Chapter 9: New Beginnings 9
Elania and Yolani strolled down the busy streets of Contia, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Yolani’s weight reduction pack was significantly less stuffed after exchanging most of their shards and crystals for currency.
“I’m not sure we had to go into that much detail explaining the shards,” Yolani said.
Elania’s hand brushed against her interior pocket, feeling the weight of the magic paper that seemed heavier than it truly was. “You’re right, but it somehow felt good to put everything into words.”
Yolani reached over and squeezed her hand.
They had received a total of 248 crit and 1250 scrit, an amount that would have been considered a fortune for most individuals. To protect against catastrophic loss and share the responsibility, they had split the sum equally between their cards.
As they walked, Elania’s mind wandered to the challenges that lay ahead. While the money they now possessed was substantial, it was a far cry from what they would need to support their followers in the long term. The realization settled heavily in her chest; she and Yolani couldn’t shoulder this burden alone, at least not in any way she could currently imagine.
Providing temporary assistance for a month or two might have been workable. Still, the idea of putting so many people on welfare for the rest of their lives was simply impossible, even if they gave her [Divine Power] points.
No, they needed a more sustainable solution, one that would require them to tackle an even greater challenge: finding employment for their followers.
Elania’s brow furrowed as she contemplated the enormity of the task. It wouldn’t be easy, but they had to try. The well-being and future of their people depended on it.
“We’re here,” Yolani said.
Elania looked up. Sure enough, the estate was there.
“What…?” Elania muttered.
Yolani raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Care to share what stole your attention?”
Elania smiled weakly. “I’ve been thinking about what we’re going to do with all the refugees.”
Yolani’s expression sobered. “It’s a tough problem, isn’t it?”
As they entered the estate gates, two cultists emerged from the gardens, bowing deeply in greeting. A pulse of annoyance flared at the sight of their black robes.
An idea formed in her mind, and she turned to Yolani. “I think I’m going to see if I can get Darius to change the name of the cult to the White Candle and have them wear white.”
Yolani tilted her head. “Is there something wrong with black?”
Elania shrugged. “Not really… I just don’t want anyone to think we’re the bad guys.”
“What? You remember who invaded Neftasu, right? White’s the worst color to switch to,” Yolani said.
Elania blinked. Oh. Lightbringers. White. “Right,” she muttered. “Black is just the traditional bad guy color back home.”
“Hmm. Maybe golden yellow? Like your eyes,” Yolani suggested.
“Why like my eyes?” Elania asked.
“Because they’re pretty,” Yolani said, smirking.
Somehow, Elania managed to suppress her fluster, but before she could think of a reply, Darius arrived.
“Welcome back, my lady, and to you as well, oracle. Your rooms have been prepared, and we have received a shipment of food and drink for the kitchen and pantry. If you wish, someone is prepared to cook your dinner,” Darius said.
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Elania smiled. “That would be wonderful, Darius. Thank you. Could you show us to our room?”
Darius inclined his head. “Of course, my lady.” He turned to one of the nearby cultists. “Inform the cook that Lady Elania and Yolani will be dining this evening.”
As the cultist scurried off, Darius led Elania and Yolani up the curved staircase to the second floor. They walked down a long hallway, their footsteps muffled by the plush carpet.
“There are four empty guestrooms on this floor,” Darius explained, gesturing to the doors they passed. “One room has been set aside for you, my lady, and another for Yolani. The other sixteen rooms on the first and third floors are for the current staff.”
Elania shared a look with Yolani. A silent understanding passed between them. “Actually, Darius, we only need one room. Yolani and I will share.”
Darius paused, his gaze flickering between them. He nodded. “As you wish, my lady. I will have her belongings brought over right away.”
They reached the end of the hallway, and Darius opened the door to the master bedroom. Elania and Yolani stepped inside, their eyes widening at the sight. The room was spacious and elegantly furnished, with an ornate bed draped in delicate linens as the centerpiece.
Yolani explored the room, her eyes sparkling with wonder. She ran her hand along the ornate dresser, marveling at the intricate carvings etched into the dark wood. Elania couldn’t help but smile at the other girl’s enthusiasm, finding her excitement endearing.
