The Beginning Of The Ruler
Chapter 24: The Commotion With The Royal Family

Anjir, many bet 56,132 words in 23 chapters. That I work quite long anyway, let alone do it in the notebook, could later exchange the same novel next to the same length tuh story. So continue to support Author well, already tired for you guys, Vote, Coment, Like, And Favorite 🙏.

👑

👑

👑

"Mr and mrs! May I say that it is the highest honor for me to be here tonight? you all gathered here today for one reason and one reason only, I guess? It was to have a chance to obtain the rare and precious items in this auction!"

A thunderous applause rumbled enthusiastically over the excited introduction of the old man.

"If everyone in the audience now graciously turns to face the back room at the very top, we have some very important figures who have decided to bless us with their presence. Please join me to welcome King and Queen Xafir!" The auctioneer was the first to wag his suit tail and kneel. The audience immediately followed, humbling themselves respectfully as they could not kneel on their seats.

The King and Queen, in response, stepped out towards the window in front of me and waved their hands slowly in a trained gesture.

"Next, the one who made this whole event possible. Please give a standing ovation to Alex Helstia!"

The auctioneer's introduction was followed by another round of applause as Alex stepped beside the King and Queen, bowing deeply in return.

I remained seated, looking down at the crowd of people who were supposed to have a class that was much higher than me, but I could not help but look at them as if they were…

No. I shouldn't think like that. I'm not king anymore. Oh, my God, I haven't even gone through puberty. There's no point in acting like someone who doesn't exist anymore.

I turned my gaze toward the King and Queen, studying them. Despite the stoic expression that the King always carried, he did not have a domineering attitude. He has a charismatic and strong presence, making it easy to believe that the majority of Xafir citizens will respect him, but that's it. He did not get his seat; his father had given it to him. The Glaydlord Family has been the Royal Family since the founding of Xafir. I was not surprised to see that the core where King Glaydlord was only at the red stage.

Turning my gaze to the Queen, something caught my attention that I was not initially aware of. Tied to the back of her dress was a white stick. I can't sense his mana, which means he's carrying an artifact that can hide it or he's at a level high enough where I can't feel it.

Queen Priscillia caught me watching her and gave me a sharp smile, revealing her pearly white teeth. His smile caught me off guard, made me flinch and quickly turn around. I could feel how hot my face was, making it even more embarrassing. The word beautiful is not suitable to describe her. However, one thing I noticed since coming to this world was the fact that I had no s3sexual attraction towards this older woman. At first, I thought that it might be due to the lack of necessary hormones currently in this pre-adolescent body, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought about it, I felt like the fact that my mother was only a little younger than I was before being reborn into this world.

I've never really been interested in human psychology, but it's interesting to notice that women who are related to the same age group as my parent's guardians make them s3ksually unattractive. Maybe it's just me; there's no way to tell.

Of course, that also doesn't mean I'll go for kids my age like Thania, Layla, or even this ice princess here. They can be the personification of beauty itself, but that doesn't change the fact that their mental level is that of a child. This was the reason why I could not see Thania as anything other than a friend or sister to me, even when she so clearly showed her interest in me. Maybe when he's older and more mature, I'll start thinking about him.

Sighs. Being popular is of course a hassle.

"… Kyu~." I looked down to see Eve looking at me cynically, her eyes half open, her eyes judging as if saying 'are you serious?'

"Haha ..." I couldn't help but laugh in embarrassment as I pushed Eve's face in a different direction to divert her painful gaze with my hand to block her painful gaze.

A large hand lightly squeezed my shoulder. "Arthur, a sword is being auctioned now. Tell me if you want it so I can make an offer. Don't worry about the price either! The advantage of being the owner of this place" whispered Alex.

"Thank you, Uncle." I turned my attention to the auctioned item.

“This short sword was forged by a smith master who was also a fire artificer, ensuring that the quality during the forging process was top grade. The core of this weapon was made from the Mana Beast Thunder Hawk core. Strengthening this sword with just a little mana would generate an electric current around the edge of the sword, increasing its cutting power and even having a mild crippling effect! The offer will start from fifty gold!"

