"Where did you go? I was worried about you," said Henry.
Lucian, dumbfounded and realizing he hadn't informed Henry about his plans, explained, "I was out."
"Get inside," ordered Henry with firmness in his voice.
Lowering his gaze to the floor, Lucian felt like a problematic child as he entered the house.
They settled in the living room, where Henry pressed for details. "Don't just tell me you were out. Where were you the whole day? The church closes its doors for prayers at 16:00, anything later doesn't count."
Lucian recalled a passage from the book "Diverse Devotions" and it clicked.
Today is Sunday, the final day for prayers, and I completely forgot, Lucian thought, insulting his own memory.
"I'm sorry, brother."
Henry straightened, torn between forgiving and assuming a parental role. "You must be more mindful in the future. Tomorrow, you'll need to pay the fine of 7 valka notes! Do you realize that I, after years at the law firm, earn just one valling note and one sunti a week? (10.5$). And now you're facing 7 valka notes! I already gave you one valling note, did you spend it all again?"
Lucian met Henry's gaze, struck by his brother's unusual anger. Yet, it was entirely justified. "I'm truly sorry. And no, I didn't spend a dime."
A resolution took root in Lucian's mind.
I'll need to seek employment. I can't constantly rely on him for money.
Henry fixed his gaze on Lucian, anticipating a more detailed explanation. Lucian obliged, saying, "I spent the entire day with Elizabeth."
Henry's demeanor shifted, transitioning from anger to understanding and intrigue.
"With Elizabeth!? You should've told me that from the start! Tell me everything that happened."
Lucian recognized his brother's altered mood and proceeded to recount the events of the day with Elizabeth, excluding the details of his musical performance. This time, he chose not to reveal his hidden talents.
"So that's how it is. I'm genuinely happy for you," said Henry.
After the brothers exchanged some cheerful remarks, Henry assumed his parental role once more and reminded Lucian.
"Tomorrow, check the mailbox for the fine. Go to the municipality office and pay it. You do have money, right?"
Lucian nodded, though his stomach couldn't help but voice its opinion with a loud gurgle.
"I'll prepare us something to eat now," said Henry.
They savored the delicious meal Henry had prepared. With nightfall already upon them, Lucian made his way back to his room.
In the room, Lucian sat, cigarette in hand, reflecting on the day he spent with Elizabeth and the rather unfortunate ending, facing a hefty fine.
"Praise the moon..."
Lucian delved deep into thought, connecting the dots and gaining a clearer understanding of Selena.
Did I just say, 'praise the moon'? Like, actually offering praise to a deity associated with the moon? But, there wasn't any mention of a moon religion in the book 'Diverse Devotions'. And the original Lucian, to the best of my knowledge, was a devout follower of the Sun.
Wait... Moon religion? As in, the ritual I performed using moonwater, during the full moon? All while gazing at it... And the name, Selena, it sounds so familiar. Yes! It's familiar because, if I recall correctly, in Greek mythology, Selene was the goddess of the moon!
So 'She' is the moon goddess! And I've been bestowed with these two powers by her, for reasons unknown. Thankfully, I didn't manage to make her mad, phew...
Lately, she hasn't responded. Perhaps I'm not as significant as I imagined, haha. Maybe I should refrain from calling her again.
The powers she granted me aren't overly powerful either. I'm limited to enhanced night vision and some transformation that strengthens and sharpens my nails.
Then Lucian attempted to trigger the transformation, squinting his eyes and emitting a comical sound, as if he were lifting a weight.
Urrrrrrgh
Upon fully opening his eyes, he observed his hands remaining unchanged. He felt disappointment and mused, "Perhaps I've lost the power. No, I still sense it within me, but right now I can't seem to use it."
...
Monday, 2nd of August 1445.
Lucian woke up, took a bath and came to the living room. Now seeing that nothing is being cooked. He thought Henry had already left, just to be sure, he took his pocket watch out and looked at it, 08:36.
