Chapter 15: The hotel opening
*Author*
Akai sat in his office, poring over papers, until one particular envelope seized his attention. He unfolded it. To discover an invitation to the grand opening of one of Orchidia's largest hotels. The invitation was addressed to both him and Zella. Akai stepped out of his office. Determined to share the news with Zella.
In Zella's chamber, he found Zella engrossed in some papers. Akai leaned against the edge of Zella's desk and placed the same envelope before him. Zella's eyes shifted from the papers to Akai, and he asked
"What do you think? Should we accept it?"
Akai moved toward the window, gazing out at the distance at the garden.
"It appears to be a significant event," Akai replied.
"And if we're invited, that means the important noble families of Enchanzia will be there as well."
Akai made his way to Michelle's main office. He knocked on her door, and Michelle's voice invited him in. As he entered, Michelle stood from her chair and gestured for him to take a seat. They both settled down, and Akai presented the envelope to her. He explained that he and Zella would attend the grand opening event.
Michelle's eyes glazed over as she lost herself in thought. Finally, she broke the silence.
"Is there anyone specific you'd like to take with you?" Her words hung in the air, waiting for Akai's response.
Akai hesitated, considering his options.
"Usually, it's Amy and Floral," Michelle began. "But since Amy is unwell, I'll need to find someone else."
Akai's gaze shifted toward the window, where the garden stretched out beyond the glass
Akai's voice interrupted her, "What about the gardeners?" Michelle considered his words. "You mean Eveline and Saerom?" Akai nodded in affirmation.
"I'll let them know," answered Michelle
Eveline and Saerom sat on a bench in the garden with Robert, discussing the types of new flowers they wanted to plant in the front garden.
In the meantime, Michelle searched for them outside , and spotted the trio. Michelle greeted Robert, who assured her that everything was great. But her gaze shifted to Eveline and Saerom, who avoided meeting her eyes. Pointing at them, Michelle said,
"I need both of you in my office, now."
As Michelle walked away, Eveline and Saerom followed her, whispering to each other. Eveline wondered aloud,
"Did we do something wrong?" Saerom replied,
"Not as far as I remember."
Michelle stepped inside her office, and Eveline and Saerom stood before her.
"Take a seat,"
Michelle instructed. The girls sat down, their expressions filled with shock. She began,
"You two, along with Floral, are leaving with Duke Akai and Duke Zella for Orchida today."
Eveline interjected, "You mean, we're going to sleep outside tonight." Michelle confirmed,
"Yes, you'll stay the night there. Pack your belongings—the carriage departs in an hour."
As the girls prepared to leave, Michelle halted them.
"Remember," she said, "you represent the Westallia palace there."
They nodded in acknowledgment, addressing her as "Ma'am." Michelle added,
"And Eveline, you're still responsible for Amy's duties of helping Duke Akai." Eveline affirmed her commitment.
The girls made their way to their dormitory. Along the path, Saerom, still in shock, murmured,
"So we're leaving for Orchida today."
Eveline replied,
"Looks like it."
Before entering the maids' quarters, they spotted Zella approaching with his usual mischievous grin.
"Seems like my darling and her friend are joining us," Duke remarked. Saerom rolled her eyes, muttering,
"You again," while she entered the maids house, followed by Eveline.
As they ascended the stairs, they met Reem, Eveline recounted the situation to Reem. Reem's expression shifted to concern.
"You two arrived today, and you're already leaving?" she exclaimed. Saerom reassured her,
"Don't worry, we'll bring you something from Orchida."
The girls packed their bags and stepped outside. At the entrance to the maids' house, they encountered Floral. Clearly informed of Eveline and Saerom's departure, Floral greeted them warmly, and the girls reciprocated.
They lingered for a moment. Eveline glanced up at the sky—clouds gathering overhead.
"I hope it doesn't rain," she murmured.
Moments later, Zella appeared, Akai trailing behind. Zella exchanged pleasantries with Floral, who responded with a smile. Akai's gaze lingered on Eveline as he greeted them all. Their nods conveyed acknowledgment.
Two carriages halted before the main entrance. Zella stepped into the more opulent one, unmistakably meant for the dukes. Floral entered the second carriage, assisting Saerom. As Eveline prepared to board, a hand reached out—Akai's. She smiled gratefully, whispering,
"Thank you."
