Historic District. Central District. City of Melbury. State of Melbury. Central Republic.
01:50 PM.
—We have arrived at the Historic District…–
Once we reached downtown Melbury, Agent Montessori guided me through various streets until we reached the Historic District of the city's Central District, a place where one could typically find antique shops, old buildings, or other artifacts tied to the history of both the nation and the State of Melbury itself.
Even so, I cannot help but mock myself inwardly. Not her, nor her directions, of course, but myself. After all, it is quite ironic that I, Salieri Montenegro Neiruk, did not know my way around here, given that Melbury is the very city where I was born and raised. I lived here for 18 years before moving to the capital, Centralia, to begin my career as a Detective. Although it has not been that long since I relocated (barely almost 7 years), the simple fact that I am unfamiliar with these details about my hometown certainly gives me pause, and truth be told, even makes me feel a bit ashamed.
—Detective Montenegro, my colleague and Antiquarian's antique shop, the one I am taking you to so she can examine that strange sword we brought along, is located on Mapple Village Street, corner of Unification. –Arisa points to the left, toward an entrance framed by a large, embossed stone archway– Enter through there, right where that Baroque arch is, and you will enter the Historic District–
—Understood… –I say, veering to the left, my scarlet eyes locked on the indicated spot. Fortunately, I have Arisa accompanying me, this foolish Detective who had no clue where to find antiquarians, heh, heh–
Thus, following her directions, we arrive at a place brimming with old buildings in Baroque or medieval styles, at least five stories high, and cobblestone streets paved with geometric patterns that look as if they were drawn by hand. The facades are made of pale stone, weathered by time yet imposing, adorned with black wrought-iron balconies, arched windows, and ornamental details that speak of an era when beauty was crafted to endure for centuries.
It is a neighborhood that seems frozen in time, detached from the frantic pace of the modern city looming in the background.
—It's right there, Detective –Agent Montessori informs me, pointing straight ahead– The one that says "Nocturna Antigua." That is my friend's antique shop–
I keep my gaze steady through the windshield, allowing my black utility truck to advance slowly over the uneven pavement. The engine's low rumble reverberates as my eyes settle on the structure Arisa has just indicated. It is a building that disrupts the pattern of everything around it, a fusion of the ancestral and the avant-garde.
As we pull up in front of the facade, the contrast strikes me. The centerpiece is a carved stone portal of exquisite, ornate Baroque design, crowned by a coat of arms and sculpted angels that seem to watch over the entrance. However, this relic of the past is embedded within a modern framework of sheer glass and polished metal that rises two additional stories above. It is as though a glass box had descended from the sky to shield a precious ruin.
Beneath the gilded sign of "Nocturna Antigua," the main door opens into a dim, elegant interior faintly glimpsed behind the sun's glare on the large display windows. Through the glass, I can make out shelves crowded with dimly gleaming items: figurines, clocks, and fine hardwood furnishings. The second floor features a minimalist terrace enclosed by transparent glass railings, where additional classical sculptures flank the upper entryway, creating a peculiar symmetry with the rest of the street.
—Nice place –I cannot help but admire the place. Just by looking at the facade and its prime location, I can deduce that whoever owns this establishment is by no means an ordinary person. Even someone like me, the Heiress to one of this country's 7 Founding Families and the second wealthiest in the entire Central Republic, would face severe bureaucratic hurdles with government permits if I attempted to erect such a building in a downtown area, and above all, a historic one. After all, if I recall correctly, Melbury is where Lan I, the first Emperor of the Central Republic, supposedly emerged and began uniting a conflict-ridden region 2,025 years ago. Permits for something like this wouldn't be granted to us even in our wildest dreams, no matter how much power, wealth, and influence we wield–
—A gift from her powerful friends –Agent Arisa Montessori Romanov replies, her tone tinged with pride, not of a maternal kind, but rather that of someone much closer than that, far more intimate and personal– The Government gave that cat this plot of land and this building for assisting them in their archaeological investigations. So, if you hear her whining about high maintenance expenses for this building, pay no mind to her, because she doesn't even pay taxes since it is special land granted by the higher-ups –she adds, unbuckling her seatbelt– As I told you before, she tends to be quite dramatic. Just ignore her and you will see how docile she becomes… or she will start crying because nobody is paying attention to her, heh, heh–
After parking, ironically in the lot right across the street from this building, we both step out of my truck.
