Chapter 32: Charlotte and the Auction

The auction hall was nothing short of spectacular.

The rows of chairs were arranged in a fan shape, sloping down toward the stage, much like the theaters from my previous life. No—this was even more luxurious. The brilliance of the materials used here was well beyond what ordinary people would ever live with.

It had to be that way. Otherwise, the main clientele wouldn’t be entertained. And clearly, these people never even considered stealing. This place could only be used by a class of people for whom that thought simply didn’t exist.

"Wow, it’s so spacious!"

"Oi, we do have seats, right? We’re not standing the whole time, are we?"

"Ah, yes, don’t worry. They’ve prepared proper seats for us. Let’s see… over there, I think?"

On the back of the catalog, there was a seating chart.

I unfolded the paper that had been sent along with the main booklet and searched for our designated seats. Probably around here… Ah, this must be it.

"Looks like it’s here."

"Hm. Not bad."

Our seats were mid-level, slightly to the left of the stage.

I’d expected them to be much closer to the front, but apparently not.

"I thought we’d be in the front rows down below."

Normally, I imagined adventurers would be grouped together at the very front—part of the show, like the merchandise on display. That seemed like it would be more convenient in a lot of ways.

"Normally, yes. But look around."

Prompted by Riven, I glanced around us.

I spotted several familiar faces—adventurers, of course. And curiously, none of them were clustered together. They’d been spread out across the hall.

Weird. You’d think lower-ranked people would all just get shoved into the front row of the lowest section.

"Surprised?"

"Well… yeah."

Riven gave a snort of amusement at my confusion. Hey, quit that.

"We’re both customers and guards. Look closely—see Reynard near the upper-class seats on the second floor? Other capable-looking types are all gathered up there. The rest are placed down below."

Looking again, he was right.

Ah, so that’s it. If something happens, the guild plans to have us protect the other guests.

So the closer your seat is to the premium sections, the higher the guild’s evaluation of you… or maybe it’s that you’re trusted to protect more important clients?

Wait. Then why am I seated here? I can barely fight. Shouldn’t I be all the way at the bottom? I don’t remember ever telling them I’d be bringing Riven, either.

…No way.

I glanced at him. Sure enough, he was grinning in that infuriating, knowing way. I didn’t want to admit what I was thinking.

"Looks like the guild has taken quite a liking to you, Lady Goddess of Fortune."

"Ahhhhh! I told you, stop calling me that!"

Damn it, seriously! That’s so embarrassing!

Ugh, what a jerk. Always mocking me.

Ah—when I turned away in flustered embarrassment, my eyes met Reynard’s. He waved. I quickly waved back.

"By the way, what do they base the seat rankings on?"

"Huh? Isn’t it just visibility of the stage?"

That’s how it worked in theaters I knew—front seats on the second floor or side balconies were premium, while front row wasn’t always that special. That was the extent of my knowledge. Was there more to it?

"…You really are clueless in the weirdest places."

"Excuse me?!"

That’s your follow-up to a sigh?

"Look more carefully at the setup of the hall."

He raised a finger and began pointing at various parts of the venue.

"First, the spots near the exits. Those are convenient for escape if something happens. But at the same time, if enemies burst in from the main entrance, those seats are the first in danger. Double-edged sword."

"Uh-huh."

"Next, the second-floor seats. Relatively safe. The approach routes are more complicated and the defenses are stronger. From a spectator’s point of view, you can oversee the whole hall. Naturally, that’s where the upper-class sit."

"Makes sense."

"Now, the seats near the stage. These are the most exposed. If any trouble breaks out, that’s where it starts. They’re far from the exits, and too close to the action to allow for relaxed viewing. Dangerous and inconvenient."

"I see…"

The central area of the lower floor was where flexible fighters were placed, people who could adapt to sudden developments.

So that’s what he’d been analyzing when he looked around earlier? Tactical thinking, already planning for a battle.

Against who, though? I explained already, didn’t I? This is literally the safest place in the whole city right now.

Come on, can’t you take a break from battle for once?

"…If we’re also acting as guards, then we need to be prepared for emergencies. Don’t get too complacent."

Apparently my thoughts were written all over my face, because Riven narrowed his eyes at me, his presence pressing down like a weight.

A little intense there, buddy.

