Divine Beast Ascension

Taking that into account, Oli asked, “When is the next new moon auction?”

“We just had one, so you would need to wait at least three suns until the next new moon auction,” answered the man.

“In that case, I would like to try and auction off the elder grade arts in the daily auctions and I’ll come back for the new moon auction with all three perennial grade arts.”

Somewhat nodding in agreement, the man sighed, “Very well... Then, would you like these items sold on separate days, or does that not matter to you?”

“Hmm... Actually, what if I also sold the early-perennial art in today’s auction? Would that be bad?”

The appraiser thought it over for a second but shook his head. “No, that might still give you a good price, since it’s only an early-perennial art. It would surely get outshined in the new moon auction.”

.....

“Then let’s do that. I’ll sell the three peak-elder arts and the early-perennial art in today’s auction. And would it be best to hand the other two over now or wait till the new moon auction?”

“You can do either, but I recommend as soon as possible. However... I was going to suggest selling the low-perennial art before then so you had more spending money for the new moon auction, but you’ve already got quite a hefty savings due to your sheer surplus and our recent lack of non-ice cores,” sighed the old man. “So you can choose to do what you want with it.”

“... In that case, I’ll turn them into Icicle Palace. And should the palace decide there’s a good day to sell the low-perennial art, then go right ahead. But save the high-perennial art for the new moon auction.”

Smiling wide, the perennial old man gave Oli a full bow. “I don’t know your name or your origin, but on behalf of Icicle Palace I deeply appreciate your patronage and am glad to do business with such a prominent and promising youth of great status.”

“The feeling is mutual.” Oli bowed in turn, respecting both the perennial and Icicle Palace. “And I look forward to the new moon auction. Oh, and by chance, would I be able to learn what items will be for sale during the new moon auction?”

The man nodded without hesitation. “For such a contributor, of course we can share that information free of charge. We’ll send you our most updated catalog of the upcoming new moon auction, and we can also offer you each day’s catalog upon request.”

“Alright... Do you know if a peak-elder, ice-type, one-handed broadsword will be available any time soon? Or a similar blade of equal quality?”

“Hmm... there won’t be such a blade today or in the following days. But I believe there should be one in the new moon auction. The blade style is somewhat rare but liked by prominent swordsmen, so we always request at least one such blade among others for each new moon.”

“Good to know. I have a companion in search of such a blade,” remarked Oli. “As an appraiser, would you recommend buying an auction piece or paying for a top-notch custom weapon?”

Squinting, the old man took a moment to ponder the question. “That depends on a few factors. A top-notch custom piece would likely be best since it’s entirely customized to the buyer’s tastes and specifications, but to get one better quality than an auction piece will take a long time and might end up costing more than an auction piece. And even then, an auction piece might end up being just as good. The best part of custom weapons is the customized style, weight, and feel. But if you find a similar auction piece, I’d recommend buying that. It’s only after becoming powerful perennials and kings that fully customized weapons are worth the price in my opinion. So a regular custom piece is usually enough for an elder, at least until they’re ready to upgrade after forming a divine core.”

Nodding slowly, Oli asked, “And how much do those particular swords sell for at the auction?”

“Somewhere around five thousand gold. But they’ll be top-notch among all mortal class weapons and beasts. So it’s worth at least that much. But unless your companion is competing in the upcoming qualifier, I wouldn’t splurge that much and would only buy a regular custom weapon for cheaper,” remarked the man. “Though, if that companion comes from a prominent family, a top-notch mortal weapon would hold value for generations as a coming-of-age weapon.

“Any more questions?”

Oli stroked the chin of his mask again but shook his head. “That’s all for now. Except, how will I be paid?”

“Oh. Just wait here. I’ll be right back.”

The man bowed and left the room, waving to the server now waiting outside the door. It was only a couple of minutes before the man returned and set out a mountain of gold on half of the table, along with a catalog scroll. “Here. Your one hundred and seventy thousand gold, as well as your auction certificates for the six scrolls and the most updated new moon catalog.”

Oli didn’t bother counting the coins and just stored everything. At the same time, the old man stored all of the goods across the table.

“Again, it’s a pleasure doing business with you, young master,” the man bowed and smiled warmly. “Is there a way to contact you, or an address that we can send you a notice of sale for your low-perennial art?”

But Oli shook his head. “I’ll be back a few days before the new moon auction. I’ll collect the earnings then while I get a full catalog for the new moon auction.”

“Very well, sir. Thank you, and I hope you enjoy your time here in Icicle Palace. We wish you the best of luck on all your bids and sales!”

With that, the man opened the door for Oli, passing the young yet prominent and private client back to the server. The server immediately bowed even deeper than before and his face was now filled with absolute respect. “Please, young master, allow me to guide you back to your seat.”