—Should I bring the sword now? –I ask, before heading toward the rear. Our purpose here is to investigate the greatsword found early this morning at the crime scene where my Father passed away, as well as its owner: Lumen. Sariel, that billions-of-years-old man whose powers are locked at 99.9%, told me he couldn't recall the history of this weapon because his memory was failing due to the radiation from being showered by atomic bombs 67,025 years ago, which is why he asked Agent Montessori to take me to an expert in ancient relics… Seriously. Did I actually just think all of that? I suppose if I repeat it to myself enough times, I might actually believe it…–
—No –Agent Montessori shakes her head upon hearing me– First, let us introduce you to her. Then we will tell her why we are here, and only after that will we show her the weapon. So, for the time being, leave it right there in the trunk of your utility truck. Even if it weighs 10 tons, the Lightener, the bionic gloves we use to reduce the weight of this weapon, is still active and absorbing the mass, so we will have at least about 6 hours before its battery runs out.–
—Understood–
After locking my truck with my key, we both walk from the parking lot across the street toward the Nocturna Antigua building, the antique shop belonging to Agent Montessori's contact. It is time to meet the person Arisa speaks of with so much affection.
—Aren't we going to let her know we're here? –I ask, just a few paces from the front door–
—No. If we do, we'll ruin the fun –Arisa shakes her head as she places her hand on the doorknob– Besides, if I surprise her and she gets happy over this gift I'm bringing her, I'll surely get a sweet reward tonight, heh, heh~ –she adds, as I catch a slight blush forming on her cheeks–
—Hmm?–
Ding. Once the handle is pressed, a small bell chimes above us. One that was placed there to signal the arrival and departure of customers.
—Welcome to Nocturna Antigua! –a feminine voice exclaims with excitement from inside, softer and slightly higher-pitched than Arisa's voice, yet carrying a pleasant tone akin to that of a pop singer– I'll finally be able to eat fish this month! –the voice adds, brimming with even greater excitement–
I glance sideways at Agent Montessori. She merely rolls her eyes and continues walking inside. In her gaze, an affection impossible to conceal unfolds.
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Footsteps echo inside the Nocturna Antigua antique shop. The clicking of Detective Salieri Montenegro Neiruk's 3-centimeter block heels and Agent Arisa Montessori Romanov's boots resonate in unison through the quiet store.
The two advance between symmetrical rows of display cabinets made of armored glass, flanked by dark wooden bookshelves that rise almost to the vaulted ceiling, illuminated by a geometric skylight filtering natural light over the exhibited treasures.
Salieri gazes around, fascinated and bewildered. She spots unpolished precious gems, black crystals with golden veins that seem to pulse, alongside silver necklaces inlaid with carved bone—whose description plaque states they belonged to the Vaelis Culture of the Khar'thun Desert, dated around 12,800 years ago. Further along, ancient weapons rest upon pedestals: curved swords with ivory hilts engraved with forgotten runes, originating from the Zephyra Shadow Empire 9,400 years ago; composite bows of black wood and the sinew of extinct beasts, signed by craftsmen of the Northern Feng Dynasty 14,500 years ago; round shields embossed with bronze solar symbols, stemming from the Confederation of the Nine Suns 7,200 years ago; among others that today are merely shadows of what they once were in the past.
And this was only the first floor; there was also a second level where surely more ancient artifacts awaited discovery. Yes, this place did not look like an ordinary antique shop. It felt more like a boutique museum packed with incredible pieces. However, unlike a museum, everything here could be purchased if the right offer was made and the shopkeeper accepted.
