The Port of Baydenn was the second most populous city in the Roveaven Empire, precisely because it was home to merchants. Because of the port that always sends and receives goods from other kingdoms with which the Empire has agreements, many merchants have chosen to make the city their commercial center. With that, if someone wanted to shop or get some raw material to create something, Baydenn would always be the first place to visit.
And to get there... well, Lucian experienced something as torturous as traveling long hours in a car.
They took about three days inside the carriage to reach the port city. The road was not so smooth, which made the prince miss a paved road. The carriage swung so much, that even the cushioned seats with the best material were insufficient to prevent Lucian's skinny ass from hurting.
At least he managed to rest at lunch and in the evening, when Magnus stopped in small towns to stay in guesthouses to sleep and rest the horses.
But when they finally arrived at the port, Lucian wanted to kneel on the ground and raise his hands to heaven.
"Stop the drama" scolded Magnus, pulling the prince's arm to the hotel where they would stay.
The hotel itself was gigantic, worthy of a noble mansion, but still losing to the Grimwood Mansion and the Imperial Palace. The intense movement of people in the hotel has already made Lucian dizzy, although not enough to erase his joy of exploring the world within his favorite story.
It was the first time he left the capital!
The columns that raised the huge vaulted ceiling seemed to have no end. The huge windows let the sun in and never darken that reception. And as expected, the gold and white decor gave a luxurious and exquisite touch.
"Wow..." Lucian whispered as he saw the beautiful fountain in the center of the reception hall.
It was impossible not to be amazed when he noticed that the ceiling was completely painted with what resembled the Renaissance era of his world. In the center of the vaulted ceiling was glass that showed the blue sky. Huge chandeliers and full of stones boasted the richness of the place, whose brightness was reflected in the walls.
"Welcome, Your Highnesses!", a uniformed receptionist formally greeted them as soon as they passed the central fountain. "We were waiting for you. Our staff will take your bags to your room. What would you like to do first?"
Lucian blinked stunned, unaccustomed with such reception. Magnus, on the other hand, crossed his arms as if nothing new.
"We made a long trip here, so we will have lunch first. Later I intend to visit the mall with my husband."
"As you wish, I will accompany you to our dining room. This way, please."
Lucian automatically extended his arm to Magnus, who agreed to be escorted by holding his arm and following the employee. During the journey, the prince was dealing with his own heart beating fast by hearing Magnus call him "his husband".
Frankly, he would die of happiness.
Not only was Lucian able to marry his literary crush, but he also managed to achieve his goal of survival! All right, all right, he should give himself credit for such a feat, but now was not the time to gloat.
While the two followed the employee, some glances fell on them. Of course, their names must have spread all over the Empire along with the gossip. The newspapers must have updated people in other cities about the duel and the supposed miracle at the main temple. However, Lucian was infected by the indifference of Magnus regarding the attention received.
Like his husband, the prince walked with his head erect, shoulders erect and a formidable smile on his face. And if anyone questioned the reason for his smile, the most obvious explanation would be that Lucian was displaying the beautiful wedding ring that Magnus wore.
The dining room, as well as the reception of that huge hotel, was breathtaking. The difference was that their huge windows had a view of the sea, as if he could reach out and touch it from where they were. In addition, some round tables had both chairs and upholstery curved with cushions, whose neutral colors matched the decoration of the tables.
The hotel employee took the couple to one of the most secluded tables and overlooking the sea. And when finally alone, Lucian reached out for the omega sit on the upholstery where it was more comfortable.
"What did you think of this place?", questioned the omega after they settled.
"I'm really surprised, I've never seen a place so... chic."
"Ha. Are you sure?"
Lucian let out a muffled laugh.
"Of course, the Imperial Palace, but it is expected that the palace is ostentatious. But this is a hotel, I did not expect it to be so exquisite."
"This is because they only receive people with noble titles. It is natural that they invest to please those starches who like luxury."
It made sense, imagined Lucian still observing his surroundings. All the tables contained low floral arrangements and ornate cutlery. Even the plate contained a golden art on its edge. Every detail, even the weirdest ones, were flashy. Clearly the nobles liked that kind of care.
"Have you been here before?"
"Whenever I need to solve something in the neighborhood I stay here. The location is perfect."
"Oh, you must travel a lot then. And if you have to go west, where do you usually stay?"
"Naturally in the Grimwood territory."
