Chapter 18

“Here you go, Sir” An old man opened the door to a room.

The old man was a wizened figure, his skin leathery and etched with wrinkles. His head was devoid of any hair and his eyes were a deep black. He was dressed in a fairly new robe of a deep, rich purple. He carried a long wooden staff, which he leaned on heavily as he walked. He moved slowly and deliberately, minding each step.

The door opened, revealing a small room. It was cramped with a single bed pushed up against one wall. The bed was just a bed frame with no mattress or pillows. A small tea table was placed beside the bed frame. The tea table had both of the empty drawers open.

A small window let the sunlight in revealing a simple wooden dresser on the opposite wall. The room, despite being small and lacking luxury, had a cosy and welcoming feel.

“As discussed, the rent is 1500 Rais per month. The communal bathroom is outside but you can enter it through a small corridor from downstairs. That is free of charge, but a monthly 500 Rais is charged for its maintenance” the old man informed.

“And it’s a road facing window right?” Hemon asked.

“See for yourself. You have to buy your own mattress, pillows, night lamps and other things you might need. I don’t provide those things. Only thing I will provide is regular cleaning.

A servant will come every day to clean your room and knock on your door in the morning. If you let her in then you’ll have to keep the door open until cleaning is finished. While she is cleaning your room you must stand outside along with me as I will also accompany her.

A monthly charge of 500 Rais for cleaning will be charged in addition to the room rent” the old man finished.

“Can I use my own lock?” Hemon asked.

“Yes you can just don’t lose this key” he handed over a key to Hemon.

“Alright, I’ll take it” Hemon said.

“Then let’s go downstairs and finish the paperwork” the old man turned around and slowly walked downstairs.

—————–

Early in the morning Roza was handed a decree to be read in the market district. While he was used to reading decrees, on this day, this particular decree was a very important one. The decree contained the approval seal of both the Order as well as the Governor’s.

He diligently made his way to the centre of the market. Hawkers and merchants had just set up their shops while people were trickling in to shop. Roza was escorted by two guards whose task was to keep him safe and to help him keep up with the schedule.

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One of the guards placed a small stool on the ground. Roza did a final check of his well pressed robes before standing on the stool. He unfurled a piece of paper which he was holding and began to read it aloud in a clear voice while hoping he doesn’t make a mistake.

“To all citizens of Raison, I, Anita Srivats, Governor of Raison, is delighted to announce a grand two day celebration, slotted to occur at the end of this week.

Raison will be hosting a very high level delegates from other cities at the end of this week and to welcome and honour them in true Raisonian fashion have directed the Order to plan and host a grand two day celebration in our own Srivats Arena.

The Order has once again risen up to the challenge and has decided to host two battle royales for each Orphan Class fighters as well as for the Professional Class fighters.

The Order has also decided to host the first ever championship defence of the current champion of Raison, Jann ‘O’ Bollo as the main event of the celebration.

I hope to see all of you there and help me welcome our esteemed guests!

This order is read by the decree of her Ladyship, Anita Srivats, Governor of Raison!!”

Roza’s voice was ringing out across the market district as he read the order. People listened silently at first, but by the end of the announcement a cheer went up in the crowd as the people became excited.

Roza stepped down from the stool, rolled the decree and made his way out of that place and onto his next destination, the port.

———————

The main hallway in the headquarters of the Order was buzzing and packed with people.

Hemon was confused at first, but upon reading the big notice which hung on the notice board cleared up his confusion.