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Hotel Reinel. High Hotel Zone. Central District. Auriel, Capital. Empire of Auriel.
04:40 in the morning.
—¡Herr Lucien! Willkommen zurück!–
Once we crossed the threshold—that wooden door that showed us its warmth, inviting us into its cozy interior, so contrary to the cold exterior brought by the chilly season—I couldn't help but feel surprised by the interior, by the Reception Hall of this very building.
Before my eyes, a marble imperial staircase bifurcates with symmetrical grace, ascending toward the upper floors under the gaze of a circular gallery that surrounds the grand hall. The center of the lobby is dominated by a revolving door of wood and glass, framed by a white marble floor with intricate black geometric patterns that guide my steps. To the right, a reception desk of dark, polished wood is attended by men in impeccable suits and top hats, who move with an almost choreographed efficiency.
The atmosphere is filled with a sophisticated murmur and the soft rustle of long dresses against the floor. To the left, a crimson velvet divan offers a respite to the guests, while large palms in stone pots provide a touch of natural freshness to the warmth of the hall.
Furthermore, just as I expected, the low temperatures of Hivern that one could feel outside were no longer felt within. They are likely using Magic Heat Stones as a heating method to make the place warmer.
—Reinhard. Warst du in der Hauptstadt?–
After a few seconds, a burly man (in the sense that he is muscular), probably six-foot-two in height, dressed in a formal suit and also a top hat, comes out to greet us as soon as we advance a few meters inside. His face shows a soft smile, much like Madame Adèle's, as he makes a tilt of his hat by way of greeting.
—Ich bin erst heute angekommen. Ich wollte nachsehen, wie die Geschäfte hier im Kaiserreich Auriel laufen. –The man responds in a language that I clearly do not know, for I had never heard it before, though it did have a somewhat marked accent– Man hat mir gesagt, dass Sie sich für einen Aufenthalt in meinem Hotel entschieden haben, also bin ich sofort hergeeilt, um Sie persönlich zu empfangen–
—Haben Sie gewartet, seit ich weggegangen bin? –Lucien asks. His tone has a clear hint of exhaustion–
—Aber natürlich, mein Freund! –The man exclaims with a cheerful tone–
Lucien, hearing him, cannot help but sigh with resignation. A deep, weary sigh.
—By the Goddess –I hear him murmur– First Malcolm, then Adèle, and now Reinhard –Then he sighs. A sigh that seems like resignation, although the smile on his face shows something else– This is definitely not part of my usual way of doing things–
After that, he tilts his head toward me so the man can also see me, and then, without stopping his warm smile, he slightly moves his right arm to draw attention to me.
—Reinhard. Ich möchte dir jemanden vorstellen –Lucien likely introduces me to the man (though I don't hear my name), never taking his eyes off me as he does so– Aber sie spricht kein Eisenhar, deshalb möchte ich, dass du Ardalisch sprichst–
The man, who before had only been looking at Lucien, finally shifts his gaze toward me—toward the woman still hooked to his arm and looking at him shyly, as his physical appearance scares me a bit. But can you blame me? He looks like a Golem, in the sense that he is quite muscular, making him imposing to anyone, and attractive to some women (though not to me. I prefer them like Lucien: slender but athletic, heh, heh).
—Hello… –My voice turns nervous as I try to muster a smile for the man of great muscles–
The man, after looking at me, lets his smiling expression fade, replacing it with an evaluative gaze. Then, he looks me up and down, likely searching for something negative or something he can use against me (after all, he is a Noble). Sensing that scrutinizing gaze, my hands cling tighter to Lucien's arm.
—Oh! –However, instead of the look of disdain I expected, his previous joy returns– Lucien mit einer Frau?! Unglaublich!–
—You too? –Lucien asks with a weary smile, bringing a hand to his face and even chuckling a little– Is it really so abnormal to see me with a woman?–
—Natürlich ist es das! –The man exclaims with an amused smile, punishing but in a playful way– Jeder glaubt, dass du aromantisch bist oder eher zum anderen Ufer tendierst, da du dich nie für Frauen interessiert hast. Und dann ist da noch die Tatsache, dass du es nicht magst, berührt zu werden. Aber sieh sie dir jetzt an. Sie berührt dich, und du wirkst überhaupt nicht unbehaglich–
This time, Lucien no longer holds back and lets out a somewhat loud laugh filled with amusement, while shaking his head. Then, he looks at me again and points to me with his left hand.
