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________________ >> 5 minutes >> _________________
—Hey…–
For a few minutes, filled no longer by a heavy or toxic silence like previous times, but by a peaceful one, with the air and the sounds of nocturnal birds accompanying the duo, Katerina walks alongside Lucien, enjoying his presence and the quiet, not-at-all-cold atmosphere.
However, she soon decides to break the silence upon realizing they had moved quite far from the entrance to the Imperial Palace, yet they kept walking.
—We've been walking for a while… are we almost at that place? –She asks. Her curiosity as well as her exhaustion make her voice soften–
—Nop. As I said, my hotel is in the center of the Imperial Capital –Lucien, who was walking slowly so Katerina wouldn't feel tired or as if she had to chase him, smiles upon hearing her–
—So are we going to walk all the way there?... –A nervous smile forms on the black-haired girl's face, as her dress sometimes made her trip and she didn't want to do it anymore–
—Ah no, no –He shakes his head– We'll go by taxi–
—Tacsi? What is that? –Katerina tilts her head slightly–
—Taxi. A service that Commoners use to get around the city. There is an organization dedicated to renting carriages that fell into disuse; they refurbish them, hire people capable of driving them, buy horses that aren't purebred or anything like it, feed and train them, and finally, when everything is ready, they send them to different points in the city, from where they depart to different parts of the Capital. These points are where common people can get on one that takes them to where they live. Although, of course, you have to share it with several people, enough to fill the vehicle–
Lucien's tone goes from playful and ironic to one a teacher would have when explaining the situations of everyday life to a new student. There is no disdain on his part—which might be expected considering she doesn't know a common term—but a genuine desire to teach.
And Katerina, hearing him, goes from looking at the street to looking at him, to understanding his words and grasping them. Within her, the genuine excitement of learning something new, which had been buried by pain and loss, had resurfaced with hope.
—There are two types of taxis. The Collective and the Free –Lucien continues in his explanation– In our case, we will take a Free Taxi–
—What is the difference between the two? –Katerina asks after finishing listening–
—Lucien, hearing her ask, smiles– In the Collective, you have to share the taxi with several others, and you pay a fixed fare, let's say 10 Oblecen. Additionally, the taxi itself has a fixed route from which they rarely deviate. In contrast, in the Free one, you can go by yourself or with your family, without strangers around. Also, this one, unlike the other where it drops you at a specific spot, can take you exactly to the door of your house. However, the disadvantage here is that there is no fixed fare, and they charge more. Let's say, they would charge you 70 Oblecen.–
—Then the Collective is better –Katerina deduces– It takes you toward your home. You would only need to walk a little, and you would save 60 Oblecen–
—Exactly –Lucien responds with pride– However, there are still people who prefer to pay a higher fare in free taxis than the standard fare of the Collective. Why do you think this is?–
—Comfort and Economy –Katerina quickly understands the question and answers it– Comfort because they prefer to go alone or with their own people, without unknown people nearby. Also, they won't have to walk from the point where the Collective drops them off. Ideal for people carrying many things. And in the case of the Economic factor, it's for people who earn more money than the rest and can afford to pay such costs–
Lucien instantly gives her a thumbs-up. He was truly surprised by the speed of comprehension of the girl 5 years younger than him, as this type of understanding is not usually found in the uptight Nobles of High Society, who are only interested in power or money, but not in how Commoners live.
—Indeed, Miss Katerina –Lucien nods several times with palpable pride on his face– You are definitely very intelligent–
As was to be expected, Katerina blushes at the compliment and quickly looks away.
—I know. I am perfect in every sense. You were lucky to run into someone like me –She murmurs in a theatrical way, raising her head and even putting her hands on her hips, like a Lady who is above everyone else–
Lucien responds with an amused smile at the charming diva-like theatricality of the black-haired girl walking beside him.
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—Well, well, look who we have here–
After two more minutes of walking, having finally reached the end of the Imperial Palace area, a deep voice of an older man stopped them. Looking toward the source, they notice it comes from a 50-year-old man, heavily built, who lies leaning against a mahogany wood Carriage without any of the typical noble ostentation.
—Why don't you answer, you bastard? –The man's fists tighten and his eyes narrow upon hearing no response–
Katerina, seeing the danger, seeing the man's muscles tensing and his furious gaze, immediately clings to Lucien's arm, with fear, with dread.
—Heh, heh –However, to her surprise, Lucien laughs sheepishly– My apologies. I got a bit late–
—Late?! –The man exclaims in a shout that could have easily awakened those sleeping at this hour– I've been in this spot from 11 at night until now! Over two hours waiting! You said you were just going and coming back, and look what time it is! –The man quickly pulls a watch from his pocket– One-fifteen in the morning!–
Lucien sighs with regret seeing the angry man and makes puppy-dog eyes.
