A dark space, laid out like a Ring Theater.
Private boxes appeared and disappeared along the stands, while only the circular stage at the center was illuminated by a beam of intense light. Standing in the bright white glow of the stage,
the woman in the black-and-white gown smiled after announcing the opening.
"Many of you may already know me, but please allow me to introduce myself."
She lifted the sides of her beautiful dress in a graceful curtsy.
"I am Gloria, the auctioneer for this auction."
The moment she appeared, every participant in the shadowy boxes turned their gaze toward the stage.
Auctioneer Gloria, a female participant renowned even among all B-Ranks. Seeing her, one had to admire the Black Market Auction's attention to detail.
A beautiful and powerful female auctioneer could always capture the entire room's attention more effectively.
"I'll be hosting tonight's auction. It's a pleasure to meet you all. As customary, before the formal bidding begins—"
"—I'll first introduce the relevant information and rules for tonight's auction."
After the brief opening, Gloria got straight to the point, speaking clearly with elegant poise.
"There are seventeen lots in this auction, and bidding will follow the English auction format."
Meanwhile, inside a private box, after explaining the details of tonight's mission to the Queen, Fang Ran welcomed the official start of the auction along with all the other participants.
At this moment, he too listened to the auctioneer's explanation from the stage below.
Seventeen lots. He showed no reaction to that number. Although there had been no preview, in order to sell at high prices, the black market had long since released information through channels such as Night Battle networks and taverns.
Fang Ran had learned this from the Royal Court when he received the invitation.
"So I