Chapter 16
Vilin rubbed his once-round belly with a sigh of contentment.
But when the sexy waitress handed him the bill, his eyes widened in shock.
The meal had cost a full 10,000 Berries.
Still, Vilin quickly composed himself. He reached into his treehouse dimension, withdrew exactly 10,000 Berries, and placed them in her hand.
Under the waitress's misty, longing gaze, he took Annie's hand and left the restaurant.
After so long cooped up on the ship, both of them craved a leisurely walk to unwind.
Vilin also wanted a full-body massage to loosen his tense muscles.
While eating earlier, he had discreetly eavesdropped on nearby diners.
To his surprise, a high-profile auction was being held tonight. Rumors said it featured rare items—and exceptional "services."
Vilin was curious. He wanted to experience how the upper class lived.
Hand in hand, they strolled through the bustling streets. After passing several blocks, they stopped in front of a resplendent, golden pavilion.
"Sir, are you here for tonight's auction?"
A scantily dressed female attendant approached, hips swaying seductively.
Vilin's gaze was instantly drawn to her prominent chest.
Am I hitting puberty again?
He shook his head with self-mockery.
"Yes, we're here for the auction."
"I heard there are Devil Fruits up for bid—I'd like to take a look."
The attendant quickly reassessed Vilin's wealth at the mention of Devil Fruits.
"Right this way, please."
The VIP room was extravagantly decorated. Through floor-to-ceiling glass, they had a perfect view of the auction stage below.
After admiring the luxurious surroundings, Vilin sank into a plush leather sofa.
His body melted into the soft cushions. A low, satisfied groan escaped him as he closed his eyes.
Seeing how comfortable he looked, Annie eagerly lay down beside him.
Vilin peeled a grape and popped it into his mouth, then turned to the attendant standing quietly nearby.
"I heard your massage services are excellent. We'd like to try them."
He casually handed her 5,000 Berries.
The attendant's eyes sparkled at his generosity. She gave a charming smile, swayed her hips, and left the room.
Moments later she returned with two skilled masseuses.
Soon, both Vilin and Annie were lost in blissful relaxation under expert hands.
While they enjoyed the massage, the auction downstairs began in earnest.
The beautiful auctioneer presented gemstones, rare materials, and other valuables. Both Vilin and Annie gradually grew drowsy.
Vilin had zero interest in jewels or crafting materials.
Only when Devil Fruits appeared did his attention sharpen.
On stage, a stunning auctioneer carried an ornate wooden box and slowly ascended the platform.
As her snow-white hand opened the lid, the noisy hall fell instantly silent.
Then the atmosphere exploded.
Every guest stared hungrily at the Devil Fruit inside.
The auctioneer flashed a seductive smile at the heated response.
"The next item is this Devil Fruit!"
"After careful examination, we can confirm it is an Zoan-type—Bird-Bird Fruit, Model: White Eagle."
"The starting bid is 100 million Berries!"
"Please begin bidding, honored guests!"
Her sultry voice ignited the room.
"Don't anyone dare compete!"
"I'm Mondo, captain of the Blood-Hand Pirates!"
"Anyone who bids against me is disrespecting me!"
"110 million Berries!"
"Pfft! Blood-Hand Pirates? Who cares?"
"I'm Remy of the Madman Gang!"
"120 million Berries!"
"130 million Berries!"
…
The price soared rapidly.
Soon it reached 150 million Berries—and kept climbing as more bidders joined.
Vilin watched with disinterest.
He only cared about truly powerful fruits.
In the end, the Vulture Pirates claimed the Bird-Bird Fruit, White Eagle Model for 400 million Berries.
Some disappointed bidders clicked their tongues in regret.
Next, another Devil Fruit was brought to the stage.
The moment Vilin saw it, he felt a jolt of recognition.
I've seen this one in Devil Fruit pictures posted by netizens in my previous life…
The auctioneer, sensing the renewed excitement, lifted the fruit gracefully.
"After thorough research, we have determined this is a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit—Bloom-Bloom Fruit (Mori Mori no Mi variant? No—Flora-Flora Fruit / Grow-Grow Fruit)."
"Bloom-Bloom Fruit?"
"What does that even do?"
"Is it a dud?"
"I can't think of any use for it."
Murmurs of doubt spread through the crowd.
But Vilin's eyes lit up.
The exact fruit I wanted for Annie.
He had to have it.
"The starting bid for this Devil Fruit is 100 million Berries!"
"Interested guests—please begin!"
"110 million Berries."
"130 million Berries."
Interest was noticeably lower than for the previous Zoan fruit.
Which suited Vilin perfectly.
He calmly raised his paddle a few times.
Soon, no one else bid.
The Bloom-Bloom Fruit was his—for 300 million Berries.
Moments later, a female attendant delivered the ornate box to the VIP room.
Vilin handed over 300 million Berries without hesitation.
With the fruit secured, he finally relaxed fully, sinking deeper into the sofa.
The final item of the night was another Devil Fruit.
Zoan-type—Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Siberian Husky.
It sold to the Beast Fight Pirates for 200 million Berries.
With that, the auction concluded.
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