—This is Katerina Lumière. She used to be Katerina Erdevel Lumière, but according to her words, she decided to use only her mother's surname, so we shall discard the Erdevel from her Father –He introduces me, his tone like someone presenting someone important in his life. A tone that unbalances me by the way he says it–
—Immediately, the man named Reinhard extends his burly hand toward me, never stopping his smile– A pleasure, Miss Lumière –He finally speaks in a language I can understand, though with the marked accent he used in his original tongue– My name is Reinhard Acker, owner of this hotel and the Kaiserhof Hotel Chain–
I hesitate for a few moments at his hand. He doesn't flinch; he simply waits for me with patience. For my part, I look at Lucien again, and only when he nods—with a look that practically tells me "don't worry, he's reliable"—do I decide to shake it.
—Nice to meet you –I respond, my tone warm, no longer with the same shyness as before. If Lucien says he's reliable, then I have nothing to worry about– Katerina Lumie… Liu… –I look at Lucien– How was it pronounced?–
—After looking at me mockingly for my attempt, he answers– Liumieg–
—That –I respond with embarrassment. One day I'll learn it correctly–
Then, my rational mind wakes up again as it processes the word "Kaiserhof." Everyone in the Empire knows this name, as it is one of the most important chains in the world. It is said that its owner follows a philosophy uncommon among Nobles; while others provide excellent customer service but treat their workers like beasts of burden, Kaiserhof treats its employees like people, offering high salaries, excellent benefits, and aid in times of trouble. Furthermore, unlike other foreign companies, they send foreign supervisors here to ensure everything is in order, making corruption practically non-existent.
In fact, Calix spoke wonders of them, as it was said that whoever received investment from this chain would have guaranteed success for their country. As I recall, the Auriel Imperial Family sent many requests to the hotel tycoon Acker to invest in our country, succeeding three years ago after the completion of a grand luxury hotel.
Recalling this, I can't help but look at Lucien again, this time with my arms crossed and a pout, annoyed by such a display of powerful friends. He simply lets out light chuckles as he looks away, embarrassed.
—Ho, ho! Wer hätte gedacht, dass the great Lucien would be tamed by a woman? –Mr. Acker covers his mouth to hide his mockery–
—Immediately, Lucien glares at him. Then, he clears his throat– Anyway. Enough small talk. Katerina has been awake all night, so she is very tired. Give her a room–
—Understood –The man responds, signaling an employee with his gaze–
The reception employee, upon receiving the look, immediately bows his head and begins typing on the Magic Computer in front of him. A strange device that only the wealthiest, usually Noble Heirs, possess; it allows for many brilliant things, including writing and erasing without needing to discard a sheet of paper. Among others, if I remember correctly, it performs mathematical processing at levels far superior to humans.
According to my research, it was created ten years ago by "Techland Dynamics," a foreign company dedicated to expanding something called "Information Technology" and "Computer Systems" to the modern world. In the case of its introduction to the Empire, it arrived two years ago.
—Too bad I never got to use one –I say in my mind with amused disappointment. Despite there being one in the Erdevel Mansion, and me being the Heiress, they never let me touch it–
After a few seconds, using another elongated, almost C-shaped object that emits light, he finalizes the process after placing the object in front of a black card with golden edges. Finally, he leaves the reception and approaches me, offering the item with utmost respect and care.
—Here you go, Lady Lumière –The employee says, pronouncing my last name the way I always had– Thank you very much for choosing the Hotel Reinel for your stay. We hope you have a magnificent stay–
After bowing—a 45-degree bow after I took the card—he turns around and returns to the reception desk.
—Wow… –I murmur at such a display of courtesy and kindness–
I lower my gaze to look closer at the item the young man gave me. It is rectangular, small, and thin, black in color with golden edges, featuring content written in cursive, several black and white lines, and a series of numbers beneath them. I honestly don't know what it is, but it feels good to the touch.
