Strongest Kingdom: My Op Kingdom Got Transported Along With Me-Chapter 52: Auctioning Skill Books

Alix observes quietly from inside the carriage before finally speaking. "One gold coin just to enter as a merchant… It’s a bit steep."

Varkas glances at him through the open window. "Seems excessive for a kingdom in decline."

Alix chuckles lightly. "That’s exactly why. When a kingdom is struggling, they squeeze whatever they can from those who still have wealth."

Varkas doesn’t respond, simply steering the carriage forward as the line inches along.

Eventually, it’s their turn. A guard, his helmet slightly tilted as if it barely fits, steps up and eyes them with practiced indifference. His gaze lingers on the carriage before shifting to Varkas and then to Alix, who sits calmly inside.

"Merchant entry is one gold coin. State your business," the guard says flatly.

Alix produces a pouch and pulls out a single gold coin, flipping it toward the man. The guard catches it with a grunt before inspecting it.

"I deal in rare goods," Alix answers smoothly. "Books, artifacts—things that nobles and scholars find useful."

The guard raises an eyebrow but doesn’t pry further. He steps aside, gesturing toward the gate. "You’re clear. Next."

With a flick of the reins, Varkas guides the carriage into the bustling streets of Eldoria. The city is alive with movement—market stalls line the roads, traders shout over one another, and the scent of baked bread and roasted meat fills the air. Despite its decline, Eldoria still holds remnants of its former prosperity.

Alix leans back slightly, surveying the city through the window. "First, we need an inn. Then, we will go somewhere."

Varkas nods, maneuvering the carriage deeper into the city.

They soon arrive at an inn—the most luxurious one Eldoria has to offer. At least, that’s what the people claims.

Varkas steps down from the carriage first, his sharp eyes scanning the building. The structure is made of aged stone and wood, with a grand entrance and decorative banners hanging from the balcony above. It’s well-maintained compared to the surrounding buildings, but in his eyes, it barely qualifies as decent.

"This is their best inn?" Varkas mutters under his breath, unimpressed. "I’ve seen goblins live better back home."

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Alix steps out of the carriage, adjusting his coat. "Not everyone has the luxury of comparing everything to my city, Varkas." He smirks.

Varkas exhales through his nose. "Even empty, the inns back home would make this place look like a roadside tavern."

With that, he strides toward the entrance, and Varkas follows.

The lobby is spacious, with polished wooden floors and a grand chandelier hanging above. A few guests lounge in the seating area, and a well-dressed innkeeper stands behind the reception desk, offering a professional smile as they approach.

"Welcome, gentlemen. How may I assist you?"

Alix places a pouch of gold on the counter. "A private suite. No disturbances."

The innkeeper’s eyes flicker to the gold, and his smile widens. "Of course. Right this way."

The room is spacious, with elegant furnishings and two large beds covered in dark red linens. A small table sits in the center, complete with a fruit platter and a bottle of wine. The decor is impressive by Eldoria’s standards, but Varkas still scoffs as he steps inside.

A servant soon arrives, bringing their meals—roasted lamb, fresh bread, and a hearty vegetable stew. They eat in silence, savoring the meal before Alix finally stands.

"Now, we’re going to the auction house," Alix says, adjusting his coat.

Varkas wipes his mouth with a napkin and immediately stands. "Understood, Your Majesty."

Without further delay, they leave the inn, making their way through the bustling streets of Eldoria. The auction house is a grand structure near the city center, its entrance lined with torches and banners displaying the crest of a noble family. A steady flow of well-dressed individuals enters, their carriages lining the nearby streets.

As Alix and Varkas approach, a guard steps forward, blocking their path with a firm hand. He eyes them critically before speaking. "Five thousand gold coins. Only those who have five thousand gold coins can participate."

Alix doesn’t even blink. Instead, he tilts his head slightly. "I want to see the owner of this auction house. I have something to auction."

The guard frowns but doesn’t immediately refuse. He glances toward the nearby receptionist, a young woman dressed in formal attire, who quickly approaches.

"Sir," she says hesitantly, "the auction is about to start. I don’t think they’ll take any more items for tonight’s event."

Alix exhales softly, his voice lowering. "That’s too bad. I was planning to auction some skill books."

The air around them seems to shift. The receptionist’s eyes widen in shock, her breath catching for a moment. "Skill books?" she repeats, her voice barely above a whisper.

Even the guard straightens slightly, his expression no longer indifferent. In Eldoria, skill books are incredibly rare—so rare that even a Tier 1 skill could easily fetch thousands of gold coins at auction.

The receptionist quickly regains her composure, forcing a polite smile. "Please, come in, sir."

She gestures for them to follow, personally leading them inside. Instead of seating them in the general hall, she directs them to a private VIP room. The chamber is elegantly decorated, with plush seating and a clear view of the auction stage below.

"Please wait here, sir," the receptionist says, bowing slightly. "I will inform my employer immediately."

Shortly after, an elderly man enters the VIP room. He walks with a composed grace, his neatly trimmed silver beard and sharp, intelligent eyes giving off the air of a seasoned businessman. Dressed in a dark embroidered robe, he exudes the quiet authority of someone who has spent decades in the auction trade.

"Good evening, sir." His voice is smooth, practiced. "My name is Edmar Valstorn, the head of this auction house. I was informed that you wish to auction some skill books?"

Alix, seated comfortably, offers a slight nod. "Straight to the point. I like that," he says, setting down a small wooden box on the table. "I have three Tier 1 skill books here, as well as two Tier 2—one skill and one spell."