Joyful cries soon erupted as nearly every noble child who attempted to become a witch tugged at their parents' sleeves, begging them to bid. I remained motionless, my head leaning against my arm as I accidentally yawned. There was a large screen that zoomed in on the item so the audience behind could see. However, while small shock abilities could be useful, it was clear that the sword itself was at its worst compared to the sword I used in my previous life.

Alex constantly shifted his gaze between me and the weapon, hoping that at least I would be interested in the weapon that most people would kill.

I shook my head in response.

"Don't worry! That's just the beginning! Let me know when you find something you like. Oho! I almost forgot.I have the stuff you want in the back. I'll have one of the workers send it to me after this event is over" he whispered, leaning close so that only I can hear it.

My ears lifted as I suddenly turned towards him. "You managed to find the voice-changing mask too?"

"It took me a little longer than I expected, but I finally managed to find it. I also give you a coat made from a nightmare fox that will make it harder for the wearer to be registered to the unsuspecting eye. I think it's going to be something. You want so I take it as well while I can," Alex replied gently, winking at me.

"That's more than I expected." The mask was important for me to be an adventurer, but the coat would undoubtedly be useful as well.

"Don't worry about it and stay safe. I'm the one who has to deal with your family if anything happens to you, you know," he chuckled.

I just smiled wryly at this reality. No. I won't give my family any more reason to grieve than I did before.

There are some interesting things along the way. There were several beast cores, most of which were B grade or lower. The price for it is astronomical. Even the core of class C was about fifty gold, and each class multiplied this number exponentially. There are a few more artifacts and cores but none of them are what I want.

The king himself bid a few of them, winning the A-grade beast core. It was not until a magician completely absorbed the essence that they would discover whether the beast core still contained a will or not. The chances are slim to find a core that still has its desires intact; even if it contains a will, it must be compatible with the user. Most animals, however, have passed it on to one of their descendants or instinctively choose to disperse their desires before dying.

I guess the King is hoping to get lucky. The Queen, on the other hand, bid the mana absorption ring and some other items useful to the witches.

As we approached the second half of the auction, the value of the items began to increase. As more and more items were sold, my interest began to wane until a large square container, covered by a piece of paper, was launched onto the stage by several workers.

Inevitably I became agitated when the auctioneer took off the sheet, revealing a cage full of females chained together with only dirty sacks to cover their private areas.

It disgusts me because so many nobles frantically started bidding on young female slaves who were immediately stripped naked to show their assets like animals. I realized that being born in a small town with people who disagreed with the idea of having slaves had made me almost forget the fact that slaves actually existed in this world.

My world abolished slavery hundreds of years ago, so the idea of having slaves was something I could not get used to.

The memories of killing the slave merchant who had kidnapped Thania returned to mind. If I wasn't there to save her, what would happen? A tremor spread across my spine thinking of Thania being harassed by a corrupt noble. Now that I think about it, didn't I accidentally prevent a war between humans and elves?

The metallic taste in my mouth brought me back to reality. Realizing that I had bitten too hard on my lower lip, I quickly wiped the blood from my lips with my finger.

Jessica and my mother had serious faces upon seeing the slaves, but they simply shook their heads and focused their attention on Alicia and Layla instead. Although the Helstia family was a very prominent noble family, they opposed the idea of maintaining slaves and chose to only hire servants and butlers.

Alex's face shone with guilt but he quickly regained his composure. I'm sure he's against this, but how else would the popularity and demand of slaves be too high.

Turning my head away, I saw the prince muttering something to the little princess, but I couldn't guess what from his expressionless face.

It gets boring. I began to think that it would be better to delay getting a decent sword for now and only receive decent sword training until my body matures a little.

Waking up from my seat, I leaned back, stretching my stiffened body as I saw the hooded guard named Sebas staring at Eve with a disturbing twinkle in his eyes.

The beaded-eyed sorcerer under the hood continued to fiddle with his metal staff impatiently as his eyes remained fixed on my bond.

