Though the Village Hall didn't look that large from the outside, the inside was quite spacious. It’s actually an underground dome structure, dug and built by the dwarves a few thousands years ago. Dozens of long and winding hallways stretched far and deep into the ground like a labyrinth and it's connected to the Main Vault where the village stored its treasures.
The outer building served as a multi-entrances point where the visitors could come and go through the lifts.
An engineering marvel couldn't be achieved that easily by the current generation.
Arriving at the main hall, a huge formation of quartz crystals loomed above the head, powering as well as providing warmth for the entire underground building complex.
Usually, only the authorized officials were allowed to enter the village hall. But for this special evening, it's open to the public. A huge stage made from solid wood planks and steels was erected in the middle of the Main Hall.
As the auction was about to begin, the guests were seated according to their class and standing. The VIP Class Bidders were arranged around and close to the stage, and could see the products clearly from where they sat.
Meanwhile, the first, second, and third class were arranged behind the VIP Class and separated by dividers which encircled the VIP Class Area.
But of course, Alice hoped that no one was foolish enough to attempt a robbery or cause a commotion during the auction since the madams of Five Houses plus Chieftess Andariel who could turn a human’s Kingdom into a ruble were in the same building to oversee the Grand Auction that attended by men in majority.
In addition to the security, ten Huntresses were stationed inside the Main Hall whereas the others were spread out around the village.
However, this year’s Grand Auction was blessed with the appearance of noble ladies from many different Kingdoms outside Arlenheim. The reason for this rare occasion was the rumors of certain items that could increase one’s vitality and improve their sex life by leaps and bounds.
Lady Evelynn and her House of Pleasure really did a great job promoting the Love Nectar Extractor in her own way.
On the other hand, the Tusa Village’s higher-ups sat at the higher floor’s loft, overseeing the stage from above. This way, they could see each guest’s face clearly.
Alice opted to climb on Andariel’s soft lap. She rested her head on the Chieftess’ plump bosoms.
“Oh my… Why with the sudden clinginess?” Andariel whispered softly. She didn't mind at all. Just a bit surprised.
“I mean… I have to act as your daughter this evening. So might as well do it all the way.”
Evelynn, the strongest Succubus who opted to ignore the village’s mundane management duty chimed in her usual lascivious tone.
“If you don't want Alice to be on your lap, I’d happily replace you.”
“No…” Andariel tucked the little demoness closer to her person. “She’s mine…”
“Awwww, come on… It's been ages since I have her on my lap…” Evelynn sulked.
“No is no.” Andariel replied firmly. “But, in return, I will let you ‘entertain’ the guests after the auction.”
“Aaww! You’re the best, Andariel.” Evelynn hovered closer, putting her arms around the Chieftess neck from behind.
“Urgh… Get away from me, you’re too close, Evelynn.”
“No.” The air suddenly turned cold. “It's your punishment for denying my request.”
Alice also felt a chill in her spine when Evelynn’s aura oozed out. It felt very fiendish, it's not something that a mere Succubus could do. Alice had a hunch that Evelynn’s current body was just a mere vessel of her true form. Something that must be contained.
Fortunately, Evelynn was under Andariel’s custody.
“Fine. Just promise that you’ll behave yourself.”
“Ehehe, thank you!” Evelynn landed a small peck on Andariel’s cheek.
Alice was perfectly petrified when Evelynn’s aura overwhelmed her senses. ‘Oh dear… The longer I live in this village, the more secrets that I need to solve regarding its insane villagers. By the goddess, no wonder other races didn't want to antagonize Tusa Village.’
As the bidders sat on their seats, the purple and yellow skinned succubi duo sprang out of thin air, literally. They magically appeared in skimpy, sexy yet also elegant outfits. Their frilly mini-skirts were barely covering their round and supple rumps as they two skipped on the stage like a pair of rabbits.
The brass musicians played their trumpets, further enhancing the festive vibe of the opening.
“Good evening! Ladies and Gents! Welcome to the Tusa Village’s Annual Grand Auction!” The succubi duo exclaimed enthusiastically.
“My name is Violetta!”
“And I am Kaelith!”
“We are your hosts tonight!”
Violetta stepped forward. “This evening we have hundreds of items ready to be auctioned! From Elemental Mana Stones, Beast Core, Exotic raw materials and many more!”
Kaelith jumped in front of Violetta. “Without further ado, let us begin with the first item of the night! Twenty Medium-grade Fire Elemental Mana Stones!”
“The price will start at 5,000 Gold Coins for each!” Violetta exclaimed after.
Just when the items were brought to the stage, dozens of bidders from different classes.
“5,100 for a single stone!”
“5,200!”
“5,300!”
The bidding price climbed exponentially as no one would want to miss this chance to obtain fuel with a considerably low price.
Medium-grade mana stones were very rare in nature. Moreover, Fire Elemental Mana Stones were basically the main source of fuel for many Kingdoms in the northern hemisphere of this world.
One Medium-grade Fire Elemental Mana Stone could power an entire town with ten thousand residents within it.
The townsfolk could live in comfort for a whole month and didn't have to worry about collecting firewood for cooking and warming themselves during the Deep Winter season when the Magic Array was activated.
And if it used to cultivate one’s Magical Core, and ascend to a higher stage, their cultivation speed would skyrocket.
For example, First Stage Acolyte would need at least ten Low-grade Mana Stones which have the highest affinity with their Magic Core to ascend to Rank 2. However, one’s magic cultivation speed was varied, depending on the talents and many variables.
As the price kept getting higher, one VIP Bidder raised his gold sign high above anyone else.
“Seven thousand gold coins for each! I doubt there'll be anyone who could bid higher than me.”
The guests shut their mouths tightly as they knew this man’s real identity. It’s none other than the Third Prince of Arlenheim Kingdom! His Highness Brant Arlenheim!