Don't confiscate my citizenship

10 a.m., Petras Auction House.

Petras Auction House is one of the most famous auction houses in the Southern Continent. Its branch in the eastern part of the Southern Continent is located in District 3 of Parrieux. It has long been a treasure trove for art and antique collectors to find treasures.

In addition to regular sales, dozens of large-scale membership-based auctions are held every year, involving paintings, furniture, jewelry, magic tools, contracts, etc.

The facade of this huge, multi-storey fortress-like building is decorated with carvings and classic Palieu elements, and the golden sign above the door shines in the sunlight.

As soon as you step into this historic building, it seems that with every step, you can hear the shouts of the past high-priced transactions echoing in your ears.

Inside the hall, light shines from the exquisitely crafted chandeliers, like stars dotting this art palace.

At this moment, a large-scale weekly auction is being held in the deepest part of Petras Auction House.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to today's grand auction event in Petras, the flower capital. What we are about to launch is not just an auction, but a journey through time. We will take you to appreciate the charm of priceless treasures and make us passionate. Set sail, may this most precious collection find its ideal new owner.”

The auctioneer's voice echoed inside and outside the auction venue.

The audience seats surround the stage like a theater and are arranged in a fan-shaped layer. There are also exclusive seats for VIPs behind the stone railing on the second-floor landing.

Lan Qi, Talia and Boss Cat were sitting in a less conspicuous seat, surrounded by rich people dressed elegantly.

"Your membership actually works."

Thalia glanced at Lanqi beside her and said.

Neither of them was interested in the treasure currently being auctioned, so they took advantage of the noise around them and started chatting.

"Of course, I won't take you on this trip in vain."

Lan Qi smiled proudly.

If it weren't for their impromptu decision to come today, seats would be tight. If you make a reservation earlier, there might be a VIP area above.

But this time, there was no way to get three places. He was the only member of the Petras Chamber of Commerce, and Thalia came in as a female companion.

The cat boss could only be held by Thalia.

"Meow meow, what are they selling?"

The cat boss looked at the prices of the goods on the auction table in the distance and felt like a country cat.

If Asna hadn't doubled the revenue after taking over Boss Cat Restaurant, it wouldn't have dared to consider bidding to buy a chef.

Of course, even if you buy a demon chef, you may have to ask Lan Qi to advance some money for it first, and then use the monthly revenue of the restaurant to pay Lan Qi back.

In the auction area in the distance, the auction table on the stage looks like a cabinet from a century ago. Its gold leaf decoration and exquisite woodworking skills make it particularly prominent in the entire auction venue.

In the glass display cabinet next to it, the immortal crystal necklace lies quietly on the velvet cushion, and each orange-yellow crystal shines with interlaced light under the light.

"The next lot is an art masterpiece that has been passed down for hundreds of years. It not only witnesses the changes in a family's history, but also carries the profound artistic heritage of Master Gera Zelter. This lot is undoubtedly a must-have for every jewelry collector. A coveted treasure.”

During the auctioneer's introduction, the necklace named [Memory of Starlight] and its information were displayed.

【Memory of Starlight】

[Type: magic props]

[Grade: Rare]

[Rank: 1]

[The creature wearing this necklace will have a slight increase in spirit, and there is a small chance that it will resonate with the memories of its ancestors when they wore the necklace, only once. 】

It didn't take long for the asking price to exceed the £10,000 mark.

In the audience, Cat Boss looked at Lan Qi in confusion in Tata's arms.

"Is this thing worth so much money?"

The properties of this necklace are close to none. If it sells for a very high price, the cat boss would not even dare to estimate the value of the statues that Lan Qi repaired in the orc city-state of the Shadow World.

Of course, if the idol is stolen and sold for money, all the orcs may go crazy and fight to the death.

"Its own attributes are not very strong, but it is endowed with the legendary color of a great craftsman. If it is used as a prototype and processed into an equipment card, it may be able to make an epic one."

Lan Qi held her chin and muttered to herself.

The so-called legendary concept was taught to him by Professor Pollao, but Professor Pollao did not explain it clearly to Ranchi and hoped that he could understand it on his own.

