Master Of None

Chapter 96: 96. Small talk

Walker was glad to meet someone with such a system. He knew that his all around appraisal skill could indeed be limited as he progressed. Making a friend here could be a strong choice in the future. ”Glad to meet you sir, you may have heard of us recently but we are the omnipotent party. I am the leader walker. My fellow party mates are Su, Remey, and Gil.

Unfortunately our other member is currently busy and unable to attend.” Walker didnʼt want to say sleeping, he felt that would sound insulting to the auction house.

The old manʼs smile became wider ”ah so youʼre the young ones causing all the commotion. I heard stories of the hero title, a dragon as a party member, and even that youʼve become silver rank. The last of which you show off to the world. Hmm wise indeed displaying your party status and relation to the king. Well in any case no more dawdling here.

I Avis Garnet welcome you to your first auction.” Avis sat back down smiling and making shooing motions with his hands to send them in their way. It had been many years since adventurers caught his eyes so much so that the woman partnered with him at the counter had never seen him act in this manner. She had never witnessed Avis welcome a single guest in the past ten years sheʼd worked.

The party moved on leaving the woman stunned. Avis was thinking to himself that tonight would be an interesting auction.

The main room was large and lavish. A brilliant crystal chandelier was in the center of the ceiling causing rainbow light refractions to dance in the air. Some armed guards dressed in highly decorated armor waited at the walls if the need arose. In total there were a little over thirty guests. Some wore pins or clothing with family crests.

Walker spotted a group of three in the corner wearing cloaks embroidered with a beast claw and whip. Those must be the tamers guild members. Walker thought he should attempt to introduce himself before the start.

As they scanned the room Gil nudged his shoulder ” isnʼt that the guy from the castle that wanted to get rid of midnight?” Gil pointed towards a man who was wide eyed and almost fearful.

Nodding his head Gil then wondered ”why do you think heʼs moving so far from us? Did your skill scare him that bad?” Gil was referring to walker dragons intimidation. It definitely engraved their party name in to those members of the court and guard. However the reason Markus raven was currently staying far away was smaller and cuter.

Onyx had climbed up to walkersʼ shoulder to get a better view, thus letting others easily see him as well. One such person who immediately took notice was Markus raven. ”If I remember right Markus Raven has a fear of snakes and little Onyx here is probably the reason.

Hopefully he wonʼt act out but who knows if heʼll bid against us.” Walker was fortunate not to have to deal with a dramatic scene but was also worried Markus raven would go out of his way to block them from making bids. This not only could effect their quests but also damage their growing reputation.

Remey was staring at a table completely ignoring the guests along with walker and Gil. ”Hey Iʼm taking Su weʼre going by to grab a snack!” Remey dragged Su to a small table. Various candy coated fruits and miniature pastries had been put out for the guests. Remey had immediately zeroed in on some tarts with red fruit that shined with sugary glaze.

Gil and walker gave each other a look, at least they knew Remey wouldnʼt be picking a fight with someone. Su looked just as happy.

”Well while the girls bond Iʼm going to walk around a bit and get a feeling for the room. Maybe Iʼll meet someone interesting.” Shrugging his shoulders Gil made his way towards a small group of people who seemed embroiled in conversation. As walker tried to listen he heard the odd sentence about arrows being auctioned off. This must be why Gil wanted to head that way.

Since he was left alone and he could feel onyxʼs curiosity he headed towards the tamers guild members. He was also curious. The tallest one among them was a skinny man with long pulled back black hair. His features were sharp and he wore thick gloves. The thick gloves werenʼt normal attire so it must be related to the kind of tamed beast he had.

The second member was rather short and plump man with brown and blond peppered hair. He had small mustache and seemed to be very distracted by food. The third was a slim athletic looking girl about walkers age. She had shoulder length reddish brown hair and too many freckles to count. Her emerald eyes seemed to pick apart any details, the phrase eyes like a hawk fit her well.

That being said she noticed walker coming first and a flash of curiosity appeared within her eyes at the sight of onyx in his shoulder.

”Hello there, I see youʼre a member of the tamers guild. Itʼs nice to see others with tamer skills tonight. My name is walker and this is my little brother onyx.” The fact that heʼd said, others with tamer skills, was not something the taller man missed. This basically said that the person introducing themselves as walker had a tamed beast but wasnʼt necessarily a tamer.

Casually extending a hand the tall man grasped walkers and gave it a shake ”my name is Laurence I am the leader of this trio. The little lass to my left is Elise donʼt let her energetic personality offend you she doesnʼt mean to be rude.

And well the other is Riley, I canʼt speak for his table manners.” The man Riley didnʼt even look up and kept eating, conversation didnʼt even interest him in the slightest. On the contrary Elise walked a full circle around walker and closely took a look at onyx.

”Baby little snake there huh? Itʼs cute but it could easily get eaten by birds. Are you sure itʼs ok to have the little fella out? What species is he? Does he have venom? How big will he get?” The bombardment of questions was too much to answer at much and if Laurence hadnʼt given a warning Walker may have taken it as rude.

Laurence grabbed Eliseʼs shoulder stopping her a moment. She made an angry scrunched up face at Laurence for ruining her analysis. Walker took this opportunity to reply to some questions. ” Onyx is an abyssal serpent, I donʼt worry about his safety if need be he can hide on my skin as a tattoo. And for his venom...well let me check” Walker looked within the system only to find something surprising.