“Arlois really didn’t spare any expense in giving us the use of this estate,” Elania remarked.
Yolani nodded in agreement, her attention drawn to the bed. She approached it, her fingers skimming over the smooth fabric of the linens. A gasp escaped her lips.
“Elania, these sheets are silk!” Yolani exclaimed. “And the bed… it’s made of wood!”
Elania smiled at Yolani’s reaction. She had already noticed the abundance of wood throughout the estate, a material considered a luxury in Neftasu.
For Yolani, who had grown up in a world where wood was scarce, the sight of it being used so freely was a revelation.
“Yes, it’s wood,” Elania confirmed gently. “We saw the trees, remember?”
Yolani’s eyes widened as if she’d seen something incredible. “Oh my goddess. Trees! They’re wonderful!”
Elania managed not to burst into laughter. Somehow. Barely.
Darius, who had been standing quietly by the door, stepped forward and gestured towards a doorway on the far wall. “My lady, the master bath is adjoined to this room.”
Elania and Yolani exchanged a glance, their eyes sparkling with anticipation.
“Let’s see it,” Elania said.
Darius led them to the doorway, pushing it open to reveal a spacious bathroom.
A stone tub was built into the floor, large enough to accommodate multiple people. Its gleaming surface seemed to invite them to relax and unwind.
The presence of running hot and cold water reminded her of Aetherhart’s Artifice and, more distantly, Earth.
The stone and marble surfaces were all immaculately clean, and the room was equipped with a running water latrine and a sink, giving it an almost modern feel.
The only thing missing was a shower. Why didn’t people like showers?
Darius cleared his throat. “My lady, would you like me to assign two handmaiden servants to assist your oracle with your bathing and dressing needs?”
Elania’s cheeks heated at the suggestion, and she quickly shook her head. “No, that won’t be necessary. Yolani alone is more than enough.”
She didn’t bother to correct Darius’ misconception about why she wanted Yolani to share the room with her.
Darius nodded, accepting her decision without question. “Is there anything else you require, my lady?”
Elania glanced at Yolani, who shook her head. She turned back to Darius. “Has any message from Arlois arrived yet?”
“No, my lady,” Darius replied. “Should we be expecting one?”
“Yes,” Elania confirmed. “Please keep an eye out for it and have someone inform either myself or Yolani as soon as it arrives.”
Darius bowed his head in acknowledgment. “As you wish, my lady. I will see to it personally. I will also send someone once dinner is prepared.”
With that, Darius excused himself.
A companionable silence fell as they were finally left alone, the opulent surroundings enveloping them in a cocoon of luxury.
They both deposited their gear on the floor. Soon, cultist servants entered, carrying Yolani’s scant belongings from the other room. The weight reduction packs they held contained everything needed to establish a new artifice shop. They worked efficiently, placing her items with care before quietly taking their leave.
Curiosity getting the better of her, Elania made her way to the bed, settling down on the plush surface. A sigh of contentment escaped her lips as she sank into the mattress. “You’re right, this is silk.”
Yolani smiled and joined her on the bed.
Unable to resist the allure of the silken sheets, Elania scooted back, spreading her arms and legs out, relishing the smooth caress of the fabric against her skin.
Yolani watched. “It’s really nice, isn’t it?”
Elania turned her head, locking eyes with Yolani. “It is,” she agreed. “But not as nice as you.”
A blush crept up Yolani’s cheeks, coloring her skin a delicate shade of pink.
In a sudden, bold move, Yolani rolled over, straddling Elania on the bed.
Elania’s eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat as Yolani leaned in, her lips finding Elania’s in a greedy kiss.
Instinctively, Elania wrapped her arms around Yolani, pulling her closer, losing herself in the moment. When Yolani finally pulled back, her eyes shone with emotion. “I love you,” she whispered, barely audible above the pounding of Elania’s heart.
Before Elania could reply, the door to their room clicked open, startling them both.
A cultist stood in the doorway, her words tumbling out in a rush. “A message has arrived, my lady—”
She halted, her eyes widening as she took in the sight of Elania and Yolani entangled on the bed.