Sizzling heat washed over Eliza’s body as she followed him out. “I saw a few images of the large cities on Lautrasia, I would have thought we’d be going around those areas.”

“That's the capital.” He started walking, Eliza followed him as the shuttle door closed behind them.

He pulled his hood up, hiding his face… He’d prefer not to get noticed. A dozen sales drones passed by, shouting out loud deals and sales for all to hear. They made loud beeps and boops, translated into standardi.

“What’s that smell?” Eliza asked, sniffing the air.

Kazuki rolled his eyes. “Didn’t you pass geography?”

“I did… but what does that have to do with this?”

“Nevermind…” Kazuki placed his hand on the brim of his nose. “Lautrasia is known for its tea and fish markets.”

“Ah. Still, why are we out here?”

“You know who I am, right?” he asked, twisting around into one of the side-side-streets, just large enough for a small shuttle to drive through. It was lined with bars. None were open for the day. They opened at night.

“Um… Is this a trick question?” she asked.

Kazuki shimmied his way past a small group of students, Lautrasians like him. They were cracking open cans bought from one of the drone vending machines.

He recognised their uniforms. Hasn’t changed one bit. His middle school’s hover-ball team beat theirs. Suckers.

“No. My family’s the closest thing to a Royal Lineage for the Trasian Sector. Plus, the person we are meeting prefers the quiet country life.”

Synthia Chyari med in on Eliza’s shoulder, ‘Your family lineage has been quite well documented for the past thousands of years.’

“Oh… Oh! So that’s why you’re keeping hidden,” she said, lowering her voice as she continued. “So… what was it like, living here?”

Kazuki merely glanced up and around. Adverts, signs and lanterns hung all over the place, holographic in nature. Clear skies, not a shuttle in sight. “If you get used to the heat, it’s peaceful,” he said.

That’s all he had to say.

“Well… it’s definitely quieter than downtown District 50…” She deliberated, walking beside him. He kept walking, the place he was looking for was nicely tucked away. People wouldn’t know it was there if they weren’t in the know. His family was most definitely in the know.

“But I thought you guys weren’t a monarchy?”

“We’re not. Categorically. My family simply is the royal lineage of Trasia. Just so happens they get elected.” Kazuki said, diving into an alleyway, even smaller than before.

It could fit around four people standing side to side. But despite that, it was still adorned with lights, adverts and drones - hovering around.

“I… don’t understand.” Eliza scratched her head. Seems like she’s bad at politics.

‘I believe what Kazuki is trying to say is that the Trasian Sector has them as their ceremonial leaders,’ Synthia suggested.

It was a half-correct answer. Though in this situation, Kazuki liked that. Eliza probably can’t handle the truth. That the Trasian Sector is essentially under his family’s thumb. The only thing separating them from the tyrants of old is that they invested money into the people.

The concept is very baffling for others in power, though his family was able to pull it off.

He abruptly stopped, turning to a door within the alley.

“Is this the place?” asked Eliza, glancing around as cables, hovering lanterns and plants littered the walls, with many windows and small balconies up above. “It’s… I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude, but this place seems quite sketchy. Just… who are we meeting?”

“Tailor. And it is, best to hide where people expect you the least.”

There was a sign on it, just like any other. It was a small tailor shop, and Kazuki entered. There was a mechanical beeping noise as he stepped through, the warmth dissipating into a cool, air conditioned reception area.

There were floating mannequins against the wall, most with elaborate dresses, suits and all kinds of clothes. Eliza followed him in. A holographic screen in one of the top corners of the room showed the local news, showing Galatimes Magazine. Kazuki’s eyes thinned at the people behind that name.

A smear campaign has been pushed against him ever since he turned Matt’s brain inside out. Galatimes news wasn’t as harsh as Starport, or the High Table Exclusive… But that wasn’t the problem.

The people behind that brand knew something Kazuki wished they did not know. To be frank, Kazuki was lucky. They didn’t spout or break their contract with him…

And neither did their son. Good, he thought. Best to keep it at that.

But to both’s surprise, Synthia spoke up, ‘Ah, Master Chyari ’s tailor works? I didn’t know you were a consumer of fine tastes, Elizabeth!’ She shouted, as Kazuki turned towards her. Eliza looked down at her shoulder, the holographic tutor sitting on it.

“Master Chyari ? Sorry, Kazuki brought me here, I don’t think I entirely understand what you said…” She apologises sincerely to the AI.

Synthia turned to Kazuki.

‘I didn’t expect you to be a consumer of fine tastes, then, Kazuki,’ said Synthia.

He could very much keep this chain going. Tell Synthia that it was his parents that brought him here, and their parents before him. But that’ll be meaningless. Nodding, he responded. “Yeah. Eliza, I didn’t know you supplied your AI with trivia.”

“Oh!” Eliza placed her hands up, “It was my mother’s before me… so…”

Oh. That made sense, Kazuki thought, his emotionless eyes skidding to the right and left as he heard a shuffle behind the reception area.