"Uh… y-yeah, of course. Ha ha…"

Do I really look that unserious? I came here to enjoy an auction, honestly.

And even if trouble does happen, there’s nothing I can do. My healing magic isn’t really suited for situations like that.

Oh—right. I never told him my healing spells only work on people I’m directly touching. Guess that’s my fault. Most recovery magic works at range, as long as you’re somewhat close.

I pulled myself together and focused back on the auction.

It should be starting any moment now.

"It’s not as packed as I thought it would be."

"…Are you serious?"

What’s with that look, like I’m some kind of clueless kid?

How would I know! It’s not like I had any connection to events like this in my previous life either!

And now he’s letting out this exaggerated sigh!

"There’s no way they’d seat strangers right next to each other. For gatherings like this, the seating is arranged ahead of time according to the number of invited guests."

"Really?"

"Public theater’s different. But this? From the looks of it, only invitees are here. So, to avoid unnecessary friction, they leave space between groups. Makes sense, doesn’t it?"

Ohhh, I see. Yeah, it’d be pretty uncomfortable to have rivals sitting right next to you.

So maybe that’s why there are more people in the upper levels and fewer down here. The upper groups are big factions, and the lower ones are those who don’t belong to them?

I shot Riven a questioning glance. He quietly nodded in confirmation.

"Another reason could be to give guests the chance to mingle with adventurers."

"Ah—oh! So maybe the empty seats around us are left open so people from the higher floors can come sit near whichever adventurer catches their interest…"

"That’s my guess, anyway."

So the seating is semi-free around adventurers, to make it easier to strike up conversations and probe them during the auction.

Wow, that’s… actually pretty clever. I’d only been thinking about rank and social standing.

But this explanation feels a little too detailed to have just come up with on the spot. Wait a sec…

"You seem awfully familiar with how these things work. Got some experience?"

"…A bit."

I knew it.

Even during our journey, I could tell he was from a good upbringing. And judging from this, he probably attended events like these often.

If he’d been on the guest side, of course he’d know all this.

Though… I can still imagine him sitting alone at those events, ignoring all the mingling.

Maybe he caught my rude thoughts, because he shot me another sharp glare. I hurriedly turned my gaze toward the stage.

"Ah, look, it’s starting."

"…I’ll let it slide this once."

Whew. Saved.

The once-bustling hall had settled down now, most guests seated and chatting quietly with those nearby.

Reynard was still as popular as ever, constantly being approached even from a distance.

Meanwhile, nobody was sitting near us—probably thanks to that little scuffle in the corridor earlier. Not that I minded. Honestly, I preferred the space.

We took our seats and waited.

The lights dimmed. The stage lit up brightly.

Just when I thought it was starting, the curtains parted.

A charming young woman stepped out from the side, holding a magical amplification device. She stopped at the center, bowed, and spoke.

"Thank you for waiting, everyone! The time has come to begin this season’s Adventurers’ Guild Auction!"

With her declaration, the hall erupted in cheers and applause. I couldn’t help but look around.

"Tired of the usual dungeon spoils? Longing for rare treasures you’ll never see on the open market? Then this is your chance! Have your magical books ready to record the wonders you desire!"

Magical books… ah, she means the catalog.

I glanced at mine, resting at my side. Yep, still there.

"Now, welcome to the four-day Fairy Market! Remember—no guarantee the same item will ever appear again. Treasure every encounter, and please enjoy this journey to the very end!"

She bowed again, prompting even louder applause.

"Hey, hey, do they always start with a speech like that?"

"Probably. Can’t say for sure—it’s my first auction, too. But theaters do something similar before a play."

Huh. Guess hyping up the crowd is important everywhere. I couldn’t help but listen closely myself. Her voice drew you in.

Maybe it was that amplification magic tool. If so, that thing must be crazy expensive.

…Wonder what would happen if you used it for an idol concert. I’ve never seen idols in this world. That’d be fun.

"Do you remember what’s in the catalog? The items should be listed, right?"

"Ah, yes. Everything for the first three days is listed."

"And your budget?"

"Uh… about fifty gold coins. Not that I plan to spend it."

Oi, what’s with that look? Like it’s pocket change.

That’s hard-earned money! My first step toward a stable, peaceful life!

"And now, to open our event—!"

Oh, here we go. It’s starting for real.

I straightened up, ready to soak in the excitement of the auction.