—I have something to discuss with you, Rein –Lucien looks back at Mr. Acker– But first, I'll accompany Katerina to her room so she can rest–
—Of course, I'll wait for you in my office –The man responds with a nod and a smile– Lass dir so viel Zeit, wie du willst, mit deiner Frau, he, he–
—Oh, for the love of… honestly, with you people –Lucien grumbles with a mix of annoyance and amusement–
Before I could ask what he had said, Lucien takes my hand and leads me toward the back of the reception hall, moving quickly—likely to escape those kinds of jokes that only they understand, but which, seeing Lucien's flushed cheeks, were surely very funny, heh, heh.
Thus, upon arriving, we find ourselves not facing a wall, but a sort of room—much smaller than the reception, and even smaller than a servant's bedroom at the Erdevel Mansion.
It is an intimate space, lined with rich, dark wood panels that shimmer under the warm light of a small chandelier mounted on its own ceiling. Inside, a crimson velvet bench invites one to rest, while a mirror at the back doubles the space, reflecting the marble hallway we just left behind. The entrance to this strange room is protected by golden lattice doors with intricate diamond patterns, which seem to be the boundary between firm ground and the unknown. To one side, a polished brass plate shows a dial with a hand, and a golden lever that gleams under the dim light.
Everything in this place exhales a contained luxury and a technology that I find as fascinating as it is disconcerting, for this does not exist in the Mansion, nor in the few hotels where I have stayed. There, there were only stairs (which, ironically, I thought we would be using this time).
—What is this…? –I ask, as I watch a man pass by us; I had thought he was the one in charge of making this room work–
—An elevator –Lucien responds calmly, leading me by the hand inside– It's an invention patented by the Order of the Black Diamond, under a company called "Mikxay Innovations." It allows one to go up many floors in a matter of seconds, saving the tedium and exhaustion of using your feet to climb stairs. And while this country doesn't exactly have many tall buildings, unlike the country created by my Master, Aztlán, where there are skyscrapers everywhere, we decided to bring them here more as a help to people than anything else–
—Oh… –I completely ignore Lucien's last words as I realize that the floor I am now standing on... if you'll pardon the expression, is not made of polished stone or marble, but of metal, as the heels of my boots echoed with a single step– How do you use it?–
Lucien then moves to one side, toward the right, and points his finger at a rectangular space near the doors, with six square buttons and a glass display showing "GF." First, I look at this glass, and then I direct my gaze toward the buttons. Three of them have 1, 2, 3; another says "GF"; the one to the left says "B"; and the last one, at the very bottom, has a circle drawn inside with an exclamation mark at the end.
—The numbers one through three represent each of the floors –He steps up behind me, enveloping me with his height, and begins to point out what is in front of me with patience– This is because there are three floors, besides where we are now, which is the main floor.–
—And the "GF"? –Seeing this, and seeing Lucien in his "Professor Mode," my curiosity wakes up again–
—It stands for "Ground Floor."–
—And the "B"?–
—It means "Basement."–
—And the exclamation mark?–
—In case you get stuck in the elevator, you can press it to send a signal to the security zone, notifying them that you are inside. It also functions as a button to prevent the doors from closing, but only while they are in the process of closing–
—Ohhh –Definitely very technological. It almost feels like magic– And how does it work?–
—It's simple. Just press one of the three numbers to begin ascending –Once again I feel his presence, his height of six-foot-one dominating my five-foot-five, and I can't help but blush at his proximity– In this case, since your room is on the 3rd floor, you must press the one with the number 3–
To my surprise, Lucien suddenly takes my hand and leads it toward the buttons. However, he does nothing more. He doesn't push me further than he already has, nor does he tell me to do anything. He simply lets go of my hand, but without withdrawing his own completely—as if he were shielding it—and waits for me to decide whether to do it on my own or not.
So, finally, trusting in him and that nothing strange will happen, I decide to press where he dictated, by myself, though with some nervousness.
And then, the metallic doors close completely, and with them comes the sound of a little bell. Now inside, it was just Lucien and I, with no one else in sight, locked in this small place with no windows or anything else.
—Whoa! –I exclaim, startled–
A second after the doors closed, I feel the floor—or rather, everything around us—begin to shake, as if there were a slight tremor. Frightened, I instinctively move closer to Lucien, who is less than half a meter behind me, and I huddle against his chest, seeking his protection, believing we were about to experience something terrible.
