Chapter 16 #3
Alex dipped his head in gratitude. The group was quickly led through grandly appointed halls worthy of nobility and Silver ascendants, several of which he could faintly sense on the floors above before the trio entered a spacious room both cool and comfortable looking, with a bed covered in luxuriously soft-looking furs from whatever spirit beasts lurked within the rift that so much of the caldera’s fortunes depended upon.
He also noted several stressed leather recliners that looked perfect for relaxing, meditating, or reading upon, and he might just choose to sleep there than on the admittedly enticing bed.
A bookshelf with a full half-dozen leather-bound volumes and what looked like a pair of puzzle games also intrigued him.
Yet despite the luxurious accessories, what was most striking about the room was just how large it was.
Did well-to-do Ruidians normally enjoy lots of space?
Was it a Silver-tier accommodation thing?
In truth, he didn’t know. Though the lighting was nothing but soothing, the room was lit by a soft pale-blue orb giving off gentle spiritual energies, the cleverly crafted wind catchers throughout the grand marble and quartz edifice additionally allowing for wondrously cool breezes sufficient to rustle his hair, even here.
Alex nodded in satisfaction when their gracious host showed the clever lever for the bronze grill that could be easily shut, should the desert’s nighttime air turn too cool for comfort, and the silk rope that would cover the blue spirit orbs lighting up their chamber.
“And of course, here is your water pitcher. Should thirst trouble you, you may pull the rope by your door and a servant will be by your quarters shortly to take care of your needs. And please, no need to worry! The first night is gratis to all visiting Ruidians and cultivators, even if most of the latter enjoy far more modest quarters, ha ha. But please, enjoy these spacious amenities to the fullest! You will no doubt find that with your first delve in the days to come that successful hauls will net you sufficient surplus to enjoy our amenities for months at a time!”
Alex and the girls bowed their heads in gratitude as Brother Wei took his leave.
It was only when the door finally closed that Lini sighed sadly, taking it all in and shaking her head.
“Such a pity. Look at how well they made use of all the leather and spirit beast hide they have perfect access to. This is basically a palatial suite! Ooh, you Ruidians are so lucky, being in such high demand right now when the city’s existence is basically hanging in the balance.
I really would have loved to spend a few nights here.
” She gave Alex a look that made him laugh as Rachel blinked in confusion.
“Wait, why wouldn’t we?”
Rachel blushed at the pointed look Lini gave her before lowering her gaze and giving an embarrassed chuckle of her own.
“Oh. That’s right. All of this… it was just…”
“An act, to get our dear friend here safely away from those Silve-tier psychopaths eager to claim the city and every virgin within.”
Rachel blanched uncomfortably at those words.
Alex sighed. “Lini…”
“It’s true and you know it. And I still haven’t found any trace of my friend.
” The girl’s anxious eyes hardened back into focus once more.
“And that’s neither here nor there. What matters is that you, too, are in their sights, Rachel, and I can’t forever cloak you in Shadow like I did tonight.
Because even if our hosts will be scratching their temples, not quite sure what you look like come morning, it’s honestly exhausting to keep up, because I’m the furthest thing from, well…
” She pointedly glanced Alex’s way, and he knew she was thinking of her mother.
Rachel swallowed, her dreamy excitement of moments before replaced with a racing heart and fear sweat prickling her back that the breeze picked up instantly.
Alex gave her his most reassuring smile.
“It’s okay. I know my friends made contingencies.
But you came to this city to make your fortune, right?
” With those words, he solemnly handed her the largest three Earth and Fire beast cores, Bronze-tier and of excellent quality, that he had won from the purse of his latest opponent.
Rachel’s eyes widened. “Alex, this is a fortune!”
“Your cover is all that’s allowing me to safely walk the streets now,” Alex replied. “Since any enemies looking for blood will be after a man named Tong and, sadly, his wife, not the odd blond-haired Ruidian doing his best to make absolutely no waves in this city at all.”
Rachel bowed her head. “Yes, I understand. But I’m still the one who owes you.” She smiled at his wince. “Yes, Alex. I checked my interface.” She gently clasped his hand. “I’m not such a fool that I can’t tell when a mysterious stranger saved my life.”
Alex swallowed, but before he could say another word, she got on her tippy-toes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, hero. For everything.” With a final squeeze of his hand, she turned to Lini. “And thank you as well for ensuring my safety.”
Lini nodded. “Come. The sooner we get you squared away, the sooner you both will be safe and a quickly forgotten footnote that our enemies never think of again.”
Rachel shuddered. “Perhaps that would be for the best.”
Lini then bowed solemnly and low before a bemused Alex. “Thank you for your service, hero. As always,” she said with a twinkle in her eye, and before Alex could parse exactly what she meant, she disappeared in the shadows and was no more.