Chapter 13:
Lucina
Maverick hands a cloak to Valendor.
Valendor quickly wraps himself in it for added warmth and disguise.
I glance up. We stand in front of a massive iron gate, towering above us and guarded by imposing stone walls.
Suddenly, a man appears and gestures for us to follow. He leads the Gilcha lizard to a hidden entrance.
I instruct the attendant to keep an eye on Haroun and Nikolai inside. I toss him a gold coin. Excitement lights up his eyes.
I'm certain Haroun and Nikolai will be well taken care of in my absence.
The iron gate creaks open slightly.
A stunningly beautiful woman appears and motions for us to follow her.
I step inside.
I gasp.
Before me stand five magnificent Japanese-style manors, each towering five stories high. Two on the left. Two on the right. One directly in front.
A serene pond lies in front of the central manor. Its surface shimmers with the reflection of surrounding cherry blossom trees. Petals gently float down onto the water and the small bridge that crosses over it.
The entire place is a blooming paradise, filled with vibrant flowers.
No wonder they call this place the "ElysiumofPetals."
The beautiful attendant leads us toward the central manor.
Enchanting music greets us. Graceful dancers perform in front of a crowd. The audience consists of well-dressed merchants and nobles, each seemingly enraptured by the spectacle.
We make our way inside.
The atmosphere is alive with the scent of flowers and the gentle rustle of silk. The interior is just as exquisite as the exterior—elegant decorations, intricate designs.
It's clear that the 'Elysium of Petals' is not just any establishment.
It's the most prestigious brothel in the city. Frequented only by the wealthy and influential.
We climb up the stairs. Our steps echo softly on the hidden staircase.
Every step feels like a journey. Just when I think my legs might give out from exhaustion, we finally reach the fifth floor.
The attendant leads us to a room adorned with Asian-style furniture. The ambiance is serene and tranquil.
She leaves and closes the door behind her with a soft thud.
I take in my surroundings. Elegant simplicity. The scent of cherry blossoms fills the air.
Soon after, a man enters the room.
He wears a beautiful traditional robe—a yukata, I presume. Exceedingly handsome. Long black hair tied back in a ponytail. Elven ears peek out from under his hair. A perfect blend of Asian and European features.
"Your Highness."
The man greets me with a slight bow.
But it isn't his beauty that stuns me.
It's the striking resemblance he bears to my best friend from Earth. Kai Wilson.
It's as if someone stamped elvish ears on Kai and took away his blonde hair. But the resemblance is uncanny.
"Your Highness?"
He speaks again, curiosity in his voice.
"I'm sorry." I shake off my surprise. "You just reminded me of someone I knew."
I gesture for him to rise from his bow. He does so gracefully.
I remove my cloak. No point in hiding my identity since he already knows who I am.
He motions for me to take a seat. I do. Valendor remains standing at my side.
"I am Kai Eluriel, the owner of 'Elysium of Petals'."
The man introduces himself with a slight bow. He flips open a delicate fan to cover his face.
His name being Kai as well gives me a moment of pause. But I remember the goddess's words about multiple versions of ourselves.
I calm myself.
"I am honored to have royalty grace my humble abode." His voice is smooth and polite behind the fan.
I observe him. The fan partially covers his face—a gesture I remember all too well from my friend Kai on Earth. He often used it to hide his facial expressions. He was never good at maintaining a poker face. It made him a terrible gambling partner. He always gave away his hand with the slightest twitch.
"I have come to ask for something." My eyes fix on him.
"That would be unfortunate, Your Highness." Kai hesitates behind his fan. "You see, you are quite literally the most beautiful woman I've ever laid my eyes upon. However, I am unfortunately lessinclined towards... err, lady parts."
I internally scoff.
Surely, no matter the dimension, Kai is not straight.
His awkwardness makes me chuckle inwardly, despite the seriousness of the situation.
"That's not what I want from you." I motion to Valendor. "Vale, come here."
Valendor obediently removes his robe.
Kai rises from his seat and walks slowly around Valendor. Valendor squirms uncomfortably under the scrutiny.
"He's a beauty. Almost on par with my own." Kai returns to his seat and resumes fanning himself.
I internally roll my eyes.
Some things never change.
---
"I reckon he's the reason you sought me out." Kai gestures toward Valendor.
"Yes. He needs a mentor." I explain. "You're the only one I believe is capable of it."
"Hmmm... fine."
Kai agrees with a snap of his fan. A mischievous glint lights his eyes.
"I thought you'd request something in return?" I raise an eyebrow.
"My price would be an acquaintanceship with royalty." Kai shrugs casually. "I already have more than enough money that I wouldn't spend in seven lifetimes."
He walks toward me and kisses my right hand.
I allow it.
So mischievous.
I stand to leave. I put on my robe. Valendor follows suit.
He gives a clumsy bow.
Kai bows toward me.
The attendant leads us out of the room once more.
As we make our way back to the Gilcha lizard, relief washes over me.
Valendor now has a mentor to guide him.
My work is done.
***
Kai
Kai stands on his balcony, watching as the princess and the elven boy, Valendor, leave the premises.
It is not often that royalty steps into his establishment. Let alone a princess.
But Lucina Solana is different.
There is something about her that intrigues Kai. Something familiar yet elusive.
He has met his fair share of people in power. They all have a certain air of arrogance. They often look down on him—consciously or subconsciously.
But with Lucina, it is different.
No sense of superiority. No disdain in her demeanor.
In fact, it feels like she knows him. Like there is a recognition in her eyes that mirrors his own feelings.
As he watches her leave, Kai can't shake the feeling that they are somehow connected.
That they were meant to meet.
A strange sensation. But Kai trusts his instincts. His hunches have never let him down before. And he has a feeling that this encounter with the princess will lead to something significant.
A faint smile crosses his lips.
Kai looks forward to the possibility of spending more time with Lucina.
There is something about her presence that brings excitement and anticipation.
Kai can't wait to see where their acquaintance will lead.