Chương 26: Enter the den

Days had gone by since Elion infiltrated the Kingdom, but he did not manage to learn the art of selling. He made an effort though, he talked to strangers just as how Luppy instructed him to. He did his best to look for clients, but he had not been successful--- not even once. Elion realized something about himself--- he would choose to deal with zombies than to converse with people any day. Zombies would just grunt, their way of saying hello. But people, people knew more than one syllable. People would form words to express themselves--- including their well-used skill to say a vulgar word or two. To see that there were no brain-hungry zombies roaming around, Elion was not on his element. Earning nothing, Elion had no choice but to depend on his brother for his basic needs.

Luppy went home first to prepare their food. Unlike Elion, Luppy was on his game. He was a good provider, he provided roof over their heads and food on their table.

Done with pestering strangers, Elion decided to go home.

Elion walked through the longer route so he could pass by the notice board. It became had been his habit ever since he was---well, technically--- interviewed. The board was empty except for a few wanted posters with sketches of criminals on the loose.

But today was different, the usually deserted area was filled with people. The crowd celebrated as they greeted each other congratulations.

Thanks to his tall frame, Elion could see a young man reading through a paper plastered on the board. Elion was sure that the notice was new, the paper had not been here when he passed by yesterday. Even from afar, Elion already know what the notice was all about. He paved his way to the crowd, towards the board to get a better view.

Finally, Elion saw what the commotion was about. He confirmed what he already knew instinctively---the list of the hired attendants was already posted.

He scanned each line for his name but did not find it on the first page. He flipped through the paper and repeated the same on the second page.

A backup plan was already forming on his mind when he finally saw his name--- his name was listed last on the list.

There was a small not written at the bottom of the second page. It was specifically noted at the bottom of the list not to bring anything upon entering the palace, anything that would be brough shall be confiscated.

Satisfied with the outcome, he walked towards their transient home as he hid his smile.

Elion went home with a feast on the table. Elion was able to eats delicacies he was not able to eat in the slumps. While eating their dinner, Elion shared the good news to his brother.

"I'm going in tomorrow." Elion informed his brother. "Better update Brian when you go home."

"Okay." Luppy nodded, not leaving his attention on his bowl of curry rice. "Good luck." Luppy said, flatly. His bright-business-like tone, gone.

Luppy should not be gloomy, but he was. The twelve-year-old boy cannot hide his emotions to his brother.

"It's okay, I'll visit you sometimes." Elion assured his brother.

"Okay." Luppy nodded.

Elion enjoyed the company of his brother inside the Kingdom even for just a few days. It felt nice to feel like a normal family. Elion was sad because compared to the slumps, Luppy could not go inside the palace whenever he pleases.

Elion was dejected, and he knew his brother felt the same way too. He was just better at keeping his emotions in control, maybe it comes for being the eldest brother.

"It's okay," Elion reached out and fumbled his brother's hair. "this will be over soon."

Compared to their chatty dinner the previous night, they enjoyed their dinner silently today.

The small room was quiet as they cleaned themselves up to prepare to sleep.

Luppy fell sleep fast. He was fully covered with his banket despite the heat.

While Elion was on the floor, organizing his bag. He folded his clothes and set placed it in his bag. He left it on the corner, together with his pitchfork. He organized it not so he could take it inside the palace, but so that he can easily run and go when he does his mission.

Elion lay on the floor and took a full night's sleep, ready to start his mission.

***

The warning was true, but many did not listen.

Just as instructed, Elion did not carry anything but himself in the palace. He had always been good with following orders.

Fellow attendants must have mistaken this as a vacation and brought suitcases filled with their personal belongings, but everything was confiscated as soon as they entered through the gate.

For the first time, Elion regarded the massive structure in front of him as the commotion between the guards and the newly hired attendants took place. The structure was built with bricks of stones as its color naturally aged with time. Morning sunlight slowly peeked through the numerous windows, creating a gleam of light on the glass. There were two turrets on either side, making the castle more medieval looking. It was like a historical playground that can only be seen on amusement parks. But instead of being magical, the castle exudes an eerie vibe--- a wizard mouse won't welcome you inside, but royal zombies would.