“Ah? Customers?” Old Master Chyari inquired. Both Eliza and Kazuki turned to the voice, as an old man entered the room from a beaded doorway leading deeper into the tailor.

The old man placed his hand out onto the counter, slowly moving it across it. He had a measuring-holotape around his neck, with physical, braille markers for the integers and numbers.

“Master Chyari . It’s me,” said Kazuki. Chyari pondered for a moment, as his eyes remained closed. Then, it opened, showing bright white bulbs. No pupils. “Kazuki.”

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

“Oh, Kazuki! What a pleasant surprise!” Chyari let out a loud, hearty laugh. “I heard you talking with two others, friends of yours?”

Kazuki looked towards Eliza, nodding. He walked slowly towards her, lowering his voice. “He’s blind. But he’s a good tailor,” he said.

“Oh, come on, now, Kazuki, my ears aren’t senile yet,” Chyari said. His head twisted around the room, as if trying to make eye contact with Eliza.

Eiza said, “Ah… Elizabeth. Elizabeth Mary Celeste-Delmara, my AI companion, Synthia, knew of your establishment.”

Chyari smiled, placing a hand to his beard for a moment “Synthia… My… I haven’t heard that name in more than a decade.”

‘It’s because I’ve been relegated to tutoring,’ said Synthia. Chyari’s face grew brighter. Even as an old man, age had not worn his mind down. Yet, Kazuki thought. He knows one day he’ll need to get a new tailor. But it’s not this day. “Synthia! Dear, tell me, how’s Annabelle?”

Eliza froze at the question as Kazuki paused. She slowly looked down to the ground. Even Synthia paused, unable to say anything at such an abrupt and absurd question. To anyone outside of here, they would have known. But Chyari? He lives in isolation. Such information does not reach him often.

Slowly, Eliza opened her mouth, trying to say something as her face contorted to discomfort. Kazuki saw her face… Something about it triggered Kazuki’s need to protect her.

His dead face twisted towards Chyari . “Annabelle’s… passed away,” said Kazuki.

He nearly said she was dead, or had died. He kept his wording precise, knowing how important Annabelle was to Eliza, as her mother…

Chi’s bright face slowly turned to one of sadness. Even without the use of his eyes, his lips said it all. “Oh… My apologies, Elizabeth, I assume you are her daughter, then? I have not heard of Annabelle for over twenty years…”

“Yes…” Eliza trailed off, before recovering quickly. Her face formed into a determined smile. Chyari was blind, yet the sentiment was there. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

A switch clicked within Chyari , as he started smiling as well. So smiles are contagious, Kazuki thought. Even for the blind.

Kazuki said, “Chi, the Marquis Gilbera Fer-Charelota announced the Dassant within a week. He’s influential and popular. Give us your best.”

Chyari let off another hearty laugh as he beckoned the two forward. Eliza lingered for a moment, as Kazuki stepped forward, following Chyari as he used his hand to guide him through the doorway.

The face that Eliza had formed slowly melted away to reveal her true feelings. Eliza followed Kazuki without uttering a single word. He was fine with that. Best to leave things that way.

“I only make the best, young Kazuki,” Chyari said. “Anything less and I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.” He led them through a hall, lined with numerous materials and shelves, all messily ordered. Drones hovered up above them, stacking the shelves.

The old man stopped as his hand felt an indent in the wall. His hand scurried around, as he phased open a door. It had an audible ringtone to it. He entered through it.

“So… we’re here to shop for new clothes?” Eliza asked. She was recovering.

“Yeah.”

“But… why here? No offence, but…”

Kauzki cut her off. “He’s a specialist in this. Trust me. You want him making your clothes. He’s one of the only people outside my family that I’d even trust with a Phoenix Feather.”

Eliza’s eyes went wide open as she tugged on her violet hoodie. “Wait… just what are we getting?” she asked, being ushered by a drone into the room. Kazuki followed on after her.

It was a waiting room, a small workshop was at the back of it. And in the centre, was a small, raised podium for measurement taking. There were numerous apparatuses hauled from the ceiling. Most were for measuring, Kazuki remembered.

“So, special requests?” Chyari asked, turning to the two of them as he placed a hand against one of the shelves, gathering a few tools.

“Bulletproof. Plasma proof. Stab proof. Reflective armouring,” said Kazuki. Eliza quickly shot into the conversation.

“Woah, woah, isn’t that a bit too much?” she asked, “I feel like I’d be weighed down.” Her face held high, filled with anxiety.

“You won’t be,” Kazuki assured her. “For the right price, you get the best of both worlds. Light and Strong.”

“Yes… Kazuki is right, young Elizabeth, I have specialised in making the most expensive and protective clothes known to man for the better part of two centuries! I even remember the old times of the Imperial era, if you could believe that!” He let off a small chuckle at the end.

To survive so long takes an immense amount of luck.

Kazuki sat down on one of the chairs beside the door. A few drones activated, as their scanning beams shot out towards Eliza and Kazuki. “My measurements haven’t changed,” said Kazuki.

