The Duchy of Hazard, or rather... the current Alliance of Duchys of Hazard, was formerly the Duchy of Caesar and the Duchy of Hazard, and before that, there was an Alliance of Duchys of Hazard with the same name.
The former Hazard Principality Alliance split into the Hazard Principality and the Caesar Principality, and then reunited into the Hazard Principality Alliance, finally stabilizing the chaotic situation.
This has led to a situation where factions coexist within the Duchy of Hazard, making it even more complex than the Empire's "two-way power struggle"—countless factions exist, including those of foreign races, former Hazards, Caesars, and mercenaries.
No matter which side becomes king, they cannot win over the people, so... the current Duchy of Hazard has adopted the parliamentary system of the Duchy of Caesar.
Each faction and family elects a member of parliament to vote on and invest in national policies, thereby determining the development direction of the Hazard Principality Alliance. At its peak, the number of members of parliament could reach hundreds.
It appears to be a fairly advanced and democratic system, but because most problems are solved with money, coupled with the convenience of the ever-used duchy gold coin, which is 1:10 silver coin in violet gold, the duchy has become a country that values money quite a lot.
It is almost a kingdom built by merchants, where almost everything can be bought with money, and the starting point for war and trade is usually the Duchy of Hazard.
Balls, social gatherings, cocktail parties, and dances filled the noble circles of the Duchy of Hazard, allowing the duchy and its members of parliament to obtain intelligence and profit from these events... War with the Empire was a lucrative opportunity for them.
A war that is destined to be lost may actually yield many benefits.
This is not a war that requires the full strength of the nation; it is merely an exchange of interests, a one-sided trade... Therefore, there is not a trace of tension in the capital of the Principality of Hazard.
The noble ladies lingered at the ball, discussing sachets and soaps.
The nobles, meanwhile, were laughing, drinking, and talking, discussing the current situation.
"..."
Novak Auction House is one of the most renowned auction houses in the capital of the Principality, and it is also very popular because of its characteristic of holding balls and auctions at the same time.
This is also one of the reasons why Grand Duke Novak became a member of the Duchy's council...because it's really profitable.
This is one of the reasons why the Novak family was so lenient on the price of "Bee Flower Snow Moon". Because as long as it has a normal name, the Novak family can push things if they want.
This is why "fashion" and "trend" are necessary; after all, this concept can help make money easily.
The auction hall was vast, accommodating many nobles who were clinking glasses and freely enjoying their food. On a stage at the other end of the auction hall, an elf dressed in a beautiful red dress stood.
Her pointed ears and beautiful appearance are proof of her pure elven bloodline. She is not a half-elf, but a full-fledged elf. Her smiling expression also reveals that she is not a slave, but an employee who enjoys hosting auctions.
"This ancient key originated from some ruins. Due to its antiquity, no one knows what kind of treasure chest it was used to open. However, if anyone has an unopenable sealed treasure chest, you can give it a try—you might just get a large sum of money!"
The voices of elves are beautiful. If the songs of sirens are melodious and ethereal, then the voices of elves are like the morning dew or the chirping of birds before sunrise.
Starting bid is 20 gold coins, participate enthusiastically!
As the elven auctioneer spoke, many nobles began to bid... Of course, these were all uncultured nobles; any noble with even a slight understanding of ancient artifacts would know this.
Everyone has a sealed treasure chest in their home, which can't be opened with an ancient key. That's because ancient treasure chests that require keys usually didn't have advanced spell technology back then.
It can be opened by cleaving it with a sword.
If it were a time when spellcasting technology had already developed, then such a treasure chest could not be opened with a key that has no mana fluctuations at all... but no one would say that.
This cannot be considered deception, but rather a marketing tactic... a form of inducement.
Finally, this broken key, which no one knew where it came from, was auctioned off for a high price of 110 gold coins, a number that ordinary people could hardly imagine in their entire lives, but it didn't make a ripple here.
"Next up is the grand finale of this auction (the second to last item), auctioned by Grand Duke Novak himself! It's a water with a unique fragrance, similar to face powder. Once applied to the body, it will leave a lasting scent."
"According to ancient records, this perfume is called 'Wind, Flower, Snow and Moon.' The Grand Duke is trying to ask a foreign demigod craftsman to make a replica, and currently only has a few bottles in stock."
"Ladies and gentlemen, would you like to be the most attention-grabbing person at the party?"
The elven auctioneer covered her mouth and chuckled. She tossed her emerald green hair and pulled the silver sparrow wood stopper from the metal bottle with gold-threaded lace patterns... Instantly, a clear fragrance filled the entire hall.
The women present all showed interest in their gazes.
The male nobles looked helpless; they knew they would have to spend money again soon… They also used face powder to cover up their body odor, but they still didn’t understand why they had to chase after increasingly expensive fragrances.
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