Ilmarinen found himself seated in a living room, surrounded by twelve men dressed in traditional black Japanese attire. The room was adorned with paper walls, each displaying intricate drawings depicting scenes from everyday life in Japan. Vibrant images of folklore creatures, men, women, and children brought the room to life.
Sitting on cushions in seiza position, the Japanese traditional way, Ilmarinen observed as one of the Japanese men turned his attention to Annikki, who sat by his side. The Japanese man gestured toward her and spoke in rapid Japanese, insisting that Ilmarinen dispatch her. Ilmarinen quickly interrupted, explaining that Annikki was his attendant and did not understand the language. Despite his words, the man remained persistent.
Annikki, following Ilmarinen’s orders, excused herself and made her way out into the hallway. She wandered toward the garden, drawn to the vibrant colors of the blooming flowers. The surrounding gardens of the traditional Japanese mansion they were in, were fascinating, immersing her in its cultural ambiance.
Annikki wore a black French maid's dress, a garment that seemed to catch the attention of two young men passing by. They approached her with lecherous gazes, their intentions clear. Though she stood taller than them, they encircled her, their eyes filled with lustful desire.
Boldly, one of the men placed a hand on her shoulder, while the other whispered words into her ear, words she did not comprehend. Just as the situation became increasingly uncomfortable, Ilmarinen emerged from the meeting, a mere fifteen minutes had passed.
Noticing the two men's behavior, Ilmarinen hurriedly approached, concern etched on his face. "Annikki... I beg you not to overreact," he pleaded, his voice tinged with worry.
Despite the conclusion of the meeting, the two young men persisted, refusing to withdraw. Instead, they seized Annikki's hands and forcefully dragged her away with them. This brazen act did not go unnoticed by a middle-aged Japanese man dressed in a black hakama. He stood beside Ilmarinen, he was a figure of high authority within the clan.
Curiosity piqued, the man asked, "Is there something the matter, Mr. Seppälä?"
Ilmarinen bowed respectfully, his demeanor composed. "Your excellency," he began, his words laced with deference. "Two young men have taken the girl who accompanied me. I asked her not to resist... I do not wish to cause any trouble."
The old Japanese man chuckled, his laughter tinged with amusement. "Do not fret. She is more than capable of handling herself if need be. Those two are my proteges... though they are nothing more than a couple of perverted fools who lack any respect for women. They are in dire need of a lesson in manners."
A thunderous crash echoed through the air as one of the men hurtled through the air, propelled by an unseen force, before landing unceremoniously in a small water fountain in the garden. Simultaneously, the other man collided with the exterior railings surrounding the outer corridors of the house, the impact reverberating through the structure.
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In the aftermath of the chaos, Annikki emerged from the shadows, striding towards Ilmarinen with a hint of satisfaction gracing her features. Adjusting her dress, she exuded an air of quiet strength and confidence. The Japanese man, observing the scene, couldn't help but be impressed by her display of power.
"She's strong!" he exclaimed, a mixture of awe and amusement in his voice.
Ilmarinen sighed. He wrapped his arms around Annikki and affectionately stroked her head. "That's why she's my bodyguard," he declared proudly. "She's incredibly trustworthy."
The Japanese man chuckled heartily, his laughter filling the air. The bond between Ilmarinen and Annikki was evident, their unspoken communication revealed their deep connection.
“I apologize for their improper behavior,” The man said, looking at Anniki. “I’ll take care of punishing them.”
After a brief pause, the middle-aged Japanese man two of his bodyguards to accompany Ilmarinen and Anniki out of the mansion.
Once outside the confines of the mansion, Ilmarinen couldn't contain his frustration any longer. The irritation in his voice was palpable as they walked away. "These mobsters and their absurd protocols!" he scowled, the words escaping through gritted teeth. His gaze locked onto Annikki as if seeking reassurance. “Do you have the coin?”
Annikki met his gaze with a steady nod, her hand gracefully gliding into a hidden pocket. With practiced ease, she retrieved the gold coin and placed it gently into Ilmarinen's waiting palm. As the cool metal made contact with his skin, a shiver coursed through his body. The mere touch of the coin seemed to carry an otherworldly weight within its gleaming surface.
The intricately carved features of the laureate Caesar's bust on one side of the coin spoke of authority and power. Ilmarinen could almost hear the echoes of history, the ghostly whispers of an empire long past. The image stirred memories of leaders who had shaped nations, whose iron wills had left an indelible mark upon the world.
On the reverse side, the goddesses Venus and Victoria stood proudly, their forms brought to life with meticulous detail. With each passing moment, Ilmarinen found himself drawn deeper into the intricate design. The goddesses seemed to dance before his eyes, their gestures and expressions taking on a life of their own. It was as if they beckoned him to follow, promising guidance on a path to faraway lands.
As Ilmarinen continued to gaze at the coin, the weight in his hand intensified. The pressure grew, not only physically, but also on his mind and soul. The ethereal glow emanating from the coin enveloped him, casting a spell that held him captive. His senses became heightened, and for a brief moment, he lost himself in the enchanting allure of the coin's radiance.
Abruptly, Annikki snatched the coin from his grasp, breaking the hold it had over him. Ilmarinen blinked, as if awakening from a dream, only to realize that they had walked for several minutes. They stood before their hotel, the grand facade looming over them.
Annikki's voice, barely above a whisper, reached Ilmarinen's ears. "Don't stare at it for too long," she cautioned, her tone filled with a mixture of concern and warning.
Ilmarinen blinked several times, his mind struggling to shake off the residual effects of the coin's enchantment. "Was I charmed by the coin?" he wondered aloud, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
The spell had been broken, yet its lingering effects left him feeling disoriented and strangely detached. It was as if he had been transported to another realm, only to be unceremoniously thrust back into reality. The experience left him questioning if he was truly awake.