Chapter 65 - Feuer Manor

In the capital, every day is almost a festival. Given that Feuer is the main city of Feuersturm, people from various countries of Zuerst come and go to visit the said 'heart' of the continent. Long ago, the capital was said to be harboring the fire dragon, the landmark, its resting place. The dragon breathed fire and was covered with gold and fortune. The tale was even more than a thousand years ago. Legend says it was as old as the world itself. Of course, these were nothing but myths and tell-tales of those who were older enough and passed down to keep the culture alive.

Almost every day was a festival in the capital, which made it prosper a lot more. This was because of the young king's new orders and tweaking of laws. Upon Alexander Octavius IX rule, it was established that Feuer Capital must continue the "Red Dragon of Fire" culture by the first day of the End, or the Saturdays; the city already was festive enough every day—yet when the king re-established an old festival, its economic tourist regained its former glory.

"Good thing it's the start of the End today," Orwell says. "It will be a lively night."

"Start of the End?"

"Saturdays."

**

Inside the inn were floating lights on top of the ceiling—they were not lights of fire but luminescent magical lights that were from an unknown origin. Perhaps they were mystical bulbs powered by mana, or energy from the surrounding—Faustina could not decipher the mechanism, yet they gave a warm glow to the entirety of the lobby.

There are people shuffling back and forth to the lobby. Faustina knew the majority were from a different spectrum; nobles of various kinds and those who came from faraway lands. They gave off foreign vibes from their features and how they moved. A gaze found hers, in which she immediately averted—she was staring longer than she intended.

"Oh, Feuerlon monsieur!" Says a bubbly man, speaking in a sing-song manner. "What do I serve thee today?"

"Hello, Francois." Greets Lucas. "I believe my father reserved us a suite here today?"

"Oh, most definitely, yes, oui!" He answers and then clapped his hand. Four men wearing a tailcoat, all with a bright greenish-olive hair appeared before them swiftly, taking their trunks and their baggage.

"Ah, monsieur. How the manor missed you!" Says the bubbly man. His appearance was beautiful—he had a lean body, a pair of slanted eyes. He had a mole on the corner of his left eye, which was then accompanied with purple glitter. His tailcoat also had purple flowers and he wore high boots that were white in color.

"And who might your company be?" He asks, and then his gaze shifted to the ones behind Lucas, eyeing them one by one. "Oh! Monsieur Lotheringwood! By and by! Might I ask where is the beautifully stern Lovellia Moscow?"

"She's attending her lessons in teaching Etiquette; thank you for asking, Francois." Orwell politely says, and then he flashed a sweet smile.

"Oh, oh! Such a delight! You are too beautiful still, indeed!" Francois says, covering his face as he giggled and blushed in joy. He then shifted his gaze to Maddie, and then he smiled gently.

"Ooh, Madielyn, the beautiful desert flower of Lucas. I remember he used to take you here whenever he has a mission in the city. WELL, a probable mission he might deliver to you too." He says, eyeing the blushing Maddie in an obvious hot seat. "Oui! How far have you two gone?"

"We haven't gone anywhere!" Both of them said in unison.

"Now, now. I'm sure your father will understand your lo—" Francois stops, as his eyes met that of Faustina. "Oh... and who might YOU be?"

Faustina parted her lips to speak, "I am—"

"Hmm." Francois sniffed. "I don't smell any grandeur."

"Francois?" Lucas frowns.

Francois smiled, "oui, oui! Now, I shall lead you all to your fancy suite! Bouge toi!"

Faustina remained unresponsive, blinking.

"M'lady?"

"O-oh! yes."

They then walked to follow Francois, who led them to an elevator.

"I presume she is the hidden daughter?" Asks Francois out of the blue as they entered the elevator, pressing on the thirteenth button.

"Indeed, she is." Lucas answers. "As expected you'd be aware of it."

"Of course~ the grey locks are obviously that of duchess Adalia." He says. "But I wonder why we never knew about her?"

Lucas eyed Francois with his emerald eyes telling the reason.

"Oh, is that it?" Francois sighed, draping his hand over his chin. "No one loves the duchess more than I; that is understandable if she did hide her own daughter due to the rumors... oh! Here we are."

Francois got out of the elevator first, followed by Lucas. Faustina, Orwell, and Maddie strolling just behind. Maddie was looking around at the interior designs, whilst Faustina found herself thinking about the words Francois had said earlier.

"Here is the luxury deluxe suite." He says. "Inside the suite is three bedrooms. Obviously Lucas and Madielyn will be sharing..."

"Francois!" A blushing Lucas exclaims.

"Oh, youth~" Francois mumbles. "Oui, oui. Now, all of you get inside. Maddie, go near Lucas. We do not want our lover to go inside first, no? You must go together first!" He says and tugs Maddie along Lucas, the two of them entering the suite first.

"Mister Lotheringwood," Francois smiles. "May you have a good rest from your tiresome journey."

Orwell smiles politely and enters the suite.

"And lastly, you..." The smile on Francois's lips disappeared. "Your chapped lips, your unexpressive eyes, the dull color of your skin. It's like life is depleted from your eyes."

Faustina froze.

Francois smiles. "Just kidding, mon cheri~ it's my way of expressing 'you are tired'."

"O-oh. Is that so?" Faustina answers, trying to smile as she meets his eyes.

"Get enough rest." He says. "You will need it~"

"Th-thank you."

"You are welcome, oui." Francois then extended his arm, gesturing her to come inside the suite. Faustina walked forward, and then just before she could go inside,

she heard a small, almost inaudible mumble.

"...Heilen clan."