Chapter 248 – Terrace Meeting

Chapter 248 – Terrace Meeting

 

Somewhat reassured by Valela’s own awkwardness, Kai took a seat.

That went okay, I think…

Two porcelain plates and an array of cutlery lay over a green satin tablecloth covered by delicate white lace. There was no menu or food, just a crystal bottle with flavored water, a vase of red peonies and a golden bell. Judging by the sympathetic link engraved on the metal, the chime must be used to call a waiter through magic rather than sound.

Rich people are so weird, though I can probably afford these kinds of places now. Wait… am I wealthier than her?

Enchantments covered every item and piece of marble, some even intertwined with the blooming wisteria. They were far from the most elaborate arrays Kai had witnessed, but they were woven with elegance and precision. Their relative simplicity also meant he could understand how they worked if he applied his skills.

I should visit fancy restaurants more often. They didn’t even bother to cloak the runes.

His fingers itched to take out a notebook and jot down his ideas. There were so many possible applications, he could—

“Is everything alright? I know it’s quite the sight.” Valela motioned to the gilded hills sloping down onto the Ring Road and the port beyond. “Feel free to order anything you want. It’s on my tab.”

“Uhm, thanks.” Kai poured himself a glass of icy water to keep his hands busy. He appreciated the coldness flowing down his parched throat, though he could do without the sweet flowery taste. “I’m good for now.”

Focus. Now’s not the time to get distracted.

The princess peered at him with a polite smile, clad in an armor of poise and manners. “We can talk freely. The balcony is warded against eavesdropping and spying. You were saying you needed a new ID?”

“Yes.” Kai nodded. “The Republic thinks I’m dead and I’d rather keep it that way. They would never leave me alone otherwise.”

Valela sipped the purplish water, tapping her nails on the crystal glass with a thoughtful furrow. “A soul contract isn’t secure enough to safeguard this kind of information. They would probably extract any knowledge you have, then scrub your memories or imprison you to prevent enemy forces from learning about the realm.”

What the fuck? That’s worse than I thought…

“I’d like to avoid that.” Kai maintained a facade of calmness through the disturbing news. Thank the spirits he had put his glass down. “Can you help me create a new identity?”

Damn. Was that too direct?

Nervousness twisted his stomach again.

“I… yes.” The princess bit her lip. “Do you mind if I ask you what happened to the hidden realm? Even the Space warpers General Seryne brought couldn’t find a way inside. I don’t need every detail, but I must know if more mana anomalies will endanger the archipelago.”

She did always put duty first… that’s more than a fair trade.

“There won’t be any more yellow beast attacks if that’s your worry,” Kai stated. “I took care of that.” Even if Zervathi was willing to reopen the Sanctuary, the god was bound by the first bargain to not harm humans for a hundred years.

“I see.” Valela easily accepted his answer. “And do you know if or when the realm will become accessible again?”

Hmm… She must have a way of gauging my truthfulness…

That was a dangerous topic. Kai held her clear gaze to look for any whisper of warning. His heart skipped a beat when faint mutters tickled his mind – they didn’t hum of danger but prompted him to proceed.

All those levels and milestones weren’t for nothing after all.

The rare times Hallowed Intuition offered a suggestion without a looming threat on his life, he had never regretted following it. The skill only bothered to speak when a choice would significantly impact his life.

“It depends on what the god of the Hidden Sanctuary, Zervathi, decides.” Kai casually dropped the name of the divinity. “He’ll wait till he has recovered enough power to connect with the outside. I don’t know if that will take a few years, a hundred or more.”

Valela nodded, pensive but not particularly surprised. “It was actually a forgotten divinity… Thank you for telling me. This information will be extremely useful for the future of our islands.”

“Just glad I could help.” Kai played it off. He was relieved to have shared his knowledge with someone who cared about the archipelago enough to act on it.

“Do you mind if I order something?” Valela picked up the enchanted bell. “We can discuss your situation with a few refreshments.”

Does that mean she’ll help me?

“Sure. Go ahead.”

Before the chime of the bell completely settled, a waiter entered through the glass door, as if he were waiting outside to be summoned. “How may I assist you?”

“Hmm… I’d like a Candid Meadow, two Rose Buds…” Valela quickly mentioned half a dozen dishes that made no sense to Kai.

Do overcomplicated names and wealth come in a single package?

The waiter faintly nodded without taking any notes. “Your orders will be delivered in seven minutes. As you know, our chef prepares everything on demand of our clients to maintain freshness. I’ll be at your disposal for any other services.”

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“Thank you, that’s everything.”

“With your permission.” The waiter bowed out.

That’s still weird.

Alone on the terrace, Valela turned her attentions to him again. “It must have been quite hard to spend two years in that place. I heard hidden dimensions are often dangerous. Do you need anything else besides an ID? Like money? Or a place to stay?”

“I’m quite alright, but thank you for offering and for keeping an eye out for my family.”

“That’s nothing.” She quickly dismissed. “The military would have locked down the archipelago if you hadn’t broken into my room to warn me that night. You gave us an even stronger position when the hidden realm was sealed.” Valela fiddled with a lock of hair. “Sorry, I’m rambling. We should resolve your situation. Most of the islands have already been surveyed, but it shouldn’t be a—”

She froze right as Kai sensed a skill brushing his aura. Her eyes widened, more shocked than when he had mentioned a god. “You’ve reached Yellow.”

Hey, it’s rude to check other people without permission. I mean, I also do it if they won’t notice. But still.

“Yeah, and you have advanced too.” Kai reciprocated the sweep.

“But how—” She stuttered, ignoring his reply. “You’re just fourteen.”

“I’m closer to fifteen, thank you very much. And you’re not much older.”

“I advanced a few months ago. I—” Valela leaned on the table, fingers through her hair. “Spirits, this complicates things…”

“What do you mean?”

“I checked your grade for your ID. The Republic records your race advancement if you’re of age.”

“And that means…?”

“There are few people at Yellow in the archipelago, and none at your age. A youngster can fall through the system, but with your grade, the clerks will run background checks.”

“Can’t I just fake being at Orange then?” Kai pursed his mouth in a grimace. He didn’t like it, but that was the only solution.

“There are professional controls.” The princess shook her head. “Even if we bribe the examiner, there will be more checks on the mainland. I imagine you aren’t planning to hide here for the next ten years, right?”