Aether quietly trailed behind Helena and Finnian, who were walking with a steady, purposeful pace through the bustling streets.
The mission tab began to blink faster, its urgency matching the growing tension he felt.
'What's going to happen?' Aether thought, his mind racing as he prepared himself for any unforeseen events.
Helena and Finnian suddenly veered towards a high-class restaurant, the kind of establishnt reserved for nobles and royalty.
Aether's eyes widened slightly; he had never been inside such an exclusive place before. His mission tab blinked even more frantically now, a silent alarm that quickened his heartbeat. He hesitated briefly at the entrance, gathering his courage, when—
"Excuse , sir," a polite voice interrupted his thoughts. He looked up to see a neatly dressed receptionist behind a sleek podium, "May I see your reservation number, please?" She eyed him up and down, her expression one of practised politeness masking thinly veiled suspicion.
Aether blinked, montarily caught off guard, "No," he replied simply, "I don't have it"
The receptionist's face fell slightly, though her professional deanour didn't waver. "I'm sorry, sir, but we cannot permit entry without a reservation."
Aether's mind raced. He hadn't planned for this. "Then... make a reservation for now," he said, almost pleading.
"Certainly, sir," the receptionist replied, smiling pleasantly. "The reservation fee is 10,000ˀ."
"Okay, I wi---", Aether's eyes widened in disbelief. "Excuse ? What did you say?" He felt as though he must have misheard her, maybe his ears playing, but then...
"The reservation fee is 10,000ˀ," she repeated, her tone patient.
"...."
Aether glanced at his mission tab, its frantic blinking almost mocking him. He gritted his teeth, feeling a wave of frustration.
He had never dined at such a place, not in this life nor the previous one, even though his parents had frequented VIP restaurants he had only seen on television.
With a resigned sigh, Aether reached into the bag and pulled out the required amount. As he handed it over with a heavy heart, he couldn't help but feel a pang of regret..... not realizing the receptionist was simply exploiting him.
The receptionist blinked in surprise at the prompt paynt, a brief flicker of sothing unreadable crossing her face before she resud her professional facade. She glanced at Aether once more, then processed the paynt.
"Thank you for your patience, sir," she said, handing him a small card. "Here is your reservation number, and your table will be available... next month."
Aether, who had been preparing to enter, stopped dead in his tracks. "Next month?" he echoed, his voice rising in disbelief.
"Yes, sir," she confird, her smile never faltering.
"..... I asked 'now', Miss"
"You requested a reservation now, and I have made it for you."
'What the fuck...' Aether felt a surge of frustration and confusion. "Miss, I needed the reservation for now, not next month. What are you trying to pull here?"
The receptionist's smile remained, though her eyes betrayed a hint of condescension. Just then, a man in a crisp suit strode confidently into the restaurant. The receptionist imdiately bowed and let him pass without a word.
Aether blinked, his eyes narrowing. "He just walked in without any reservation, didn't he?"
"Please, sir, let's not cause a scene," the receptionist replied, her voice soothing yet firm.
Aether's patience snapped, "The hell with causing a scene! Bitch!! This is bullshit! You can't just—"
"What's going on?" A man arrived with a deep frown etched on his face, his eyes scanning the room with a mixture of confusion and annoyance. The receptionist imdiately bowed, her movents swift and practised, before she began to explain what had transpired.
"That's all, Manager," she concluded, stepping back to allow the man to speak.
The manager, a tall figure with an air of authority, looked Aether up and down. His eyes lingered for a mont before he offered a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, "I am sorry, sir. It's our policy that only guests with reservations can enter. Since you just made your booking now, it ans you will get your table next month."
Aether's face turned red with frustration, and veins popped on his forehead. "You could have told before I paid the money!" he exclaid, his voice rising in anger.
The manager, still maintaining his polite but distant smile, replied calmly, "Everyone is aware of our policy, sir. It is clearly stated on our board and in our terms and conditions. So..." He trailed off, his expression indicating that there was nothing more to be done.
At that mont, a voice interrupted his thoughts, clear and urgent in his mind.
/Aether/
He frowned, recognizing the telepathic voice. /Celes?/
/Co to the nearby alley. Quickly./
/Now? What's going on?/
/No ti to explain. Hurry!/
Aether hesitated for a mont, then turned away from the receptionist and the restaurant. The manager, who had been watching the exchange with a smirk, whispered sothing to the receptionist.