However, after another moment, I began to feel as if I were starting to float slightly upward with a smooth motion. It was as if Lucien had suddenly taken hold of my hips and was lifting me very slowly. A most peculiar feeling.
—Heh, heh, who would have thought that the woman who was once to be the future Empress of this country would be scared by something like this –I hear Lucien's voice, mocking, as he gives me soft pats on my back–
—Hearing him mock my suffering, I immediately furrow my brow, lift my right hand, and bring it toward his neck, pinching the right side of it– I already told you everything about me –I say, with grit teeth in a fake anger– You know well that my facade of a rich princess was just that, a facade. I never lived a good, wealthy life –I pinch harder in that spot, pouting–
—Alright, alright, I'm sorry for mocking you –After a few seconds, where he was clearly enjoying my anger, he begins to speak in a pitiful tone– Don't hit me anymore, please –He pleads, as if he were on the verge of tears–
Hearing him, although I knew perfectly well that his pain was nothing more than an act—that he was lying—something inside me was moved, as if I felt that it truly hurt him, so I quickly stopped pinching him.
—Next time I'll do it harder –I respond, pulling away from his arms with an expression as if I were truly angry–
Ding. The sound of another little bell interrupts my theatrical anger, followed by another slight tremor that makes me stagger and, as expected, fall backward. However, thanks to Lucien being behind me, I ended up being stopped by a solid wall of muscle.
—It's incredible that he has these washboard abs when he looks so slender from the outside, heh, heh –I say in my mind, while my back delights in the hardness of his chest– Wait, what?–
—Are you alright? –Lucien asks me, looking at me with concern–
—No problem –I say, lifting my gaze to look him in the eyes– It's just a matter of getting used to it –I add, while breaking contact with him–
—Good. If you need help, I'll be here –He tells me with a sweet smile. After that, Lucien looks forward, where there is nothing yet– Now let's go to your room so you can rest.–
As I look forward as well, a hallway reveals itself before my gaze, seeming to extend far beyond in a symphony of luxury and silence. The white marble floor is almost entirely covered by an intricately designed crimson carpet, whose golden edges guide my sight through the perfect perspective of the gallery. The walls, divided by dark wood moldings that reach the height of my shoulders, hold crystal lamps in the shape of tulips that bathe the environment in soft light, accentuating the cream-toned wallpaper.
—It looks great –I say with a voice full of admiration– It gives off that luxurious and avant-garde touch–
—This is just a simple hallway –Lucien responds in a teasing tone, after standing by my side– Come, let's get to your room–
Lucien extends his hand toward me, which I take without hesitation. It was only when we stepped out of the elevator that I realized what I had done. The naturalness with which we enter this state, despite having known each other for less than 7 hours, is definitely incredible.
It truly doesn't compare to Calix at all. I was supposed to be head over heels in love with him since childhood, and when they announced I had been chosen as his partner, I was so excited I cried. However, if we review the romantic acts I shared with him, one could easily laugh at me, for there was almost nothing. Holding hands with him always felt like a sacrilege, so I rarely did it. Pouting, acting out theatrical anger... those were things that never happened, as I considered them impure, unworthy of the future Empress.
But with Lucien, everything is different. I can get theatrically angry with him, pout at him, act like a diva, and all because something inside me tells me he won't get angry. The same goes for interlacing our hands. The "worst" part (in a good way) of all this is that it feels completely natural. It doesn't feel forced, nor as if I'm being judged for doing it.
Why is that? Our interactions feel as if we've done this all our lives, despite never having seen each other before.
—Lost in your thoughts? –Lucien asks as he gently guides me, taking control of my movement so I don't bump into anything–
—Eh? –I ask, looking at him in utter confusion– Lost?–
—Yes. When you get lost in your thoughts, you usually lower your head and say nothing more. If you're doing something, like walking right now, you do it automatically, even though that could end up hurting you–
—Oh… –Is it really like that?– For real?–
—That's right. Every one of the five times you've been lost in your thoughts, it's been just like this –He responds with a smile– In fact, you look very cute that way. It makes me want to tease you every time I see it, heh, heh –My eyes widen upon hearing him say that; his words came out so naturally that they even surprised him– Ahem, I mean, can you lend me the card they gave you?–
Seeing him avoid my gaze and noting the surprised expression he made after saying that, I realize he is also going through the same thing I am. He also has no idea how our closeness has become so natural.