Akai joined Zella in their designated carriage, and the two carriages set off toward the train station.
As they all stood in front of the steam train station, Saerom murmured,
"Not too long ago, since we last saw a train." Zella, who stood behind her, leaned in and teased,
"Did my love say something?" Saerom pushed him away with the lollipop she held in her hand, and Eveline and Floral couldn't help but laugh at their antics.
The train was due to arrive in about twenty minutes. Eveline settled onto a bench with Floral beside her. Floral commented on the crowd gathered at the station. Eveline tilted her head and replied,
"That's right. I guess it's going to be crowded inside the train." Floral raised an eyebrow and asked,
"Crowded?"
Before Eveline could respond, Akai's voice interrupted. He handed out the tickets—one for each of them. Saerom examined hers, noticing that it looked completely different from the ones Eveline and she had received. She glanced at Eveline, who was also studying her ticket.
When the train arrived, a bustling crowd surged toward it. Eveline tried to avoid getting caught up in the throng, veering to the side. But suddenly, someone collided with her, snatching the ticket she held.
Eveline stumbled, almost falling to the ground. At that moment, Akai's hand reached out, steadying her. His voice, tinged with concern, asked,
"Did you get hurt?"
Eveline shook her head, and Akai released a relieved sigh.
Akai stepped forward. Eveline remained in her place, her eyes welling up with tears. She stammered,
"The ticket, I—"
Akai understood immediately. He gently took Eveline's hand and positioned her in front of him, his hands shielding her from the bustling crowd as they entered the station. He led her to the reception area, where he engaged in conversation.
Eveline's mind raced, replaying the moment she lost the ticket like a hopeless fool. But Akai's voice broke through her thoughts.
"Let's go," he said. As the words tumbled from her mouth—"I'm sorry, I—"—Akai interrupted her.
"Don't worry," he reassured her. "It's just a ticket."
They continued toward the train, Akai's hand still holding hers. At the front of the station, the train cars loomed larger and more luxurious. They stopped before one of them. Akai presented their tickets, and the attendant greeted them,
"Welcome aboard, sir."
As they stepped inside, Eveline marveled at the train's interior. It was spacious, with multiple doors leading to different compartments, something she had not seen before. Zella inquired,
"Where did you two disappear?"
Eveline's gaze remained fixed on the ground, her fingers nervously playing with each other. Akai stepped in, explaining,
"We were waiting until it became less crowded." His eyes caught Eveline's unease.
Suddenly, a voice announced,
"The train is departing in five minutes."
The girls went inside the compartment, Zella gestured toward a door, declaring,
"This is your room."
The girls placed their bags on the floor. Saerom leaped onto the bed, while Floral and Eveline settled on either side. As the train began its journey, they all peered out the window.
After about two hours, boredom settled in for the girls. They gathered on the bed, initiating a game of questions to get to know each other better. Floral, ever forthcoming, waved off the need for questions.
"I can tell you something about myself," she said with a smile.
Floral revealed her dream: to become a chef. Her current role as Theodore's assistant allowed her to learn more about food, a stepping stone toward her culinary aspirations. Eveline and Saerom listened intently, enjoying their conversation with Floral.
As the hours ticked by, Saerom grew restless. She stepped out of the room, exploring the train's interior. In one compartment, she discovered a plush couch and a large window—a perfect spot for a nap. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she approached it.
But the moment shattered like fragile glass as a voice sliced through her daydream.
"Seems like someone is bored here,"
Zella's voice was a mix of amusement and challenge. Saerom's tranquility fractured, irritation flaring as she turned to face the intruder of her peace.
"What do you want? Leave me alone; I want to take a nap," she retorted, her words sharp as daggers, hoping to ward off any further disturbance.
Yet Duke Zella approached with a grin that seemed to stretch wider with each step. "Good," he said, his voice carrying a hint of triumph. "We'll take a nap."
Saerom's reply was laced with sarcasm, her hazel eyes dancing with feigned flirtation.
"Come then, silly," she teased.
Drawing him in with a challenge he couldn't resist. Zella, surprised by her sudden change in demeanour, moved closer, his thoughts racing with the belief that his charm had finally pierced her defense.
