The buildings were constructed from polished stone and gleaming marble, unlike more modest clay and adobe buildings in the outer districts. Many of the residences even had gardens with exotic magical plants, expensive fountains, or other luxurious displays meant to show their wealth and power.
Personally, Hudson felt that the upper class of Tal'Qamar being comfortable enough to flaunt their wealth said enough about the influence they held in the city. After all, you had to feel pretty secure to build a fountain in the middle of a desert.
Not only that, but there were even fewer guards here than in the bazaar. Although, that probably shouldn't be surprising when you lived in a world where wealth and combat prowess were often linked, through either higher levels or enchanted items.
Hudson noticed the crowd becoming significantly less diverse the further he walked through the narrow, winding streets to the Sunstone Heights. Soon, he became the only human walking along a street with nothing but lizardkin and the occasional snake-like naga.
Thankfully, Hudson had begun to cultivate something of a reputation since he began his business, so there were fewer people looking at him strangely than when he first started.
It didn't take long before he arrived at his destination, one of the larger manors in the district. A grand entrance flanked by two intricate carved stone pillars led to a courtyard filled with lush greenery and a beautiful fountain out of place in a desert city. The manor itself was a sprawling, multi-tiered structure with elegantly arched windows and balconies that offered a view of the well-manicured gardens below.
As Hudson approached the entrance, his [Magical Perception] allowed him to sense the potent wards surrounding the building, the outermost layer designed to alert the inhabitants of any guests. A lizardkin guard with dark-red scales and finely crafted armor stood watch at the entrance. As Hudson approached, the guard raised a hand and gestured for him to halt.
"State your business, human," the guard demanded, his voice cold and authoritative.
Hudson offered them a polite smile before he replied. "Greetings. My name is Hudson, and I'm here to see Lady Yssir. I believe she's expecting me for an appointment?"
The guard stiffened and eyed him with caution, clearly recognizing his name. "You're the [Cultist]? Don't look like much. You ain't one of those crazy System hating freaks, are you?"
Hudson hid his annoyance and chuckled softly before shaking his head. "Not at all, sir. I'm just a humble servant of Cerebon, God of Flesh and Transformation. I have no issues with the System. Besides, I'm sure a respectable woman like Lady Yssir wouldn't be associating with such extremists, no?"
Reminded that Hudson was there on the invitation of his superior, the guard hesitated for a moment before finally nodding. "Fine, follow me."
Hudson trailed behind the guard as they passed through the manor's expansive courtyard and entered the main building. The interior was just as lavish as the exterior with opulent furnishing and expensive pieces of art adorning the walls. The guard, unbothered by the many servants going about their business, guided Hudson through the foyer to a set of grand double doors and announced their presence.
"Lady Yssir, your guest has arrived," the guard called out.
Moments later, the double doors slowly opened to reveal a spacious chamber where Lady Yssir, an elegant naga dressed in fine silks, awaited. Her upper body was that of a beautiful human woman with light skin while her lower half was a long snake tail with green scales that she had laying along the couch she was reclining on. She also wore a necklace adorned with several yellow Sunstones, the rare and unique gemstone found only in the Qahtani Desert.
"You are punctual, human. I'm glad to see that you are not foolish enough to waste my time," said Lady Yssir, her voice cold as she set aside the book that she had been reading and studied Hudson with a mix of curiosity and disdain. "I've heard much about your… talents. I expect you to live up to your reputation. Gharan, you may leave us."
The guard bowed and left the room, closing the door behind him. Lady Yssir gestured to a nearby chair, and Hudson obediently took a seat with a polite smile on his face. He'd long since gotten used to the condescending attitudes of Tal'Qamar's upper class. It had annoyed him at first, but so long as he got paid good money and didn't need to go back to being a penniless vagrant, he could endure a little bit of arrogance.
"Thank you for having me, Lady Yssir," Hudson said respectfully. "I understand that you require my assistance with a few cosmetic alterations that you would like to have done. Please share the details with me so that I can provide the best possible service."
Lady Yssir continued to study him for a moment longer before finally speaking. "There are a few important social events that I'll soon need to attend. I've heard good things from Lady Tiraz about your ability to improve the luster of skin and scales in a way more natural than common elixirs. I will naturally pay you well for your work."
Getting [Aesthetic Intuition] was the best decision I've ever made, Hudson thought with glee.
Not only was he given the chance to do work that would contribute to raising his Class level, but he got the chance to make good money while doing so. This was far better than hiding in some forsaken corner of the world and making fleshy abominations or ritualistically sacrificing isolated travelers as the Grimoire of Cerebon recommended.
"I understand, Lady Yssir. Just to be clear, you wish any alterations I make to appear natural, yes? Could I convince you to allow a few minor variations in shade in regard to the color of your scales?" asked Hudson, hoping that she would agree. Cerebon seemed to prefer bodily changes that were more dramatic in nature, and it would contribute more to leveling up his Class. "I think it would look quite striking and enhance your natural beauty even further."