In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities-Chapter 252 - Appraising the Spoils

Standing before the spoils was a bespectacled scholar who looked as though he had been dragged there against his will. His nervous demeanor suggested he wasn't accustomed to such situations. Noticing Michael's curiosity, the attendant guiding him whispered, "His Highness the Crown Prince personally requested the highest-ranking appraiser for this occasion."

Michael nodded inwardly, understanding the necessity. To properly assess the value of the treasures, ancient tomes, and legendary artifacts, an expert appraiser was essential.

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Exchanging a glance with Miaomiao, Michael conveyed a silent message. She nodded with a determined expression, clearly understanding his intent. As Michael's presence became known, the attention of every warrior in the hall turned to him. The intensity of their gazes didn't faze him; instead, he greeted them with a confident smile and approached.

"It seems everyone has gathered quite the haul," Michael remarked lightly. "Apologies for being late. Is the appraisal underway?"

Aaron, who had grown quite friendly with Michael during their time on the airship, laughed heartily while stroking his beard. "Oh, come now, you had far more pressing matters to attend to than we did, just snatching up whatever we could. The count will handle everything when he arrives, but the elders here got impatient and called someone early."

Faust, standing beside Aaron, gave a warm smile and waved Michael over. "We haven't started yet, so don't worry yourself. We were just admiring the spoils while we waited."

Before they could exchange more pleasantries, a burly old man with an impressive physique and no shirt—his muscular form befitting a warrior of the steppes—barked out impatiently, "Enough of this nonsense! Get over here and oversee things already! Quit babbling like fools. These Celestians are all the same…"

Maintaining his composure, Michael stepped forward, exuding authority and dignity. All eyes in the hall once again focused on him, including the appraiser, who regarded Michael with a mixture of apprehension and resentment—the natural response to the man responsible for his country's downfall.

Faust introduced the appraiser to Michael. "This man is said to be the most renowned appraiser in Pamir. He seems to have some skill, so we brought him in."

Just then, a clear, confident voice rang out.

"[Wait a moment!]"

It was Miaomiao. Draped in stunning ornaments from head to toe, she sauntered gracefully through the crowd. Her elegant steps parted the gathering like a queen commanding her court. Reaching Michael's side, she cast a disdainful look at the appraiser before raising her paw and speaking with imperious authority.

"[I am Neferteri of the Sphinx lineage, guardian of knowledge and caretaker of ruins. Appraisal is also my domain. A mere human appraiser? Hmph. Those who wish to benefit from my expertise, step forward.]"

The hall erupted in murmurs. Even the human appraiser, who had just been put in his place, couldn't hide a faint look of excitement, a testament to the weight of Neferteri's proclamation.

"Did I hear that correctly?" a warrior marveled. "Well, I've lived a long time, but this is a first. That proud Sphinx, offering to appraise something of her own accord?"

"Indeed. To determine the authenticity of ancient texts or evaluate the grade of legendary techniques, there's no appraiser more qualified than a Sphinx."

"What are you all waiting for? Get in line!"

Meanwhile, the appraiser—who had been visibly disgruntled moments ago—felt his sour mood lighten. He had been full of resentment since being abruptly summoned to evaluate items in the ruined imperial palace. Why should I work for those who invaded my nation's palace? he had thought. However, the payment they had offered was too exorbitant to refuse. Now, the situation had shifted. He had no desire to showcase his limited knowledge before a Sphinx. In truth, he was eager to observe her in action and hone his own appraisal skills.

In a voice tinged with both anxiety and determination, he asked, "Then… what am I supposed to do?"

The strong warriors in the hall, however, ignored him entirely. Why would they care about a mere human appraiser when they had a Sphinx?

Michael offered the appraiser a reassuring smile. "Do not worry. Neferteri will handle the appraisals, but she won't assign monetary values. That's where your expertise will come in."

Visibly relieved, the appraiser cautiously stepped closer to Michael and introduced himself with a bow toward Miaomiao. "It is an honor, Lady Neferteri. I am Theseus, a mage from the Appraisal Guild."

Standing next to the legendary Sphinx made his body stiffen and his hands tremble. Neferteri nodded regally in acknowledgment, then raised a paw with authority.

"[However, there is a condition. Anyone who wants my appraisal must pay in gold.]"

She paused, momentarily unsure of what would constitute a reasonable fee. Turning to Michael, she silently sought his input.

"Instead of charging a flat fee per appraisal," Michael suggested, "why not take 1% of the appraised value in gold? That alone will amount to a fortune. It's your idea, but I won't charge you a fee for my help, nor will I take the gold on your behalf."

Michael continued thoughtfully, "I was considering investing the collected gold into estate management to generate profits. What do you think? While we're doing well enough to stop taking outside investment, it could benefit both you and Marcus."

Miaomiao nodded eagerly. Her dividends from the estate's profits had been lucrative so far. Marcus, on the other hand, cast an envious glance at Miaomiao. Though he earned gold by providing transport and other services, it was never quite enough.

With a solemn expression, Miaomiao exchanged a look with the human appraiser. The pricing of each item would ultimately depend on him, but her intent was clear. Understanding her message, the appraiser resolved to assign the highest values possible.

"[The fee will be 1% of the appraised value. Do you agree?]"

A chorus of agreement echoed through the hall. The amassed treasures, many of them ancient and enigmatic, were beyond the comprehension of most present. They had doubted whether the human appraiser could evaluate them accurately, but now relief was evident on their faces.