strong enough to protect their wealth then they didn’t deserve it in the first place!

Her draconic pride blinding her to any negatives that may be associated with that line of thought.

Their conversation was soon halted when they arrived in front of the doors and the attendant there spoke up to them.

"Good day Ladies, what accommodations will you be needing this day?"

The strange greeting had been explained to them by Rose earlier, it aas effectively asking them if they would like regular seating or VIP services. Regular costing around a single gold per person for entry and VIP costing 20 gold per person. The reason for the steep price jump was mostly unknown to Rose, other than being able to stay within a mostly private booth up above the main stage.

Rose was about to respond with asking for regular entrance when Violet spoke up with a smile. "4 VIP tickets please sir."

Rose looked over in shock, whilst the attendant narrowed his eyes slightly as he appraised Violet and her attire, quickly relaxing as he took note of the impeccable quality of her outfit.

Violet was wearing a long black dress, a single split up her left side up to mid thigh, her back was exposed to allow her wings to rest naturally at her back whilst she wore a beautiful golden necklace with a large amethyst resting just above her cleavage which matched her violet eyes beautifully.

"Of course my Lady that will be 80 gold for the 4 of you." He then gestured to a peculiar box resting on a small table to his side, the bottom of which was currently slid open to reveal a draw that was currently slid out.

With a shrug Violet withdrew and deposited 80 gold coins that rested in the box, the attendant slid it closed a moment later. Then out of the top 4 gleaming silver pins materialised resting on the lid of the box.

The attendant swiftly picked them up and presented the pins to the girls who each picked one up.

Rose and her maid looking equally surprised and nervous to take it, yet nevertheless doing so after an encouraging look from Violet.

They were then directed to the left of the foyer that lay beyond the door and were told that a different attendant would soon come and bring them along to the VIP room.

Once they passed the doors Rose turned to Violet with a gleam in her eyes. "You didn’t have to pay for me, and to spend so much! It’s, it’s too much." She seemed genuinely distressed at Violet having spent so much money for simple enterance into the auction house.

Clearly concerned about if Violet could afford such an expense. Her concern did please Violet, yet she also found it amusing and so she replied with a warm smile as she gestured for Rose to hold out her hand.

"Oh don’t worry about me, I have more money than I know what to do with, here have this!" Hesitantly Rose extended her hand underneath Violet’s own, then blinked in complete befuddlement as Violet dropped a large silvery coin into her hand.

That look of confusion was soon replaced with shock and mild horror as she realised that she was now holding a singular platinum coin. An amount of wealth of equal value to 1000 gold coins, enough money for a regular person to live comfortably for their entire life if spent wisely.

"Wha, what, but what?" Rose seemed unable to form a coherent sentence as her brain failed to process the fact that she had seemingly been gifted a literal fortune so causally.

"Hehehe, like I said, I have more money than I know what to do with, so why not give some out. This way you can buy some things that you like the look of today without worry. Or save it, it doesn’t matter to me what you do with it." With that she closed Rose’s hand over the coin and patted it gently as she smiled at her new friend.

It looked like rose was about to speak up in denial again, yet was interrupted when another attendant approached them.

This time it was a woman clad in smart yet quite revealing clothing, she approached with a wide smile and gave a deep curtsy in greeting.

"Welcome to the Sovereigns Vault my Ladies. Please follow me and I shall show you to the VIP room as you await for the main event to start."

With a gesture from Luna the woman turned and began to lead them off to a different section of the building, Violet taking Rose by the arm and half dragging her along.

They passed through the building, admiring the various artworks and displays lining the walls.

Soon they arrived in another large room, much smaller than the grand foyer they were previously in, but still quite the large room.

Inside milled dozens of guests all clad in resplendent outfits showcasing their wealth for all to see. Noticeably the average age of the people located here was also higher than in the main section.

It seemed that this truly was reserved for the truly rich and powerful.

Amusingly enough Rose was the lest fancier dressed individual here, if you discounted her maid who was wearing her maid outfit.

Heads turned upon their entry, some showing discontent upon noticing their beast features. Yet surprisingly the majority seemed more interested than anything else, clearly understanding that if they were in here with them, then they were not simple women.

The attendant curtsied once again to them. "Can I get you and refreshments whilst you wait? The main event will be starting in around half an hour, I will come and fetch you then to bring you to your private booth."

Luna answered for them. "Some wine please, for all of us." Once again she curtsied and then turned around to go and fetch the drinks for the girls.

"Well then, shall we go and mingle with the crowd?" Asked Violet with a grin.

That seemed to finally snap Rose out of whatever state she had been in ever since Violet had gifted her with the platinum coin. She shook her head and then looked up at the rich and powerful people before her, she audibly gulped before controlling herself.

She turned to Violet with a smile. "Well, thank you then. And yes, let’s go, I shall introduce you to those that I know."

Like that the two companions were finally about to meet with some of the richest and most influential people in the entire city.