After the impounding, the attendants were divided in to two groups. Men were separated from women as they were led into two different rooms near the entrance. No one protested, but most were still confused.

The room where men where led to was huge with high ceiling, but it was empty.

After a few minutes, three male guards entered the room.

The guards instructed them to stand in front of a folded garment on the floor. They piled in rows of five as the waited for further instruction. Elion was standing at the back, but he could clearly see the guards in front.

Two of the guards roamed around the quiet room, commanding the attendants to stand straight.

The other guard remained in front to address the crowd. "Take all your clothes off, and wear this." He unfolded a black polo shirt and pants to the crowd. "You might bump into a royal on your way, change into your uniform as a sign of respect. You won't be allowed inside unless you're in your uniforms."

Elion grabbed the garment on the floor as he took off his clothes brazenly.

One of the guards, who was roaming around, stopped beside Elion and surveyed him. The guard nodded in approval and walked away.

The other attendants just stood, hesitant to change their clothes in public's view.

"Hurry, we don't have the whole day." The guard sauntered in front. "Wear your uniforms if you don't want to be mistaken as intruders…you don't want to know what we do to them."

The few brave souls began to undress uncomfortably. Everything was provided for them--- even their underwear.

The room was full of butt naked men, each were struggling to cover their private parts. Their old clothes tossed on the floor were also confiscated by the guards. This procedure was implemented to make sure that nothing would be smuggled inside the palace. No weapons were allowed inside, especially any liquid substances that could potentially be poison--- this rule was added after the incident with the Princess.

"Don't worry, all your belongings will be returned on your off-days and if you go outside the palace." The guard assured them. "Please understand that we're doing this due to our protocols, not to shame you."

And indeed, it was only done for formality as the guards inspected the old clothes half-heartedly--- thinking that it was a waste of their time.

Elion's uniform was not the perfect size for him. It was tight on the bicep area, revealing his chiseled arms. His pants, an a few inches too small for his long thigh.

Elion stood out among the rest because of his tall frame and toned body. This was not the usual frame for an attendant. His body was outstanding even for the palace guard's standard.

Now that they were properly dressed, the guards slid the divider open that separated the women from the men. Chairs were provided as Barn, the head attendant, arrived to orient the freshly hired attendants.

Barn explained what was expected to them; work ethics, information confidentiality, and high-standard performance. He also explained their benefits, emphasizing the chance to drink the water of the gods.

The crowd cheered at the mention of the special water, except for Elion who was sitting without giving any reaction.

A feast was served after an hour of greetings and introductions. They were generous with food, Elion would give them credit for that had he not known the reason why. It was because the other meat parts were considered waste for the royals--- they only eat the brain part of the meat. Elion might not be familiar with these royals, but he knew that much.

After their meal, Barn introduced a few veteran employees to the crowd. Each veteran employee roll called names provided on their list to form a group. And Each group formed a small circle to listen to the final instructions specific for their department.

Everybody found their places except for one. Elion was left alone on his seat, still waiting for his name to be called.

Come to think of it, Elion had no idea what his job was. He was not properly informed; all he knew was that he had a job inside the palace--- that was it.

Elion was observing each group, waiting for someone to call him. Maybe his name was overlooked by one of the veterans. But instead, Elion's eyes hovered to Barn.

Barn beckoned for Elion to come to him.

Elion stood up and obliged.

"How's lunch?" Barn asked Elion. "Had your full?"

"Yes." Elion answered.

"Good, you can start now," Barn nodded approvingly. "come with me."

Barn guided Elion as they walked in the hallway.

In contrast to the old looking exterior, the interior looked modern than Elion thought it would be.

"She might be…lacking, for the lack of a better word." Barn murmured the last words. "But she's a good kid." Barn ascended the stairs as Elion followed closely behind. "Your job is easy," They climbed the stairs until they reached the third floor. "Just make sure she is well fed. And her room clean at all times. But most importantly, make sure she does not roam around the palace after midnight or any unnecessary places…like the kitchen." Barn stopped on his tracks and looked to Eion. "Do you understand?"

"Yes." Elion nodded.

"Good," Barn continued walking. "Or else, you would be reprimanded by the Queen herself."

Elion agreed to everything---not understanding every word, not questioning instructions---as the finally reached a door.

