บท 38: Entering Xeonodan
Xeonodan, the city of revolution, the city of change, the city of development, and the city of death. More have died in this city in one night than the rest of the country. About 20 years ago, the monarchy was removed fairly easily! No, the problem lied with the very people who bought about change!
Two leaders split into two factions, and eventually into two enemies. Unrest lingered in the air before one faction stormed the Lighting Palace, leading a long civil war. A side won and made Zakall what it is today. Who won and why? Matters not. The lightning artifact is in this place, and I will have it at all costs.
The carriage entered the city, trisected by a flowing river. Commercial, Political and Industrial, the three sectors of the city were divided perfectly in these roles. We were currently headed towards the president's home in the political sector of the city. This part was the only one connected directly to the mainland of Zakall, with the Lightning Palace at its very end. The political sector was also the place where most of the residents settled.
A swarm of people congregated one's sight, hundreds of people occupied the streets. In a city like Xeonodan, zealots spreading their propaganda accompanied enormous crowds left and right. What free choice? Democracy had barely hatched into existence and was already turning into a simple popularity contest amongst the best of liars.
The cityscape was beautiful. Clean and bustling, not as organized as Kifestein, but aesthetically pleasing. While I admired the capital city of Zakall, the carriage went onto a secluded path. We arrived at the Illych Mansion.
"Welcome to our home, Sirius, Alice," Artelick said. We got off the carriage and stepped inside a picturesque mansion. A pretty blend of art nouveau and neoclassical architecture displayed itself in the form of the exquisite mansion. The windows and walls looked ornamental in their sculpting while maintaining a planar, almost modern feel.
The inside of the mansion was even more exquisite in its design. Paintings, scriptures, and items of historical and cultural heritage adorned its inside.
"There are too many servants," my partner whispered.
"What did you expect?" I asked back.
"Do you think those fools will ask us to stay here?"
"They were about to. I told Artelick I'd rather shoot my shot with you in Xeonodan."
"I don't know if that's smooth or gross," she said.
Artelick led us to the reception — there's really a reception room in his home. Damn, talk about rich.
We were soon seated on a comfortable sofa. They bought tea and refreshments for us while we patiently waited for the president and reminisced about our short time together. About an hour passed and there were still no signs of the president showing up. Artelick and Jane offered to show us around the mansion while we waited.
Even after touring the enormous mansion for another two hours, the president remained a no-show.
"Um, looks like my father won't be able to make it today..." Artelick said.
"Hey, we don't mind at all. You all have already given us way more hospitality than we deserve. An audience with the most important man of the country isn't something we can't do without!" Nea replied.
"No way! We can never repay what you have done for us! Sirius, Alice, I know you have refused to stay with us in the mansion, but wouldn't you let me take care of your lodgings? A simple hotel, nothing grand."
"I understand. We'll be in your care then," I said.
"My father would probably want to meet you. I will leave word at the hotel..." Artelick said, still gloomy.
"Huh? You don't wanna meet us again?"
"Wh- I do! We both do!"
"Then we'll do that! Let us know whenever you can, alright?" At my words. Artelick's eyes lightened up like a puppy's. Really, should this guy be allowed to lead the party after his father dies?
We were soon taken to our lodgings by some servants. It was the best suite room of the largest hotel in the city.
"I am glad we got out of there. It would've been tough to move around," Nea said, plopped on the bed.
I changed into more comfortable clothes and poured us some tea. Nea twisted towards me and asked. "I didn't think it before, but could the artifact have been in that mansion?"
"I checked everywhere. The rainbow stone didn't react. It wasn't in the mansion." I reached towards my coat, which was thrown on a desk in the room, and pulled out some documents. "I found this, so it wasn't a loss at all."
"What's that?" Nea asked.
"Plans for all the important buildings in the capital, all of them."
"When and how did you get that?!" Nea exclaimed.
"Hahaha..."
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