After a while, he realized that I was staring back at him. Letting a stifled cough in response, he straightened his robe as he stretched out his shoulders which normally bent down to make himself look bigger. Gazing down at me, she had the courage to grin complacently, as if she had the right to do what she was about to do.

This stupid village guy has the courage to…

ALEX HELSTIA POV:

It was a pity that Arthur could not find a suitable sword.

Not important. There are enough swords in the barn; I'm sure he'll like at least one of them.

"Your Majesty, I hope you find it beneficial to visit our humble auction house," I reassured, humbling myself.

“This place and event is not at all simple, Alex. And yes, I'm not sure how you managed to secure the A-grade beast core from the silver suit bear, but you have managed to build up enough tissue. Let's just hope that the will of the beast is still intact." He patted my back excitedly with his hands.

"Don't expect too much, dear. You know how rare it is," I could hear the Queen muttering softly in response.

The Queen turned to continue her conversation with Samantha and my wife. They seem to be talking about children.

His Majesty and I turned our attention back to the main stage when, suddenly, a terrifying presence filled the room, constricting my body.

I tried my hardest to move, tried and found this domineering source of bloodlust, but my body refused to obey.

What the hell's going on? This is the safest area in the entire building with the King's guards inside, as well as my own guards, securing the outside of the room.

My breath became shallow as the overbearing pressure continued to grip my insides.

I could feel the grains of cold sweat slowly flowing down my face as if they were also scared.

With much effort, my body relented a little and I was able to slightly turn my gaze to see if they knew what was going on.

While they could at least move their bodies, it was clear that they were as confused as me.

I don't know what to expect next. I assumed that I would live much longer, but here I was, on the brink of death, trying to fight my way out of his icy grasp.

What the hell's going on?

ARTHUR WHITE POV:

Goddamn bum. I'm losing control.

I quickly turned away from the pale-faced Sebas who was trembling on the floor, hoping that no one would notice.

I just meant to give Sebastian a little fear, not to scare everyone in the room.

Peering for a while, I heaved a sigh of relief after seeing that my mother and sister were fine. My sister was shocked and cried, but the two of them were far enough away not to be affected directly.

I didn't think it would be this bad with my body.

This was the first time that I had let go of my killing intent. Even when I was fighting against the slave traders, I had chosen not to emit any intention to surprise them.

The King's Augimenter Guard had unsheathed weapons and was positioned to defend around the royal family at the time I had drawn the pressure I had exerted into the room.

"Who's there? You dare to try to attack the royal family?" The king roared while pushing his wife and children behind him. Queen Priscillia took out her wand and quietly muttered the mantra as she herded her frightened children, as well as my mother and sister, Alicia, behind her husband and the guards.

Alex uses the artifact in his hand to summon more guards inside and have the others scout the area in search of a killer who may, or has ever, been nearby.

My father had stopped by, but, after confirming that we were fine, went to try and search for the mysterious assailant.

It was only after they confirmed killing an intruder on the roof of the auction house that everyone calmed down.

I heaved a sigh of relief, but unlike everyone else, my relief was not because the intruder had been killed, but the fact that I had been given a comfortable scapegoat.

Thank you, intruder on the roof. Your sacrifice is not in vain🙏.

"Oi Sebas. How could a royal bodyguard fall for a little intimidation from an intruder? You'll die early like this." The hooded augimenter holding the spear shook his head, trying to sound resolute in front of his comrades.

"I just slipped!" Sebas growled, shaking off the hand held out by one of the guards.

He looked at me suspiciously for a moment but said nothing more as he turned around in disdain.

"Now! For the last item we have for lucky individuals lucky enough to get this!" The dramatic voice of the auctioneer echoed from below as another cage covered by silk cloth was dragged onto the stage.

Everyone in the room still looks tense due to the initial shock of an intruder, but their attention is now focused back on stage after Alex announces he has been killed.

After a dramatic pause, the tarp covering the kennel was removed, revealing a small cat animal the size of a large dog.