—How did she manage to get all of this –Salieri wonders in a whisper, studying the items shielded behind heavy glass display cases–
—From archaeological excavations or occasionally rescued from the black market –Arisa Montessori replies at her side, observing Salieri's piqued curiosity– The owner of this antique shop holds exclusive permits to explore every archaeological site that has been discovered or that she might find across this country, and even in others as well. As long as they are registered by our country's Government, she can explore them, and if she finds anything intriguing, she is allowed to extract it for sale. After completing the mandatory paperwork, of course. In the case of the black market, she occasionally cooperates with both national and international authorities to hunt down relic traffickers, and as payment for her assistance, they let her keep a portion of what is seized–
—Wow…–
After hearing all this, even though Salieri had not yet met her in person, her admiration for this individual had grown considerably. Though it also made the fact that this antiquarian couldn't afford to eat fish all the more amusing.
—I wonder why I knew nothing about this person before –Salieri tells herself in her mind. A slight bitterness even settles in her heart for not venturing beyond her boundaries, hindered by her own cold demeanor that often pushes everyone away–
Then, after a few more moments of walking down this long central corridor, where silence was the norm, Salieri's scarlet eyes finally catch sight of the likely sole person, aside from Arisa and herself, in this antique shop.
The woman stands by the main counter, beneath a carved stone archway that appears to have been salvaged from some forgotten cathedral, leaning against the desk itself.
Her figure is immaculate: she wears a tailored black suit with a fitted jacket that cinches her waist like a modern corset, paired with snug trousers and low-heeled boots that produce no sound as she moves. The blouse beneath is high-necked, featuring vertical pleats and black lace accents at the wrists and neckline, as if borrowing elements from Victorian fashion to fuse them with contemporary elegance. On her hands, resting upon the polished wood of the counter, she wears two slender bracelets of braided silver, and around her neck, dangling from a golden chain, gleams a gold pendant shaped like an open eye.
Her hair is a cascade of long, flawless black waves falling over her shoulders like spilled ink, partially veiling the right side of her face. Her expression is serene, almost impassive, with high cheekbones and lips painted in a deep dark red that contrasts against the pale tone of her skin, curling into a subtle yet gentle smile.
However, what Salieri finds most intriguing are her eyes. They are amber. Not golden, nor light brown… but pure amber, like ancient resin trapping light within itself, or even like those of a black cat patiently watching prey encroach upon its territory. They shimmer with a profound, almost supernatural intellect, and there is something in them that makes Salieri feel, for the first time since stepping into the shop, that she is being evaluated—even as those very eyes focus on no one at this moment.
—Welco…–
However, just as Salieri felt that this woman's aura could not be any more captivating, something peculiar happens. The woman's expression, previously serene, poised, and impassive, slowly fades away upon noticing the two people who had approached where she stood. Or rather, upon looking at just one of them—the woman with straight blonde hair—completely disregarding the other with wavy silver-white hair.
—Vixen –her previously sweet tone turns bitter with resentment. Her gaze darkens and her lips tighten into an annoyed grimace–
—Arisa, for her part, looks away in embarrassment– Cat…? –her voice wavers, trying not to further infuriate the person before her–
—Were you so busy that you couldn't even bother to come see me for an entire week, right? You couldn't even bother to send me a single fucking message. –The words echo sharply across the quiet room, startling Salieri behind Arisa with the sheer bluntness of her language– Was it that hard for you to do something like that? It wouldn't have taken you ten damn seconds to send me one through ZeliX or the standard messaging app. Meanwhile, there I was, playing the fool sending you messages every five minutes. "Take good care of yourself, my love," "remember to drink water," "if you feel unwell, I left some pills in your coat pockets," "remember not to eat coconut because you're allergic," "hey babe, tomorrow is a great day for a purely romantic date, just the two of us, no lust involved, what do you say?" –she adds, as her resentment swells, her words growing drier– Surely the reason you didn't reply to any of that was because you were rolling around with some random idiot, and that's why you didn't answer, wasn't it?–
—No, that's not it –instantly, upon hearing that last accusation, Arisa is startled as well and quickly meets the woman's eyes– I was on a top-secret and highly dangerous mission. My phone was left behind at the Private Military Agency Base. I swear to you–
—A mission? –A cold smirk creeps onto the lips of the formerly gentle woman– The mission of fucking anyone you could get your hands on?–
To the side, witnessing the quarrel, Salieri merely takes another step back, distancing herself from the scene. After all, this was hardly a situation where she could offer her opinion or meddle. In her mind, "silence is golden" became the absolute law of the moment.