According to Professor Borao, over-interpretation will only destroy spirituality. If a craftsman embarks on the path of blindly pursuing legend, he will never be able to obtain true legend. Therefore, he does not want to teach Lan Qi too much, and there is no need to teach him. too much.

Lan Qi can probably feel what the so-called legendary color is. When making cards, there is always an element that cannot be explained but can only be understood. This is probably the key to anchoring history. Once the legendary color is given, it can be built epic.

Thalia listened quietly to Lan Qi's heart.

Since she was connected with Lan Qi's thoughts, she always felt that she could gain some insights from Lan Qi.

To a certain extent, Lan Qi's study equals her learning, and she can directly enjoy Lan Qi's achievements.

"Of course, the collectors who bid for this necklace may not intend to use it for processing, but simply appreciate it."

Lan Qi felt that the premium of more than 10,000 pounds was still too much, mainly because of the collection value.

Converted into the simplest method of measuring purchasing power, ten thousand pounds can buy 30 million bottles of mineral water.

As the auction progressed, the auctioneer's voice echoed in the venue.

Whenever a work of art is auctioned, there will be a burst of discussion in the auction hall, and occasionally there will be cheers and applause when extremely high-priced items are sold.

In addition, outside the door of the hall stood professional art collectors to ordinary curious reporters. They were either crouching or standing, focusing on recording everything that might become the content of reports through the small glass window of the door.

"Okay, distinguished guests, now comes the main event."

The carefully arranged auction table was still the focus of the audience. The auctioneer stood on it, wearing a dark suit and holding a small silver gavel symbolizing authority.

His fast-paced speech immediately focused all eyes on him.

It was like a wonderful solo that pushed the atmosphere of the entire venue to a climax.

Immediately afterwards, a demon servant was brought onto the stage.

"Celestia, a sixth-level demon, has a well-trained all-round scouting function. She was the former captain of the 35th Brigade Pioneer Exploration Force of the Sixth Army of the Demon King. After surrendering, in order to avoid the death penalty, she chose to sign a three hundred Fifty-five years of servant contract, which means that she currently has 231 years left in her legal contract."

The demon servant introduced by the auctioneer has a light blue complexion that is different from humans. Her pupils are as deep as the night sky, and her long ears tremble slightly.

Despite the adverse situation, she maintained a calm demeanor.

As the auctioneer finished introducing the special abilities and identity background of this demon servant, the atmosphere in the venue became more tense. Many rich people seemed to want her.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Celestia not only looks outstanding as a servant, but also possesses extraordinary combat power that can double the strength of any noble family."

The atmosphere in the venue was ignited, and the auctioneer once again attracted the attention of the distinguished guests with his charismatic voice.

“What’s even more unbelievable is that once she becomes your servant, she will protect you and your family for the rest of your life.

He cleared his throat and continued.

Off stage.

Thalia looked away, no longer wanting to focus on the stage.

Her eyes could not be seen clearly under her bangs, as if they were covered by shadows.

"..."

Lan Qi looked at Thalia beside him and said nothing.

He could probably understand how Talia felt as a subjugated princess seeing her people being auctioned off.

At the same time, she couldn't argue, because the demons who would be auctioned did not complain, and she understood this very well.

On the stage, the auctioneer tapped the podium with a silver auction hammer, announcing that the auction was about to begin.

Many wealthy businessmen immediately started bidding, each hoping to take home this powerful sixth-level demon servant.

The number of bids rose rapidly, from several thousand to tens of thousands in less than half a minute, and every increase in price was accompanied by surprised murmurs from the audience.

This bidding is not only a display of wealth, but also a fight for power and status.

A sixth-level servant is a strong contender even if he takes part in the Flower City Holy Grail Demon Competition, not to mention that Celestia, as a true original member of the Demon King's army, has unimaginable combat experience and practical capabilities.

The expressions of the participants are mixed with anticipation and calculation, and they are observing the strong competitors from time to time.

The demon stood quietly on the stage, with no fear in her eyes, as if she had seen through the noise and vanity.

"55,000 pounds."

In the end, when a blond nobleman wearing a formal dress and sitting in the VIP stand on the second floor quoted the final bid with an astronomical sum, everyone in the audience stopped bidding.

