"Perhaps it'll really be going home today!"
The auctioneer had a grin crawl over his face.
Around Xenos, the crowd whispered while their heads turned.
Even those below him craned their necks to see who'd bid so fast.
Many had recognized him, the "Stranger" from the Colosseum Game.
Others didn't really care, already licking their lips for drama.
But before Loren could even call out for another bidder...
"Six gold."
Someone seated higher up the steps raised his hand.
"Six gold! Do I hear seven?"
The auctioneer's grin widened even further.
And sure enough, more had raised their hands.
"Seven!"
That one belonged to a man in a dark blue cloak, his chin propped on his fist.
"Seven gold drachma! Do I hear eight?"
Almost instantly, a fox-folk waved her fan, joining in on the fun.
"Eight!"
Loren spun with an exaggerated flourish.
"Eight gold! And we've got another brave soul—nine?"
A bearded merchant down front didn't even hesitate, his thick arm shooting up.
"Nine!"