However, she hadn't anticipated the woman's sharp eyes, which instantly snapped toward her. For several moments, Salieri froze beneath the deep amber stare of this woman, who was now glaring at her with unadulterated fury.
—Ah. I see –a bitter smile spreads across the black-haired girl's face– This is your new lover, isn't she? No wonder you weren't answering my texts. Looks like you were far too busy enjoying your new plaything –then, her eyes begin to redden with tears– It seems I don't matter to you anymore. We have been together for 25 years, ever since we were 5 years old; we supported each other through thick and thin, and it was always us against the world and everyone who hurt us. But apparently that didn't mean anything to you anymore. You simply discarded me like trash the second you found someone better–
Arisa, watching the tearful woman before her, lets out a long sigh. She then raises her right hand to rub her temples, and finally shakes her head with weariness, embarrassment, and also a hint of guilt for making her worry.
—By Our Lord Luciel –she sighs. Then, her gaze drifts back to Salieri, an awkward, sheepish smile gracing her features– Do you understand now what I meant when I told Sariel that she loves making drama?–
—Sariel? –Then, the woman's eyes, previously reddened with tears, shift into a look of cold fury– Ah. No wonder you weren't answering. You were with that billions-of-years-old womanizer, weren't you? –She leans back against the desk behind her and lets out a pained, bitter laugh– Of cooourse, how could I, a simple Misakirte, a black-furred cat who masters Black Magic, ever compete with that immortal man, capable of wielding all 5 Primordial Energies, possessing billions of years of existence, and holding arguably infinite knowledge?–
At that moment, Salieri's ears catch a codename. Yet, ironically, she brushes past the part about the "cosmic womanizer" that the woman before her was ranting about, along with the rest of the supernatural claims. The only thing that truly mattered to her was the name itself.
—Sariel? Do you know him? –she asks, taking a step forward. Even Salieri didn't know why she did this, but every time that man was mentioned, something inside drove her to act on pure instinct. Rather ironic, considering she had only met him this very morning, and they had barely interacted for four hours at most–
—However, the Antiquarian, upon hearing the other voice, shoots her another icy glare– Silence. A mistress has no right to…–
Then, her words slowly trail off as she finally takes a full, unobstructed look at the woman standing before her.
—Wait a second… Wavy silver-white hair, scarlet eyes… hourglass figure… skin noticeably fairer than white humans, and… D-cup breasts…? –When she utters this last detail, Salieri cannot help but blush at the specific remark.–
Once again, the glare of resentment snaps back toward Arisa. This time it is no longer just bitterness, but a palpable sense of utter betrayal.
—Ah. I get it now. Looks like your new plaything isn't just an attractive woman, but also the Heiress to the Montenegro Family, the second wealthiest family in this country and third across the human realm –another bitter laugh escapes her lips– Ha. Of course. I already knew you'd never settle for someone ordinary. You always have to ensnare the most powerful with your vixen seduction. You can't just be content with an average person, can you, my esteemed Fuchsgenheit? And worst of all, it seems you managed to shatter her romantic alexithymia and her asexuality, given that she's right here by your side. You really do have quite the knack for this, don't you?–
—Katerina Monterreal Rusein! Enough!–
Finally, Arisa, fed up with her partner's irrational jealousy and baseless accusations, loses her patience and erupts into an authoritative shout, calling out her girlfriend's full name. A tactic that usually worked on her whenever she crossed the line.
And just as expected, Katerina's sorrowful demeanor halts and freezes in place, as though someone had stepped on an imaginary tail or struck her with an electric shock.