The auctioneer made the final decision with a hammer, and the demon servant just bowed her head slightly and accepted her new fate.

"Meow meow……"

Boss Cat has never seen so much money in his life.

It was dumbfounded.

"The main reason why she sells for such a high price is because of her strong abilities and long work contract."

Not considering Celestia's death midway and the risk of her harming her master, this is equivalent to a long-term employment contract of more than two hundred years.

In addition, Celestia's contract also clearly states that she cannot be forced or harmed, that the work content must be legal, and that she should be given basic living care, a meager legal minimum salary, and normal holidays.

"Part of the reason is because she looks very good. The price of beautiful demons in the auction house will often double."

Lan Qi explained to the cat boss.

"..."

Talia's eyes immediately locked on Lan Qi.

"Leave aside the strength and just talk about the performance, she must be the best poet in the world. No demon can surpass her peerless appearance."

Lanci looked at Thalia and said.

Thalia looked away.

The powerful and unparalleled beauty of the crazy love demon is indeed the most perfect.

"Meow meow."

Boss Cat felt that these two people were starting again.

"Speaking of which, if the vampires are captured and sold, will there be more success... The high-low signing will start with fifty thousand years..."

Lan Qi seemed to suddenly think of something and muttered to himself.

"Meow meow!"

Just by listening to Lan Qi speak, Boss Cat could already imagine Xiubao kneeling in front of the statue of the goddess and sobbing.

More than half an hour flew by while they were chatting and watching the show.

Occasionally there are a few interesting auction items, and after a while there are VIPs entering, or customers who feel they have lost interest and leave halfway.

Lan Qi occasionally saw something he wanted to buy, but thought about it and decided not to.

For example, [Shadow Petal] is a mysterious plant that is said to grow on the edge of the void. It can temporarily allow the user to blend into the shadows, achieving a short-term invisibility effect, covert operations, assassin missions, or highly confidential exploration. Use it for great love. It would be pretty good for a poet to have a skin.

There is also the [Traveler's Compass], an antique compass magic device that allows the holder to not get lost no matter where he is.

You might come across something weird every week, and you might not be able to buy it all if you really want to.

On stage.

The auctioneer paused and glanced at the crowd in the audience.

"Next, there is another product contract for a demon servant. Maybe her starting price is still high - but remember, the chance to obtain a legend will never be too expensive."

As the auctioneer finished speaking, the entire auction hall became lively again.

The distinguished guests exchanged words and looks with each other, waiting to appear.

Soon, a woman who looked like a demon boy with pale skin, smooth silver hair, and a thin body was brought up.

"Alvin, originally belonged to the logistics force of the Ninth Group Army. Although she is only a second-level demon and is not a fighting demon, she has multiple functions such as housekeeper, magic chef, and gardener, and can provide your home with a comprehensive quality of luxurious life. Guaranteed, her contract has 156 years left, and the starting price is 950 pounds. Who will be her new owner? Let us see now!"

Off stage.

Boss Cat's eyes suddenly brightened when he read her message.

Although his cooking skills are far inferior to those of Miss Lissansi whom he met on the airship, his rich life functions make the cat boss think it is worthwhile to hire such a chef.

"She is stronger than Pranay!"

Boss Cat praised.

It saw that although Pranay never made any mistakes at work, most of the time he just stood behind the bar and wiped glasses.

And Pranay seems to be very weak, and even it cannot feel the magic power of Pranay.

"Well."

Lan Qi felt that Boss Cat might really have been optimized by the restaurant. He didn't realize how efficient Pranai was at work. It was just that Pranai was relatively low-key and didn't seem to be working.

Often useless bosses don't realize that the employees who are the real pillars of the company seem to be idle.

If you take an ordinary demon back and discover the true identity of the big demon in the store, you may be frightened and faint.

"1,100 pounds."

Lanci held up the sign.

The cat boss was a little interested in this demon with cooking skills. Lan Qi helped him bid the price, and he was quickly covered.

"Are you still filming? Boss Cat."

Lanci watched the price rise to 1,500 pounds in a short while.

