The unrest in Sorens City was gradually subsiding. The auction at the Square Corner Tower would still go ahead, and the promises Mulan had made in the Empire's name would be honored. At the very least, those who had genuinely helped would have their contributions recorded in Dierjia and earn its goodwill. They would also receive a degree of priority at this auction, and Dierjia would cover part of their auction expenses.
For the outsiders, priority at the auction was the most tangible benefit. For Mulan, it was also the least costly concession. After all, the alchemist Matt was now one of their own, and most of the items being auctioned were either his creations or his existing stock. Giving someone priority took no more than a word, and even if a subsidy was needed, Mulan now had the authority to approve it.
Although the Square Corner Tower had been damaged, the damage was mostly confined to the ground-floor hall and basement. The auction could still be held upstairs.
The auction began at the Square Corner Tower the following afternoon, just a day later. However, the original plan had been scrapped, so neither Mulan nor Matt and the others were there.
At the inn where Mulan was staying, the alchemist Matt, Chris, Farolynch, and several people from the intelligence office gathered in Mulan's room. The Avenger was there too, of course, though he had been standing guard outside the room.
When Matt and the others entered Mulan's room, the smells of alcohol and medicine still lingered inside, along with a rather strong smell of blood. They were all left over from when Mulan had tended to his wounds.
The wastebasket to one side also held plenty of bloodstained bandages and hemostatic cloths. Matt and the others noticed them, but Mulan