"What could a lowly servant could do?" They mumbled...They exchanged a knowing look, their smiles smug.
Aether reached the alley and found Celestia leaning against the wall, her expression calm and composed. "What is it?" he asked, slightly out of breath and still fuming from the encounter.
Celestia looked him over, noting his plain servant's attire with a sigh.
"Aether, you must understand that in this world, appearances often dictate how people perceive and treat you. Whether fair or not, Rich or poor, clothing can make a significant difference." She gestured, and in an instant, his clothes transford into a stylish black-and-white ensemble.
She stepped closer, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead and smoothing it back. "How long have you been watching ?" he asked, a mixture of curiosity and awkwardness
"Always," Celestia replied with a soft smile, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. Aether sighed awkwardly, It was always hard to pinpoint her presence like she was a shadow watching over him.
After ensuring his appearance was impeccable, she replaced his simple money bag with a more elegant one.
Her expression grew serious, "Those smiles weren't just professional courtesy; they were mocking you, treating you like a naive child to be toyed with. I hope this experience has taught you a lesson."
She could have intervened earlier to prevent him from being humiliated, but she had deliberately held back. She wanted him to experience the world.... After all, 'Words never fully capture the actual experience,' as they say.
However, she had been prepared to step in if the situation had taken a more dangerous turn.
Aether nodded slowly, absorbing her words. "... I see," he mumbled, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. The encounter had been a stark reminder that he needed to be decisive, to act swiftly and appropriately, even when situations seed dire.
"Should I present myself as Victor?" he inquired, contemplating the persona that would best.
Celestia chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Aether, there's no need to distinguish between Victor and yourself..... You are Victor, and Victor is you. Embrace that. Just do things your way, with your unique flair, and everything will turn out fine.... Just, Whatever your situation is, do not lower yourself"
Aether blinked, her words resonating deeply. He nodded, a smile touching his lips as he leaned down to kiss her softly, "Thank you~" he murmured, his voice filled with gratitude. He then winked at her, a playful glint in his eyes, before turning to leave. With a casual wave of his hand, the Mask materialized on his face.
Celestia watched him go, a proud smile playing on her lips before she vanished into the shadows.
Victor's shadow flickered briefly.
As Victor entered the restaurant, the receptionist, struck by his elegant and imposing presence, quickly bowed her head in respect. His strides were asured and calm, exuding an air of authority that made her nervous.
[ 100 AP]
Victor, however, paid her no mind, his focus elsewhere. The receptionist's face paled as she hurriedly summoned the manager, her voice tinged with urgency.
The manager arrived promptly, his eyes widening at the sight of Victor.
The young man's aura was undeniably chilly and arrogant, complented by his costly attire that spoke of wealth and status far beyond the manager's reach, 'We must have a very important guest here!' the manager thought, quickly composing himself. He bowed slightly, offering a cool drink with a deferential smile, "Young Master, please enjoy this drink," he said, his tone courteous yet anxious.
Victor glanced at the manager, his face impassive. He wanted to face-slap him but decided against it, not finding the situation worth his effort.
His gaze then shifted to Helena and Finnian, who were seated nearby. He chose an empty corner table, a strategic position that allowed him to observe the room.
"I'd like a hot chocolate mixed with strawberries," Victor ordered, his voice steady and clear.
The manager blinked, montarily taken aback. 'Hot chocolate with strawberries? What is that?' he thought, puzzled. Swallowing his confusion, he responded politely, "Young Master, pardon , but I'm unfamiliar with that particular drink."
Victor's expression darkened slightly, a frown creasing his brow. He stared at the manager, who began to fidget under the weight of his gaze, "I-I apologize, Young Mast--" the manager stamred, his voice trailing off as he struggled to maintain composure.
"Tsk," Victor clicked his tongue in mild irritation. "Just bring your best drink," he ordered, his tone cold and dismissive.
The manager's face turned even paler, and he nodded hastily, retreating to the kitchen. Victor smirked a hint of amusent in his eyes. Though he hadn't intended to humiliate the staff, his annoyance had gotten the better of him.
He turned his attention back to Helena and Finnian, only to notice, for the first ti.... a woman sitting across from them.
"Archpriestess?" Aether murmured, surprise evident in his voice.
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