—Did we meet in a past life or something? –I ask, my tone ironic, as I hand him the card–
—Hmm? –He asks–
—Nothing –I respond, looking away so as not to meet his eyes either–
Yes. I decided not to ask. That question could ruin our pleasant current relationship. I'll ask him again before he leaves the country. For now, I'll make the most of these moments while he's here, because something like this will probably never happen again.
________________ >> 1 minute >> ________________
—Here we are. Room 3-09–
After walking in silence for a little while longer, we stop in front of a black oak door. Then, he pulls the black card I had given him earlier from his pocket and moves toward it.
—So, how does this work? –I ask, standing on my tiptoes behind him, using his shoulders for support; since he is taller than I am and was blocking everything, I couldn't see–
—Simple –Lucien, seeing me struggle to see, makes way for me to stand in front of him– Do you see that black rectangle next to the doorknob? –He asks, to which I nod, as there was indeed something like that. From the texture, it looked like something metallic. Plus, it had a red dot glowing like a tiny eye– You simply place the card against this surface for a few seconds, and the locks will deactivate, granting you entry–
As he finishes explaining, he hands back the card I had lent him. No words were needed. I already knew what he wanted to say without him saying it. It was like in the elevator, where he allowed me to do it myself, or if I didn't want to, leave it to him. And clearly, I do want to try it, heh, heh.
So, after flashing a smile, I follow his instructions. I stand before the door, move the card toward the black rectangle with the red eye that blinks as if it were breathing, and place it against the surface without applying pressure. After about three seconds, I hear a clack indicating the door is finally open for me.
—There you go –Lucien says, his tone filled with a pride that makes me blush–
—Thank you, thank you; I give lessons on Thursdays on how to be a fast learner, and I don't charge much –I joke with a giggle–
Finally, I reach for the doorknob and gently turn it, confirming that the card had worked and the door was unlocked so I could enter. And then, as I take a step forward, a room unfolds before me that is nothing like what I've seen in hotels or in the rooms of my former home.
The room is a sanctuary of serenity and luxury, bathed in the pale light of what must be nearly five in the morning, filtering through a massive floor-to-ceiling window. From here, the city wakes up under a sky tinged with violet and orange, with distant lights reflecting in the river that snakes away in the distance.
My scarlet eyes travel from the horizon to the interior, where a crimson carpet with golden patterns covers the marble floor, guiding me toward the centerpiece: an imposing four-poster bed. The cream silk curtains fall heavily from the carved wood frame, surrounding an immaculate white duvet that seems to invite me to forget all the tensions of the night. To the left, a lounge area with two brown velvet armchairs and a small round table creates an intimate corner in front of the window, perfect for watching the sun rise in solitude. The walls are lined with dark wood panels that provide a cozy warmth. Through an open door, I catch a glimpse of a private bathroom where a golden clawfoot tub awaits under a dim light, promising a relaxing bath before I surrender to sleep.
It truly is a curious interior design full of novelties that probably no one in this Empire has seen before. I am sure those lucky few in the Empire who managed to stay here were just as impressed by this view.
—How beautiful –I say, admiring the interior design. The rough architecture typical of our buildings doesn't exist here. Everything is flat, minimalist, but in the best way possible–
—This hotel, compared to others in the Kaiserhof chain, is relatively small, so the rooms aren't as large or decorated as one might expect –Lucien steps behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders with total naturalness– However, I can assure you that you'll feel very comfortable. It has a bed where, the moment you touch it, you'll fall fast asleep; a soft armchair where you can enjoy the city view; and a bathroom, with a tub, shower, toilet, and sink, where you can tend to your hygiene needs –Lucien describes, pointing as he speaks, while my gaze follows his lead–
—It's perfect –I respond after a few seconds of taking in the place. However, suddenly, a pang of insecurity reflects within me– I don't know if I deserve something like this…–
Lucien removes his hands from my shoulders, steps to my side, and gently takes my right hand, causing me to turn and face him. He squeezes it just enough for me to feel his presence, but not enough to cause any pain.
—Listen to me carefully –His expression now turns completely serious– You deserve this, and more. You are someone excellent. A wonderful person, with your weaknesses, yes, but also with many strengths. That idea of not deserving something just because of who you are is complete nonsense. Even if you are no longer a Noble, an Heiress, or a future Empress, that doesn't mean you don't deserve good things. Your titles and such do not reflect who you are as a person.–
Hearing him, I can't stop my eyes from reddening. Years of verbal abuse and conditioning, where I was always the "unworthy" one, had led me to have these kinds of thoughts that only made me doubt myself. Because of his words, I felt a comforting softness in my heart that made that conditioning fade just a little.
Yes, I still feel insecure—that's obvious, as it won't vanish from one moment to the next—but thanks to him, it probably won't be long before I stop feeling this way.
—So… –Lucien says, flashing a "wicked" smile that makes the redness in my eyes disappear– If you keep saying you don't deserve it, or if you keep belittling yourself, then… –Tap. In an instant, I feel a light flick on my nose, so light it felt as if he had only brushed against it–
—Kyaa! –I exclaim after a few seconds, theatrically, as if he had hit me with all his might–
—I will punish you like this every time you say something like that –He adds, withdrawing his hand, still wearing that wicked smile–
—Bad man –I grumble, rubbing my nose–
How dare this man—so handsome, so attractive, so powerful, and with that "bad boy" look—cruelly strike this beautiful, kind, weak, and not-at-all-childish young lady? Hmph!
—Anyway, that's all from me for now –He says, amused by my "anger"– For the moment, I'll leave you here so you can rest and recharge all that lost energy–
—Finally, I leave my theatrical expression behind and flash a smile of genuine gratitude– Truly, I thank you for everything you've done for me tonight. I don't know what the payment will be, but as long as it has nothing to do with anything immoral, I will do everything in my power to repay you for this favor–
—As I told you when we were at the Palace, we will settle the payment once you've rested enough –He adds, without losing his smile– But don't worry, it won't be anything immoral or anything that would affect you negatively, I assure you–
—I know –I respond. Everything he has done until now, and the respect he has shown me, proves it completely. Lucien is not Calix, nor any of the other men I have met throughout my short life. That is why, even though we've only known each other for a short time, I know I can trust him–
—If you need anything, don't hesitate to find me. For now, I'll speak with Reinhard, but later I'll be back in my room. It's right next to yours. Just knock on the door, and I'll come out to help you with whatever you need –He says, pointing to the door next door–
—Very well, very well –I nod with joy, a matching smile on my face–
After that, he takes a step back, ready to head back down to the ground floor to speak with the man from before. However, before he turns to leave the room, he takes my hand and, unexpectedly, brings it to his lips, placing a soft kiss on my palm. Not on the back of the hand, where it is common, but on a more intimate and sensitive area, letting me feel his masculine lips…
—It was a true pleasure to meet you, Katerina Lumière –After the kiss, he looks at me with an affectionate smile– Congratulations on your rebirth. And also, on your new life–
And with that, he gently releases my hand, turns around, and walks away, leaving me paralyzed, a blush spreading across my face, my heart racing, and my hand stiff—yet still feeling the warmth of his lips on my palm.
—Haa…–
After Lucien left, I don't remember everything that happened next. By the time I realized it, I was already sitting in the bathtub, naked, enjoying the warmth of the water provided by the hotel in combination with the built-in heater.
—Seriously, who is that man? –I ask with a smile, placing a hand over my heart, feeling how it beats wildly whenever I think of him– Is this what it feels like to be falling in love?–
It's ironic. Now, with the Katerina who was "in love" with Calix gone, I can say that I never felt anything like this with him. I've heard my friends, girls my age, say at social gatherings that they "felt butterflies in their stomach" every time they saw the boy they liked. Back then, I never understood it because, as I said before, I had truly never felt anything of the sort.
My infatuation with Calix—now that I am awake to see it for what it was—was more a relationship of devotion from me toward him. I admired him; my eyes lit up when I saw him, but that was all. I only felt the typical shyness of a girl when people praised our "relationship" in public, but never when he was near me. Not even in the few times he approached me and hugged me or took my hands did I feel this blush and these heartbeats I now feel when I think of Lucien. All I felt was a deep sense of inferiority.
But now, speaking of Lucien… with him, everything is completely different. I still feel inferior due to his status as the Heir to an organization that easily rules this world, but not at the levels I felt with Calix. Furthermore, every time we hold hands or he gets very close, my heart pounds and I can't help but blush, no matter how hard I try to control myself.