“But are you sure? A good tailor always ensures—”

“—I’m fine,” said Kazuki, with a hint of near embarrassment in his voice. “Really. I’m fine. Same specifications, new suit.”

Chyari nodded. “If that is what you wish for. Elizabeth, care to stand on the podium?” he asked, gesturing in the general direction of it.

Eliza complied, stepping forward as she placed herself in the centre of the room. Chyari stood off to the side, slowly moving towards the workshop. He placed materials, tools and equipment across the tables, lining it up with machines

“May I ask how long this will take?” Eliza inquisitively inquired, placing her hands to the side.

“Well… It should take around…” Chyari trailed off, as the scanning drones surrounded Eliza, scanning her entire body as beams and rays scoured up and down. Kazuki remained motionless, watching as the red lights turned green with a ding. “Done!”

The drones floated all the way to the old Master, as they procured a large list of braille from their bodies. Chyari grabbed onto it, feeling the information.

“We have the specifications, what would you like, Elizabeth?” asked Chyari . “I have a catalogue of dresses and suits, if you wish to browse.”

Eliza stalled for a moment, she looked towards Kazuki. She lowered her voice, leaning closer towards him. “You know that red dress that I had?”

“The one you wore during the Dassant, the Kallender Group and basically any formal event?” Kazuki snapped, maintaining a calm face. Eliza slowly nodded. Kazuki had to ram the answer in. “Of course I know.”

Eliza nodded. “Yeah! I’d prefer something similar, though… a lot nicer?” She was leaning completely in at the last part, her murmurs barely lower than a mere whisper into his ear.

Kazuki knew exactly what to say to Chyari . He tilted his head around her to look at the old man, waiting for an order as he sat down beside the machines. “The maroon duchess. But make it more… exquisite?”

He didn’t want to tell Chyari to make it nicer. Eliza knew politeness. And despite Kazuki’s dislike for being polite, Chyari was an exception. An extraordinary one. The old man has served his family for generations. He deserved the best he had to offer.

“Aha, I’ll have it right away, it’ll take a while for both orders, you can either wait… or I can have it delivered to the Imperial Palace,” said Chyari .

“Delivery.” Kazuki stood up, tapping Eliza on the shoulder. “And… take your time, Chyari .”

He doesn’t want the old man keeling over any time soon. Best to not overwork him, Kazuki thought. Death permeates all around the galaxy. Chyari is no stranger to that, so much so that he doesn’t notice the pollution. Though that is evident to many people across the stars and cosmos.

“Oh, don’t worry about old me, you’ll get your clothes!” Chyari smiled. It prompted Eliza to smile as well as she did a traditional bow of respect towards him. Chyari nodded at her, not seeing the bow but most definitely feeling its aura of respect.

“Thank you so much, I’m delighted to be of assistance,” Eliza said.

Chyari snapped back, jokingly, “Oh! You flatter me! Most of the work was already done by you.”

Kazuki walked out, as Eliza followed him out… Of course, Eliza went on to compliment everything about Chyari .

“I didn’t think that you’d know an amazing tailor like that… I mean, he’s blind but he still follows his passion!”

The professionalism, the courtesy, the politeness. By now, Kazuki had aired most thoughts out, simply nodding…

“You’re too polite… you know?” Kazuki remarked without thinking twice. It was simply what he thought at the moment.

“Huh?” The two of them left the alleyway and were back into the streets, walking. If they’re lucky, they’ll reach Karl’s shuttle without incident. “Since when was there a maximum level for being polite?” she asked. “I thought Lautrasians were supposed to be friendly…”

“Polite. Not friendly,” Kazuki snapped. “My people pride themselves in independence and civility… unlike the rest of the galaxy.”

“Kaz!” Eliza raised her voice. “It’s not just… Trasians… Can you please at least listen to what I’m saying?”

Kazuki ignored her. “So, you tired of Trasia yet?”

“Ye—Wait a minute! Don't change the subject!” she quickly caught on to what he was doing… ”How… long has it been since we left Anagora, though?”

“My family has special voidways, so it only took us a few hours of transit,” Kazuki answered her.

Eliza yawned. “Wait… why don’t you use them, then? Like for… normal people?”

Kazuki snapped, “They’re special for a reason.”

She sighed, grumbling under her breath.

”I have to check up on something, though, you alright with that?” Kazuki asked. He heard grumbling from Eliza. She must be frustrated at him for ignoring her question.

And then, he felt a tug. His hood came down, revealing his face to all around them on the street.

He turned towards her. She was pouting in annoyance at him, face red. And just like that, eyes immediately pointed towards the duo. First, there were a few students passing by. Then it was an off duty police officer… One by one, the vultures swooped in.

The officer shouted towards him, “Wait, Prince Kazuki? Hey! I know I’m on duty but uh, can I take a selfie with you?!”

“You… have no idea what you just unleashed,” stated Kazuki. Eliza crossed her arms, humpthing as she twisted her head away from him. Like always, when his family is seen in public, everything quickly spirals into chaos.