If it really costs 2,000 pounds, it's actually quite a loss. It's purely because this demon looks pretty good that other people will bid with them.

"Meow, let's take the photo. The premium doesn't matter. It's a long-term contract anyway."

Boss Cat felt a little distressed.

"1,550 pounds."

Lan Qi raised his sign again.

"Two thousand pounds."

The new bids coming from high places immediately made the auctioneer on the stage smile, while Lan Qi was slightly stunned.

"What did Boss Cat say?"

Lan Qi lowered his head and asked the little black cat for his opinion.

"Try again."

Boss Cat said reluctantly.

"2,050 pounds."

Lan Qi raised his sign.

"Two thousand five hundred pounds."

Along with a slightly mocking voice, a voice came from above again.

Boss Cat stopped talking this time, and Lan Qi also put down his sign.

When the auctioneer struck the hammer with a smile, the demon's contract ownership rights were also settled.

A new round of auctions also started in an orderly manner.

"Who is that gentleman?"

Lan Qi curiously asked the customer next to him who was chatting from time to time.

Now he was sure.

Almost all of them were bought by the blond gentleman sitting in the VIP stand at a very high premium.

Whoever competes with him, he will give a price that makes people give up immediately.

Even the price increase will not be ink, it will only make the other party feel that a small price increase is embarrassing.

"The young master of Count Baptiste's family."

The wealthy businessman beside him and Lan Qi whispered,

"It is said that all the maids in his family are demons, and they love to participate in familiar demon competitions. They call themselves the Little Demon King of Posen."

The customer at the front seat and Lan Qi would chat from time to time before, but now they are getting more and more familiar with each other. If Lan Qi doesn't understand something, he usually asks the people around him.

"..."

Thalia frowned slightly on the side.

She felt strange.

How come Lan Qi's communication skills are so strong? In the blink of an eye, he was chatting with strangers again.

But what makes her a little unhappy now is the person in the VIP table above who is called the young master of Count Baptiste's family.

"Hmph, if you are a rare demon, you will have to take pictures no matter how much money you spend."

At the VIP table on the second floor, the blond noble man said with satisfaction to the secretary of the Petras Chamber of Commerce beside him.

His voice was not restrained.

It seems to be telling other new customers in the auction house who don't come often not to try to steal it from him.

Anyway, he will buy it in the end. If others raise his price, he doesn't mind raising the price for other things that others like.

Thalia watched the man's high-profile words and deeds silently, seeming a little unhappy.

This direct gaze was quickly noticed by the blond noble man.

He glanced at Lan Qi and the others for a while, their eyes piercing like ice picks.

Immediately, a trace of displeasure flashed in the blond young earl's eyes, as if he was dissatisfied with Thalia's eyes.

"Hmph, this gray-haired village girl is pretty good-looking, but she has a bad face."

The corners of the blond young earl's mouth drooped slightly, turning into a cold arc, and at the same time he let out a contemptuous snort.

His eyes swept over Talia and Lanci, as if he was looking at two cheap products, full of disdain.

The young earl pointed to the auction house clerk next to him and motioned for him to come over.

"Bring me your catalog. I'll buy everything I'm interested in at one price."

He said something calmly.

Some items at Petras Auction have a buy-it-now option.

Under normal circumstances, the fixed price of Petras Auction House will be much higher than the regular transaction price, and few customers are willing to buy it at the fixed price.

But the domineering tone in the blond young earl's words was just like the aristocratic temperament in him, and there was no need to question it.

Obviously, he wanted to show his wealth and absolute disparity in front of Lanci and Talia, and he also wanted to deprive them of the opportunity to participate in the auction.

It seemed that because of Thalia's look just now, he decided not to let Talia, a rude guy, be able to buy anything he wanted today.

However, Thalia still frowned slightly and looked at the distant VIP seat of the blond nobleman without speaking.

"Tata, forget it."

Lan Qi spoke softly, as if he wanted to resolve Talia's unhappiness, and followed Talia's gaze and looked back from time to time.

"I am not angry."

Thalia stared at the Poisen nobleman who had too much money, knowing that he was not someone to be trifled with.