—Tch –The man grumbles seeing that Lucien doesn't answer and shows that expression that has annoyed him so much since he met him 3 days ago.–
Then, his gaze turns toward his right side, toward a certain woman with wavy black hair with a purple gradient and a white princess-cut dress with black touches, who is clinging to the arm of a certain man he is upset with.
—Ah… I see… No wonder you took so long –His words slow down, as if he were preparing to explode– You went and kidnapped a Noble, you damned bastard! –He claims, with more anger than before– At least you have a good eye when kidnapping women, but don't even think I'll be your accomplice in this act! I am a decent taxi driver, not a criminal!–
—It wasn't a kidnapping –Lucien speaks quickly, but also brings a hand to his face, resigned to being labeled as that kind of person–
—No?! –The taxi driver points to Katerina's clothes– And those clothes she's wearing? They look extremely expensive. Probably not even with half a year's salary would it be enough for us common Commoners to buy something like that –The man's face shows even more anger than before– And you say she's not a Noble?!–
In that moment, seeing the misunderstanding and how Lucien seemed unable to explain himself, a sudden wave of bravery floods Katerina's mind and heart. Despite the fear, she was not going to allow them to continue misinterpreting the man who had saved her from a cruel fate.
So, she gently lets go of Lucien's arm, walks forward with firmness, and extends both arms, completely covering the man behind her. Her pose now was like seeing a human wall.
—He did not kidnap me –Her firm and serious voice immediately cuts off the man's new explosive diatribe– He is my savior. He saved me after I was expelled and demoted to Commoner, and he has helped me so much. I ask you, please, not to continue insulting him or making false accusations against him–
Silence floods the place once again. Lucien and the man watch in surprise at the woman standing between them, showing a bravery that both had only seen from the military. There was no trace of fear or dread, only a steady gaze and a robust body language.
—Haa… –After a few more seconds, the taxi driver finally sighs with resignation– You are lucky that a woman is protecting you. If it weren't for her, I would have turned you into pulp already –He adds, showing an angry smile while clenching his fists–
Since there was no point in continuing the argument, the taxi driver turns around, walks to the front, toward the coachman's seat, and climbs onto it, ready to return to his work.
—Get in already! –He orders, but with less anger than before– My wife will worry if I arrive too late–
At the same time, Lucien walks toward Katerina, and using both arms he lowers hers gently, as there was no longer any need to continue like that.
—Thank you –His soft voice relaxes the black-haired girl, making her body, previously tense, relax–
Katerina glances at Lucien, and seeing the tender smile of gratitude on his face, her cheeks blush once more and she looks away again.
—Yes, yes –She murmurs, while feeling her heart begin to beat rapidly again–
Then, Lucien heads toward the carriage, toward the area designated for passengers. Afterward, he opens the door and makes a gesture toward the interior of the vehicle.
—My Lady, after you –His tone mimics that of a Noble, though clearly theatrical, while his gaze does not turn away from her–
Katerina walks toward him, stopping right in front, hesitating and calculating how she was going to get in. Her standard of living had increased thanks to the Crown Prince, so she was able to access vehicles, such as horses and carriages. However, they were all luxurious, unlike this one, which looked very basic and did not have much security, let alone something as basic as a handhold.
—May I? –Lucien, seeing her look from one side to another, trying to find a way to climb in without appearing strange, extends his hand toward her to use as support–
—Katerina lowers her gaze to his bare hand– Don't you feel cold? –She asks suddenly, omitting her companion's courtesy– You should wear gloves. We are in Hivern, the cold season. If you don't cover yourself well, you will get sick –Then, she stops, realizing that she now has his coat, and a nervous smile forms on her face–
—Don't worry –Lucien also smiles upon hearing her concern– I have a very strong biological constitution. I don't usually get sick much. I can even be in light clothing at below-zero temperatures, and nothing will happen to me.–
—Hey! You pair of lovebirds! Hurry up, my wife is waiting for me! –In an instant, the shout of the taxi driver, who saw the interaction of the two from the pilot's seat, resounds, breaking the atmosphere– If I'm late, she's going to give me a good hitting with a frying pan!–
Upon hearing the expression, a blush colors Katerina's white cheeks. However, even though it is an erroneous nickname, she decides not to correct it, as she did not want to waste any more of the taxi driver's time.
She immediately takes Lucien's hand and uses it as support to be able to climb in, while with her other hand she moves her dress so that it doesn't get caught. Lucien, for his part, takes care with his free hand to cover the parts she cannot reach, and in turn, due to the height, he makes sure to maintain her stability so she doesn't end up falling and is in no danger.
And once Katerina is inside, Lucien also enters and closes the door. Thus, the carriage converted into a free taxi begins to move, pulling away from the Imperial Palace area.
________________ >> 5 minutes >> _________________
—Heh–
As the minutes pass, while Katerina watched the movement of the passing buildings, signs, and people who still remained in the street despite it being very late at night, she smiles to herself from the carriage window.
