"They know who you are." Chantria realized, taking note of the respectful distance they were accorded as they walked down the streets.
The street Dewei had lead them to was far off from the marketplace, it was much quieter too but still bustling and lively, as was expected at these hours.
"A few would have seen me at some point from a distance, I am of royal blood, perhaps not the direct line of succession, but it would be strange if they did not know me."
"And if they do not, the sword I carry is bestowed by His Imperial Majesty." Dewei said, gesturing to the sword strapped to his belt.
Chantria could not see much of it as it was sheathed, but the hilt indeed gave of an aura of regality.
"Only a few are privileged to carry a weapon bestowed by the Emperor. They might not know which man of nobility I am but they can discern a warrior with the Emperor's gift is no ordinary man." Dewei replied with a shrug.
"Where are we going exactly?" Chantria asked Dewei after a short time of walking.
"We are here already." Dewei replied, gesturing to a building a short distance down the street.
"This is?" Chantria asked curiously as they walked up to the gates.
"A teahouse...of some sort." Dewei replied simply.
The supposed teahouse stood in all it's elegant and refined glory amidst the bustling city, looking more to Chantria like a luxurious mansion than a teahouse.
On first glance, the wooden doors were adorned with intricate wooden carvings and delicate paper lanterns hanging from the eaves, the kind Chantria had only seen in ancient dramas.
The scent of fresh flowers wafted out of the tea house the closer they got to it, originating from the meticulously trimmed garden leading up to the entrance.
The exterior of the teahouse was traditional yet grand, with a tiled roof that sloped downwards, it had quite a cozy and homely look that complemented the minimalist grandeur, but the tea house itself was just the right size, not too small and not too large.
As Chantria and Dewei approached the entrance, Chantria marvelled at the tranquility of the premises, it was a vast difference from the streets outside.
Dewei pushed open the door to the teahouse, a quiet ringing sound echoed from the door and Chantria glanced up to find a small bell dangled from the door sill, it reminded Chantria of a coffee shop and a small smile settled on her lips.
At their entrance, an attendant dressed in green robes hurried over to them to welcome them.
His eyes trailed over their appearance, lingering on Chantria's hat veil that covered her face and then it moved to Dewei, on sighting Dewei's sword hung at his belt, the attendant bowed low.
"Welcome to the Lavender Tea House, honored guests." The attendant greeted, taking caution to say nothing of Dewei's identity.
'Lavender Tea House...' Chantria murmured, unconsciously noting she had heard the name before.
Chantria guessed the attendants of this teahouse were accustomed to dealing with distinguished clientele and knew their preferences.
"I will use my sister's quarters." Dewei relayed to the attendant.
"But of course, right this way." The attendant directed, asking no further questions, he led the way through the tea house.
Meanwhile, Chantria's curious eyes explored the hall, taking in everything she could in hopes that there would perhaps be something to trigger a memory.
The interior of the teahouse was a harmonious blend of rich dark woods, soft silk cushions, and the gentle glow of paper lanterns casting warm light on the polished floors.
Delicate porcelain teacups and pots adorn every table in the hall, each piece a work of art in its own right. The air was filled with the soothing aroma of freshly brewed tea, mingling with the faint scent of incense burning in the corner.
The atmosphere within the teahouse exuded an air of sophistication and exclusivity.
Soft classical music played in the background, barely audible over the hushed conversations of the guests present.
Different attendants moved gracefully through the room, their movements precise and unobtrusive as they attended to the needs of the patrons.
Chantria noted a deep sense of reverence for tradition and ritual, as each cup of tea was served with meticulous care and a bow.
The few guests Chantria could see where visibly not ordinary men. Chantria was certain they were dignitaries who appreciate the finer things in life.
The guests were dressed in exquisite silk robes and fine jewelry, their demeanor poised and refined.
They were either engaged in polite conversation or sat in contemplative silence, savoring each sip of tea as if it were a precious gift.
Some guests were engaged in quiet games, especially those seated out in the courtyard the attendant escorted them through.
Soon, they had arrived at a side building and the attendant led them to a private room in the building.
Dewei gestured for Chantria to go in first and then he followed behind Chantria.
The attendant also stepped in, closing the door behind him, he lowered himself to his knees and bowed low, his arms crossed in front of him.
"I bid you proper greetings, Your Highness Prince Dewei. I am Attendant Tate, direct subordinate of the chief attendant here." The attendant greeted.
Dewei hummed on response, taking a sit on the small cushion across from Chantria.
"I will immediately fetch the chief attendant to see to you in person. The saintess..." Attendant Tate asked, glancing over to Chantria uncertainly.
"You may leave." Dewei dismissed without replying to the attendant's question.
Attendant Tate bowed low and took his leave.
When the attendant was gone, Dewei got up to his feet and lifted the blinds covering the window, revealing a view of the beautiful courtyard where some guests were seated, playing board games.
"As you can tell, the Lavender Tea House is not just a teahouse but a place where the nobility and distinguished men of the capital visit for leisure and private conversations." Dewei relayed to Chantria,
"Every man or lady you see out there are of the most influential backgrounds, the first thing you must do is familiarise yourself with their names and ranks." Dewei said to Chantria.