The next morning, Yohan reported to the office for his first assignment. The wooden floor creaked behind his footsteps. Then, the silence set in. He raised his arm and knocked his knuckles against the door.

“Please enter,” A voice from inside projected permission.

“Excuse me,” twisting the knob, he entered the office.

A figure stood at the side of the long wooden desk, her fingers lightly moving the top papers aside. She lifted her head and tucked her lilac hair behind her ears, greeting Yohan.

“Good morning Yohan. I’m Gara, the manager of extended collaboration and resources. Please take a seat.”

Yohan sat at the dark-red leather sofa, observing his surroundings. The forested green wallpapers complimented the Black Walnut wood furniture, creating a cosy, luxurious space. The warm light lamp at the table desk lighted the meticulous arrangement of papers and pens, giving an aesthetically pleasant feeling.

An aroma of earthly tea filled the room, with the clanking sound of teaspoon and cups, Gara poured the hot water into the cup and brought the tray over to the coffee table.

“Here, have some Iris Tea.”

Holding onto the ceramic cup, the cardamom smell wafted through the room.

“This is from the South right?” Yohan asked.

“Oh you’re well versed in tea?”

“Not really. I had a chance to be introduced to it by a street vendor.”

Yohan delicately held the teacup as he took a few sips to test the temperature. It had an aromatic, flowery taste, leaving a melty sweet nectar aftertaste.

Placing the cup down, he pulled the document out and a ticket fell to the ground at the corner of his eyes. He immediately bent down and picked the ticket, flipping over to see a familiar printed emblazoned symbol.

‘All Aboard! You Are Invited To A Party.

For Mr Yohan

Date: 19th Vanir in the Year of Equilibrium

Time: 9 a.m.

Location: Vidar, Vine

Yours Sincerely, The Orient Express.’

‘The Orient Express? Is this a vacation?’ Yohan jokingly thought, remembering the resemblance between his past life.

In his past life, The Orient Express was a luxurious sleeping car with utmost accommodation to passengers’ comfort. It stretched across Paris to Istanbul in Europe and it costs more than a thousand euros for a train ride. However, it was justifiable. It was extraordinary in its indulgence of the rich experience of a nobleman back in the 19th century or the historical significance the carriages provide.

He didn't expect it to be reflected in the game world, proving the connection and inspiration taken from the real world.

“I heard from Owen that you want to be posted to Ordin Guild right? So your first assignment is to deliver a collaboration letter to Duke Vidar, who resided at Vines. Since it is privately owned land, only renowned train services could operate there. Hence, The Guild has offered to cover all the travelling and living expenses. This includes your stay at Duke Vidar’s mansion for a year-long contract.” Gara explained.

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Vines was well known for their grape wines, earning a reputable icon. Duke Vidar wished to expand his wine business towards affluent nobles, and utilise The Guild’s delivery service to deliver wines for tasting. This benefitted The Guild to extend its sphere of influence of its extended service, providing a more inclusive image.

“More information about your job will be given once you reach Vines. For the time being before your trip, you can prepare the essential things and finalise your business here in New Eternal. Owen will oversee the rest.” Gara informed him.

Nodding his head, he grabbed the fountain pen and signed his name across the beige paper. After confirming the details, Gara dismissed Yohan.

Walking down the stairs, he met Owen.

Wrapping the bandages around his hand, he pulled Yohan’s arm and asked, “Yohan, are you going to the training area?”

“Yes, and what happened to your hand?”

“There was an explosion at the training area. Apparently, some Calibre residue was left uncleared and erupted,” Owen sighed.

“Usually The Cleaner Crew will thoroughly clean the training areas after the day, but, I guessed some was overlooked. Anyways, I’m fine, it’s just a scorch mark. I’m heading upstairs to get it healed. Just letting know it’s no longer in use” Owen shrugged.

“You can kill time at Times Square. I heard there are performances and activities to do. Maybe check out the food stalls for lunch, since today’s your day off.”

“Thank you, please rest well.”

Returning back to his room, he took his bag and left for Time Square. Walking along the fabled bazaars, the herb-aromatic stalls filled the air as the people haggle the price. The colourful flowers of carnations and roses caught the people's attention, crowding to wipe out the stock in preparation of the coronation ceremony. A faraway music strolled into the atmosphere, heightening the festive spirit. Closer, people were seen twirling around and singing, their shoes clicked and tapped, creating a harmonious symphony. Once it ended, the drinkers at the taverns clapped proudly, whistling while chatting the newest news.

Rows of flowers were displayed at the stall, mainly carnations because it meant celebration. Most importantly, the citizens regard its warm tone colours as the sun hence it was a perfect symbol of the royal family. Yohan decided to get himself a bouquet of flowers and picked a few stems from the buckets when he noticed a corner of blooming white hydrangeas. Thoughtlessly, he picked the hydrangeas and mixed them into his batch of carnations. The owner realised this and stopped him.

“Sorry sir, these are leftover hydrangeas. They’re not meant for the celebration,” the owner informed him.

Gazing at the hydrangeas, he asked, “Are there any other colours?”

“Unfortunately, the others are out of stock.”

“Then, I will have this wrapped up.”

“Together? You sure?” The owner raised his eyebrows in confusion.

“Yes,” Yohan reconfirmed, looking at the odd mix of white hydrangeas and orange carnations reminded him of one of the sunsets.

— — —

It was an ephemeral moment. Holding a watering can, the flowers in the Obsidian’s palace twinkled under the sun. Laurent hummed a melody, enjoying his hobby of gardening. He wore a simple white shirt with sleeves rolled up and black trousers, his hair leisurely flowing with the wind. On his way to report his duties, Yohan stopped and turned to find a flattering smile in his direction.

Approaching His Highness, who was bending down, he pulled Yohan’s arm to his eye level; they closely inspected the imperfect white hydrangeas. They clustered and expanded beyond the view, brightly tamed and free.

Laurent’s fingers touched the petals and shared. “These suit you the best.”

Yohan watched him lovingly teasing the water droplets, dewing the wet soil.

Intrigued, Yohan asked. “Is this your favourite flower?”

“Mhm, they’re bundled like balls, which is very cute.” He complimented its nature.

“I have received many flowers that represent the warm tones of the sun. Contrary to belief, the sun is actually white, which is my personal favourite colour.” He let out a small laugh.

“Then, what’s your favourite flower?”

Yohan took a while to think, unable to answer. He only knew popular flowers, but he didn’t have any thoughts about their beauty.

“I don’t know a lot about flowers,” he frankly responded.

“Is that so? Why not meet me here after your report? I can bring you around and explain the various plant species planted in my personal garden. I always wanted to share my ethnobotany,” Laurent chuckled.

Seeing the genuine happiness on his face, Yohan agreed to his arrangement.

———