Section 55 Provocation

When Ashrufat walked into the auction house, it was not very far from the official start of the auction. It must be noted that this auction house, located in the aristocratic district, often holds auctions of this type today. This is a business strategy, because every time you auction the same type of thing, it is always easier to attract customers.

Today, too, the auction is all about high-end weapons and armor.

Ashrufat took out his VIP ticket, and a waiter immediately ushered him into the stateroom. The auction hall is a bit like a theater, with a small table in the middle and semi-circular customer seats on the sides. The stateroom is located closest to the high platform. Those in the Grand Seats can take a closer look at the auction at the closest distance and in the best light conditions. If they make a bid, it will also be most likely to be noticed by the auctioneer.

It can be seen that what Ah Jin said is at least not a complete lie. Although there are no tickets to enter, guests who do not have tickets are ushered to the regular seats by the waiters, and only those with tickets are taken into the special seating area. However, as far as Ashrufat's judgment is concerned, this ticket is not worth much. This should be a way to attract VIPs, to give tickets to those who are either rich or expensive, on the one hand, to raise the reputation of the auction, and on the other hand, in case these VIPs are interested, they will also become very good customers.

Today's weapons and armor, however, do not seem to be of particular interest, as there are very few guests in the grand seats. However, there are quite a few visitors in the ordinary seats.

While Ashrufat was sitting idly to pass the time, a new guest entered. It was a tall, short-haired man with a sturdy posture. Although he was wearing a luxurious coat that represented his status and wealth, there was a sense of viciousness in his expression that made people dare not approach. The waiter in charge of the reception was also intimidated by the man's ferocity like a raging beast for a while, and did not dare to come forward to lead the way.

The stranger ignored the waiter, and as he walked, he looked around the auction site, looking for his target.

Finding his target wasn't easy, but it wasn't too difficult either.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" the auctioneer has stepped into his place and begins to introduce the first lot in a loud and drumming voice.

“...... Lightweight and sharp...... Slim and sturdy...... It is this, a powerful magic sword from the mountain country, made by a mysterious dwarven master craftsman! It is endowed with powerful magic with the unique rune technique of the dwarves! This sword is named 'Black Crow', and its blade is strong enough to cut through dragonflies flying in the air! Together with its high-end scabbard, the starting price of this sword is ...... Two hundred quiriolies! Each increase in price cannot be less than ten quiolis. ”

"Two hundred gold orioles!" "Two hundred and ten!" and "two hundred and thirty!" the sound of quotations sounded all around the auction hall. It seemed that there were many people who liked this sword, and the price soon rose all the way up, raising it to three hundred quiolis.

Ashruphat was silent at first. He watched carefully for a long time, although the quality of this magic sword was not a rare treasure, it was even superior in the dwarven casting process. In addition, the sword is also outstanding in appearance, with the hilt and sword shaft made into a black crow with wings ready to fly. Especially its length, the sword is slightly shorter and thinner than a normal sword, which makes it easier to carry or hide than a normal sword.

"Three hundred and ten Quiori. Ashrufat shouted. Before his voice fell, he heard another voice behind him, "Three hundred and twenty." The voice was very close to him, and it must have been a guest right behind him.

Ashrufat did not look back, but immediately shouted a higher price. "Three hundred and thirty!"

"Three hundred and thirty! Someone has already offered three hundred and thirty! Has anyone offered a higher price?" In the center of the auction room, the auctioneer tried to stir up the enthusiasm of the customers with his words.

"Sir!" said the man behind Ishrufat, who had just made a statement, and as he spoke, he kicked Ashrufat hard in the position so that his words would not be misunderstood. "Are you deliberately embarrassing me?"

Ashrufat turned his head and saw a strange face full of malice. The stranger seemed to be a little angry, but the carnivorous look in his eyes made it a sign that the anger was faked.

"Are you talking to me? May I ask why I am embarrassing you?"

"I quoted a price," said the stranger. "And you're deliberately inflating the price. Are you provoking me?"

It only took a second for Eshurufat to realize that this was a malicious, deliberate provocation. Although he didn't know for a moment what the real reason for the other party to do this was, the other party was obviously just looking for an excuse. That is, no matter what he does or says, this conflict cannot be avoided.

"What about provocation?" replied Ashrufat coldly.

