In response to Samantha's question, Mary smiled and stated she would consider it but needed time, and it wouldn't be today.
Naturally, Samantha wouldn't give Mary the time to contemplate, knowing that time was money and hers was very valuable. As they were speaking, the remaining three major forces calmly unveiled at the Masalen Manor.
A stern middle-aged man, an old pale-haired man, and a girl with a 36D chest and an innocent face made up the team. Their appearances were diverse, but each of their capacities was not to be underestimated.
The 36D girl was quite unique; she was careful not to cause any harm to the surroundings in the Manor. It was clear for anyone knowledgeable that being a henchwoman under the big boss of Freedom Port, Maraca, she alone was formidable enough to not require an entourage.
The three were representatives Sel from Two-Pointed Star, a representative from Four-Pointed Star, and Shirley from Five-Pointed Star.
Before Samantha had a chance to speak, others started answering her question. Several of the most significant powers were standing here, and Samantha's thoughts seemed overly naive. The reason they had previously kept quiet was to observe the reactions of the men in black. As it turned out, they were nothing more than capable henchmen, which only served the interests of the surrounding powers.
However, the ensuing discussion was not very pleasant. Catherine City became the handy, hot target for all. From Three-Pointed Star to even the Maraca Freedom Port, who would willingly let go of such a big city? Soon, a small argument started among the four forces, and they decided to settle this matter the next day at Catherine Square.
For now, all the countries were waiting and observing the situation regarding the Three-Pointed Star. They didn't avoid it out of disinterest, but because it was a bad time to act. Owing to the mutual development agreements, no national military force could disrupt the existing balance. The power struggle would only delay the economic benefits. Over time, the Five-Pointed Star had naturally become a characteristic of Freedom Port, Maraca.
The next morning, as soon as the sky began to lighten, Feng Yi was awakened by a streak of sunlight. Having slept soundly for the night, he started his day by stretching his arm, only to discover that his injury still ached, even though it was fundamentally fine.
Now filled with energy, his first thought was to have some food. Soon, he ordered a large serving of ramen as delivery.
As he was eating, there was a knock on Feng Yi's door. It turned out to be a courier package from the front desk.
Feng Yi accepted the package, opened it, and discovered a pair of pants. Soon after, more packages began to arrive in his room, and the staff delivering them seemed to be rather irritable. When she delivered the fourth package, she flatly refused to continue and stated that Feng Yi would have to collect the rest.
Feng Yi wondered what in the world had Eggy gotten him yesterday. Upon a closer inspection, he discovered the manufacture date and found out that the pants were a limited-edited combat suit from Laifu manufacturers. It featured amazing toughness, a 62-layer anti-penetration design, as well as Nanoscale Biomimetic Pigment Camouflage Technology. Even among civilians, it was considered high-quality apparel. As expected, it wasn't cheap.
After trying on the combat suit, combat boots, and a shirt, he revealed he had been wearing normal civilian clothes. Upon opening the final package, it unexpectedly contained a weapon. It was no wonder that the delivery girl was furious and asked him to collect his orders himself. The stuff was incredibly heavy, and Eggy had completed the perfect shopping spree using his name. Feng Yi felt like he had walked into a wall.
Upon donning his new combat suit, Feng Yi felt infinitely light. His next plan was to discuss Gomez's will with Mary. From being alive to being bullied here, he could not let this matter go.
Far away at the Catherine Baroque Square, the vast square was already filled with people. The lively atmosphere of the square, coupled with kids playing soccer, couples strolling, parkour enthusiasts, and various outdoor stalls, made it not any different from typical days. However, all these people were rich and influential individuals living in Catherine City. In Freedom Port, Maraca, the rich ones could enjoy heaven-like treatment.
But today was unlike any other day. The fight for territories by the four major forces left no room for the rich people- they were no different from ordinary people in their face. Most people who came to this place were here to watch the spectacle. The observant ones could see that apart from the men in black who represented the four major forces, many ordinary people hiding in plain sight were closely watching the situation.
Many traders from different countries were also present besides the four major forces. These traders, from the Federal Union, claimed they had come to do business in Catherine City. Normally, they had to pay taxes to Gomez. But now, they were forced to sell their hard-earned territories to the four forces at throwaway prices.
Mary felt quite helpless about this. For the traders, they were merely losing their sources of income. But Mary saw it as a scramble for power among the major forces. After ruling the Three-Pointed Star for years, she had undoubtedly developed feelings for the city of Catherine. More importantly, she felt like she didn't have any choices left. Although she could save herself, she had no clue how to maintain everyone else's benefits. Any form of power was insignificant face to the horrific presence of the four leaders unless it invoked the Mobile Suit. This was a result of Maraca's exclusive environment.
The auction began swiftly, and the first auction item was the land ownership of Gallia Seven Stars Clubhouse. Gallia Enterprises was a part of the Federal Union and because it was privately owned, the four major forces dared to bully it. In fact, most of the companies and shopfronts in the Three-Pointed Star area were owned by Federal traders. In contrast, a half-dead Federal state-owned automotive factory had been left untouched for years.
In this auction, it was explicitly stated that a maximum of 1 million federal coins would be the limit. As the auctioneer began with an initial price of 10,000, Sel from the Two-Pointed Star was the first to place a bid of 20,000 federal coins.
Samantha from One-Pointed Star bid 30,000, Four-Pointed Star Representative bid 40,000, while Shirley from Five Pointed Star bid 100,000. A hundred thousand federal coins amounted to a billion, and the representative from Gallia's territory turned pale and tried to object. However, he was rejected by a gentle smile from Shirley, "What? Is one hundred thousand federal coins too less for you?"
All Shirley did was smile softly, which left the entire square silent. Who wasn't aware of her notoriety? The construction cost for the Gallia Clubhouse was way more than 100,000 federal coins. But who would dare to object her in Freedom Port, in the lawless area of Maraca? When you're dead, you wouldn't even know how, or what hit you.
Even the other three bosses had to save face, and since there were other Gallia Clubhouses, they let Shirley buy it in good humor.
"100,000 federal coins once... 100,000 federal coins twice... anyone else wants to bid?"
Just as the auctioneer was about to conclude the auction, a moderate yet clear voice rang through the auction house, "10 million federal coins, if it's one coin less then let everyone stay."
What's happening? Who was the voice? The four major power representatives had come here to exploit the landowners, and now a seller suddenly appeared?
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