"Did you hear? They say the [New Age Grand Fleet] will be visiting our Forge World this time."
"The [New Age Grand Fleet]? That is the fleet made up of dozens of ships, correct?"
The New Age Grand Fleet was a rather famous fleet within the star system where we were stationed. They traveled between planets, transporting necessary goods, and at times aided the Imperial Navy in purging xenos...
They could be considered the guardians of our Eah Star System.
Most recently, while we had been fighting on the Tethes Front, I heard they had worked alongside the Imperial Navy to face a Chaos fleet in order to protect us in space.
"That is true. They may not compare to our Adeptus Mechanicus grand fleet, but they have proven their usefulness admirably."
The Magos rated them very highly. You do not think so? No, that was definitely high praise.
"Nothing but praise. They must have impressed you."
"Not at all. I merely stated the facts. In any case, are you interested in that fleet?"
"No."
"Hm. Your sister seemed interested."
"What a bother."
"Then how about accompanying me this time? I am interested in the fleet myself. There is something there that may interest you as well, such as..."
An Aeldari, perhaps?
"An Aeldari?"
"Yes. I heard the New Age Admiral captured an Aeldari this time."
How had they captured an Aeldari? Had it allowed itself to be captured on purpose?
"Who knows? There is no way to know anything for certain. What matters, however, is that this is a splendid opportunity to see a living Aeldari with your own eyes, is it not?"
"It certainly is difficult to see a living Aeldari."
"So, will you go?"
Of course I would go. I could see an Aeldari that was not a corpse up close with my own eyes. That was an incredible spectacle.
I prepared to head to the New Age Grand Fleet with the Magos.
"Should we bring my sister too?"
"Would that not be fine? She is interested in it, after all. Even if we do not bring her, she will board on her own."
True enough. She was not a child, and Tess would be with her besides.
Thus, the two of us boarded Admiral Edward's ship first. Perhaps because we held rather high positions—Carmilla especially so—the admiral of the New Age Grand Fleet came out personally to greet us.
"What honored guests have graced my ship with their presence!"
"It is a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise."
"Ha ha, it is truly an honor to have a war hero and a Magos board my ship together. Ahem. But what brings these two esteemed guests here...?"
"I heard there was an Aeldari. We came to see it."
"You mean one of my finest wares."
We followed the admiral. Naturally, once we had boarded his ship and he had personally come to greet us, the next natural step was to listen as he boasted about his collection.
It was difficult to object, though, because his collection certainly piqued our interest.
'A Leman Russ battle tank, a meltagun, a golden statue with a small amount of adamantium mixed into it, and so on.'
"Your collection was impressive. But where is the Aeldari?"
"The Aeldari is not part of my collection. It is, strictly speaking, merchandise."
The admiral said this while stroking his mustache.
"Then it will be sold at the auction house."
"Of course. Such premium merchandise must be sold somewhere reserved for VIPs. Shall we head there?"
"Naturally."
"Then I shall personally escort you there."
-----
Following the admiral, we arrived at the auction house, where the auction was already well underway. Planetary governors and nobles were gathered there, along with the occasional Magos who had come to collect rare goods or Astra Militarum officers who had come merely to watch.
"There are quite a lot of people here."
"Such events are not common. Some must have come simply to enjoy the entertainment."
Sold for 100 million Thrones!
The item just sold was a work of art. It was said to be a painting done by a noble from some planet, and it was certainly beautiful.
Of course, I did not know whether it was worth 100 million.
Now then, the next item is today's highlight! An Aeldari!!!
The auctioneer introduced the merchandise as an Aeldari, but half the people who had come to the auction house did not even seem to know what an Aeldari was.
Then again, unless one participated in many wars as I had, Aeldari were difficult beings to encounter.
But when the Aeldari was brought out, its appearance seemed to leave them spellbound, and they began preparing to bid.
The opening bid is 500 million Thrones!
"One billion."
"What?"
The Magos beside me casually named one billion. The sight actually frightened me.
'One billion is not some dog's name. Can you just throw that number around so freely?!'
I stared at her in inward shock, but she remained perfectly composed. It did not feel as though she was putting on an act; she was genuinely unruffled.
"As expected of a Magos... You must be rich. No, is it only natural for a Magos to have that much money?"
"It is not my money."
? Then whose money was it?
"It is yours."
"??"
"I never once said I would modify the Radiant Crusader for free. Besides, those weapons are the finest weapons, incorporating even my secret techniques. Their value far exceeds one billion Thrones."
"That is quite something... Ha ha, my money. My money..."
"It is all right if you do not have the money at once. We can put it on your debt."
To think we would suddenly become debtor and creditor.
'The future looks bleak. Where am I supposed to scrape together one billion...?'
One billion Thrones! Any higher bids?!
Then, a voice rang out from far away.
"One billion one hundred million."
Huh? What? Wait a moment.
"One billion two hundred million."
Ah.
Bro is broke.