The Braavosi envoys were astounded by the sheer opulence of their accommodations in Eden. Carra, the leader of the delegation, had never seen anything like it, even in the grandest estates of Braavos. The walls were lined with marble that shimmered with an almost magical glow, and every piece of furniture was so finely crafted that it looked as though it belonged in a museum. Carra wandered through the rooms, running his hands along the velvet cushions and polished wood, marveling at the understated extravagance.
"Can you believe this place?" one of his fellow envoys, Denyo, asked, shaking his head in disbelief. "This would put the Sealord's Palace to shame."
Carra grunted in agreement, his eyes drawn to the view outside. The city below stretched out like a living work of art, its gleaming towers of glass reaching into the sky. The streets were pristine, glowing faintly under the city's soft, radiant lights. He could see people walking through the streets, laughing and smiling, as if Eden was untouched by the troubles of the world.
"It's strange, isn't it?" Carra mused, his brow furrowing. "It feels too perfect."
Their guide for the day, a young woman named Anya, arrived to escort them on a tour of the city. She was like everyone else in Eden—strikingly beautiful, with flawless skin, shining hair, and a smile that looked as though it had been sculpted from marble. As they descended into the streets, the envoys couldn't help but feel like they had entered another realm, a utopia untouched by time or decay.
"You'll find Eden is unique in more ways than one," Anya said with a smile, leading the group down one of the shining avenues. "Not only is it a city of freedom, but we also encourage our citizens to be the best versions of themselves."
"What do you mean by that?" Carra asked, eyeing the impeccable state of the streets and the people who passed by. Even the children playing in the parks seemed unusually well-behaved, their laughter echoing in the air.
Anya's smile widened. "We take great pride in our citizens' health and well-being. In Eden, we provide access to all kinds of medical care, including cosmetic procedures. Our plastic surgeons are among the best in the world, and we encourage anyone who wants to improve their appearance to do so. It's about self-expression, about becoming the best version of yourself. Would you like a recommendation for a surgeon? We have several who specialize in subtle enhancements that will leave you looking more youthful without losing your natural charm."
Denyo, walking beside Carra, blinked in surprise. "You're saying... everyone here has had surgery?"
"Not everyone," Anya clarified, her voice smooth and practiced. "But many of our citizens choose to undergo minor or even major enhancements. It's a personal choice. Eden believes in freedom, and that extends to how you want to present yourself to the world. Beauty is a part of life here, just as much as freedom and security."
The envoys exchanged glances. Carra wasn't sure how he felt about the idea, but it certainly explained why everyone they had seen so far looked like they had stepped out of a painting.
"It's encouraged, but not mandatory," Anya continued, noticing their unease. "Some choose to age naturally, but most find that with the right procedures, they can feel more confident and happy in their own skin. It's just one of the many ways we strive to create a society where everyone is truly happy."
"And what about those who don't want to change?" Denyo asked. "Are they... looked down on?"
"Not at all," Anya replied, her tone bright and reassuring. "Here in Eden, it's about choice. Whether you choose to enhance your appearance or not, you're accepted. But we do offer incentives for those who want to undergo procedures—discounts, access to top surgeons, and of course, a little nudge from the community to take pride in their appearance. After all, when you look good, you feel good, right?"
Carra remained silent, taking in her words as they continued their walk. The streets of Eden were spotless, and every face they passed looked like it had been perfected by an artist's hand. There was something unsettling about it all, though. The city was beautiful, yes, but it lacked the vibrancy and unpredictability of Braavos. It was as if Eden had sterilized life itself.
As they crossed from the second ring to the first ring, the change in atmosphere was immediate. In the first ring, the clothing was even more elaborate and colorful. The citizens wore garments made of shimmering fabrics that seemed to catch the light in impossible ways, shifting colors as they moved. Carra had never seen anything like it.
"The first ring is where Eden's elite reside," Anya explained, gesturing to the vibrant, multicolored crowd that moved gracefully through the streets. "Here, creativity flourishes. Fashion, art, music—it all reaches new heights. The people here are the cultural leaders of Eden. They take pride in their appearance, in pushing the boundaries of what is possible. You'll notice their fashion is quite... bold."
"Bold is one word for it," Denyo muttered under his breath as a man in a glittering silver cloak swept past, his hair dyed in a dozen shades of blue and purple.
Carra chuckled but couldn't shake the feeling of disquiet that had settled over him. Everything in Eden was calculated to perfection—from the faces to the streets, to even the expressions on the people's faces. It was a paradise, yes, but one that felt carefully manufactured.
"Are there any imperfections here?" Carra asked suddenly, glancing at Anya. "Any crime? Any disorder?"
Anya's smile didn't falter. "None that you would notice, I'm sure. Eden is a place of peace. Crime is almost non-existent. The Supreme Leader and the Saint have created a society where everyone's needs are met. There's no reason for crime when every citizen is taken care of. Of course, we have measures in place to ensure that peace is maintained, but they're rarely needed."
"And what about dissent?" Carra pressed. "Is there room for disagreement in a city this... perfect?"
Anya's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Freedom of thought is just as valued as anything else in Eden, but most citizens are happy here. Why would they want to dissent? We've created a utopia, a place where every citizen has what they need to live a fulfilling life. When you have everything you could ever want, there's little room for unhappiness."
Carra fell silent again, absorbing her words. It was an impressive answer, but it did little to ease the growing discomfort in his chest. As they continued their tour, they passed by groups of citizens enjoying their afternoon—some laughing together at cafés, others playing music or dancing in the streets. It was a beautiful sight, but it all felt choreographed, like a performance put on just for them.
The day drew to a close, and the envoys returned to their lavish quarters, where they would prepare for their meeting with the Supreme Leader in two days' time. Carra sat on the edge of his bed, staring out at the glowing city. Everything was perfect, but perhaps it was too perfect.
"Maybe perfection isn't all it's cracked up to be," he muttered to himself before lying down on the silken sheets, closing his eyes with the unease still gnawing at him.