The next evening, Kotori wait in her room with the other party members for Fawks to pick them up. They were all going since they were considered Kotori's "attendants".
She was waiting in her dress, and Kotori was realizing how uncomfortable these dresses could be.
Umi and Layla seemed to think she looked absolutely lovely, but the dress was stuffy and Kotori didn't like it.
[If I ever become a trendsetter, I'm getting rid of stuffy dresses. Down with the patriarchy!] Kotori internally screamed.
Soon a knock came at their room door.
Umi went to open it and a man walked in.
It took Kotori a little bit to realize it was Fawks. Although he had always worn good clothing, he was more casually dressed than many people who lived in the merchant questers. The Fawks that was in front of Kotori, was looked much more "milder" than the Fawks who would usually deal with Kotori.
He was dressed in a plain tailored white suit that contrasted well with his dark skin.
Unlike the previous times where Kotori had met him and he had wild sort of hair, this time his hair was neatly pulled back into a thin neat ponytail.
She noted that the slave bracelet still hung on his wrist.
He gave a polite bow.
"I am here to escort you, my lady," Fawks said smiling
"Oh please, save me from your jokes," Kotori said.
Fawks frowned slightly,
"Normally, most women swoon for that," He said
"Well, you're going to have to try harder," Kotori said.
"If I buy more magic flour will you at least be a little less prickly," Fawks asked.
"Hmmm, ten times the normal price, and I might treat you like a normal human" Kotori said
Fawks grimaced,
"that will be a little difficult to accept, I guess I can't buy you off" Fawks joked.
He gestured towards the doorway.
"Shall set off?"
Kotori motioned to her party and they gracefully exited the inn and walked toward the two carriages that were prepared by Fawks.
They were high-class carriages that Kotori had seen around the city, something that Kotori didn't expect a mid-level merchant like Fawks to be able to prepare.
A well-dressed carriage driver helped her into the carriage. Kotori currently didn't have Hikari be her dress frame right now so the dress laid flat against her side.
Kotori and Fawks sat in the forward carriage while the rest of her party sat in the other carriage.
The driver seemed especially respectful to Fawks.
"Right this way Nahari-Sama, I've prepared some of your favorite refreshments as well they are in the cooler," he said letting Fawks onto the carriage.
"Thank you, Jervis"
[They know each other?] Kotori thought
Kotori was beginning to get suspicious of the man named Fawks, why was he able to procure such a fancy carriage in the first place? Why did the driver speak to Fawks as if they were familiar with each other? The way Fawks was carrying himself belied a higher upbringing than what a normal merchant would have.
Unfortunately for Kotori, although the carriage they rode in was quite luxurious the suspension wasn't as good as Hikari's carriage form suspension. The ride was still extremely smooth, but she wished for the perfectly smooth ride that Hikari would offer.
Fawks reached into a box on the side panels of the carriage and pulled out a small bottle and two glasses. Once he opened the bottle Kotori could get a faint whiff of fruity alcohol coming from it.
"Want a drink?" He asked her
In this world, there was no sort of thing as a legal drinking age so Fawks had no issue offering a minor, like Kotori, some drinks.
Kotori was never much of a wine drinker and declined the offer
"No thank you, I should be fine"
Fawks shrugged and pour himself a glass. He leaned against the window panel and looking out. Sipping his glass every so often, he ignored Kotori for the rest of the ride. Seemingly lost in thought.
** ** **
The carriage soon came to a stop in front of a large mansion.
They were let off, and after showing an attendant their invitations they were led into a large banquet room.
The room was large and already filled with other attendees. Several waiters walked around holding platters of hor d'oeuvres and other snacks. Many of them appeared to be conversing amongst themselves and holding sparkly drinks in their hands.
The moment they entered the room a voice rang out, heralding their arrival
"Announcing the entry of the Lord Fawks Sea lord of Flare and the third prince of the kingdom of Eris!"
[Wait, did he just say prince?!?!]
She looked at Fawks who was currently smirking.
"Weren't you a mid-level merchant!" she asked him shocked
"When did I ever say that?" Fawks said giving an innocent smile.