Chapter 3
A month passed, and the day of the party commemorating the railroad project arrived. The first railroad within this nation would stretch from Solalitika to Westmierden, a vital vein that would transport coal long distances. The station was in the heart of Solalitika, by a building belonging to the Stock Trading Company. A massive party was being hosted to commemorate this joyous occasion.
A week prior, invited guests and those connected to the railroad had started to gather in Solalitika. Lucas had quickly arranged for many hotels to fill their rooms with powerful nobles. House Stock and the manor, meant for company guests, were used to host parties or lay out various trendy items, much to everyone’s delight. The buildings were bustling with life every day.
On the morning of the big day, I’d dressed and joined Lucas for breakfast. He was in a pristine suit of a vibrant color. Lucas cocked his head to one side, noticing my gaze.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
“I just thought the colors were a touch unusual,” I confessed.
Because of his facial features and bright hair, he tended to look younger than his actual age. Thus, he preferred to wear darker colors to give off an impression of maturity. I didn’t expect such bright colors today.
“You normally don’t like those colors, do you?” I asked.
“You’re quick to notice, aren’t you?” Lucas replied. “Yeah, I don’t like hues that pop out like this. But, well, I want to make today a success, you know?”
He gave a forced smile and pinched his collar. Today, he’d speak with House Diascia, where his mother hailed from. Clothes were part of the battle for negotiations; even if it wasn’t his favorite suit, there were times when he’d need to wear it.
After we ate, I stood tall and adjusted his tie. “It might not be your favorite color, but it suits you very well,” I said with a smile. “Your skin looks brighter.”
“Well, if you’re giving me a compliment, I guess I’ll make do with this outfit,” Lucas replied, his eyes filled with endearment. “Your new dress has the collar of a sailor. It suits you very well, too.”
“We’re trying to make this the new fashion trend, aren’t we? I’m making sure this dress leaves a positive impression on as many people as I can.”
I was wearing a flowing dress based on the design of a naval uniform. It used a lighter fabric than normal dresses and kept the body cool; our goal was to have this style become trendy for the upcoming summer months. It made one look brighter, and simply changing the collar could give off a different impression.
“Don’t worry,” Lucas assured. “Everyone will notice since you’re the one wearing it.”
After entrusting the manor to our servants, we left and headed down the hill by carriage toward the front of the new station. I couldn’t hide my shock as I stood in front of the new station square.
“It’s beautiful…” I murmured.
I’d never had the opportunity to see the completed square before. It was beautifully paved with stone tiles, and the lush trees and greenery were paired with a lovely flowerbed filled with blossoming flora. It reminded me of a garden for nobles. Lucas squinted happily at my reaction.
“You took me to different manors at the royal capital,” he said. “Thanks to that, I got all sorts of references. I had Old Man Tom choose the plants for us. I can’t think of anyone more knowledgeable when it comes to the perfect temperature for various greenery in this city.”
“I see… And where is Tom today?” I asked.
“I’ve already gathered his family and had him take a few days off. They should be enjoying themselves in a nearby hotel.”
My heart grew warm at Lucas’s attitude. Tom once had his land and home stolen away by cruel nobles, and I was elated to learn that he had a chance to show the fruits of his labor to his family. I stood under the umbrella that Kiki had taken out for me and walked alongside Lucas. A fountain glistened in the circular space in front of the station, and bricks lined the ground in a design of the sun, the origin of Solalitika. In the middle of the fountain were a few goddess statues designed in accordance with the legends of this city.
Lucas pointed to the station. “It’d be awful if your feet started to hurt before the ceremony because of those heels. There’s a café on the second floor of the station, and it’s nice and cool there. I’ve prepared a room you can have all to yourself.”
“Oh my. Thank you,” I replied.
“You look so beautiful today, so I’d like you to smile until the very end. Besides, those in the factions of the first and third princes will be in attendance. We’ll have to meet all sorts of nobles of various ranks.” His tone was kind, but he was keenly aware of the tense atmosphere. “I’d like you to conserve your strength until our battle.”
“You’re right,” I nodded. “Lucas, when you meet with the people of House Diascia, would you allow me to attend as well? I may come from a fallen family, but I’m still a daughter of House Karelia, part of the Traditional Twelve. I may be able to offer some aid.”
“Of course. I’m counting on you.”
And so, we spent the rest of our morning in a cool room, enjoying these blissful moments of peace while we prepared ourselves for the afternoon.