They sat together on the couch, the space between them charged with a tension that felt almost tangible. Their faces were close enough to blur the lines between hostility and desire. Saerom leaned in, her gaze locked on Zella's lips before meeting his golden-brown eyes. Her voice was a seductive whisper, yet it carried an unmistakable chill.
"In your dreams,"
she breathed, pushing him aside with a force that belied her delicate frame. She rose, her smirk a silent victory as she strode back to her room. Zella remained, stunned and alone, a smile creeping onto his lips despite the cold dismissal.
"I love it when she's so cold to me."
Eveline in the meanwhile had discovered a small balcony on the train—an open space where the wind danced through her hair. Lost in the moment, she leaned against the railing, feeling the breeze against her skin.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted her reverie. Akai stepped out, his presence unexpected.
"A ticket can easily be replaced if it's lost," he began, his tone playful.
"But how can we replace an Eveline if you were to fall down?"
His arms encircled her waist, pulling her closer. Eveline's heart fluttered; his touch was both unexpected and electrifying.
Akai guided her back inside, away from the wind's embrace.
"You can watch from the inside," he said, settling into a chair. Eveline's cheeks flushed, her thoughts a whirlwind.
Around 8:30 PM, the train came to a halt in Orchida, and the girls eagerly prepared to disembark. Collecting their bags, they stepped outside, where a waiting figure greeted them. The man acknowledged Duke Akai and Duke Zella, then gestured for the girls to follow him. They settled into a waiting carriage, and after about half an hour, it stopped in front of an impressive hotel.
The grand establishment was surrounded by a vast lake, and charming rooms were perched on the water, connected by delicate bridges.
Eveline's breath caught at the sight. The man welcomed the dukes and led them to their room. while another man greeted the girls, informing them that the event would commence at 10 PM, urging them to prepare.
In their assigned room, the girls stowed their belongings. Clad in their full uniforms, they stepped outside once more. The same man that guided explained, they could assist by placing flowers on the elevated tables scattered throughout the garden. The trio nodded in agreement and set to work. Meanwhile, Floral received an invitation to help in the kitchen.
Akai and Zella emerged from their luxurious rooms. Freshly showered and impeccably dressed in black suits for the grand event. Akai's suit featured subtle navy blue accents, while Zella's incorporated vibrant red hues. These bespoke ensembles were tailored to perfection, enhancing their already striking appearances and their status. As they strolled down the hallway, their presence turned heads—especially among the admiring female guests.
As the clock neared 10 PM, the girls finished arranging the flowers, and the guests began to arrive.Duke Akai and Duke Zella strolled toward the garden, their striking appearances capturing everyone's attention—including Eveline and Saerom.
Eveline leaned in, whispering to Saerom,
"Looks like Duke Akai and Zella have caught a lot of attention."
Saerom nodded, her gaze lingering on Zella. She couldn't help but think, Red looks good on him. Shaking off the thought, she regained her composure.
Zella noticed Saerom's eyes on him and skilfully manoeuvred through the crowd to reach her. Teasingly, he said,
"I know I look very handsome in this suit." Saerom rolled her eyes, retorting,
"Who said that?" , Zella leaned in, whispering near her ear,
"Your eyes." Saerom blushed momentarily, turning her head away and pushing him away.
Just then, a voice interrupted, welcoming the guests and directing them to their assigned seats. Eveline and Saerom stepped aside as the crowd dispersed, each person searching for their place. Saerom whispered to Eveline,
"There's so many old people here." Suppressing a smile, Eveline replied,
"Saerom, we have to be respectful. Remember what Michelle said."
Saerom playfully mimicked Michelle's words, attempting to sound like her. The result made Eveline laugh, and among the guests, one person's smile stood out—a stranger drawn to the infectious joy in Eveline's laughter.
As the event commenced, the hotel owner took the stage. His voice, rich and welcoming, filled the space, acknowledging the contributions of many, including the esteemed Dukes Akai and Zella. With a flourish, he cut the red thread, symbolising the beginning of the festivities, and the crowd responded with enthusiastic applause throughout the garden
Eveline and Saerom stood at the periphery, their eyes taking in the scene with quiet appreciation. At the butler's discrete cue, they knew it was time to perform their duties—Saerom to open the grand doors with her fellow maids, and serve the guests with grace and poise. Eveline, however, chose to remain outside, her hands deftly arranging the vibrant flowers that adorned the garden.