"You're admitting it? Okay, okay! You're provoking me! I'm going to duel with you!"

"Duel?" Ashruphat was stunned for a moment. But he immediately remembered what the court superintendent Skadera had told him about his "predecessors" when he first arrived.

"Okay, I accept. Stranger, my name is Ashrufat, who are you?"

"My name is Basardoni. The stranger replied. "Alright, Ashrufat, since you have accepted it, then let's find a few witnesses here!"

By this time, the auctioneer had given up trying to keep the price up, and he struck the mallet hard. "Okay, this 'black crow' will be sold at a price of three hundred and thirty!"

According to the rules of the auction, there is a short gap at this time. Because the goods that have been auctioned off need to be settled with the buyer, and the second item has to wait for the staff to send it to the auction table.

Basadoni took advantage of this opportunity to stand up and shouted at the people in the hall with a loud voice. "Gentlemen, is there anyone here who is going to challenge me to a duel, and who is willing to come and be a witness for us?"

His words immediately caught the attention of many people. It must be said that the vast majority of those who come here to buy these magic weapons and armor are young noble children. If anyone knows anything about this group, they will understand that these young noble children are almost all reckless and impulsive, full of curiosity and interest in various things, and even the type who is afraid of chaos in the world. Many of them are not so much interested in an auction item as they are here to pass the time. Barsadorni's request was immediately echoed by many. At least seven or eight people immediately stood up and walked towards this side.

......

This was the first time Ashrufat had come to the park.

It's not really a big park, and from a purely landscape point of view, it really doesn't have much to see. The ornamental plants here can only be considered so-so, the overall arrangement here is really barely good, and the fountains and pools here are a little green. But the real attraction of this place is not in the plants, the patterns and the fountains, but in the people.

This is Seongnam Park, the only place in Eagle Falcon Castle where you can fight a legal duel. Within the confines of the Central Seven, duels could never be forbidden, as many people saw it as a way to resolve conflicts by showing personal courage.

Ashrufat stood in a clearing in the park, moving his body a little. His opponent, the man named Basadoni, was doing the same thing at a distance of about twenty paces from him.

It was Ashrufat's first duel. Well, it's actually much simpler than expected. Because the two men quickly agreed not to wear armor, not to use shields, but to use long swords to duel. As for weapons, it's simpler. The Noble District is the only place in the entire city of Eagle Falcon where you can wear weapons as you like without causing any unpleasantness. Two young (and good) aristocratic witnesses—presumably cousins—were willing to lend their weapons to the two duelists. These are two identical swords, just right for a duelist.

What would have been a "legitimate" duel of at least five Witnesses was far more than normal was needed. A total of eleven enthusiastic young people in the auction room came forward to help them. In the time that the two duelists are preparing, these zealous witnesses are jointly signing a statement certifying that it was a legitimate duel and not a murder. With such a formality, everything is legal.

There were already quite a few people around. Most of them are noble women dressed in bright clothes and are seductive and attractive. If there's anything in this park that catches the eye, it's a duel. In this era, the most common view was that women were weak and needed to be protected by men. But in fact, you will find that when these women see the men who are preparing for a duel, their expressions are not ordinary. Of course, it's not just women who come together to see the excitement, but men as well. In addition to these witnesses, who can be seen up close, many more are watching from a distance. Even Ashrufat didn't notice that Essien was among the bystanders.

The statement was quickly signed, and on the recommendation of the witnesses, an older witness came out and came between Ashorufat and Basadoni.

"Alright, two, there's still one last chance. The witness said. "If I could apologize for this provocation......

"No need, it's the Mr. Basadoni in front of me who is provoking. Ashrufat directly interrupted the witness.

"You're insulting me!" said Basadoni, with a hideous expression. "Okay, that's okay, I'll be able to see what color your blood is in a few minutes anyway!"

The two of them were ready to do so. Eshurufat wore a long-sleeved coat (by aristocratic standards) that was not particularly flamboyant, buttoned all up, and had no equipment other than a sword in his hand. Barsadoni wore much less, a long-sleeved shirt in white linen, revealing his muscular chest. He had a short dagger stuck in his belt.

Now, the two sides of the duel looked at each other, one indifferent, the other fierce. This demeanor alone aroused great interest from the audience.