CHAPTER 165: THE CITY OF ANGELS 1

She stood by the indoor fountain, dressed in a fresh pale-blue gown, pouring herself a glass of cool water. Her silk golden hair was neatly tied back, her eyes calm, though a faint blush lingered on her cheeks from the remnants of drink.

’’You look like a disaster," she remarked dryly at Elreth, who only laughed louder, running a hand through her messy hair.

"A glorious disaster," Elreth corrected with a grin, finally standing and stretching. "Don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy it. It’s been ages since we got to drink without someone breathing down our necks with duties and politics."

Azalea’s lips curved into a faint smile, though she didn’t answer immediately. She simply sipped her water and glanced toward the upper floors, where Khione’s room was.

Elreth followed her gaze and clicked her tongue. "Still locked up in her ice tower? She didn’t say a word last night before vanishing."

"Let her be," Azalea replied softly, her tone unreadable. "Not everyone... wants to share their thoughts."

The two left it at that. They had known Khione long enough to understand that pressing her only pushed her farther away.

Breakfast was prepared shortly after by the villa’s staff—a grand spread of fresh fruit, soft bread baked at dawn, creamy butter, and delicate fish seasoned with herbs from the empire’s southern isles. A pot of aromatic coffee steamed beside a tray of tea leaves, filling the air with a warm, comforting fragrance.

Elreth attacked her plate eagerly, piling bread and meat without restraint. Azalea, as always, ate with quiet composure, her movements elegant. They laughed over small things, teasing each other, enjoying the freedom that came with being away from court life.

When Khione finally descended, she moved with her usual cold elegance, her steps soft and deliberate. She greeted neither of them directly, though the faintest nod acknowledged their presence. Sitting at the far end of the table, she accepted tea instead of coffee and quietly filled her plate with a few fruits and a slice of bread.

Elreth, mouth full, tried to draw her into conversation. "You’re up early. Thought you’d sleep till noon, ice princess."

Khione didn’t bother looking at her, replying coolly, "I don’t waste my time sleeping off hangovers."

Azalea chuckled behind her cup, and Elreth laughed even louder, unbothered by the sharpness. "Fair enough. I’ll drink for the both of us, then."

The morning passed slowly, the three women each drifting into their own rhythm. Khione spent much of her time on the balcony, gazing at the sea and scribbling notes in a small leather-bound book she carried. Elreth sprawled near the pool outside, basking in the sun with all the indolence of a lioness at rest, occasionally calling for a servant to bring her more juice. Azalea remained by the lounge, reviewing a stack of letters and documents that had been delivered early in the morning, her sharp eyes scanning through them with practiced ease.

By midday, the three finally decided to step out into Angel’s City.

The car moved down the streets, and the city unfolded in breathtaking panorama.

Angel’s City was unlike anywhere else in the Rainfelt Empire. Built on an island surrounded by sapphire seas, it was ringed by towering cliffs draped in waterfalls. High-rise spires of spotless white marble rose into the sky, their tips crowned with shining angel statues whose wings stretched wide as if to bless the city. Bridges arched gracefully between towers, lined with lanterns that glowed faintly even under the sun, ready to cast golden light come nightfall.

The streets bustled with life—merchants calling out wares from silk-lined stalls, children darting between fountains, and musicians filling the air with the sweet notes of violins and flutes. Airships floated overhead like drifting whales of metal and crystal, casting shadows that danced along the cobblestone streets.

Elreth pressed her face against the window like an excited child, crimson eyes wide with delight. "Damn, I missed this place! Look at that—still the same old fountain square, still packed. And the bakeries—ah, I can smell the pastries even from here."

Azalea chuckled softly. "You’ve changed little, Elreth. Always chasing pleasures of the table."

"And wine," Elreth added with a grin, earning a quiet laugh from her.

Khione said nothing. Her ice blue eyes scanned the scenery, calm yet thoughtful. But her reflection in the glass betrayed her—her lips curved ever so slightly, the faintest of smiles forming at the corners.

