Chapter 1137 - 1137 The Farewell [2]

1137 The Farewell [2]

“We’re here to watch the first showing of Jin the Ripper featuring the world-renowned, Synthia and Romeo. The story about a murderous killer terrorizing the growing city of Lea, set against the background of the industrial revolution, makes for a great world for storytelling. We hear the director went over budget, the movie was fought over by both Apexi and Leina for financing. The story of its making is a wonder in itself. We’re excited to see what’s to come,” the camera panned to the road, “-the actors have arrived,” flashes, interviews, a red carpet, the showing, set for 22:00 and time read 20:00, the actor’s job was yet finished. Promotion played a huge role, and so, many videos of Synthia and the cast of Jill the Ripper were uploaded over the Arcanum. People’s curiosity about an actress’s life, the famed life of a super-star, the dream of the people, such as the driving motivation wherein conspiracies brought the press to the movie. The plot was purposefully obscure – unseen to the outside eye, and unheard by those in production. The name, Jin the Ripper, was but a hint for Arcanum sleuths to discover.

Plenty of expensive cars arrived. Famous faces are known around not just in Hidros, but the world over. Empress Eira, of the newly crowned Alphian Empire, was in attendance with her twins and Emperor Sultria.

“Plenty of rumors have been cast at the Sultrian’s Imperial family. The people of Alphia have suffered under the oppression of the church of Lucifer and the tyranny of Cimier. Without the help of the Emperor of Iqeavea and the Prime minister of Hidros, the liberation of Alphia would have been a dream. It is well-known the world is a fickle place… and here, in Hidros, the peace between continent, race, and mixed features have grown into a shining example of what co-existence can be. The unity of the people of Hidros has gotten praise from the world over, and even now, the Prime minister strived for greater understanding and peace. Hidros isn’t without its flaws,” the politically oriented channels covered the guests as opposed to the film, and similarly, the gossip channels aired, “-rumors of Synthia and Romeo having a love affair got our press in bad trouble. Lawyers knocked outdoors demanding the rumors, libel, as they say, to be an insult to their client. Our legal team wasn’t one to back down, and thus, we fought for our rights to publication. The case was settled shortly before going to trial – we won on the conditions of not covering half-truths. We kept the right to our freedom and are acting based on our beliefs. Our coverage is in no way intended for defamation. It’s entertainment,” the host sighed, “-with the disclaimers out of the way, let’s get into the main course.” Photos and videos were shown, “-it’s clear Romeo and Synthia have something in common. They share close bonds and have been seen kissing on more than one occasion. The movie, in a way, is a romantic story between a killer and a detective, each not knowing the other’s identity. Contrary to other channels’ coverage, we have the inside scoop. Our most damning piece is that of Romeo taking Synthia on a long drive right after the shoot – we tracked them to the red-light district. And there, without permission to record, were forced to stop the investigation. This didn’t deter our men from pursuing the truth. They spotted the duo entering a love hotel, and thus, we conclude that Romeo and Synthia are in a relationship. We also found out about Synthia’s supposed fiancé; she wears an engagement ring on many occasions. However, when in the presence of Romeo, the ring mysteriously disappears,” the host tapped the table, the camera panned to another well-dressed man, “-we have a guest.”

A c-list celebrity, “-tell us, ” the host probed, “-what is the secret hidden by Leina?”

“Romeo is an insult to his namesake. The character experienced true love with Juliet and even went as far as to die for his love and I quote. ‘-Thus with a kiss, I die. O happy dagger, this is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die.’ Our Romeo, the superstar, is more of a Giacomo Casanova. ‘-Cultivating whatever gave pleasure to my sense was always the chief business of my life; I never found any occupation more important. Feeling that I was born for the sex opposite of mine, I have always loved it and done all that I could to make myself loved by it,’ the following quote was taken from Casanova, however, we can find the exact words copied by Romeo in more than few occasion. He’s a womanizer to his core, a walking vice who is best locked away from married wives.”

“Miao, please wait a moment,” the host interjected, “-why do you speak so harshly about Romeo?”

“Because my wife left me to be with him,” he slammed the table, “-I woke up one day to find her gone. Only a note remained at her beside…”

“And your wife, Miao, was none other than the shining star of Enar, Carla Ornal, a songstress originating from the revived Dreqai.”

“Yes… she’s an amazing songstress who’d talent went unrecognized until I went to Iqeavea for work. I’m not saying she’s ungrateful, however, I did allow her to climb the social ladder, despite my better judgment. She worked hard and we soon began dating, the love grew into a passion, and shortly after marriage followed. We were happy, I began getting more roles and her, more bookings. It was on one of those faithful shows her eyes crossed Romeo’s. I thought nothing of it… alas, what can a powerless man do but watch his companion be stolen? I contemplated suicide, and honestly, I still do think about ending everything. My career fell through and I have nothing more to live for.”

.....

“Why then, why are you here?”

“To speak the truth,” he dropped a box onto the counter, “-here’s evidence to back my story. I won’t stand for his fan taking his side. I have concrete evidence and I will bring that damned womanizer down even if I have to die. Carla, I hope your happy,” he let a smirk, “-looks like Casanova found another woman to please his desires. You’re dead to me,” he lit a picture on fire, “-DON’T EVER-” the feed cut.

