Elydes

Chapter 187 - Stalker

Bidding goodbye to the Silver Edge, Kai and Flynn stepped on the ivory docks. The shuffle of people and voices washed over them. No matter the place or the hour, silence and privacy were foreign concepts in Higharbor.

I already miss Sylspring's peace and quiet.

Goods and news from all over the archipelago and the mainland flowed through the capital, and it was also where a certain stalker lived. With her fame and reputation, the little princess shouldn’t be hard to find, though getting her help might prove more problematic.

One step at a time.

He had missed his own house more than he thought possible. Clean and spacious, if a little messy. While he enjoyed spending time with his family, six people were too many—especially when they had to share a single bathroom.

“Happy to be home?” Flynn put down their luggage and went to check the rooms for any signs of intrusion.

Sometimes I wonder who’s more paranoid…

“I’m happy to have a bed and not sleep on the floor every other day.” Kai took in the familiar atmosphere and smell of herbs. “Do we have anything to eat?”

“Hmm… remember you told your mother you’d take a fair share of the chores?” Flynn mused, coming back from his inspection. “I wouldn’t want to tell her you lied next time we talk.”

Kai narrowed his eyes. “I should have seen it. You only bought me the communication cubes to blackmail me.”

“You’re catching on to my schemes.” The teen gave him a sly grin. “Unfortunately, it’s too late to save yourself. Groceries are on you, I’ll rest my poor bones here.” He stretched out on the couch, kicking off his shoes. His lower thigh had healed well, and he had deemed his scar cool enough for him.

If you want to play, let’s play.

“Okay, but… before I go, have you decided to keep your perception and social skills?” Kai inquired.

“Yes…” His voice was lined with suspicion. “Why?”

“Most of your skills need other people to work. I wouldn’t deprive you of such a chance for valuable training.”

“I’ve plenty of ways to train from here.” He produced a throwing knife, juggling it between his fingers. “I’ll keep myself busy.”

“I’m sure of it. I do have a few Mana Sense exercises that would be great to practice. Counting the mana filaments inside a tangleweed is extremely rewarding. You should be getting a level soon. Now, where did I put that herb…?” He began taking out random plants from his ring. “You promised to do as I say if it’s useful, and I wouldn’t want to make you a liar.”

Flynn pressed his lips together and put his shoes back on with a sulk. “Fine, I’ll go. Only this time.”

“Of course. We’ll share the duties that don’t interfere with your training. Don’t forget my mangos.” Kai waited for the door to shut before he slumped on the couch.

Home sweet home.

* * *

Kai was proud he had managed to track down Valela without Flynn’s help. He kept an open ear and made some discreet inquiries. As the daughter of the high councilor, everyone in the upper city gossiped about her.

Their estate occupied the largest swath of land after the governor’s family. The lavish complex of ivory stone and imported woods spread over the top of the hill towards the sea, enclosed by a dense hedge and a cloaking array that barred his Mana Sense.

He only caught a glimpse of the high buildings and flowering trees inside. The private guards patrolling the ground stared down at anyone who walked closer than ten paces. They strode towards him with steely faces when he didn’t move along.

Selling your soul to the Republic must pay well.

He had known she was filthy rich since she buried him in silver to satisfy her curiosity, but he had underestimated the scale. It confirmed she would have access to the restricted list, and that she wouldn’t be moved by any amount of money he could dish out.

At most, she’ll say no, or demand an outrageous price…

The problem was getting her alone to talk. The little princess rarely graced the streets used by common mortals. When she did, she always moved from one place to the next escorted by a pack of guards and lackeys.

He didn’t want to discuss such a private request in front of everybody, and he couldn’t knock on the gate of her estate. Well, technically he could, though that would attract unwanted attention. Odds were the guards would shoo him away before she knew he was there.

His possible embarrassment played no part in his choice to discard the option.

Kai strode through the paved roads of the upper city. Getting enhancing elixirs for his mom was a timely matter. He had given himself a week to find a semi-discreet way to learn her habits and figure out a way to contact her. If he failed, he would swallow his unease and approach her directly.

I can't believe I became the stalker. What a world.

Five days passed with little meaningful progress. Despite his misgivings, he had grown a begrudging appreciation for the immaculate streets and parks of the upper city. Little oases of green and quiet with stunning vantage points to admire the sun setting over the capital and the sea.