Their first stop was the Market District, where wide avenues split into labyrinths of stalls and boutiques. The fragrance of roasted nuts, candied fruits, and grilled seafood drifted through the air, mingling with the scent of flowers sold in woven baskets.

Elreth darted from stall to stall, dragging Azalea along. She tried on silk scarves, tasted candied roses, and even tested a jeweled dagger from a blacksmith’s stall, grinning as she spun it in her hand.

Azalea indulged her with patience but eventually found her own interest in rare books and enchanted trinkets displayed under glass counters. She bargained softly but firmly with a shopkeeper, her calm voice disarming enough to earn her a rare crystal pendant at half its price.

Khione, however, kept to the quieter corners. She found herself drawn to an antique shop at the edge of the street, its interior lined with shelves of relics and forgotten tomes. Her hand lingered on a snowflake-shaped brooch carved from moonstone. She did not buy it, but she held it long enough for the shopkeeper to notice the faint light in her silver eyes before she carefully placed it back.

Elreth returned soon after with both arms full of bags. "If other saw me right now, they’d think I bought the whole street."

Khione raised an eyebrow, lips tugging faintly. "You already look like you did."

Azalea laughed quietly, and for a moment, the three moved together in harmony, their footsteps carrying them deeper into the city’s heart.

By the time the sun began its descent, painting the sea in shades of amber and violet, the three had returned to the villa to refresh themselves. But the night called them out again, this time to the Sea Pavilion—a famous restaurant built upon the water, its glass floors allowing diners to see schools of fish glowing faintly beneath the waves.

They were seated at a private table overlooking the open sea. Lanterns floated on the water, their flames reflecting like fallen stars.

Dinner was lavish. Platters of seared salmon drizzled in honey-wine glaze, roasted lamb seasoned with rosemary, and bowls of steaming rice with saffron filled the table. Wine as red as rubies shimmered in crystal glasses, and for dessert, they were served chilled cream topped with sugared petals.

Elreth toasted loudly, her glass raised high.

"To Angel’s City—and to nights without politics!"

Azalea raised hers with a soft smile. "To freedom, however brief."

Khione’s glass lingered, her silver eyes thoughtful. She raised it slowly. "To... change."

The clinking of crystal echoed softly as the sea wind carried their voices away.

They returned late, the moon high and the waterfalls glowing under starlight. Elreth, tipsy and happy, collapsed near the pool outside, kicking off her shoes and dangling her feet in the glowing blue water. Azalea joined her with grace, pouring them both another glass of wine from a bottle they had brought back.

Khione excused herself early, as she had the night before. After dinner, she walked silently to her room, the hem of her gown trailing like frost over the glass floor. Yet tonight, she paused briefly at the balcony before entering, her silver eyes lingering on the stars.

Inside, the other two laughed and played a card game by the poolside, their voices carrying into the night. The sound of shuffling cards, the soft splashes of water, and their laughter blended with the endless song of waterfalls.

Khione closed her door, leaning against it for a moment. She did not realize she was smiling faintly again.

The night stretched on—wine, games, and laughter for two; silence and quiet reflection for one. And so the villa of glass stood bathed in moonlight, housing three women whose paths, though different, were slowly entwining toward the storm to come.

Suddenly, there was a notification sound. She eagerly unlocked her phone. It was a message from Nero.

[Hello, Khione. How is your evening? Did you have fun today?]

[Yes, it was fun. Well, I only observed them. Elreth was annoying as always. Talking and drinking any opportunity she got.] (Khione)

On the other side, Nero who was looking at his phone couldn’t help but smile. It was truly to chat with this woman.

[You don’t really like her, do you?] He playfully texted, knowing well what kind of answer she would give.

[Yes, I hate her. She is too annoying. I wish to beat her everyday but she is strong, really strong. I’m jealous, not only she is talented, she did put on a lot of work to be where she is. I can’t beat her easily.] (Khione)

Nero was a little bit surprised that she would admit it.

’She is really something this woman. I want to know more about her.’ A sudden thought bloomed inside his mind.