Chapter 56
Written by Bayzo Albion
The village greeted me not with open arms, but with a heavy veil of suspicion that hung in the air like fog. Houses lined the dirt paths, their thatched roofs sagging under the weight of time, and villagers huddled in doorways, murmuring in hushed tones that died the moment my gaze swept their way. Their eyes darted away, feigning busyness with chores or tools, but I could feel the prickling curiosity beneath their fear. This time, I held my tongue, letting the enigma of my presence fuel their whispers. It was intoxicating—the way silence could weave a spell more potent than words, stirring imaginations into a frenzy. Even the guards at the weathered gates, clad in mismatched armor that spoke of hard times, cast furtive glances my way, their faces a cocktail of intrigue and unease.
I wandered the near-empty streets, the crunch of gravel under my boots the only sound breaking the stillness. Eventually, my path led to the red-light district—a seedy corner that pulsed with its own chaotic energy. It was a riot of garish colors and contrived allure: simpering young men sauntered by, their movements exaggerated and flamboyant, dripping with artificial charm that set my teeth on edge. The whole scene felt like a tawdry carnival, cheap and overdone.
Yet, amid the squalor of ramshackle shacks and flickering neon signs, one structure commanded attention—a grand pink mansion echoing Victorian elegance, its spires and ornate trim standing proud like a jewel in mud. It was an oasis in the filth: "The Pink Versailles." The name evoked images of opulent courts and hidden intrigues, a stark contrast to the surrounding decay.
*Well now...* I thought, straightening my collar with a deliberate tug, feeling the fabric's texture against my skin. *Let's uncover what twists fate has tucked away here.*
Another interface pinged softly:
> Interface: New location discovered – "The Pink Versailles."
*At last, the sacred ground!* my inner double declared with theatrical flair, his voice booming in my head like a dramatic narrator. *The one profession that's outlasted every apocalypse and battle. That's what makes it holy!*
Towering before us were immense pink iron doors, flanked by two imposing female sentinels. Their "armor" was a flirtatious blend of gleaming steel plates and delicate lace, more theatrical prop than battlefield gear—yet their stances radiated quiet power, muscles coiled like springs beneath the frills. Their eyes, sharp and unyielding, scanned me with professional detachment, the faint scent of polished metal and floral perfume wafting from them.
My double quivered with barely contained excitement, like a kid eyeing a forbidden treat. *Hand over the reins! Come on, just for an hour!*
I smirked slyly and murmured under my breath, "Forbidden technique... cloning."
In an instant, his form materialized beside me—a mirror image, down to the last strand of hair, but with a cockier twist to his grin that screamed trouble. He stretched luxuriously, joints popping as he tested his newfound solidity, a rush of energy buzzing through the air.
"Oh, perfection!" he exclaimed, flexing his fingers with glee. "And kudos on that over-the-top passphrase. 'Forbidden technique, cloning'—sounds like you're uncorking a bottle at a stuffy dinner party." He rolled his eyes dramatically, mimicking my tone with exaggerated pomp.
I snorted, ignoring the jab. He'd prattle on regardless; better to let him burn off the energy.
Spotting the guards in their full, provocative splendor, he dropped to his knees in a heartbeat, planting fervent kisses on their polished boots as if worshiping divine idols. The leather was smooth and cool under his lips, and he gazed up with rapturous eyes. "At long last, I've found you, my goddesses!"
The twins exchanged a knowing glance, unmoved, as if this was just another Tuesday. Their composure was ironclad, honed by countless such spectacles.
"Why am I not shocked?" I sighed, rubbing my temples as embarrassment crept in like a slow tide. "But seriously—why this? Is this the fate awaiting me if I surrender to base urges? Maybe I should just boost my satiety stats and call it a day."
"Welcome," they intoned in perfect harmony, their voices weaving together like a siren's song, resonant and alluring.
"And a productive day to you both," I replied with a polite bow, schooling my features into solemnity despite the absurdity.
With effortless grace that betrayed underlying might, they heaved the doors open. The hinges groaned in protest, releasing a wave of dim, inviting twilight from within, dotted with crimson flickers like distant stars.
"What treasure do you guard so fiercely?" I inquired, curiosity gnawing at me like an itch.
"Our arduous duties," the left twin drawled lazily, tucking a stray lock of ashen hair behind her ear, her movements fluid and unhurried.
"Rest assured, I've come prepared," I assured, patting my bulging pouch. The satisfying clink of coins echoed, a promise of generosity. "Your efforts won't go unrewarded."
"We'll hold you to that," the right one replied, her tone laced with wry skepticism born of too many broken vows.
"Wish you an easy watch, fair ones," I said with a warm smile, crossing the threshold into the unknown.