Before, she was completely sad and lost after being expelled. She had no idea what to do, where to go, and how she would survive to take revenge on those who treated her this way. But now, it was completely different. Feelings of revenge still persisted, but they were diminished by curiosity—by wanting to know more about the man who appeared out of nowhere and saved her from becoming what she hated most.
Yes. Her objective had changed completely. Knowing more about this strange man was her priority, and she would cling to him to manage to unravel him, not for revenge, but because of a strange feeling she could neither describe nor mention, for she had no real basis for it before.
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Lein Street, Commercial Zone. Central District. Auriel. Auriel Empire.
02:30 in the morning.
—Umm, Luc? –Katerina looks at the building in front of her, without realizing that she was still holding Lucien's hand, who had helped her climb down–
Katerina knew perfectly well what a hotel looked like, from the most common to the most luxurious, for one day Calix Auriel, her now ex-fiancé, had shown them to her and they had even stayed in them. And for this very reason, looking at the building that rose before her, she clearly knew that this was not a hotel.
Under the velvety mantle of a starry night, the building rises before Katerina not as a resting shelter, but as an architectural jewel of stone and wood that exhales an ancient and mysterious elegance. The structure, in late medieval style with Gothic touches, imposes its presence through two lateral turrets flanking the facade, topped by conical roofs that seem to want to prick the thin crescent moon hanging in the sky.
The ground floor is what truly takes the young woman's breath away. Instead of a lobby with a receptionist, two large curved windows open before her, bathing the sidewalk in a warm, golden light. Inside these showcases, faceless mannequins exhibit gala gowns and impeccably cut suits, arranged with a precision suggesting that every seam tells a story of nobility.
Just above the main door, an ostentatious carved wooden sign announces the name of the place: "Fleur de Lys". Below, in a smaller but equally firm calligraphy, the subtitle reads, clearing any doubt: "Haute Couture Féminine". Finally, stylized design lamps flank the entrance, casting long shadows over the damp pavement, while small lights embedded in the stone highlight the rough texture of the walls.
—This, is, not, a hotel –She grumbles, squeezing his hand tightly–
—Heh, heh –The man beside her mocks– No. It is not–
Katerina then remembers what had happened half an hour before. Suddenly, Lucien had stood there looking her up and down, as if he were inspecting her. A gaze that, of course, ended up embarrassing her, so she had to turn her head so he wouldn't notice her budding blush.
After that, he stuck his head out the window and said something to the taxi driver that she couldn't hear. Seconds later, the taxi driver cursed loudly, and then the carriage moved in a different direction.
—Haa… –Another sigh of resignation leaves her mouth– I don't have any money, you know?–
—Who said anything about you paying? –Lucien asks, with theatrical and playful annoyance, as if the simple question wounded his male pride– You are lucky that this servant right here is quite wealthy –He points to himself and even thumps his chest with light taps– Paying for the garments in this place will be like extracting a drop from a gulf–
—Katerina raises an eyebrow, intrigued while at the same time laughing in her mind at the amber-eyed man's theatricality– Is that so? –She asks. However, after a second she sighs again– Still, it doesn't matter. Surely by this point many high-class or important places must know about my expulsion, and that they have surely blacklisted me. Even if you can pay for it, we won't be able to enter this place–
—Really?–
Lucien looks at her mischievously. Then, he gently lets go of her hand and walks forward, toward the heavy, dark wooden door. After that, with a simple push, he opens it, revealing not only the interior, but that it is completely open for them.
—After you –Lucien makes a gesture with his hands, inviting her in–
Katerina hesitates again for a few moments. Her mind considers the implications of entering, the possible rejection, and the shame she might experience if she ends up expelled from there along with the person whose opinion already mattered to her. However, seeing the expression of the man in front of her—a mix of firmness telling her nothing will happen to her, and hope that they enter together—she decides to swallow her fear and take a step forward.
—If they kick me out, it will be your fault –She says, grumbling, but taking his hand due to her residual fear, and so they can both enter together–
—That won't happen. I guarantee it –Lucien points to himself with his free right hand while smiling with confidence and haughtiness– And if that were to actually happen, then I suppose the International Chamber of Commerce no longer needs the services of the Order of the Black Diamond, hue, hue–
—Order of the Black Diamond? –Once again Katerina's curiosity comes out of the cave where it used to be locked up–
—Trade Secret, My Lady –However, his answer and wink cut off her curious inspiration–
—Ush –Katerina grumbles again, and this time she lightly scratches the palm of the man's hand as a scolding for depriving her of knowledge–
Lucien says nothing. He simply walks forward, with Katerina by his side, to enter the shop which, curiously, was still open at two in the morning. Something strange, as the surrounding buildings were all closed and in darkness, unlike the establishments in the center which remained not only open, but full.