If we really want to fight for financial resources, I'm afraid I have to call Hyperion over, and this must be under the premise that Hyperion inherits the property of the Duke's Palace.

Moreover, in the auction house of this core city-state, there is almost no room for action. Even Loren can't use high-level spells at will. Once he enters a combat state in a town or has a high magic reaction, it will trigger an alarm and suppression reaction.

"A country bumpkin who has never seen the world..."

The blond young earl narrowed his left eye and opened his lips slightly, making it easy for people to read his meaning.

He seemed to find it interesting to provoke this gray-haired girl who seemed to be easily exploded at the slightest touch.

"..."

Thalia's eyes gradually became cold.

A hundred years ago, she would not have tolerated such provocation at all.

Lan Qi quickly grabbed her wrist.

He was afraid that Sister Tata would act faster than she could think.

As long as they display violent tendencies, they may be regarded as outlaws.

No matter how lively the entire auction venue is still going on.

Silence enveloped the space between the blond nobleman and Thalia, who were sitting far apart. Thalia seemed to have heard Ranchi's advice. Her eyes moved away from the blond nobleman's seat and turned to gaze at Ranchi's. face.

For the time being, Thalia slowly broke free of Lan Qi's wrist.

"Lan Qi, can you teach that guy a lesson?"

she finally spoke.

Although she didn't like asking Lan Qi to help her, and she didn't know whether Lan Qi would be willing to help her, she did feel that her heart was filled with panic.

There is no way for me to deal with high-ranking officials and nobles in an unfamiliar place without violating the laws.

The more times like this, the more difficult it is to fight with others in a situation full of rules and regulations.

"...Of course not, we can't violate laws and regulations."

Lan Qi looked at her and answered seriously.

"understood."

Thalia said.

There was no disappointment in her tone either.

The relationship between her and Lan Qi was like this. She didn't expect Lan Qi to treat her like he cared for Hyperion, and she was not the kind of little girl who would feel grievances.

Originally, this guy liked to provoke himself the most. When he saw others provoking her, he probably didn't have much in mind.

However, she saw Ranchi raise his hand and motion to the staff in the aisle to come over.

"Hello, I have a super rare contracted creature here. Can I add it to the production line?"

Lan Qi asked the auction house staff who came over.

"Well, according to the regulations of our auction house, disrupting the queue is not allowed. Although there is precedent for this kind of situation, we must ensure that the contract is very precious before we can make an exception."

the staff explained.

No matter how he looked at it, he didn't think that this man had a particularly cherished contracted beast.

But in this case, he is not qualified to make a decision. He still has to take the other party to see the manager to determine whether the product can be added temporarily.

"I'm sorry, Boss Cat, we have to part ways temporarily, but in order to save the demons, I have no other choice."

Lan Qi helplessly held up the cat boss with both hands and said to him.

"Meow meow meow, no!!"

The cat boss screamed.

"Hey, Lan Qi, are you serious?"

Thalia held Lan Qi's shoulders.

Although she kind of understood that only by getting a huge amount of money could she compete with the blond noble and start a game.

But that’s not how the money comes.

Selling the cat boss is a bit much.

Lan Qi could only shake his head helplessly.

…

Twenty minutes later.

Boss Cat and Lan Qi had already left the auction venue for a while.

Thalia was still sitting in her original seat, silently looking at the stage.

"I have news for you, an unprecedented auction item has been inserted into the queue!"

Suddenly, the auctioneer received the news, and with a mysterious smile on his face, he announced to everyone in the venue.

That is a super special rare race job contract.

He has never even seen it during his years as the chief auctioneer of Petras Auction House.

"Of course, the race determination has been completed!"

Suddenly, there was a burst of noise from the audience.

They didn't expect there would be any surprises in today's auction.

Often in this case, there are extremely rare treasures that exceed specifications, so the auctioneer temporarily adds goods and stirs up the atmosphere.

Next.

The curtain opens.

On the stage, the staff brought Lan Qi up.

"The race is Lanqi! The starting price is ten thousand pounds!"

Thalia: "Pfft!"

She almost choked on her saliva.

Whoever takes this guy back will find it easier to ask God than to send him away!