Masquerades of the Greedy Ones

The room is engulfed with the lights coming from the big chandeliers hanging from above. The people wearing white and red are popping out inside the black room. Lavish gowns and suits are being flaunted in the crowds of high-class people. Known faces are hiding behind their mask, hoping to not get discovered while unmasking their uncontrolled greediness. Some are genuine who want a certain item among the lot.

Waiters are serving high-quality drinks and there is also a table to satisfy the guest's sweet tooth. Talks about business are taking place, some are obviously a scam. People boasting about their money are all over the place, Athanasia drank from her wine as she tried to not listen to their interesting scam. It sure is entertaining to watch others fool other people while also fooling themselves.

After a while, a man in a white suit went onto the stage. He was smiling as he walks onto the stage.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the most awaited night, where the most unique and precious items will be presented in front of you! Ready your numbers! and your money! because the night where you can get your desirable items will be auctioned!" He said.

Cheers and claps were heard throughout the room. Wide smiles were seen and whispers of excitement were heard as the guests sat on their perspective chairs and tables.

She sat on her chair, followed by Dandelion and Hawdy, who's looking luxurious with their red clothes and masks. They all sat together at a table where snacks are served in front of them. Waiters started giving out drinks as the first item is presented.

"Do not drink that." Athanasia stopped Hawdy from drinking the wine that the waiters gave them.

Hawdy gave her a questioning look. "But I'm thirsty, and it looks good." He said.

"It has a substance that will not let you think rationally. It can make you spend your whole fortune." She said.

"But I thought this was a legal auction?" Hawdy looks bewildered.

"Legal doesn't mean you can't do illegal things." Dandelion said as she gave water to Hawdy.

"Why are we here again?" Hawdy asked.

"Well, we need a mermaid's tear and I believe that it will be the third item tonight," Athanasia said as she watch the crowd drinking and bidding their money.

Hawdy nodded and drank from the water that Dandelion gave.

They waited until the third item showed. They were right on their guess, the third item was indeed the mermaid tear. It was the purest that they've ever seen. It wasn't just an ordinary tear, it was a tear that came from a royal mermaid who grieved and lost something and still did not want to take vengeance.

Athanasia wondered just how did Benedict acquire such an item. By the looks of it, it's either from the queen of the mermaids or their princess. She hoped no one in the guest is a mermaid because it can cause a huge commotion. And it certainly won't do her any good once she takes the tear with her.

"We are starting with fifty thousand golds." The bid caller said.

"Seventy thousand golds," Athanasia called.

"Seventy thousand gold from 18!"

The crowd turned their eyes on them. Athanasia smiled, it seems like they are curious about her because this is the first time that they heard her voice from the moment she stepped inside the room.

"Eighty thousand golds." A black-haired woman called in front.

"Eighty thousand golds from number 11!"

"one hundred thousand golds," Athanasia called as she smiled at the woman who looked at her in irritation.

"Another bid from number 18! one hundred thousand gold!" The bid caller delightedly shouted.

"Is there someone who will bid higher than one hundred thousand golds? We will close the bidding in three seconds! one!"

The guests looked unsure. It seems like only she and the woman with black hair is the only one interested in the tear of the mermaid. A normal person won't see the value of the mermaid's tear that is in front of them unless they are a doctor, a wizard, or a mermaid.

"two!"

The woman glared at her. Athanasia smiled, it seems like the woman wants the tear.

"three! Sold!" The bid caller said.

"We got it. Let's go." Athanasia said as she stoop up.

Dandelion and Hawdy followed her as she walks through backstage. The guard that was guarding the door stopped her from entering.

"I know your boss. I'm his business partner and friend. Please call him for me." Athanasia said.

The timing was perfect because Benedict was checking one of the items near the door. He's wearing a two-colored suit, it was unusual because the other side is red and the other side is white. The suit was unusual but him wearing that kind of suit is normal. He walked towards them and told the guard to let them in.

The backstage was full of items that will be auctioned through the night. Guards are all over the place, each item was also sealed with magic even when they were on the stage.

"You got your item?" Benedict asked as he gestured them to dit on the sofa.

"Yeah. Where did you get that?" Athanasia asked.

"That's a secret that I won't tell you." He said as he drank from his wine.

"Can I drink this?" Hawdy asked her as he point to the wine.

"You can. That is just pure wine." Athanasia said.

Benedict turned and looked at Hawdy that is sitting next to Dandelion. He then smiled at Dandelion and hugged her.

"Dandelion! It's nice to see you again!" Benedict said.

"Nice to see you too!" Dandelion said through the hug.

He stepped away and looked at Hawdy then he looked at Athanasia. His face screams 'introduced me to him.

"Benedict, this is Hawdy, Hawdy this is Benedict. The man behind this auction." Athanasia said.

"It's nice to meet you, sir," Hawdy said.

"It's nice to meet you too," Benedict said as he gave him a glass of wine.

It was a joyous night filled with wine and money. The golden drop was sold for a million golds. Benedict gave them their earnings and he also took his. Hawdy was shocked by how much the golden drop was sold. He looks so amazed while holding the bag of gold as they return to their room.

When they returned to the Golden Lily they prepared their bags to go home tomorrow morning. Since they have the money to spend, they all decided to take a teleportation portal through Ethereal for fast travel. Even though magic is all around, a teleportation portal can cause a lot and you need to be of high status to use one.