" A Wish Of Lazy Otaku"

20. "Last Item For Tonight"

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" " Conversion or speech,

' ' thoughts,

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"This remarkable item, ladies and gentlemen, is the grand finale of our auction today," Aisa declared, her voice projecting with an air of anticipation. 

The crowd leaned in, their curiosity piqued, as she continued to build their excitement.

"Since time immemorial, humanity has sought the elusive secret to extending our fleeting lives. Countless individuals have dedicated themselves to this noble pursuit, often sacrificing everything in their quest. And now, my esteemed friends, we stand on the precipice of witnessing something extraordinary—an opportunity that has eluded generations."

Aisa's words hung in the air, casting a spell of intrigue upon the expectant audience. 

They understood that what lay before them was a testament to the tireless efforts of those who had come before—a chance to grasp the intangible. Eager whispers spread through the crowd, their minds racing with possibilities.

"In the past, our previous items, the magical energy drinks and the revitalizing herbal tea, garnered great interest. Yet, some remained hesitant, aware that these accomplishments could be replicated with side effects. But fear not, my discerning friends, for the treasure we reveal today is unparalleled in its purity."

Aisa's voice resonated with confidence and conviction, captivating the high-status individuals seated in the VIP booth. 

Their attentiveness was palpable, as they recognized the inherent value of their health. Though they might not openly admit it, their fear of mortality loomed large, driving them to prioritize their well-being above all else.

"Those of elevated stature understand that their most precious possession is their health. They recognize that no wealth can restore it once it fades. For them, investing in remedies and superstitions is not a frivolous pursuit; it is an insurance policy against the fragility of existence. So, my esteemed guests, prepare yourselves for a revelation that will leave you in awe."

The crowd held their breath, caught in the spell woven by Aisa's words. They understood the gravity of this moment—the culmination of centuries of yearning and aspiration. 

With bated breath and hopeful hearts, they eagerly awaited the unveiling of this extraordinary medicinal marvel.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached the final item of today's auction," Aisa announced, her voice tinged with excitement. "Behold, on the screen before you, the crystal cylindrical box, a vessel of wonder and possibility." With a flourish, she opened the wooden box, revealing the transparent crystal container holding a mesmerizing greenish-yellow gel.

Beside the box, Aisa placed a paper bearing intricate details and usage instructions, projecting it onto the big screen for all to see. However, she felt compelled to provide further explanation.

"Allow me to shed some light on this remarkable creation," Aisa began, gesturing toward the paper. 

"The Constitution Maintenance Paste, my friends, is a unique substance that can be applied to every inch of your body, leaving no part untouched. Simply let it dry for a minute or two, and then cleanse it off during a refreshing bath. With just three doses, you will experience a subtle transformation within your very being."

She paused, letting the significance of her words sink in. "This product's greatest virtue lies in its ability to keep your body in optimal condition, even with minimal exercise. It serves as a shield against the perils of high blood pressure, fluctuating sugar levels, and other ailments. Applying this paste ensures immediate protection against the onset of diseases."

Aisa continued, her voice filled with a sense of responsibility. "Of course, regular check-ups are still advised. This paste acts as a powerful aid in suppressing any potential illnesses that may lurk within your body. By detecting such conditions early on through medical examinations, they can be nipped in the bud, sparing you from more invasive procedures or preventive measures in the future."

The crowd listened intently, their gazes fixed on Aisa, captivated by her words. The allure of this medicine was undeniable, enticing both the affluent elite and the common folk alike. 

This groundbreaking remedy promised to alleviate the fear of late-stage disease, offering a tangible solution to the intricate web of health complications.

In this moment, it felt as if a divine gift had been bestowed upon humanity. 

The Constitution Maintenance Paste emerged as a beacon of hope, eliminating worries with a mere application and allowing modern medical equipment to easily detect the earliest signs of trouble. 

The path to resolution became clear, presenting a world where problems could be confronted before they became insurmountable obstacles.

"50,000,000 yen...!"

Aisa's voice rang out, signaling the start of the bidding with no minimum price set. 

For a brief moment, silence enveloped the room, leaving everyone momentarily stunned by the unexpectedly high starting bid from the VIP booth.

"60,000,000 yen...!"

Another bidder, an elderly man from the same VIP booth, confidently raised the bid.

With great enthusiasm, the crowd began to compete, one after another, their voices filled with determination. 

The auction hall crackled with excitement, save for Old Han, Old Toya, and Dr. Hirono, who remained conspicuously silent.

"80,000,000 yen...!"

"100,000,000 yen...!"

"110,000,000 yen...!"

"120,000,000 yen...!"

The bidding war intensified, each bid pushing the price higher and higher, surpassing the 300 million mark before gradually slowing down.

"400,000,000 yen...!"

Old Han's authoritative voice reverberated, instantly capturing everyone's attention. 

The room fell into a hushed silence, their gazes shifting to the determined expression on Old Han's face. The atmosphere changed, and the onlookers knew that Old Han meant business this time.

Old Han, known throughout the city as the Aggressive Beast, lived up to his fearsome reputation. 

Once he set his mind on something, he pursued it relentlessly until the very end. The mere sight of his clenched fist and the fiery determination burning in his eyes spoke volumes.

