“This way, please,” Wilfred says, leading me out of the auction house. We board a sleek vehicle—more like a futuristic, self-driving pod, really—that zips through a glass connector to another dome.
Wilfred then ushers me into a skyscraper and up to the top floor. The doors open to reveal a vast workshop with a stunning panoramic view. Robots whir and click at various workstations, diligently performing tasks I can’t even begin to fathom.
Why do these robots need such a luxurious workspace? Do they even see the view?
Suddenly, I was surrounded by robots, their scanning lights briefly sweeping over me before they returned to their tasks. Wilfred then led me into a private room and presented me with a menu.
"If I may inquire as to your preferences for the morning''s repast?" Wilfred explained. "It will require some time to prepare a suitable offering."
I looked at the menu, which listed many things, none of which I recognized. “Give me a small portion of everything,” I said to Wilfred calmly. “I want to try them all.”
It’s hard pretending to be a billionaire. It’s even harder pretending to be a billionaire with sophisticated tastes.
“Certainly,” Wilfred replied. He left and returned with three robots pushing carts laden with dishes. The robots served each course one by one, waiting for me to finish before presenting the next.
Each dish looked like a work of art, and each portion was indeed very small. The food tasted amazing—an elaborate yet elegant combination of textures and tastes. Talk about fine dining.
To be honest, I still like Bailey’s cooking best. I wonder where he is.
After I’d sampled everything, the robots cleared the room, and Wilfred returned carrying a button-like device. “This garment button incorporates a most remarkable advancement. Its core contains countless nanoscopic robots.”
“Nanobots?!” I blurted out, then quickly schooled my expression into something resembling nonchalant acceptance. “Acceptable trade.”
This world really feels like a comic book now.
“Indeed. These nanoscopic robots will conform seamlessly to your form, assuming any appearance you desire. I have pre-loaded ten thousand distinct styles for your perusal,” Wilfred continued, his tone as even and professional as ever.
“So… how do I choose?” I felt like a caveman walking into a mall, completely lost!A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“The interface will manifest before you upon donning the button. These nanoscopic robots possess exceptional resilience. Any that may be damaged will self-replicate for immediate repair. Naturally, a master override is incorporated, as with all such devices, should any unforeseen circumstance arise,” Wilfred finished, handing me the button.
Wilfred left the room for me to change. I stripped off the fur and leather, placing the button device at the nape of my neck—a secure, secretive spot hidden by my long hair. A beam of light projected outwards, and an interface materialized before me.
I’m incredibly uncertain about the fashion sense in this world. Everyone I’ve seen sports wildly different and unique outfits. I suppose it’s just a cultural thing.
Navigating through the options, selecting each individual piece of clothing, assembling a set that felt both familiar and comfortable while also blending in with the local style. There’s even a preset function, so I quickly whipped up a couple of outfits for various potential scenarios.
Emerging from the room, I was draped in a flowing white hooded cloak, the fabric catching the light with subtle grace. Beneath it, I wore a sleek, grey long-sleeved top paired with matching bottoms, with minimal design and patterns.
A few carefully chosen accessories adorned my look—not just for practicality but also for a touch of mystery. My face was partially obscured by a dark, intricately crafted mask, adding a touch of elegance and intrigue.
Mostly, it hides my glowing golden pupils. It’s all carefully curated to ensure I don’t appear too conspicuous, and definitely not like some kind of assassin.
I’m aiming for “background character,” not “protagonist of a gritty revenge story.”
I feel like I’m dressing up a character in a game. Nanobots—no need to worry about washing clothes or them falling apart on me again.
I walked out of the room and gave Wilfred back the shades he’d lent me, along with the hide clothes I’d removed.
Wilfred carefully stored the hides, remarking, “You possess impeccable taste.” He then added, “The auction is about to commence. If you would be so kind as to follow me.”
We promptly returned to the auction house, now packed with people and robots. The air crackled with anticipation, a low hum of hushed conversations.
Wilfred led me to one of the VIP rooms. “Our Mistress has authorized a minimum reserve of five million for these pieces. Should they not achieve this valuation, she has assured me she will cover the discrepancy.”
Fi…Fi… FIVE MILLION! That’s almost the same as my entire life savings from my past life.
This is normal, this is normal, I am an isekai MC, being around exorbitant sums of money is normal!
A hush fell over the room. A spotlight snapped on, illuminating the center stage! And there she was, our auctioneer, beaming a smile that could melt glaciers.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to today’s extraordinary auction!” she announced, her voice ringing out clear and strong, easily cutting through the previous murmur. “For those unfamiliar, the rules are simple: highest bidder wins! Now, without further ado…” She gestured dramatically as a platform rose smoothly from the floor, bathed in soft, ethereal light. On it rested… a scroll. Just a scroll.
After all that buildup, it was just a rolled-up piece of parchment. I almost fell off my chair.