Published at 16th of August 2023 8:36 pm

Chapter 474: The Azure Moonflower Herb [I]

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

The auction was a lively event, stretching on for hours, filled with tension and excitement. Treasures and rare items were paraded before the audience, sparking fervent bidding wars among the guests. Throughout the event, Aditya’s interest was piqued by a few select items, treasures that caught his eye and would prove useful for his future artifact crafting endeavors.

He ended up spending nearly 189 million royal gold coins, a sum that equated to over 1 billion regular gold coins. A gasp-worthy amount, one that even the other Emperors present wouldn’t have easily parted with without proper preparation. But Aditya had come to this auction unprepared, on a whim, prompted by Julia’s request earlier in the morning.

Lara, watching the numbers climb, turned to Aditya with wide eyes, “You really know how to spend money, don’t you? Over a billion gold coins!”

Aditya chuckled, leaning back comfortably in his chair, “Well, it’s all for a good cause. These treasures will come in handy.”

Julia interjected playfully, her eyes twinkling, “And besides, what’s a billion gold coins to the Emperor of the Istarin Empire?”

Aditya winked at her, “Exactly. We have more than enough to spare.”

The casual conversation belied the true wealth of the Istarin Empire, richer than any other Empire in attendance. But it wasn’t just the size or the vast resources of the Empire that made Aditya so wealthy. It was his intelligence, his strategic planning, his smart investment choices, and development projects spread across his territories.

He had a business acumen that few knew about and even fewer understood. Even without relying on the billions of taxes generated by the Empire each year, Aditya’s personal wealth was immense, stored away safely in his storage ring.

They continued to chat and laugh, sharing insights about the auction, the items, and even some of the other guests. The time flew by, and soon, the auction was winding down.

As they prepared to leave, Aditya looked at Julia and Lara, his voice filled with genuine affection, “This was quite the day. I hope you two enjoyed yourselves as much as I did.”

They both smiled, their faces glowing with happiness, and Julia reached over to squeeze his hand, “We always enjoy our time with you. And it’s not every day we get to see you spend a billion gold coins.”

They all laughed, the shared experience drawing them even closer together. The auction may have been filled with treasures and rarities, but for Aditya, the true treasures were the two incredible women beside him.

This new marvel of engineering was not merely a luxury item; it became a symbol of sophistication and status. People from every corner of the continent sought after Aditya’s glass, eager to adorn their homes, businesses, and palaces with this clear and shining material.

In towns and cities across the land, windows glittered with this new transparent wonder. Shopkeepers showcased their wares behind sparkling glass cases. Aristocrats sipped wine from delicate glass goblets. Even ordinary families found joy in simple glass ornaments and decorations.

The demand for Aditya’s glass was insatiable, and it wasn’t long before the money began pouring in. Tens of billions of gold coins filled his coffers, a fortune earned not just from his innovation but also from his victories on the battlefield. From looting the Dragon Slayer guild to defeating Emperor Lucas of the Echo Nexus Empire, and even the spoils from other fallen Empires during the last war, Aditya’s wealth knew no bounds.

He had amassed so much that he didn’t even need to touch the vast reserves of his royal treasury. The money in his storage ring alone was more than enough to sustain his lavish lifestyle and ambitious projects.

Yet, despite his enormous wealth, Aditya remained grounded. He continued to invest in his people, in development, and in the future of his Empire. The glass was just one example of his ingenuity and forward-thinking. With every passing day, he worked to build a world where everyone, rich or poor, could enjoy the fruits of progress and innovation.

As the auction progressed, Sakura, the beguiling hostess, continued to present rare treasures that captivated the audience’s attention. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as she unveiled each new item. However, a special segment of the auction was dedicated to something truly extraordinary that drew gasps of astonishment from the crowd.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we now enter a realm of true rarity and mystical wonder. The item I am about to present are not just valuable; they are the epitome of rarity, sought after by the greatest alchemists, healers, and mages across the land,” Sakura purred, her voice dripping with allure. “Allow me to introduce the rarest herbs known to mankind.”

Sakura’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she delicately lifted the glass case containing the Azure Moonflower. The room went silent as everyone’s attention was drawn to the ethereal beauty of the herb. She began to speak, her voice soft and mesmerizing, as if telling a tale from ancient times.

“Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes on the exquisite Azure Moonflower. A marvel of nature, this herb is unlike anything you have ever seen. Its petals are as soft as silk and as blue as the clearest night sky, shimmering with an inner light that seems to dance and play. The stem is a delicate silver, twisting gracefully, and the leaves are kissed with a hint of frost. It’s as if the very essence of the moon has been captured and cradled within this extraordinary flower.”

The audience was entranced as Sakura continued, “But the Azure Moonflower is not just a thing of beauty; it is a treasure trove of mystical power. Blooming only once every century under the full moon’s light, it holds within its petals the healing energies of the moon itself. It is said that a single drop of its nectar can cure the gravest of illnesses, mend broken bones, and even revive the very brink of death.”

Her voice lowered, adding an air of mystery, “The history of the Azure Moonflower is steeped in legend and folklore. Ancient texts speak of emperors and sorceresses who sought this herb to prolong life and enhance their magical abilities. Wars have been waged, and kingdoms have fallen in the quest to possess this rare gem of the botanical world.”

The room was filled with a sense of awe as Sakura concluded, “Today, you have the opportunity to own this celestial wonder, this miracle of nature. The Azure Moonflower is not just a herb; it is a symbol of hope, healing, and the endless possibilities of the universe.”

Aditya’s eyes flicked to Julia, a questioning glance in his eyes, asking silently if this was the item she needed. Julia’s response was a solemn nod, her eyes filled with determination and seriousness.

“For months I have been trying to develop a cure for Lara,” she explained to Aditya, her voice tinged with resolve. “With this, I will be one step closer to making a permanent cure for her mysterious disease.”

Aditya was taken aback, surprise flashing in his eyes. He hadn’t expected that Julia had come here for Lara’s sake. His heart swelled with pride for her selfless act.

Meanwhile, Lara, sitting next to Aditya, felt a lump in her throat as she realized what Julia was doing for her. Tears welled in her eyes, touched beyond words by her big sister’s love and devotion. This was supposed to be a rare three-hour long date that Julia got to spend alone with Aditya, yet rather than enjoying her precious time with him, she was here at this auction, focusing all her energy on securing an herb that could cure her.

Before Lara could find the words to express her gratitude, Julia gave her a knowing smile, full of warmth and understanding. It was a smile that said, ‘You don’t need to thank me; you are my sister, and I love you.’ Lara’s heart ached with emotion, overwhelmed by the depth of their bond.

“Ladies and Gentlemen,” Sakura’s voice broke through the moment, bringing them back to the auction. “The bidding for this rare herb will start at 50,000,000 million royal gold coins. Each time a bid is placed, it must not be anything lower than 10,000,000 million royal gold coins.”

A new determination filled Julia’s eyes as she focused on the bidding war ahead. “Let the bidding war begin,” Sakura announced with a flourish.

The room was abuzz with excitement as Sakura revealed the Azure Moonflower herb to the gathered crowd. A collective gasp filled the air as every eye in the room was drawn to the delicate and mesmerizing herb, displayed elegantly on a silken cushion.

It was a thing of ethereal beauty, its blue petals glowing with an otherworldly light, and its leaves shimmering like the soft glow of the moon. Its scent was faint but enchanting, filling the room with a fragrance that was both soothing and invigorating. The Azure Moonflower was beyond precious; it was a treasure coveted by all, a symbol of wealth, power, and rarity.

Everyone wanted the herb for themselves. Their eyes sparkled with greed and passion, and their hands twitched with the urge to place a bid. But deep in their hearts, they all knew that only the wealthiest among them would have a chance to win this extraordinary herb at the end.

The bidding began, and the numbers started to climb.

“60 million,” came the first bid, a confident voice ringing out.

“70 million,” another voice responded, a hint of excitement in the tone.

“80,” someone else chimed in, the word barely out before the next bid was placed.

“90 million,” a voice called, the anticipation growing.

“100 million,” came another bid, the room now a frenzy of voices, each trying to outdo the other.

The price for the Azure Moonflower was soaring like a rocket, rising higher and higher with each passing second. The tension in the room was palpable, the excitement almost tangible as the bids continued to escalate.

“110 million,” a new voice joined the fray.

“130 million,” came a swift response.

“150 million,” someone shouted, the voice tinged with both eagerness and desperation.

The price kept climbing, showing no signs of stopping. The room was a whirlwind of activity, filled with the sounds of eager bidders, the rustle of garments, and the clinking of coins. And at the heart of it all was the Azure Moonflower, serene and beautiful, untouched by the chaos around it, waiting to find its new home.

—————-

Share