Revelations and Confusions

When nightfall came, Chiriu and Nuviette went out into the city to grab dinner. At last, she was getting her city tour. Though she was grateful for the prince consort and valet to take her along with them for some high-end sightseeing, she was now getting the commoner city tour.

Chiriu led Nuviette to the newest shopping place, the Crystalline Mall. It was a building shaped into slabs of crystal looking similar to the Sky Islands. Since it was nighttime, it was well lit and there was a stage in front of the mall where performers such as musicians and actors would perform. For tonight, the thespians were playing Corvan and Olori. As much as Nuviette loved that particular play, she was so excited to see what's inside the mall so she didn't insist on watching. Perhaps there will be another time to see the street plays.

The interiors of the mall looked as if they were in outer space. The ground floor looks like a tarmac. There were glowing grid-like pathways leading to the stores that were seemingly floating as they are shaped into planets.

On their first stop, they went into a neon planet. The very doorway had an arch filled with exotic plants. At the top of this arch was a signage with the word "EXTRA". This was the newest restaurant bar. This restaurant's theme was about being extraordinary. That is why they serve only the most unique food in the universe. The buffet had the most exotic cuisine. There was a bar filled with different kinds of sea slugs, animal body parts, and other squeamish delicacies. The drink bar was filled with all colors of beverages that most clients found satisfactory.

Chiriu led Nuviette to the buffet. The former had roast beef with blueberries filled with Ludinian chocolate sauce. Inspired by her companion, Nuviette chose some orange chicken with mango vinaigrette. They also grabbed some unusual desserts like spicy beef ice cream served in truffle oil and strawberry duck pie. For their drinks, the server refilling the drink bar talked them into sampling the drink of the month, Rainbow Neon Lemonade.

When they were done eating, they went to a planet that had rings like Saturn. It turns out that this was a fashion store. The girls tried on many different outfits until they both found something that they fancied. Chiriu bought a purple asymmetric top while Nuviette got herself pink doll shoes.

After the fashion store, they passed by a gas giant planet. It was the supermarket and its moons were mini food stalls. Past this gas giant was a green planet which was a plant and gardening shop. The brown planet next to it was a pet shop.

As they were window shopping, they saw someone familiar. It was Methleon with a lovely girl in his arm. The valet was pointing at some decorations in the mall while the girl beside him attentively listened while looking at what he was pointing at.

At that moment, Nuviette couldn't understand how she felt. It was as if she wanted to be the girl beside him. What is this feeling? How could she have this feeling?

Chiriu looked at her companion whose face still had the look of astonishment. She touched Nuviette's shoulder.

"Hey, are you okay?" Chiriu asks carefully.

"Of course." Nuviette smiles at her friend.

"Are you sure?" Chiriu was concerned for her and wanted to affirm if she was fine. Somehow, she assumed Nuviette was smitten with Methleon considering how both interact closely during their night duties.

"Yes, I'm sure. In fact, I'm curious to know who this girl is." Nuviette tries to smile. "In fact, if we were in the palace then this would have been another scandalous moment. Hahaha!"

"Or perhaps, he would not bring this girl to the palace to avoid gossip," Chiriu says.

"Maybe." Nuviette remarks. "Oh well, let's go before they see us."

The two friends left the mall and not far away was a food stall where people flocked. Nuviette got curious so she squeezed her way in dragging Chiriu along.

Flamelions were the latest craze desserts. They were candied herbs that were set aflame on a torch-like container. You have to quickly eat it so as not to get burned. There was a contest that particular night. Whoever consumed the most in a Fliskan minute would have the prize.

Nuviette was feeling adventurous and talked her companion into trying the dessert. Chiriu was definitely reluctant at first but got caught in the moment and gave in to her friend's request. Nuviette ended up in second place. All the winners received a dessert platter from different parts of the universe. Nuviette selected a platter with blue ocean gelatin from Desdan and a slice of chocolate cake from Earth called Tiramisu which she shared with Chiriu.

When the prizes were handed over, all participants were given chilled wine served in a cup shaped like a fire extinguisher. Chiriu loved the wine and ordered another glass while Nuviette took her time. While drinking, Nuviette recalls the royal couple.

"You know, we should serve this to their majesties." She jests.

For the first time, Chiriu lets down her guard and laughs.

"Yeah, they would definitely enjoy this." Chiriu then tries to scoop the berries from the bottom of the wine glass. "But I won't include berries." She continues to fish out the fruit and then spills some drink on her. Nuviette tried not to laugh and just enjoyed watching a different side of Chiriu, the real Chiriu who is just like any other girl.

Since it was getting late, they decided to go home. As they were walking, CHiriu opened up.

"Thank you for this moment, Nuviette. I appreciate this. I don't usually have fun." Chiriu giggled.

"It's you I should thank for accompanying me and treating me to dinner. It's my first official city tour since arriving here so I'm really grateful. I don't get to go out especially being in an orphanage." Nuviette explains.

"Oh, I see. At least you now have the freedom. I don't get to be as free. Haha." Chiriu chuckles again. She did drink more wine than Nuviette so the alcohol might be sinking in.

"What do you mean?" Nuviette inquires.

"I don't get to be this laid back because I was raised uptight. I never knew my mother so I only had my father and his immediate family. My grandparents were traditionalists so it was so hard not to be prim and proper all the time. When my father and his parents passed on, my uncle in the capital sent for me and got me a job in his workplace. Though we are related, he tries to be professional all the time and he unintentionally becomes cold and distant." Chiriu's tone turns sad as she mentioned her last statement.

"So, you have a relative in the palace! Who is your uncle?" Nuviette was eager to know.

Chiriu was looking in the distance. She seemed to half let out a light sigh before facing her companion.

"Uncle Pelarta." Chiriu finally answers.

Nuviette's eyes widened in shock to discover this information. Chiriu, her dear friend, is the niece of the Kentavaria.

"Oh my deity!" It was all Nuviette could say.

"Well, I know this must be surprising but that's the truth, and not everyone knows about this," Chiriu says

"Well, thank you for trusting me," Nuviette replies.

"I know I can rely on you." Chiriu smiles.

"Are you sure? I'm planning to tell everyone as soon as we get home!" Nuviette laughs audibly.

"Hey, I thought you were my friend?" Chiriu reacts and tugs on her arm.

"I'm kidding. Of course, I won't say anything." Nuviette reassures her friend.

The two friends walked faster and caught the nearest transporter back to the palace and called it a night.

Nuviette was preparing for bed happily. Today's experience may have started as a problem but turned into an extra day off without pay. Nevertheless, it was a chance for them to have fun. All she and Chiriu ever did was work. Now, they got to be ordinary citizens.

As she looked out the window, she saw Methleon entering the main door. Quickly her happiness turned into confusion. She felt a bit sad and curious about seeing him with this beautiful woman. Who was this girl? Furthermore, why was she feeling this way?