‘Mother of all that is holy,’ Staxius drove towards the cinema, ‘-there’s always something happening in Hidros, isn’t there,’ he turned off the feed, ‘-Synthia’s involved romantically with Romeo. Such is the word out on the street. Maybe they’re right,’ he pulled onto the side of a street and entered a lavish tailoring shop, ‘-maybe she’s romantically involved with another. Who am I to interject in her quest for true love? If I’m honest with myself, I’ve never truly felt love for anyone except Shanna. She’s the one I hold in my heart, the first lady who chipped at my barriers and allowed me the pleasure of becoming a father. I can’t thank her enough. Synthia also, she’s someone I respect and care for. Igna loved her… and this is how she repays him, or so I think. Can’t assume unless I have the evidence,’ he tapped the interface, *SSY,* the prompt turned a red hue, “-information pertaining to Synthia and Romeo.”

“Understood.”

‘No escaping the watchful eye of our surveillance,’ he stepped inside a clean and classy-looking store. Mannequins wore fashionable outfits – superstars advertised high-end suits, one of the attendants beamed a beautiful smile, “-how may I help you, sir?”

“I’m looking for a suit,” he widened his arms, “-something suitable for a night at a high-end event.”

A well-combed gentleman crossed his field of view, they exchanged glances, “-we have various items, sir, mind taking a look at our collection?”

“Suppose there are no other options.”

The distant gentleman veered his slowed march, “-pardon my intrusion,” the attendant stepped back with a gasp, “- I had to interject. My apologies. Sire, are you in the market for a suit?”

“Yes?”

“I had to come over,” he nodded at Staxius’ jacket, “-my lord, your suit is already of the highest quality. I can tell with a glance you’re a man of fashion. The cufflinks are made of black opals. Aurora Australis if I’m right, the radiance of the colors, it’s a standout piece. How might one acquire such rare gems, might I ask?”

“Connections,” he smiled, “-you’re a man of culture. Perhaps you should take up my order.”

“With pleasure.” Wasn’t long before a custom suit was drafted – the process, one of which might have taken months, was over in a few minutes. The tailor was skilled, faster than any machines, and blessed with the talent of Crafting from the gods themselves. To be precise, from the Nymph goddess, Rhapso.

“Thank you for your patronage.”

“The feeling’s mutual,” time read 21:02. He hopped into Void and roared onto the highway, direction, the main event, the Premiere. A line of cars waited at the hotel entrance – the showing was set in an expensive hotel for tonight alone. One of the inner theaters, used for classical plays, was set to show the movie. The line moved at a reasonable pace, and the cast members and honored guests were easily out of their transport and onto the red carpet. Camera flashes dominated the area.

‘The limousine’s familiar,’ he narrowed, ‘-the black seal, right, it’s Phantom,’ he kept his pace and sharply pushed the break, ‘-what the f-‘ the crowd screamed and yelled, flashes echoed like lightning.

“Romeo!”

“Synthia!”

Chants and applause – fans screamed for a chance at noticing their idols. ‘-limousine’s sure taking its time,’ he waited, the crowd kept up their energy, ‘-here we are,’ he drove up to the valet, ‘-good, everyone’s focused on the stars,’ the door opened, “-may I park your car?”

“No, it’s fine,” he exited the supercar, gently shut the door, handed a considerable tip to the valet, and smiled, “-the car drives itself, no need to worry,” the engine purred without driver, it slowly made her way to the basement. The valet widened his mouth, “-so big a tip, my lord-”

“No need for thanks,” he casually tapped the man’s shoulder, “-hard work begets financial rewards. Besides, I doubt the stars are generous enough to hand over large sums of money.”

“You’re right,” he lowered his head, “-normal patron affords us their kindness and monetary rewards. Not the celebrities… glam and glitter, that’s all their worth. Not to mention certain personality issues,’ he gritted and quickly snapped out of the daze, ‘-why did I reveal my inner feelings?’

“Keep up the good work,” said Staxius, “-next customer.” He turned away and walked up the carpet. As expected, no one paid heed as the spotlights had horned onto the superstars. He went passed the duo and gave a side-eye to Synthia, who was dressed in a beautiful but exposed dress, her arms crossed with Romeo as such to confirm the rumors.

“Synthia, what’s the matter?” he pulled on her arms, “-my apologies,” he charmingly smiled for the camera, “-she gets lost in thoughts a few times.”

‘Was that?’ her heart pulsed, ‘-no, it can’t be,’ she forced herself to stare at the interviewer, “-what was the question again?”

Staxius walked with his focus on the crowd of reporters, ‘-look at them, they’re like hungry dogs. Such an unfitting sight for intelligent people,’ a demi-human with white bunny ears caught his attention, the lass’ short stature and heavy camera on her shoulder made her world rather difficult. The taller reporters pushed her around, “-identification,” said a guard. Staxius nonchalantly flashed his id, the guard widened his mouth and bowed heavily, “-YOUNG MASTER!” he yelled, part of the crowd shifted their gaze, like waves crashing against the beach, only to return to the greater pool, and their attention drifted back on the superstars.

“Don’t scream,” he smiled, “-am I allowed a guest?”

“Young master, you own the hotel, you’re free to do whatever you want.”

“Alright,” he singled out the reporter, “-have her changed in a formal dress and sent to my room.”

The guard gave an understanding stare, “-as you wish, young master.”