Viktor was abruptly awakened by a stream of sunlight that pierced through his window and hit him directly in the eye. He grumbled as he rubbed his eyes, still trying to shake off the disorienting jolt of being dragged out of his sleep.
"Ugh... it's way too early to be awake," he muttered as he stretched his arms and searched for his phone. "Now where did I put that thing?" he said, scanning the room.
"Hmm, what is a phone?" Viktor pondered, staring blankly at the wall.
"Wake up, Vikky!" Emeline's voice echoed as she shook her friend's shoulders. The two were on a carriage ride towards Velgo, a grand city situated in the heart of the land. The journey from their home, Grishan Empire Grand Castle, would take about three weeks.
As far as royal residences went, the castle was a true anomaly. Perched atop a solitary cliff that jutted out into the sea, it seemed to stand apart from the bustling towns it governed. Its unique architecture blended elements of both grandeur and practicality, reflecting the ideals of its ruler, Werner. But what truly set this castle apart was its inhabitants - the entire royal cabinet of the Grishan Empire resided in a distant prefecture instead, leaving only the Royal family to reside within these walls. Some said it was due to Werner's immense military strength and personal abilities, while others whispered about the power wielded by his children.
The prefecture itself was a vibrant melting pot, teeming with a diverse mix of races and species that were not often seen in the predominantly human homeland. However, despite this diversity, both regions were marred by deep-seated prejudices and discrimination. Non-humans faced scorn and mistreatment at the hands of their human counterparts, while humans were often looked down upon as inferior by those of different species. These societal issues were deeply ingrained and perpetuated, creating a tense atmosphere between the two groups.
"Wow!" Viktor exclaimed in awe as they approached a bustling shopping center centered around a magnificent fountain. The variety of shops, taverns, inns, and establishments for adventurers fascinated him, but his attention was momentarily caught by a questionable building labeled 'Brothel'.
Deciding to ignore it for now, their carriage pulled into a spacious tent-like structure designated for horses and carriages. Their driver Lou, a man with fiery red hair, handled the arrangements smoothly by slipping some coins to a stable hand before finding them a spot.
Lou, advisor to the King, stood before Master Kirchner with a stern expression. "His Majesty has provided funds for your endeavors," he announced, adjusting his glasses as he spoke.
Viktor's face lit up with a mischievous grin. "I promise to use them wisely, sir!" he exclaimed, earning a smile from Lou in return.
But as Lou turned to address Emeline, his demeanor turned icy. "And you... ensure His Highness's safety," he instructed sharply, glaring at her. Emeline felt a chill run down her spine under his intense scrutiny, acutely aware of the power dynamics outside the castle walls.
As the sun bathed the city in golden light, the bustling sounds of the market filled the air. Lou handed Emeline a bag of coins, his gaze piercing and unrelenting. Despite her royal status, she couldn't help but feel small and insignificant under his scrutiny.
"Let's go, Vikky," she said with forced cheerfulness, leading him away from Lou's imposing presence and into the chaotic streets of the city.
The wind whipped her dark hair into her face, highlighting her sharp features. A few customers passing by couldn't help but stare in awe at her regal appearance.
"Pleh pleh!" she sputtered as she spat out a mouthful of hair, the sight destroying any semblance of grace or composure. "Dammit, stupid wind," she muttered under her breath, raising a fist to curse the fickle weather.
Taking a deep breath to regain her composure, Emeline reached into the pocket of her long skirt and pulled out a crumpled paper map. Stepping out of sight behind a fruit stand, she studied it intently.
Her eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected wealth marked on the map. "I guess we won't need to work for money after all," she remarked bitterly, her disappointment palpable.
"Well, Sis, we can still go to the casino. Honestly, I was sort of excited to play down there, so we can still go," Viktor suggested, taking charge of the purse and buying an apple from a nearby fruit vendor as they strolled through the busy streets. The sun shone warmly on their skin and a gentle breeze carried the scent of freshly baked bread and flowers.
As they walked, Viktor couldn't help but ponder his anonymity among the populace. Despite being a prince, he blended in with the crowds and went unnoticed. Emeline, on the other hand, confidently led the way armed with a map she had procured earlier.
Even with the calm weather, Viktor felt a sense of turmoil within him. He was a prince, yet no one seemed to recognize or acknowledge him. Then it hit him - he remembered something he overheard from Charles's mother. Since the castle was located far away from the city, not much public information was known about Viktor.
The people of the empire simply knew he existed, but little else.
"That stings. Hah." He chuckled to himself as they found a bench to sit on. His red eyes reflected the light and seemed to shine with an inner fire.
"So Em, do you even know where the casino is?" He asked between bites of his apple. They continued walking and Viktor noticed many things - the bustling markets filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, children playing in the streets, and families enjoying picnics in the park.
After at least thirty minutes of walking, they reached a darker and more secluded part of the city. The buildings were old and rundown, casting shadows over them as they made their way towards the casino. It was tucked away in a dimly lit alleyway and seemed almost like a forgotten relic. The wooden shack looked like it hadn't been taken care of in ages.
Every step they took caused the floor to creak and groan, as if it were on the verge of collapsing. Viktor hesitated, feeling a sense of unease wash over him in this eerie atmosphere.
The man appeared out of nowhere, his sudden presence startling Emeline and Viktor. He stood behind the only functioning thing in the building - a large wooden desk. His figure was rotund and stout, his appearance adorned with a monocle and a combover that attempted to hide his balding head.
"Hello," he addressed them, his voice dripping with condescension, "how may I help you two... children?"
Emeline squared her shoulders and met the man's gaze, determined not to be intimidated. "We're here to gamble," she stated boldly, holding up the coin purse for him to see.
The man's eyes widened at the sight of the glinting gold, his greed unmistakable. "Well then," he exclaimed eagerly, beckoning them forward with a wave of his hand, "we would love to have you." With that, he ushered them into a hidden chamber beyond the desk.
With the press of a button, their surroundings transformed before their eyes. The plain walls and worn carpet disappeared, replaced by opulent furnishings and sparkling chandeliers. As their identities were announced, Viktor and Emeline stepped into a world of extravagance and intrigue, unaware of the dangerous games that awaited them in this realm of gambling and high society.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the man bellowed, "I introduce to you... Viktorious Kirchner! Please give them your warmest welcome as they join us in this evening's festivities!" The room erupted in applause as all eyes turned towards the newcomers. It was clear that they had entered a world far beyond their own - one filled with wealth, power, and temptation. Little did they know, they were about to face some of the greatest challenges of their lives as they navigated this glamorous yet treacherous world.