That's right... Magnus was not just a grand duke by title, he held possessions... lands. He lived in the capital because of his work at the Imperial Palace, but this did not mean that he did not have his own territory. Who knows one day Lucian would visit the lands belonging to his husband? It would be even better to live outside of the capital, isn't it?
It didn't take long for a butler to show up and write down the requests. Magnus, already knowing the menu, asked for wine and some dishes whose names Lucian would never remember again. As soon as the wine was opened and served in two glasses, Magnus drank a sip and sighed with relief.
Because of the time, the hotel restaurant was filling. The nobles who sat next to them cast curious looks on the couple. Of course, Lucian and Magnus did not bother with such detail. Especially Lucian, for being more interested in observing the sea and mountains that seemed to be a painting made on the window.
"So, did you prepare anything for this trip, dear?"
"What makes you think I have a ready itinerary?" Asked Magnus, leaving the glass of wine on the table.
Resting his elbows on the table, Lucian opened a delicate smile.
"First, we are close to my mine. Second, you told that receptionist you want to visit the mall. I feel that we will walk a lot around here."
Magnus snapped his tongue and frowned, a clear sign that he was caught. Lucian's laughter increased the omega's trickery, which rolled his eyes slightly indignant at being so obvious.
"Considering your pathetic lonely life, it will do you good to know the second largest city of our Empire. I will also take you to see your mine, since you want to start working on it."
"I even thought you had chosen this city for some purpose, but I didn't expect you to take me to the mine."
"Since we're here, it's good for you to see how the negotiations with the miners are going as well. Well, it will not always be that we can come here, so it is worth to enjoy the trip."
"I understand. It wouldn't be a bad idea. And I can also take something from the mine for Miss Pendleton to evaluate."
Magnus frowned again and leaned slightly on the table.
"What is your obsession with that woman? You always seem to be surrounded by strange people, Lucian."
"My obsession? I just want to hire her to sell my diamonds, nothing more. Besides, I'm always around you, does that make you a stranger too?"
The conversation was interrupted with the butler bringing the couple's lunch. They were silent as the table was set and the aroma of delicious meal, and roast meat, increased their appetite. Lucian took a good look at the dishes delivered, the seasoned rice, roast meat with white sauce, a green salad... ah, food. Always good and welcome.
So alone again, Magnus was not long in coming back to the subject.
"Anyway, what do you intend to do with this woman?"
"I want her to sell the diamonds. And with that, I will increase my savings enough to sponsor Ethera." Lucian cut a piece of meat and tried it, feeling it melt gently in his mouth "Ah, what a delight!"
"Sponsor the mercenary? For what?"
"She's going through a very bad time, so I want to reach out and assure her gratitude" Lucian looked at Magnus and swung the fork in the air lightly "And so use her staff for you."
"For me?"
"That's right, or do you intend to use the personal knights of the Grimwood to move through the underworld?"
Magnus was silent in surprise. Lucian even filled his chest of pride with such a feat. It was not his initial intention to reveal his plans for Magnus, but seeing that little face of surprise always made him talk.
Recomposing slightly, the Grand Duke leaned slightly forward and lowered his voice. The seriousness in his countenance caught the attention of Lucian, who also bowed to hear him.
"Since you are making so much effort for me, then I will fulfill my word to make good use of your gift."
"What do you mean?"
"You said you had a dream about me and Maverick, and that we investigated the rebels together. Could you tell me more about it?"
Lucian's fingers held the cutlery harder. He remembered very well that the rebels' investigation led Magnus directly to his death, which made the prince shudder at the thought of it. However, they were "safe" for the time being, right? Although it displeased him to hear that blessed name come out of the mouth of the omega.
"Haa... I dreamt that his investigations into the rebels were connected to smuggling. I don't remember exactly what was smuggled, but there was... dozens of boxes and..." Leaving the knife on top of the cloth napkin and taking his fingers to the forehead that already hurt by trying to remember the details, Lucian forced his memory to rescue any valid information "... There was a man in a green suit."
Lucian raised his head to face the husband when he felt the gentle and affectionate touch of Magnus on his hand.
"Enough, this is already a great help for now. Tell me if you can remember something, but do not try too hard."
"Well, of course... but I don't think this little information will be much help."
Magnus got himself together and opened the most diabolical smile that existed in his repertoire of malice.
"Don't worry, the rest is up to me."