Thinking of that, Sheyan couldn't help but sigh in admiration at the guts of Governor Swann, to actually invite a merchant from an enemy nation. It was said that the Governor's authority was as monstrous as a king, and his wealth could rival a nation. If not for the presence of a hawkish general like Norrington, Governor Swann would've been even more unbridled and unbridled.
In the original storyline, Governor Swann wholeheartedly wanted to facilitate the marriage between his daughter Elizabeth and Norrington. This should've been related to this aspect. Even if Norrington was a principled man, he wouldn't lay his hands on his father-in-law right?
Nevertheless, this time's auction had an uninvited guest with unparalleled financial resources like Fernandez. Perhaps, it would be difficult for others to snatch away the items he fancied. This celebrity of an enemy nation could also act as a catfish in the auction, stirring up the tranquil waters and increasing the profits of the auction.
At this moment, Brother Black suddenly announced.
"The auction is about to begin."
Indeed, the aristocratic Mister McKinney gently rapped the wooden mallet in his hand three times. Then, he coughed and announced.
"Although I'm rather apologetic, I would like to invite everyone to quieten down. The auction is about to begin."
The people who came here still gave him a lot of face, probably because of Governor Swann. Instantly, everyone quieted down, even the boorish pirates were no exception.
At this moment, the blonde Elizabeth resembling Elizabeth, Yurena, picked up a booklet by her side and sweetly smiled.
"Due to the absence of Colonel Norrington, I heard he'll soon be a Brigadier General. Therefore, our grand auction is able to commence successfully. Time is tight, let us announce the first item of the auction."
Everyone quietened down. According to convention, the first and last items of the auction would be relatively precious, and would be the most outstanding items in this batch of auction. Naturally, the intention was to have a good start, and a grand slam at the end.
At this moment, "Ho ho ho" sounds could be heard from the rear side door as a gigantic wooden chest was carried in. Behind the auctioneer, there was a large platform. This place was usually used for mass or hymns. At this time, it was being sorted out. Five or six black slaves could be seen carrying the wooden box and placing it on the platform with great difficulty so that the buyer could inspect it.
When it was put down, the wooden box made a creaking sound as if it couldn't bear the weight. Then, the wooden board covering the box was removed, revealing a black mechanical weapon. This thing looked like a large harpoon cannon made with precision, but its surface was stained with turbid black stains. At first glance, it looked like it was full of rust, but upon closer inspection, it was an illusion.
Just by looking at it, one could feel a boundless evil aura emanating from it, as if it wanted to transform into many invisible arms that would strangle one's neck!
"Greenland Lethal Weapon. This is a giant harpoon cannon that has been around for nearly a hundred years. The harpoon that is shot out is enhanced by mysterious black magic and is then fired using the power of machinery!" "Previously, it had been placed on the whaling ship Dawkins for 30 years, slaughtering at least thousands of whales and absorbing their souls. Not only does it have a terrifying killing effect on marine creatures, it can even launch an illusion of the whale's soul to attack the enemy when attacking a ship. The sailors of a ship that is hit would be plunged into immense panic. "
"This harpoon cannon is exceedingly useful for hunting legendary marine creatures or boarding battles. Everyone should have heard of it right? The previous captain of the renowned Queen Anne's Revenge, was shot to death by this harpoon."
Blonde Yurena's voice was pleasant to the ears, as she narrated with great familiarity.
"Of course, I must remind everyone who wishes to purchase this. To operate this formidable harpoon cannon, it requires a specialized operator. Otherwise, the operator will suffer the backlash of the curse. The starting bid is 5,000 guineas, with increments of 1,000 guineas. "
Sheyan noticed that this woman had cleverly omitted the harpoon cannon's firing range. That should be a shortcoming. Compared to cannons that could easily reach several kilometres, even if the harpoon cannon was enhanced with witchcraft, it would still be difficult to shoot beyond 800 metres. Therefore, the position of this mid-range weapon was rather awkward.
If the Hill Maiden wasn't in its current half-crippled state, then Sheyan would have definitely obtained this weapon. Because this harpoon cannon seemed to be able to release the dead spirit of the Great Whale, causing chaos among the enemy's sailors. This would substantially reduce the difficulty of boarding. But now, it was hard to say. Sheyan had to first settle the problem of the ship.
Upon hearing the auction house's bid, some of the people who originally desired to purchase this weapon cooled down. 5,000 guineas was sufficient to purchase a brand new 3-masted merchant ship. Because a merchant ship didn't need to be equipped with multiple cannons like a warship, its price would be much cheaper.
If nothing unexpected happened, this merchant ship could at least earn a profit of 100,000 guineas before it was scrapped. To pirates or merchants who pursued profits here, spending 5,000 guineas on this weapon wasn't a wise decision.
