Chapter 242 (1/2)
Everyone at the back of the vehicle was a little confused about what Vimm and Hilda were talking about. Nonetheless, they could basically grasp the meaning of it: the space-time accelerator accident had shaken the foundation of the fragile society, and there were many problems within the elven society itself. However, as outsiders, none of these problems were of their concern. They were not in a position to ask questions.
The levitating vehicle was fast, and it arrived in Dawnbreak Island in no time. As the vehicle passed through an energy shield and went over the wall, the towering steeples in the Aerym Royal District materialised up ahead. The vehicle proceeded to fly towards one of the homogenous steeples and landed on a semi-circle platform extending out from the steeple. Hilda opened the vehicle door and said to them, “This is my home.”
Lily glanced curiously at the huge steeple, chuckling. “Whoa, it looks huge.”
Hilda smiled haplessly. “At least, we are not short of living space.”
Meanwhile, a few Aerymian elves that looked like servants were darting towards them. The servants looked excited when they saw the queen, who had gone missing for the past couple of days. The heartfelt joy and repose on their faces spoke of the prestige Hilda was accorded there. Hilda and Vimm proceeded to brief the servants, then introduced Hao Ren and his company to them. “They are our VIP guests, please arrange their accommodation and take good care of them.”
“I have to call for an assembly of the elders.” Hilda wheeled. “I would like to apologise to you all for I have to attend to some emergencies in the Kingdom.”
Lily replied noisily. “That’s okay. We can help ourselves. By the way, can I look around?”
“You may.” Hilda nodded with a smile. Then Vimm and Hilda got back into the levitating vehicle and left in a hurry.
A young, slim female elf came up and signalled Hao Ren to follow her. “Allow me to bring you to the guest rooms.”
Everyone followed. As they entered the steeple, they passed through a long and dull-looking corridor with a series of simple yet elegant arches to the guest area. They received quite a lot of curious stares along the way; wherever they went, the palace staff would pause and look at the new guests in strange costumes. Rebuked by the leading young elf, the curious onlookers quickly dispersed.
“I apologise for the indecency, they were just curious.” The young elf bowed slightly in apology.
A lift carried them to the mid section of the steeple. Then they were led to an oval-shaped hall with rooms on every side—this was the VIP guest area. The rooms were specially catered to VIP guests. Before leaving, in front of the lift, the young elf said, “Have some rest here. Food is available in the cabinet at the end of the hall. Dinner will be served separately. If you need assistance, please press the green button in the room, or look for the Royal Guard in the lift.”
Hao Ren nodded back in acknowledgement. Lily was suffocated by the formal and solemn atmosphere of the Royal Palace. Just as the young elf left, she howled happily, ran in circles, then scampered in and out of the rooms. Vivian had a stretch. “Truly a queen. Look at this place, it’s huge!”