Lines of orderly lights ran through the lower city to fight off the darkness and tinged the capital in a soft glow. If he stretched his Perception, he could hear the faint echoes of people having fun in the Ring Road.

It’s probably the closest anyone can get to peace in the capital.

A week wouldn't be enough to ascertain her routine. Stalking without social media was a hard job. He might succeed in a month, or maybe someone would take notice of his suspicious behavior and arrest him. Both sounded equally likely.

I admit it! I should have taken Flynn’s help from the beginning and endured his teasing. Happy? The damn jerk will be so smug.

Kai stifled a yawn. He had gotten a little sidetracked and wandered aimlessly. Globes on sculpted iron poles illuminated the tree-lined avenue while the blue shard of a pale moon hung lonely in the sky.

A rose marble mansion with bronze statues near the porch helped him get his bearings. He headed towards the residential area Valela was known to frequent. At this point, his best shot was a meeting by chance. He had stocked up on Favor and it was time it paid rent.

Blessed spirits!

Kai blinked twice. The girl walked by herself at the intersection of his street. He hadn’t thought it would actually work. He took a few hesitant steps and squinted to confirm he wasn’t mistaken.

The figure was female and young, perhaps a couple years older than him. She wore a blue lace dress that was relatively plain for the standards of the upper city. Her face was hidden by a wide cream sun hat. Given the absence of the day star in the sky, there could be few reasons to carry one.

A runaway princess. Being constantly subjected to other people’s attention must be exhausting.

Each step increased his certainty. Despite her discreet attire, her walk exuded the quiet confidence of someone who didn’t need to raise their voice to be heard. A stark contrast with the shy girl who hid under a hat.

“Valela!” Kai sprinted after her before she could disappear into another street or mansion. His Favor might not give him a second chance.

The runaway princess turned to watch him with mild surprise. She looked more mature than he remembered, fully inhabiting her royal demeanor. She wasn’t a girl playing dress up any longer, though her young age was noticeable in the soft curves of her face.

Another figure blocked his way. Kai dodged, but the nameless stranger moved to stand between them and grabbed his arm. A middle-aged woman, plain face and stony expression built like a gnarly spike. She regarded him with a cold gaze like a buzzing insect.

Mana gathered in his palms, Empower was ready to surge through his body. Only Hallowed Intuition's lack of warning held his hand enough for Valela to talk.

“It’s fine, Ferla. I know him. He’s not a threat.”

The woman brusquely let him go. “Let me know if you need help, miss.” She gave Valela a nod and a stern look to Kai. “This one is more dangerous than he appears.”

Then she was gone. Kai caught a swirl of Shadow mana and a slippery presence camouflaging into the night. “What a charming lady.” He peered at the trees, trying to follow the rude woman.

“Ferla’s my bodyguard. She doesn’t like when strangers approach me without permission.” Valela strode up to him, her bright emerald eyes unmistakable behind the brim of her wide hat. “What are you doing here, Kai?”

“I—”

How could I not prepare for this part? Stupid brain!

“I could ask you the same question.” He stared back suspiciously. “Have you been following me? I thought it was a strange coincidence to find you here.”

Really, Improvisation? Was that the best you could give me?

Though her expression didn’t change, Kai could feel the skepticism flood down from her high nose. “I was nearby and needed to get some air. I didn’t know you also lived on the hills.” Valela challenged him.

Kai held up her gaze. “So, you know where I live? I don’t remember telling you that last time.”

“I— it was a reasonable assumption given your financial situation. You know the Republic has a file on you, which has not been updated since last time, by the way.”

Kai had lived long enough with Flynn to notice the tell signs of high social skills. He let the matter drop in a tie. “Well, since we’re both here, we might as well walk together if you’re fine with it.”

Valela considered him from her height advantage, unreadable thoughts churning behind the surface. “Why not. The air is pleasant tonight.”

“Is your bodyguard listening to us?”

She glanced at the spot the woman was hiding in. “Ferla’s a professional, and she knows how to be discreet. Nothing we say will be shared with others, unless I choose to.”

Of course, Your Majesty.

“Hmm… Why do you even have a bodyguard?” Kai asked. The enforcers regularly patrolled the upper city and checked every person coming and going from the hills. “I doubt there is a safer place in Higharbor, or is it a rich people thing? Can’t be seen walking around without a servant.”