However, Sheyan had still underestimated one thing. The symbolic significance of this' Greenland lethal weapon 'was exceedingly significant. It had the illustrious reputation of shooting down three legendary ship captains. Just like an instrument used by an emperor, its price would naturally soar.
"6,000 guineas." The great merchant Fernandez was the first to bid. He had many powerful subordinates who were adept in dark witchcraft. Even without mentioning the symbolic significance of this' Greenland lethal weapon ', just the centuries old dark witchcraft attached to it possessed considerable research value. 5,000 guineas wasn't much, but it wasn't little either. To him, it was merely a hair from nine oxen.
Unlike the initial hesitation of the crowd, when Fernandez bid, the rest of the englishmen started scrambling to outbid him. It seemed like they were bound by a common hatred, and weren't willing to let this spaniard have his way.
"7,000 guineas!"
Xue Sha immediately raised his hand and hastily shouted.
Instantly, the majority of the crowd cast their gazes towards Xue Sha. After clearly recognizing his face, they revealed an enlightened expression. Xue Sha had once been ambushed while plundering Fernandez's merchant ship. The Seaman's First Mate and several trusted aides had all been wiped out cleanly! Thus, a grudge was formed between the two.
"10,000 guineas!"
At this moment, a voice abruptly transmitted in from another direction. Unexpectedly, it was that red-veiled gypsy. Although she had arrived at the auction hall alone, her cold gaze gave off a feeling of holding the entire auction hall.
Although this' Greenland lethal weapon 'could be described as one of a kind with extraordinary significance, a 3-masted battleship only cost 10,000 guineas to construct. That had already far exceeded its actual value. Moreover, gypsies were unpredictably adept at divination. Who knew when they would have to beg for their help? Hence, after a brief consideration, everyone decided to back down.
Yet at this moment, when Mister McKinney was about to raise his hammer to announce the successful bid, Sheyan suddenly recalled something – why would the gypsies want to purchase this object?!
His mind whirled as he suddenly shouted out.
"11,000 guineas!"
That gypsy originally believed that 10,000 guineas would be a piece of cake. Never in her wildest dreams did she expect that the first item she bid for, would actually be obstructed by someone else. Instantly, a vicious glint flashed in her eyes, as an indescribable gloominess flashed in her eyes. She immediately glared towards Sheyan.
When she clearly saw that it was Seaman Yan who nodded his head courteously, she lowered her brows and squinted her eyes. Then, she turned her head away and stopped bidding.
Sheyan stared blankly. His original intention wasn't to bid for the 'Greenland lethal weapon'. Instead, according to his previous conjecture, this group of gypsies could possibly coincide with the item he was bidding for. Hence, Sheyan purposely bid such a high price, intending to deplete the liquidity of this gypsy woman, so as to prevent her from interfering with the item he truly desired. Unexpectedly, this woman actually didn't follow up? Sheyan couldn't help but start doubting his own judgement.
Nevertheless, without a choice, since no one was bidding, he could only pinch his nose and accept it. Sheyan followed the attendant by his side, and handed over 11,000 guineas. Thus, he could only obtain this priceless harpoon cannon that was worth the price of a brand new warship. At present, because he had reaped a huge profit from smuggling goods from Tortuga, his gold guineas had once again returned to six digits. Hence, 11,000 guineas wasn't enough to cripple his muscles and bones.
When he returned to the auction hall after handing over his goods, that arabian, who was most likely Ammand's representative, had joined in the bloody bidding war. The item being auctioned was a decent looking rapier, with its surface emitting a faint silvery glow. It appeared to be extremely sharp. When Sheyan caught sight of this rapier, he couldn't help but recall Ammand. He reckoned that this person was intending to purchase it as a gift to him.
"1,000 guineas!"
That arabian, Wahab, announced his latest bid. Before Sheyan could even take a seat, he immediately shouted out.
"2,000 guineas!"
Sheyan's bid was purely to disgust others into spending more money. Simultaneously, it gave others the misconception that he wanted to purchase anything, causing others to be unable to discern what he truly desired. That arabian turned his head to look, and instantly noticed a contented Sheyan. Then, his face revealed a cold sneer.
"5,000 guineas!"
The Arab man named Wahab immediately displayed his wealth and overbearingness. He possessed the demeanour of a tycoon of an oil kingdom. 5,000 guineas was already equivalent to a brand new merchant ship. Yet, he raised the bid so much without batting an eyelid, instantly giving others the impression that he wasn't lacking in money. (To be continued.) If you like this work, I welcome you to cast your recommendation votes or monthly votes at qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