Is this what my friends felt? Probably so. Is it bad for me? No, absolutely not. In fact, it makes me feel whole and fulfilled. Do I want to feel it more? Of course I do. How will I go about feeling it more? I have no idea.
—Anyway, it's better to rest –I sigh as I stand up from the bathtub– For now, let's sleep. I'll leave planning and all that for when I wake up–
________________ >> 15 minutes >> _________________
—So so~ft–
Indeed. The bed was exactly as Lucien had said. As soon as you touch it, you could fall into it almost instantly. And well, I was no different. Although, of course, I had to get dressed first.
Fortunately, even though we are in Hivern—the cold season, since the Empire of Auriel is in the northern hemisphere—inside this room, unlike mine, it isn't cold. It's warm, so I don't need to put on winter clothes. Also, luckily, there were ladies' nightgowns in the wardrobe, and since they were "universal size" (meaning they stretch), they fit me perfectly, without too many slips. Although… some of them did show a bit much, heh, heh. What if I ask Lucien for help while wearing one of those gowns? I wonder how he'll react when he sees me in one of these, hue, hue… Could someone please lock up the horny Katerina?
—Wait –A moment of realization hits me after I put on a pink gown that doesn't accentuate my hourglass figure at all, but at least it's thicker than the others, covering the parts that are only supposed to be unlocked for a man on one's wedding night…– Hivern?–
Yes. I just remembered we are in Hivern. In fact, here in the Empire, even though we aren't that far north but rather in the center, it's still cold. Days are between 15 and 20 degrees Tamperati, while nights are usually between 5° and 10°T. However, when I was with Lucien, both before going to Fleur de Lys and after, despite wearing what one would call light clothing (just a jacket, which although made of wool, was still thin), I didn't feel cold at all.
—Ah. Right. I forgot. He is also a powerful Mage –I say with a smile, as I throw myself onto my back on the bed– When we were outside the Palace, he controlled the raindrops in an area so we wouldn't get wet, and he even warmed the bench where we sat to talk about my past. Considering that's High-Level Magic, it's to be expected that he can do all this –I roll my eyes with amusement– He truly is a very interesting man –I add, while getting comfortable to sleep– I would definitely be an idiot if I let him go.–
Usually, I tend to subordinate myself to the desires of others. My decisions, important or not, are based entirely on the benefits of others. I never considered myself. But now, after having experienced and made decisions for my own benefit, and feeling the pleasure that comes with it, I can finally, without fear, make a big decision.
And yes. It has to do with Lucien. I don't know how I'll do it, but he has changed me in just a few hours, so I want to keep experiencing that feeling of feeling good—of feeling like a person. So, when I wake up, I'll think about how I can stay by his side. It doesn't matter what I have to do, or what he asks of me. If it means I get to stay with him, I will accept it and fulfill it with all my heart. Even, if it's him, I might even accept that...
—Kyaaa! Pervert! –I exclaim as I roll on the bed, eyes closed and a pillow covering my face. I don't know who let that Katerina out, but I'll give her a good scolding later– Alright. Enough. It's time to sleep –I add, putting the pillow back in its place– Let's leave that for when we wake up. Tomorrow… or rather, in a little while, when I wake up, a new life will begin, far from all the terrible things I've experienced.–
Thus, slowly, so I can sleep better, I recap everything that had happened with Lucien. First, from the moment I met him, being expelled from the Imperial Palace after being demoted to a Commoner, moving through his mean joke where he asked me to tell him the joke about why I was laughing (I was literally broken at that moment. It was a broken laugh, and that dummy comes and asks me what I was laughing at), to telling him about my past and how I lived before meeting him. Also, the part where I defended him from the grumpy taxi driver, because I thought he truly wanted to hurt Lucien, followed by him taking me to Madame Adèle to change out of my princess-style dress (and by the way, it seems I forgot it back at her shop). Finally, when we arrived here at the Hotel Reinel, and what happened in this room.
Thanks to this general recap, added to how soft the bed was, sleep finally came to me.
—Goodnight –I say to the void before closing my eyes with a happy smile on my face. A smile that I know will keep repeating, thanks to Lucien.–