It wouldn’t really work if Ferla hides in the shadows…

Her hand fell on the left side of her stomach with a complicated look. A moment later, she was self-assured again. “You can’t expect us to keep every pest away by ourselves.” She gave him a wry smile. “And why do you always worry about being overheard? One might think you have something to hide.”

Damn, she’s gotten better.

“I just like to be mysterious.” Kai gave her a cheeky grin, hoping she wouldn’t dig deeper.

“I’m sure that’s the entire reason.” Valela seemed close to rolling her eyes, only slightly shaking her head instead. “Why did you come looking for me? Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice seeing you, but you usually run away like a startled cat when you see me.”

For your information I only make dignified retreats, thank you very much.

Kai briefly debated denying his reasons for being here. It’d be a terrible idea. There was a subtle difference between teasing and treating someone like an idiot. Something told him Valela wouldn’t appreciate the latter.

No beating around the bush, eh? Why is it so hard to say?

“Uh… I— I need a favor.” Kai muttered, looking for her reaction. Valela didn’t give anything away and waited for him to continue.

Would it kill you to say something? And why is the night so warm?

He dried his hands on his shirt and took a breath, bracing for rejection. “Do you have access to the list of restricted items of the Republic? I need something I can’t buy anywhere else. Of course, I’d pay for it.”

Her eyebrow arched, face still impassive. “I won’t ask how you learned about that list, but even if I wanted to, you need to register before making a purchase. And I won’t lie for you.”

“I understand,” Kai hung his head low. “So you can’t get me the enhancing elixirs…”

Valela faltered the rhythm of her steps. “You mean the potions for an unborn baby?”

“Yes…? What else did you think I wanted?”

The princess looked away, examining a tree that had suddenly caught her interest. “The items on those lists are restricted for a reason. They could pose a security risk in the wrong hands.”

Kai didn’t stop himself from rolling his eyes. “Of course! Never be that some peasant babies are born with a higher grade. The Republic would be overrun in a day!”

“That’s not what I meant.” She said, flustered. “The elixirs aren’t even supposed to be there. You don’t know the other items that are on those lists.”

Communication tools? Bombs? Did she think I was planning to burn down a town? What exactly is the Republic keeping for themselves?

“Yeah, sure. What could even be that dangerous?”

Valela didn’t take the bait. “Unfortunately, it’s restricted information. I can’t talk about it.”

Pity. Maybe Reishi knows…

“Does this mean you can get the elixirs for me, if I pay you?”

“It depends. I would need to know who they are for.” She looked at him with her brows furrowed. “You’re a little young to be having a child.”

Kai replied with a flat stare. “I’m not. My mom’s about twelve weeks pregnant.”

“Oh, congratulations to your family.” She strolled along like nothing. “Then I could get you the red ones, but they won’t be cheap.”

“The price won’t be a problem. Are you saying there are higher-grade elixirs?”

“No.” Valela bit her lip, lowering her voice. “Well… not on sale. And not that anyone in the archipelago could afford them anyway. I’d also like your discretion on this.”

“I’ll keep silent like a fish.” Kai smiled. He wanted to quiz her for more information, but first, he needed to secure his prize. “How much do the red ones cost?”

She had a pensive look, likely knowing an answer would mean she was agreeing to help him. “Two golds.”

“Two for a bottle!” His eyes bulged. Wasn’t the Republic stock supposed to be cheaper?

“A bottle? It’s two golds for a four-month supply. What would you even do with one dose? Only a scammer would sell them individually.” Valela peered at him in realization, playing with an auburn curl that had escaped her hat. “The elixirs need to be consumed consistently to be effective. If you want more, it’s seventy silvers for every extra month.”

I knew I wasn’t stalking you for nothing.

His heart pumped in celebration. “When can you get them? You know it’s a timely matter.”

Valela pulled the lock of hair behind her ear. “I’ve yet to agree to anything, I only said I could, not that I would. The Republic doesn’t want people to abuse the system, so I can only buy restricted items for someone else twice a year. And I’ve already used it once and the year is far from over…”

Kai pressed his lips in a line. He didn’t know whether this rule was true or just an excuse. Either way, there was no arguing when one person held all the cards. “What do you want in exchange? I can pay you in gold.”

My poor shiny coins.

“I don’t want your money.” Valela pursed her mouth as if offended by the notion. “Let’s just say you owe me one favor. I’ll come to collect it when I need it. Do we have a deal?”