"A VIP room?" Nox mumbled to himself in a low voice as he stared at the girl who wore a patient, kind smile, as if she wasn't bothered by the passage of time. This was because the masked figure in question was an expert; otherwise, she wouldn't have even stepped out in the first place.
'Was this one of the privileges that woman was speaking about?' Nox thought, recalling the words of their guide. But just to make sure, Nox asked Anya in a firm voice befitting an expert.
"This is the first time I'm attending this auction. If you don't mind, what privileges will I get for being in the VIP section?"
Anya smiled kindly and pointed out, "Of course, I know this is your first time. After all, it's our job to take note of distinguished individuals such as yourself. As for the benefits of being a VIP participant, they are quite numerous, but I'll mention the important few."
Her smile remained unwavering as she began listing the privileges.
"Firstly," Anya began, "VIP guests enjoy priority seating, ensuring that you are always positioned in the most advantageous spot to observe the auction. No more standing in line or waiting for long periods. Your presence is immediately recognized, and we ensure that you are well taken care of."
"Secondly," she continued, "VIP participants are granted access to exclusive information regarding upcoming auction lots. You will receive detailed descriptions and assessments of the items before they are presented to the general audience, giving you the edge in bidding."
Nox's interest piqued at the mention of detailed information. That could be incredibly valuable in this environment, where competition for rare and powerful items would be fierce.
"Thirdly," Anya added, "VIPs are provided with a personal attendant for the duration of the event. They will cater to your every need, whether it be procuring refreshments, offering assistance with your bids, or answering any questions you may have regarding the auction process. It ensures that you can focus on the auction itself without any distractions."
"Lastly," she concluded, "VIP participants are granted access to the VIP-only auction rooms after the main event. Here, you can negotiate and bid on even more exclusive items that are not available to the general public. These items are often rare artifacts, powerful weapons, or other highly sought-after magical items."
Anya's voice was smooth, professional, and filled with assurance. She had clearly done this many times before. Her words made the offer seem like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for someone like Nox.
'She has good advertising skills,' Nox thought with a bit of respect for the young girl, who seemed to be around 17-18 years of age. She would have successfully convinced him to become a VIP if he wasn't in disguise right now.
Nox remained silent for a moment, taking in the information. The benefits were certainly tempting, especially the access to exclusive information and the VIP-only auction. He was certain that without a doubt, the VIP-only auction would contain powerful items.
As they stood there, Anya's gaze remained calm and composed, waiting for Nox's response. Nox glanced at her for a moment and said, "I appreciate the explanation. It's good to know what I can expect. I'll follow your lead."
Anya's smile widened, pleased with his response. "Please, follow me. I'll take you to the VIP room."
Soon, Nox and Wendy followed Anya through a luxurious red-rug-covered corridor adorned with expensive vases and paintings placed along the sides.
On their way, Nox took a moment to tell Anya about the items he was looking for, and sure enough, she told him that a few of the items were already present, but the rest would arrive in two hours before the auction began.
Nox was really shocked when he heard this. In two hours! he thought inwardly. He suspected Anya might be bluffing, but from the short interaction, he felt she wasn't the type to do so.
Through a flight of stairs, Nox and Wendy entered a room. They were among the few to arrive early.
The VIP room was grand, to say the least. The walls were painted a deep gold color, shimmering faintly under the light of the crystal chandeliers that hung from the ceiling. Red carpets stretched across the floor, muffling Nox and Wendy's footsteps. Each VIP box was separated by thick velvet curtains, giving its occupants complete privacy while still providing an unobstructed view of the auction hall below.
Inside each box was a set of comfortable chairs with cushions so soft they seemed to sink under even the slightest weight. A small round table sat in the center of each box, holding an assortment of refreshments: fresh fruit, pastries, and glasses of sparkling wine. The scent of the food mixed with the faint aroma of expensive incense that seemed to fill the room.
"This place is really... fancy," Nox muttered, plopping down into one of the chairs and testing its softness. "They really pull out all the stops for VIPs, don't they?"
Wendy nodded slightly as she observed the auction hall below. "It's all about creating an illusion," she said in a low voice. "Make the VIPs feel special, and they'll spend more without a second thought."
Nox chuckled softly, reaching for a glass of wine on the table. "Well, I'm not complaining. I could get used to this kind of treatment."
Soon, a woman stepped inside the box and bowed respectfully. She introduced herself as the personal assistant. Nox asked her about where he could put up goods for auction, and she soon took him away, leaving only Wendy to stare at the auction hall, which was gradually being filled by people from all walks of life.
But soon, her eyes flickered as she caught sight of someone familiar.
Down below, a girl with light blue hair styled into two buns, obviously hiding something, swept her mesmerizing blue eyes across the auction, her gaze lingering on the VIP area.
"I hope they have that item," Zara thought as she went to take a seat in the front rows.