This Beast-Tamer is a Little Strange

"Ahem! I said that I will be bidding 1 Trillion Celestial Dollars.," repeated Lady Imogen.

The auctioneer\'s voice trembled slightly as he processed the bid, his excitement barely contained. "1 trillion Celestial Dollars!" he echoed, his eyes widening with the shock of the unprecedented sum.

"Do we have any higher?" The auctioneer composed himself and looked at the other three in hesitation, likely already predicting that 1 trillion will be the limit for tonight. The highest an auctioned item had ever sold previously was 5 years ago for 850 billion CD. This was an all-time record.

Lord Viad Ignis\'s eyes widened in disbelief, his frail fingers clutching his bidding paddle as if to steady himself. He glared across the room at Lady Windrider who dared to eclipse his previous bid by such an enormous margin. The shock on his face was evident, and his usually authoritative demeanor faltered under the unexpected weight of the bid.

Lady Seraphina Mindshade\'s dark eyes narrowed in displeasure, her serene façade cracking for a moment. The bidding war had shifted dramatically, and her voice, previously calm and composed, now carried an edge of frustration. "A trillion Celestial Dollars? Imogen, I didn\'t realize that college Chancellors were paid so handsomely."

Anyone could tell that she did not believe that Imogen did not have that much money and that it was a fake bid to intimidate the others. She hoped that the auction organizers would invalidate her bid.

"Stop with the mind games Seraphina, it\'s useless. You and I both know that the consequences for reneging on a bid are greater than even we can handle calmly." Lady Imogen responded calmly with an eyeroll.

Lord Xavi did not enter the conversation. Instead he just leaned back in his chair in resignation.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have just witnessed an unprecedented bid of 1 trillion Celestial Dollars for the God\'s Eye! Does anyone else wish to challenge this offer, or shall we conclude this remarkable auction?"

None of the four 9-star beast-tamers answered him. As the seconds ticked by, the room held its breath, awaiting the response of the other three individuals to the bid.

Finally, with a visible effort, Lord Viad Ignis relinquished his paddle, his face a mask of begrudging acceptance. "It seems," he said, his voice a mix of resignation and respect, "that this key shall go to the one with the deepest pockets."

Lady Seraphina Mindshade, after a brief pause, followed suit, her gaze lingering on the auctioneer as she nodded in reluctant acknowledgment. "Very well. Let it be so."

Lord Xavi Oakland, his expression blank aside from a hint of frustration yet grudging respect in his eyes, also conceded. "I have no further bids."

Lady Imogen Windrider remained seated with an almost imperceptible smile playing on her lips. Her demeanor was one of quiet satisfaction, as if the astronomical bid truly was nothing to her. Or perhaps the value of the key made the expenditure worth it to her.

With the concession of the three 9-star beast-tamers, the auctioneer\'s face broke into a broad smile of triumph. "Going once, going twice… Sold! To the esteemed Lady Imogen Windrider for 1 trillion Celestial Dollars!"

The room erupted in applause and cheers, the sheer scale of the final bid turning what was already an impressive event into a legendary occasion. The God\'s Eye, a symbol of unparalleled power and potential, had found its new owner. And with the exchange the next 9-star individual with the hope of a further breakthrough has been unveiled.

As the auctioneer began to conclude the event, the guests were buzzing with excitement from a record-breaking auction bid.

Some speculated on what Lady Imogen might be able to gain from the relic after entering, while others marvelled at the financial prowess of the Chancellor. The general consensus was that this auction would be remembered for years to come.

Kain, observing from the sidelines, felt a mixture of admiration and frustration. Truly, given his background, he does not have the immense financial resources of an old family to support him.

However, if he ever hoped to gain access to these kinds of events and obtain the more rare resources than he also needed to start paying attention to his financial situation as well.

Kain decided to put some plans he\'d been putting off on the agenda.

With the final bid concluded, the auctioneer\'s attention turned to the logistics of finalizing the final sale of the auctioned items.

Lady Imogen Windrider was surrounded by her aides, who began the process of arranging the transfer of the God\'s Eye. The scene was a blur of activity as the prestigious item was carefully handled and prepared for its new owner.

As the guests began to disperse, the mood was one of both relief and exhilaration. The event had been a resounding success, and the news about the God\'s Eye would undoubtedly spread throughout the entire empire by morning.

Kain began to slowly clean up the emptying hall with the other staff. As Aric got up he stumbled and Kain had to once again remind Bea that now was not the time.

"Oof! I guess the drinks were too strong for an ordinary person like me. I will be taking my leave, good day everyone." Aric said farewell to the others at his table and left while leaning on one of his guards.

\'Remember what I said Bea. Restraint. RESTRAINT!\'

Kain got sensed her unwilling confirmation, but Aric Nightsbane still left the vicinity of the event alive. Kain sensed that he\'d already entered his car and was driving away.

Phew

\'It\'d have been horrible if he dropped dead in here.\'

Keeping his head down to continue collecting the objects and working as fast as possible to get out of there, Kain then turned to head back into the kitchen.

Oomf

"Ahh!"

"Oh my god! I am so sorry." Kain said before immediately bowing down and avoiding eye contact with the guest. He could tell from what he could see of the dress with his head down that he had bumped into one of the remaining guests. Based on the spiritual power humming off of their jewellery it\'s a pretty wealthy guest too.

Kain began to get nervous. He was so close to completing his mission, the last thing he needs is an aristocratic young lady throwing a tantrum and drawing attention to him. He really wasn\'t sure if the fake identity that the college created for him could withstand an intense investigation.

"I\'m sorry! I\'m sorry! I\'m so sorry!" Kain decided to go the pitiful route to get out of this situation and tried to make his voice as tearful as possible. Although no tears could actually be seen on his bowed head—after all, he isn\'t an actor.

Thankfully, the guest just casually waved their hand. "It\'s no matter. Just continue about your work."

Kain once again bowed in thanks before heading back to the staff room with his head lowered.

However, behind him there was a cold pair of blue eyes gazing at his fleeing figure in confusion.