—First of all: I did not sleep with anyone. Five years ago, when we made our relationship official, we made it crystal clear that we wouldn't do that anymore, that it would just be the two of us and that's it. No third parties, no lovers, and no fleeting flings. And you know very well that I have always honored that, just as I know you have honored it too –Arisa's stern voice reverberates across the hollow room– Secondly, I haven't slept with Sariel. While he is undeniably attractive and something any woman would love to experience, regardless of her preferences or commitments, simply by virtue of being who he is, I choose our relationship over a moment of pleasure. Believe it or not, I deeply cherish our 25 years of history and our long-standing bond –upon hearing this, Salieri cannot help but stare at Arisa, eyes wide with astonishment. Not over the thought of infidelity, but at the notion of "something any woman would love to experience." It seemed she had far more competition than she could have ever imagined– Thirdly, Detective Montenegro is not my lover. In fact, while it is true that her romantic alexithymia is beginning to heal, she isn't interested in women, and likely not even in men, save for one. That man named Sariel. And believe it or not, he has even shown an interest in the Detective that goes far beyond casual sex –she adds, catching Salieri even more off-guard and leaving her thoroughly flustered– Fourthly, the reason I couldn't reply to you is because I was working undercover inside an infant Surnaturel trafficking ring in the Commune of Sharia, that country located right here in the Aynu, the human realm, and I only just returned yesterday. For obvious reasons I couldn't use my phone, and upon getting home, all I wanted to do was sleep off the sheer exhaustion of that mission. I didn't even turn on my phone until about two hours ago. And before that, I couldn't do it either because I was called out to the outskirts of the City for an urgent case. –Arisa stomps her foot hard against the floor, fixing Katerina with a sharp, uncompromising stare– So drop the victim mentality and the irrational jealousy right now, because as I told you, I value our relationship above everything else. Do you understand?!–
Katerina, upon hearing those words, stays frozen for a few seconds, staring straight ahead, her gaze vacant, processing the information. And then she lets out a cry that mixes fright with deep embarrassment. Her entire face turns red as a ripe strawberry, and, to Salieri's surprise, two black cat ears even form atop her head, pricked upward, while a fully bristled black tail peeks out from behind her back.
This, of course, is a mild tell of her Race called «Misakirte», a word that blends "Misay" (Cat) and "Kiriyosite" (Curiosity). The Misakirte, as their name implies, are exceedingly curious cats. Far more so than other feline races. And, of course, Katerina was precisely this Surnaturel Race.
—What was that?! –Salieri exclaims in a restrained voice, eyes wide as she stares at the ears and tail that had appeared out of nowhere–
—When we Surnaturel experience strong emotions, we can sometimes show glimpses of our true nature. –Arisa explains to a Salieri still stunned by what she is seeing– Some control it well, showing at most eyes shining with intensity, but others, like Kat, being emotional, struggle with this more than most. There are even some whose control is so poor that they end up revealing their complete form. Luckily, Kat is not one of those last ones, or we would be in trouble if she ever had a very strong emotion in public –At that moment, Arisa sketches a tender smile– What you see on Katerina, the cat ears and tail, is called the Wesen form, a hybrid between our true forms, the Wesnaf, and the Seige forms, which would be the human "masks" we wear here in the Aynu, the human plane, to hide ourselves from other Humans. Something completely different from when we are in the Altern, the supernatural plane where we Surnaturel live, because since that is our own space, we can be ourselves. –she says, her explanatory tone patient– Wesen forms were created mainly in a remote past, when this planet, Astel, was still in its infancy, for the purpose of socializing with humans, and even to be able to form relationships. However, nowadays, with the rise of the Internet, many use it to gain followers. Luckily, that last part is not illegal to do, since everyone here in the Aynu believes it is just simple cosplay–
After a few more moments, Katerina finally drops to her knees on the floor, leans back to use the desk's support as a wall, and at last brings her hands to her face, covering it. At the same time, her ears tilt downward, while her tail slumps to the floor, shifting to one side and then slowly from side to side.
—Detective –Arisa looks at Salieri– You go get the swo-...–
—Don't say another word –she cuts the blonde woman off– I'll be waiting in my truck. You already have my number, so just send me a message through Zelix when I need to bring the weapon –Then she turns halfway toward the exit– See you, and good luck!–
Arisa, for her part, merely blinks in surprise as she watches the Detective hurry toward the exit. It was not fear from seeing something supernatural, since seeing the Wesen form really did not cause anything like that; rather, her flight was because she did not want to meddle any further in a couple's affairs.
—Wow... It's amazing that she can run in those stiletto heels –In her mind, Arisa cannot help giving her a like–