The auctioneer shouted at the exact moment, "Baby World Lion! For those who don't know which of these incredible beasts are, the adult world lion has the ability to at least become a B-class savage beast. Well, this world lion baby could even be an A-grade Mana Beast! Do you know what this means? Caring for and appreciating this refined beast would make its master a legendary beast tamer!"

The audience below us exploded into a frenzy as hands shot up into the air, bidding without even waiting for the auctioneer. To my surprise, King Glaydlord struck the glass with his hand as his eyes remained fixed on the mana ferocious beast.

Since I have never crossed the Beast Glades, I am also interested in his son.

Sebastian walks to the edge of the room as well to get a better view of which animals are currently on display. However, he only snorted dissatisfiedly before walking back, making Eve greedy again.

I wouldn't normally mind someone being jealous of the fact that I have a bond, but it's clear that Sebas has the intention to try and take my bond away from me. Needless to say, my patience with perverted gazes was running low.

"Now, now! I won't be able to start bidding until everyone is in order!" The auctioneer wiggled his finger with a satisfied grin plastered on his face as he waited for the crowd to calm down.

As all bidders reluctantly completed it, the auctioneer finally announced the initial bid. "We'll start with a hundred gold!"

Back in Ashber, ten silver coins were more than enough to feed a family of four for a year. Of course, there were obviously luxurious meals that were in great numbers, but just by coming out of that standard, a hundred silver coins, which amounted to one gold coin, were out in number, it would be more than enough to feed a family of four for ten years.

Growing up in the outpost of a city, I never realized how much money the wealthy class actually spent.

Soon, the price of the world lion soared. Soon, it passed through four hundred gold and the bidder had no intention of stopping.

"500 gold!"

"550!"

"600!"

"700!"

"1000 gold coins!" The king shouted into a sound reinforcement artifact.

Just by hearing their king's voice, the crowd's unrelenting bidding stopped. It was clear that, while there were many people who were able to bid higher, they were more debating whether it was worth bidding against their own king.

It seemed unfair once the King entered, but he at least had the decency to put up a high enough price.

After the auctioneer counted, the price was finally set at a thousand gold coins or one white gold tablet; something I only saw in books and pictures.

Alex walked towards the King with his arms outstretched. "It seems like no one wants to bid against you, King Glaydlord," he congratulated.

"One white gold tablet shouldn't be too unfair, right?" the King joked as he looked back on stage, clearly excited.

"Thank you for the consideration" Alex chuckled. "What are your plans for a new royal pet? Are you going to use it for yourself, or maybe give it to your son?"

"Although it was tempting for me to get a bond, I thought about giving it to Charles." he said casually. "Of course, it all depends on how he does it," he ended, patting his son's head.

"D-Dad!" Prince Charles, whose face looked bright on his father's first statement, stuttered in worry.

Queen Priscillia, adding fuel to the fire, added, "Charles, I remember you lazy to learn the sword."

"ah! Ma! It should be a secret!" The fierce-looking prince tugged at his mother's sleeves as his eyes turned to mother and father.

"Mama, can I have a pet?" ask Alicia.

"Haha! I don't know. Mana beast just wants to be a pet for women is fine," seduced my mother.

"Alicia is good! Right, Brother?" He pulled my sleeve, sending me to the battlefield on his behalf.

"Hmm? Who knows." Shooting her with an evil smile, I put Eve on my sister's lap before she started crying.

The Tenth Birthday Event ended with no further commotion other than the one I caused, and the guards escorted us all back down.

After reaching the storage room backstage, Alex gave me a package wrapped in black cloth. The goods the King bought were being transported to the carriage by some workers.

"Thank you." I took it with a chest.

"For all that you and your family have done for us, this is hardly enough" Alex replied.

"Arthur, we have some swords behind if you want to see them while you're here. It might not be something special, but I'm sure you'll be able to find a sturdy sword to last until your body is done growing."

"Oh! Are you planning on taking lessons with a sword?" The king asked, putting his hands on his son's shoulders. "My son has just started learning as well. Maybe you two can fight someday."

