If it weren’t for Axel Robinson Zimmerman bringing back the Pirate King’s fleet, and for the fact that Duchess Mason lost part of her fleet a few years ago while exploring the Furious Sea, the Northern Fleet, at its peak, was half the size of the Imperial Navy.

Charlotte was wondering whether his little trinket would be out of place at such a high-end auction, when he heard the girl’s somewhat apologetic voice say, “I’m sorry to have involved Mr. Baker in this matter, but I really need your help.”

Charlotte asked in some confusion, “How can I help?”

He didn’t think it was a good idea to make a move at Duchess Mason’s auction. Even if the The Britton Family was powerful, this was something that absolutely shouldn’t be done.

Anne said softly, “He knows me, but he doesn’t know you. You can help me get close to him and place this tracking beetle on him. That way, even if he leaves the auction, I’ll still be able to track him.”

Anne Britton opened her palm, and in her slender hand lay a tiny black beetle. The beetle looked lifelike, but it wasn’t a living creature—it was a magical alchemical creation, with even hair-thin gears visible.

Charlotte didn’t really understand how magical alchemical creations worked. On Earth, technology could achieve similar things, but the principles were clear and everything was scientific. Magical alchemical creations, however, were shrouded in mystery, with no complete theory to explain them. He could only marvel at the wonders of this world.

This task seemed like a simple favor and wouldn’t cause any trouble, so Charlotte readily agreed, smiling as he said, “Happy to be of service to Miss Anne.”

The two discussed some details of the plan, and soon the carriage arrived in front of an old residence.

Charlotte hadn’t expected the venue for this magical item auction to be right in the Alexandria District.

He had always thought the auction would be held in the Valdevois District, and hadn’t expected it to be in Alexandria, not even far from the Savings Society Apartments.

Chapter 15: The Merchant Louis

The Alexandria District, with its strong commercial character, would be equivalent to a CBD (Central Business District) on Earth—a city’s undisputed core. But in the Fars Empire, the Valdevois District was the true center of culture and administration.

The two got out of the carriage. Anne handed over an invitation, and the elderly butler at the door politely welcomed them inside.

Charlotte had no doubt that without Anne’s company, he would never have been allowed in.

This old residence covered about five acres. Once inside, they saw all sorts of guests coming and going, making for a lively scene.

Charlotte asked curiously, “How does one sell their own magical items at a magical item auction?”

Before Anne could answer, a hearty voice said, “May I ask what kind of magical item this gentleman wishes to sell?”

Charlotte looked up slightly and saw a well-dressed older gentleman smiling at him. He returned the smile politely and said, “It’s a multi-headed chain flail.” He opened the package in his hand, revealing the handle of the flail.

The older gentleman said, “May I take a closer look?”

Charlotte handed over the package.

The older gentleman took the package steadily, examined it for a while, and smiled. “Allow me to introduce myself. I run a magical item shop called Louis’s Shop. My name is Louis Smith.”

Charlotte smiled and said, “Mr. Smith, I hope I’ll have the chance to visit your shop often.”

Louis Smith handed over a card, which had his name, the shop’s name, and the address written on it.

Charlotte took the card with interest. By the time he’d crossed over, business cards like this had already been phased out—people only exchanged phone numbers and WeChat.

Louis Smith said, “I’m not interested in buying this multi-headed chain flail myself, but I can recommend a good buyer for you.”

Charlotte was delighted. “Thank you, Mr. Smith.”

Louis Smith smiled. “You can call me Louis. May I ask your name?”

Charlotte replied, “Charlotte Baker. Just call me Charlotte, that’s what my friends do.”

He gave Anne a questioning look, and Anne calmly followed along.

Charlotte had originally planned to take care of his own little business first, then help Anne with Mills, but since Anne was willing to accompany him, he had no reason to refuse.

Louis subtly complimented Anne’s beauty, and Anne accepted the compliment politely. Both of their manners revealed the practiced, superficial grace of high society.

Charlotte knew this skill as well, but didn’t want to take part in such insincere socializing, so he quietly followed Louis Smith to a room.

Louis called out loudly, “Mr. Lucas, the multi-headed chain flail you were looking for—I’ve found one for you.”

A burly man who had been chatting with friends looked over.

This fellow was in full military uniform, and judging by the epaulettes, held a fairly high rank. Charlotte wasn’t very good at reading these insignias, but could make a rough guess based on their complexity.