> Interface: Access to location "The Pink Versailles" granted.
My double's face lit up like a festival lantern. *This is it—the inner sanctum! Oh, merciful skies, bless me with one night of unbridled liberty!*
"Hush," I whispered, my pulse quickening with anticipation. "Let's discover what 'liberty' truly means in this palace."
Inside, the air was thick with luxurious perfumes, the smoky whisper of incense, and an indefinable hint of the taboo that sent a shiver down my spine. From deeper within came muffled chuckles, the delicate chime of crystal glasses, and odd mechanical whirs that clashed with my expectations of a simple pleasure house—more like the hum of hidden machinery plotting secrets.
We stepped fully inside, and a gentle golden glow enveloped us, banishing any notion of dingy shadows. What unfolded was a fusion of cutting-edge luxury hotel and enchanted oriental palace: soaring atriums stretched upward across multiple levels, alive with the murmur of cascading pools whose azure waters sparkled invitingly. Niches housed eclectic bars and eateries—Moroccan opulence here, neon-drenched cyberpunk there. The walls, crafted from adaptive smart glass, shifted seamlessly: transparent one moment to reveal lively chambers beyond, opaque the next, morphing into intricate stonework or vibrant murals that seemed to anticipate my whims. The atmosphere thrummed with subtle magic, a sensory symphony that made my skin tingle.
"You know," I declared with mock grandeur, "I'm utterly weary of this perpetual idleness. Time to unwind properly. Where do we begin?"
At the reception, a radiant young woman awaited, her smile dazzling under a nameplate reading "Concierge-Fairy." Delicate wings fluttered on her back—perhaps illusory adornments, or genuine enchantments that caught the light like gossamer.
"Welcome to Paradise," she trilled, her voice a melodic cascade that eased any lingering tension.
"Is 'Paradise' the official moniker?" I asked, arching a brow in amusement.
"The venue is known as 'The Pink Versailles,'" she clarified with a graceful incline, her wings quivering as if echoing my doubt.
"This is my maiden visit. Mind enlightening me on the setup?"
"If pricing concerns you, it varies with your... tastes," she replied diplomatically, her head tilting with practiced charm.
"I require specifics," I pressed, cutting through the vagueness.
"Apologies, Sir Gandalf," she teased with a playful glint, "but I'm no oracle to foresee the exact toll."
I hefted a substantial sack of gold onto the counter, the resonant thud and jingle underscoring my intent.
"Sufficient?"
"Abundantly so," she affirmed, her eyes sparking with keen appraisal while her expression remained impeccably courteous. "I'll alert you should your reserves dwindle. Until then, indulge in our hospitality."
With a snap of her fingers, a staircase unfurled before us, bathed in rosy luminescence. Above, ethereal veils and silhouettes danced in promise, hinting at adventures far beyond mere diversion.
As I explored, the grandeur of "Paradise" unfolded like a lavish tapestry. Expansive buffets groaned under platters of exquisite fare, enveloped in a shimmering magical aura that tantalized with aromas of roasted spices, fresh fruits, and decadent sweets—preserving everything in eternal freshness.
"Does any of this ever spoil?" I pondered aloud to my double, inhaling the intoxicating scents that made my mouth water.
"We'd rot first," he quipped philosophically, hands clasped behind him as he surveyed the spread.
"And that enchantment around the tables?" I queried, brow furrowing at the ethereal glow.
"Likely a mystical ledger," he surmised, tapping his chest knowingly. "Tracks every bite, every sip—ensures the bill adds up."
I roamed the labyrinthine halls, the polished floors cool beneath my steps, until I flagged down a passerby—a dapper gentleman in a velvet doublet with intricate lace cuffs, exuding the air of one accustomed to such extravagance.
"Pardon, but where might one find the... ladies themselves?" I ventured, striving for subtlety amid my growing intrigue.
He blinked in surprise. "Beg your pardon?"
"Novice here," I admitted. "How does one secure companionship for the evening?"
"Ah, that!" He burst into hearty laughter, slapping his thigh in mirth. "Simplicity itself! Enter any vacant chamber and select via the interface."
"Such openness is... unexpected," I mused with a wry chuckle, glancing at the glowing corridors that branched like veins of opportunity.
His look turned pitying, as though I'd queried the basics of existence.
"Better a fleeting fool through inquiry than a lifelong one in silence," I countered smoothly, meeting his gaze.
"Wisdom indeed—the ultimate shield against folly," he conceded with a nod, adjusting his cuff before sauntering off.
I watched him go, a smirk tugging at my lips. "Alright... time to test just how 'generous' this democracy is on my purse strings." The anticipation built, a heady mix of excitement and wariness, as the Pink Versailles promised to unravel more than just the night ahead.