He remembered that Henry last time left at 08:40, "Maybe he went earlier."
Just to be sure, he ascended the staircase, went towards Henry's door and knocked on it.
"Yeess?" Henry asked.
Lucian casually asked, without opening the door, "When are you leaving?"
Henry responded, "In 5 minutes, I woke up late haha, I didn't manage to make us breakfast. Can you eat out?"
Lucian said, "Sure." and went to the living room to smoke a cigarette.
...
A hand signaled a carriage, and it was Henry's. He boarded, paying one valka and one sunti, and they set off.
The ride took about 15 minutes, and the company covered the cost weekly. He reached the building, settling into his office. Unlike the charming houses, the company building had a more modern feel.
His office was modest, with a typewriter and a stack of papers awaiting attention. It was clear he wouldn't be leaving at his usual time.
...
At Lucian's house..
"I wonder if the fine has arrived."
How would they even know I didn't attend?Curiosity filled Lucian's mind.
He stepped outside and by the door, there was a mailbox. He opened it and indeed found a paper, a fine.
"How..." he wondered, thinking,
Maybe I should ask Henry if he knows anything. But I believe that even he doesn't know. Because in that book I've read, there's no mention of how.
He took the fine in his hand, closed the mailbox with his other hand, and then reentered the house.
Studying the fine, he thought seriously to himself, I should definitely get a job...
After a while, he was back outside, ready to go, contemplating whether or not he should hire a carriage. He decided against it, as he was now more cautious with spending money.
He walked for what felt like ages, asking passersby for directions to the municipality office.
Finally, he arrived, his legs aching. The building was rather large and had a lengthy staircase. There were three rows of people waiting in line. It was clear that most of them were servants, sent by their employers—nobles, tycoons, or middle-class.
An hour later, it was finally his turn. He entered through the door and saw three counters where older women worked. Each row led to a different worker.
He scurried through his pockets and took out a beautiful valling note, his eyes teary, as if he were giving away a thousand dollars into nothingness.
He handed his fine and money to the worker, who then signed the document and kept it. In return, he received three valka notes.
"That's it," she implied, hurrying Lucian to leave the place.
As soon as he exited, he exhaled, saying, "Finally, I've always hated paying bills on earth."
As he strolled through the spacious area, akin to a town center, he observed a higher concentration of businesses rather than residences—various shops, cafes, and restaurants.
One particular restaurant caught his attention, prompting him to step inside. The establishment boasted elegant furnishings and was nearly brimming with people. Lucian took a seat, signaled the waiter, and placed an order for a steak.
The steak arrived adorned with a variation of spices, enhancing its flavor profile. It surpassed any dish Henry had ever prepared.
He swiftly filled his stomach, the plate now empty, and gestured for the bill.
The waitress arrived and said, "That'll be 2 valka notes and 2 sunts please."
Lucian was both awed and irked, thinking, This piece of sh*t. This place is pricey compared to the last restaurant. I only ordered a steak and it's the equivalent of 2.7$, leaving me with just 0.3$.
He settled the bill and exited the restaurant, heading back home. As he walked, his spidey senses started tingling. He scanned the surroundings in a full 360°, yet found nothing amiss. Bystanders shot him curious glances. To be extra careful, he went into a nearby shop.
Inside, he saw an array of exquisite canes and suits. The attentive shop clerk, noting the well-dressed man, greeted him.
"Good evening sir. If anything catches your eye, please don't hesitate to let me know."
Lucian nodded, aware he didn't possess enough funds to make a purchase at present. His eyes fell upon a cane that aligned with his taste.
Crafted from ebony-hued wood, its apex featured a silver orb, adorned with chain-like patterns.
"Could you kindly reserve this for me? I'll return to purchase it later."
The shop clerk inquired, "Your name?"
"Lucian Wright."
...
Back at home, 15:50.
"I feel like I've just completed a marathon. If I had a smartphone with a step tracking app, I'd likely have logged at least 20 thousand steps."