People in the room exchanged glances, each contemplating their own thoughts. Despite his formidable reputation, those close to him knew the genuine kindness and generosity that lay beneath his fierce exterior. 

The attendees, well-acquainted with the upper echelons of society, were familiar with Old Han and his exploits.

"Alright, everyone, the bidding has reached 400 million yen. If anyone wishes to increase the amount, now is your chance," Aisa announced, maintaining her beautiful smile.

Silence greeted her words, but it did not faze her. With her smile intact, she proceeded to conclude the bidding.

"Now then, 400 million going once... 400 million going twice... 400 million going thrice... *Bang!* *Bang!* ... Okay, today's auction is officially closed! Congratulations, Mr. Han, on winning the bid!" Aisa declared, hammering the gavel twice and offering her congratulations to Old Han.

Taking a moment to moisten her dry throat and allow the crowd to engage in whispered discussions, Aisa retreated to the back of the stage for a short break. 

As she sat sipping her drink, a waiter approached her and whispered in a low voice, bowing before departing.

"Ladies and gentlemen, now that the auction has come to an end, it is my pleasure to introduce tonight's honored guest and the representative of our esteemed item provider, Ms. Aashi!" Aisa announced, welcoming the guest of honor with a warm smile.

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Aashi and Erick Dahl had arrived a while ago, joining Kristine and Hana in the midst of the previous bidding. Erick, with his charming demeanor, greeted the two ladies, his good-boy persona on full display.

"Hi, Kristine onee-san and Hana onee-san! Good to see you both again!" he exclaimed, his smile warm and inviting.

"Hey/hi, Erick! It's great to see you too!" Kristine and Hana replied, returning his smile.

Curiosity sparked in Kristine's eyes as she glanced at Aashi, prompting her to ask Erick for an introduction. "So, aren't you going to introduce us to your friend?"

"Hahaha! Sorry, I was just about to do that. Ahem!" Erick cleared his throat, seeking to dispel the momentary awkwardness. "Well, let me introduce my childhood friend, Aashi. And these two lovely ladies are Kristine onee-san and Hana onee-san. Oh, and that lady on the stage is Aisa onee-san. They are all dear friends of mine."

With his apology gracefully expressed, Erick proceeded to introduce Aashi to Kristine, Hana, and Aisa, weaving the intricate web of connections between them in the eyes of those around. The air buzzed with anticipation as the introductions unfolded.

"Hi, Aashi-san! Can I call you that if you don't mind?" Hana warmly greeted Aashi, her voice laced with politeness, seeking permission to address her by a honorific.

"Umm! I don't mind, but you can just call me Aashi. I'm not accustomed to honorifics attached to my name," Aashi casually waved her hand, dismissing the need for formalities. She preferred the simplicity of being called Aashi, devoid of any honorific suffix.

"Kristine! You can call me that way too, as I'll be doing the same. Of course, only if you don't mind," Aashi addressed Kristine directly, her words extending an invitation to use each other's first names.

"Hmmm! I don't mind at all. Aashi, since you're a friend of Erick, we're friends too. Let's not fret over minor details between friends, *chuckle!*" Kristine shook her head playfully, accepting Aashi with a warm smile as a friend solely because of her connection with Erick.

"Ohh, right! Hey! Yes, you there, come here for a sec!" Suddenly, a thought struck Erick, causing him to call out to a man who appeared to be a waiter. The man, almost instinctively, pointed at himself to confirm his identity. Seeing this, Erick nodded affirmatively, beckoning the waiter to approach their table.

"Why did you call the waiter? Do you need something?" Hana inquired, her voice laced with curiosity, as she took a delicate sip from her wine glass—a glass she had filled herself from the bottle placed enticingly on the table before them.

"Yes, sir! How may I assist you?" A waiter approached Erick's side, bowing slightly and speaking with a polite tone.

"Ahh! Yes, I need you to inform your young Miss, Aisa, that her esteemed guest has arrived. It's of utmost urgency, so hurry if you wish to keep your job!" Erick was about to respond to Hana's question when the waiter approached, politely interrupting him. He swiftly dispatched the waiter to deliver the urgent message to Aisa-nee, emphasizing the consequences of failing to do so.

The waiter, seemingly taken aback by Erick's urgency, was skeptical of his words. Yet, mindful of the potential ramifications, he heeded the warning and hastily scurried away to convey the message to his employer.

"What guest of honor are you referring to? I haven't heard anything about this," Kristine queried, her face etched with confusion.

"Hmmm! Well, you see, the items auctioned tonight were sourced from a rising group known as the Star Dust Group," Erick reminded them, underscoring the origins of the auctioned items.

"Okay, but what's your point, Erick?" Hana interjected, her face reflecting a pensive expression.

"The guest of honor for tonight's event happens to be none other than the CEO of the Star Dust Group!" Erick declared, his words triggering a flicker of understanding among his companions, followed by a flurry of questions.

"But how did you come to know that the CEO of the Star Dust Group just arrived?" Hana inquired, her confusion growing deeper.

"Well, Aashi, my friend here, is..." Erick intentionally paused, allowing suspense to hang in the air, intensifying the curiosity of the ladies.

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