"The sword is just a hobby for me, Your Majesty. I would never expect to reach the same level as your son" I replied, turning around to make up for Alex's offer.

"Your Highness, Prince Charles will only be infected with bad habits if he starts arguing with ordinary people" Sebas's hissing voice rang.

As I turned around to reply, my father and the Twin Stars started to look.

"Ah, you're here! How do you enjoy Auction?" my father exclaimed, picking up Alicia after showing his respect to the King and Queen.

My father pulled Alex aside as he and the Twin Stars started asking about the show.

"Your Majesty. If I may speak to you," I heard Sebastian say as he leaned into the King's ear.

After a while, King Glaydlord glanced at his royal bodyguards in annoyance, but sighed.

As the two walked towards me, it was clear what they had just discussed in the way Sebas did not even look at me, but instead, at my bond.

However, instead of speaking to me, the King called my father.

The king smiled at him, but his eyes remained firm. "I've never heard your name. You must be the father of this boy, right?" he insists rather than ask.

"My name is Reynolds White and yes, it is. What's up, Your Majesty?" My father replied, humbling himself a little.

"Free, here, has been a royal bodyguard for a while now and has helped our family many times."

His voice remained relaxed he spoke to my father, but his condescending tone was still visible. "For the exemplary service he has given me, and therefore the country, I feel the need to reward him once in a while.you know; he loves the bond of your son. I know it's not easy to break the contract and I'm sure the boy has grown close to his little pet, but I would be more than willing to hire a witch to take care of the contract and compensate you and your family for the matter."

"Y-Your Majesty," my father stammered, surprised by the harsh request. Glancing at me, he turned towards the King. "6I must apologize, Your Majesty. Neither me nor my wife had anything to do with my son's bond. He had obtained it himself, so I couldn't speak on behalf of my son about his bond issues."

"Hmm," The king turned his attention towards me, looked at me arrogantly, and I suddenly realized that I was returning his gaze. He realized, then, that for the entirety of their conversation, I had been staring at him coldly and with his bodyguards.

"Son. Didn't your father teach you to lower your eyes when talking to someone from your boss?" Sebas growled in disgust as he slammed the tip of his metal stick into the ground.

"Free, quiet!" The king raised his hand. In addition to the royal family and their bodyguards, the King's request has attracted the attention of my entire family as well as Alex.

"Hello, son." The king approached, standing as far as one arm away from me. "I'm sure you just heard me talking to your father, so I'm not going to do it again. Hows it? My royal arsenal must have a sword that matches any knight's sword."

Not wanting to make a big fuss, I swallowed back the itchy dirty words to spit out from my mouth. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your generous offer, but I must refuse. A simple sword could never replace Eve."

"How dare⎯"

"Free!" King Glaydlord roared. Turning towards me, he spoke again in a much more impatient tone. "How about trading? The lion cub I just bought for your bond?"

"Dad!" Charles rushed to his father, pulling his sleeve. "What animal do you think is mine?"

Ignoring his son, the King waited for my answer.

"Maybe I didn't explain. I don't want to give, sell, or exchange my bonds, Your Majesty" I repeated, failing to cover the irritated expression on my face.

"I've asked for your help twice, son. Twice," he emphasized, his tone grew more serious. "I'll ask you one more time; will you give me your bond?"

The air became tense as everyone's attention was on me. Sebas looked at me with a menacing look from his red eyes, waiting to be released. The other royal guards were on standby near the two, observing the situation closely.

"Then let me ask you a question in response, Your Majesty. How much are you willing to sell your children to me?" I asked calmly, never winking.

Out of guard, the King was unable to answer a seemingly random question. "You have asked me twice and I have rejected you twice, but it seems that your pride will not allow you to accept my rejection. You don't seem to be aware of what you're asking me, so I hope to clarify using my question instead. How much money should I give in return for your son or daughter, King Glaydlord?" I repeat, without hesitation.

I heard a sharp whistle from the sword that left its sheath. "Braven peasants! You dare insult the King and his family?" a guard roared as he attacked me before anyone could answer.

...-----4.003 Word----...