"If anything happens, report straight to me." Barn reminded Elion as he knocked on the door. "Okay?"

"Yes, sir." Elion nodded beside him.

"Yes?" A female voice inside the room asked.

"Princess, it's me." Barn said.

Elion's eyes lit up from the word.

There was clattering inside the room as Princess Alyssa opened the door. "Barny!" Alyssa smiled as soon as she saw Barn and hugged the old man tight. "It's nice seeing you a lot these days." Her hair was dripping wet on her shoulder.

"You know I love seeing you around more, Princess." Barn hugged the Princess tight. "Can we go in?"

"Sure," The Princess took a step back and went straight to her vanity table.

"Princess," Barn closed the door. "this is Eli, your new attendant."

Elion's eyes widened from hearing his position. Everything was going smoothly than planned, fulfilling his mission would be easier this way. He was lucky.

Princess Alyssa turned her head to look at Elion. "Hi, Eli." Her head tilted to the side and smiled.

Barn turned to Elion for final instructions. "As you can see," Barn surveyed the room. "it's a little messy."

Elion regarded the floor, there were clothes everywhere.

"Clean the room and be sure to always be around her… wherever she goes, make sure she's comfortable. Can you do that?"

"Yes, sir."

"Princess, can I leave you to him?"

Alyssa nodded. "Of course, chief."

"Are you sure you'll be fine with just him around?"

"Barny, you don't have to worry. I survived without you, remember?"

"I don't think that can be called surviving." Barn whispered under his breath.

"Eli and I will manage, I'll be fine." Alyssa took her blow dryer from her secret compartment. "Now go, chief. You have others to manage."

"Thank you, princess." Barn bowed slightly to the Princess. "Eli." Barn acknowledged Elion as he went off his way.

Elion began picking up clothes on the floor, not sure if it was the right thing to do.

"So…Eli?" Alyssa asked as she dried her hair. "Can you keep a secret?"

Elion stopped collecting clothes and stood up straight. "Yes."

"Even to the Queen?"

'Is this a trick question?' Elion asked himself.

But he decided to be truthful. "…yes."

Alyssa beamed at Elion. "Just don't let her know I dry my hair with this." Alyssa waved the blow dryer. "Actually, don't tell it to anybody at all."

"Understood, princess."

Elion proceeded to pick up clothes and placed it at the laundry basket as he stood at the door, waiting for further instructions.

"Are you planning to stand there all day?" Alyssa was done with her hair and was doing her makeup. "You can sit comfortably, you know."

A minute of silence had passed.

"Don't worry, I won't eat you." Alyssa laughed. "Just relax… Now, you're making me uncomfortable."

Elion did not answer her. But if ever this royal zombie would attempt to have his brain, he knew that with her small frame, it would be easy defend himself and kill her. Or maybe tie her up as Brian wanted her alive.

"Princess Alyssa!" Kiva opened the door abruptly.

The door hit Elion from behind.

"Ali?" Kiva pushed to open the door again.

Elion finally stood aside to let her in.

Done with her makeup, Alyssa stood up and walked to her door. "Are you okay?" Alyssa craned her neck she addressed her new attendant.

Elion nodded.

"What do we have here?" Kiva finally seeing Elion for the first time.

"My new attendant."

Kiva observed Elion closely. "That's weird." Kiva touched Elion's bulging biceps. "It looks like he got mixed up. I think a guard fits him better. Don't you think?"

"I don't know," Alyssa shrugged. "maybe."

"I'm Kiva," Kiva offered her hand to Eli.

"Eli." Eli shook Kiva's hand.

"Take care of my best friend." Kiva patted him on his shoulder. "Or I'll kill you."

"Kiva!" Alyssa shook her head. "Don't scare him."

"Does he look like he's threatened by a frail girl like me?" Kiva placed the back of her hand on her forehead for exaggeration.

"I'm sorry, you can just ignore her." Alyssa eyed Kiva.

"What? He knows I'm joking." Kiva patted the back of Elion. "Right?"

Elion nodded.

"See?" Kiva locked arms with Alyssa. "Ali, I'm hungry."

"Okay. Let's go, I'm starving too." Alyssa announced.

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