To the auction house owner, who had carved the magical formula on the potion bottle was no longer important—the important thing was that the item had exploded under his watch, and in full view of everyone. Even if he wanted to deny responsibility, there was nowhere to hide.
What was more, he had established himself in the black market through his excellent reputation... But paying out fifty million Mystic Crystals at once felt like bleeding himself dry.
Anyone in business understood that assets were not the same as liquid funds. The auction house had a vast operation, but in reality, much of its inventory was difficult to sell—the compensation was the problem giving the auction house's big boss the greatest headache right now.
"...Did she really say that?"
After listening to the steward's report, the auction house owner could not help shifting in his seat... In the end, he still chose to stand up. Otherwise, he felt extremely uncomfortable.
"Yes, boss."
The auction house owner shook his head. "Although the item was sold, it hasn't officially been delivered yet. We haven't collected the buyer's money... Paying out fifty million in full is impossible for us right now."
The old steward frowned... He wondered whether this famously stingy boss merely intended to compensate her with the auction item's reserve price. If so, that Witch would definitely blow her top... The steward's gaze became strange.
"That's not what I mean!" The auction house owner coughed awkwardly twice. "I mean an exchange of goods... We'll compensate her with treasures of equal value. Go to the storeroom, find a few things, and estimate their prices. If they're close enough, take them out and send them to that Witch."
The steward opened his mouth... Why did this feel like smashing an egg and giving someone