Inside of the hotel, the atmosphere was abuzz with the chatter of nobles, Dukes Akai and Zella, men of stature and influence, engaged in conversation with their peers, their laughter a rich note in the evening's melody.
But the mirth soon faded as their ears caught the whispers of a cluster of noblemen speaking in the high society language. Their conversation, laced with entitlement and desire, turned to the maids—Eveline and Saerom—their words a shadow upon the night's lust.
The moment unfolded as Saerom, her hands steady holding a tray of glistening drinks, felt a sudden warmth envelop her waist. Duke Zella, with a mischievous glint in his eye, leaned in close enough for his breath to brush her ear as he whispered teasingly,
"Missed your husband?"
Startled, Saerom's first instinct was to push away from the unwelcome embrace, but Zella's grip only tightened, his gaze locking onto the approaching man. It was a silent but clear message, a declaration without words that Saerom was not to be trifled with, that she was, in a sense, already claimed.
Outside, Eveline's focused on arranging the flowers, interrupted by Akai's sudden proximity. A gentle hand encircles her waist.
His voice, soft yet commanding, reached her ears:
"Careful there," he cautioned. "You were about to step on my feet."
Eveline glanced down, flustered, and stammered an apology, Akai's attention had shifted to the man approaching her. Akai's grip tightened, pulling her closer. His lips brushed her ear as he leaned in, his voice low:
"Could you repeat what you said?"
Eveline's heart raced. The man, undeterred, continued his approach, but Akai's gaze bore into him—a silent warning. The man understood—the girl was already claimed too.
As the event continued, Akai and Zella made their way to the girls, ensuring that they were still within their line of sight. As Eveline continued to arrange the flowers, she sensed a familiar scent—a fleeting memory- a horrible one, that tugged at her senses. She turned around to see.
But, the man had vanished, disappearing into the crowd.
Saerom wandered around doing her duty, when an elderly man approached her. He complimented her outfit and mentioned seeing another girl with chestnut hair wearing something similar. Curious, he asked,
"Where is the young lady from?" as he looked at Saerom.
Saerom graciously thanked him and replied,
"I work for the Westallia Palace" The man smiled and nodded, and Saerom resumed her duties.
But her attention was momentarily diverted by the same familiar scent while conversing with the eldery man. However, before she could fully recollect it, a servant called her away.
The old man approached Duke Akai and Zella, who stood conversing with a group of men. With a friendly smile, the old man greeted them, and they nodded in acknowledgment. The old man said he owned the area's biggest wood factory. He also said he had helped build this very hotel. His gaze shifted to Zella. He asked about his parents, mentioning that he had met his father on a few occasions
Then, someone called Zella's name. He turned to greet a friend and became engrossed in conversation. Meanwhile, the old man edged closer to Akai, who bristled at his presence. The old man continued,
"Your maids are quite eye-catching," he remarked, his tone suggestive. "Especially the one with those striking green eyes and—" His gaze dipped shamelessly. "—a generous bosom."
Akai clenched his fists, attempting to maintain composure, but the old man pushed further, crossing boundaries with audacity.
"perhaps you'd consider sell—"
Before the sentence could reach its vile conclusion, Akai's fist shot forward. It collided with the old man's nose, eliciting a satisfying crunch. Blood spurted, staining the man's tweed coat. Gasps echoed through the hall as the other guests recoiled.
But Akai wasn't finished. Another blow followed, and the old man crumpled to the marble floor. Butlers rushed to his aid, helping him stand. Meanwhile, Zella hurried over, her eyes wide with shock. She glanced at Akai, her expression questioning.
But Akai wasn't done. Another punch followed, and the old man crumpled to the ground. Butlers rushed to his aid, helping him stand. Meanwhile, Zella hurried over, he noticed Akai's seething anger, his expression questioning. The old man, undeterred, wiped blood away.
"Well, if not the green-eyed beauty, how about the curly-haired enchantress with those—"
This time, it was Zella who stepped forward. His blow silenced the old man's lecherous words, leaving echoes of fury in the grand hotel opening.- what will happen next? will Saerom and Eveline find out about the commotion or will they stay oblivious.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone