In the streets of the city, a man walked the streets humming a stoic song, he seemed like a noble man as he strode down the city street with an air of regality that commanded attention.
His black hair, perfectly styled with a hint of wax, framed his chiseled features. A long, sleek coat billowed behind him, its modern design a stark contrast to the slightly long hair being waxed. The dark band on his hand seemed to gleam in the light, a subtle hint of mystery.
As he walked, the city's sounds and smells swirled around him, but he moved with a elegance, his eyes fixed on some unknown destination. The concrete beneath his feet seemed to fade into the background as he passed, leaving a trail of intrigue in his wake.
He then entered into a makeup shop, the place were Rein and Claire were presently in hiding. His presence seemed absurd as many who were around didn't seem to be aware of his presence.
His not so pale face had a very eerie smile, " may the two beautiful ladies heed my call to serve me" he said, his words like that of a Shakespeare fan. Others found it funny enough to laugh at him not to jest him but infact as an interest to his difference in manner of speech.
A lady then walked up to him to attend to him, " what would you like sir" she smiled and in response to this, he pointed at the two siblings in request for them to apply make to his face.
The lady's eyes grew nervous as the noble man's gaze locked onto Claire and Rein, his smile growing wider. "Ah, yes, those two lovely ladies would do just fine," he said, his voice dripping with old-world charm.
As the lady nodded and approached Claire and Rein, a look of confusion appeared on her face, a flashback to the previous night played out in her mind.
It was late, and she had been about to close her shop when Claire and Rein appeared, looking bedraggled and worried. "Please, can we stay here for the night?" Claire asked, her eyes pleading. "We don't have anywhere else to go."
The lady hesitated, unsure if she could accommodate the siblings. But just as she was about to refuse, Crook appeared out of nowhere. "It's a favor from the the city head," he said, his voice low and smooth. "You'll be repaid later, I assure you."
The lady's expression softened, and she nodded. "Alright, you can stay. But please, make sure to keep the noise down and don't touch anything on the shelves."
Now, as she approached Claire and Rein, she frowned. "I think we have am... Unusual customer," she said, nodding towards the noble man.
Claire and Rein exchanged a look, their eyes shirked in fear as they took in the noble man's attire and mannerisms. "What can we do for him?" Claire asked, her voice cautious.
The lady sighed. "He wants you to apply makeup to his face. I think he's...a bit of an eccentric."
Rein raised an eyebrow, but Claire shrugged. "Well, when in Rome...Let's see what we can do."
The noble man's gaze didn't waver as he approached the makeup station, his eyes fixed on Claire and Rein. Instead of sitting in front of a modern mirror, he gestured to a peculiar mirror made of obsidian, its dark surface seeming to absorb the light around it.
"I require no makeup," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Merely cleanse my face with water and a towel, with great care."
Claire and Rein exchanged a curious glance, but they nodded and set to work. Claire dipped a towel in water and gently began to wipe the noble man's face, while Rein watched with interest, for her it was unusual also the man's request was weird.
The noble man's eyes closed, and he seemed to relax into the gentle ministrations. His face, chiseled and strong, was revealed in all its glory as the towel glided across his skin.
As they worked, the atmosphere in the shop seemed to grow more tranquil, the sounds of the city outside receding into the background. The noble man's presence was calming, and Claire and Rein found themselves moving with greater care, as if handling a precious artifact.
When they finished, the noble man's face shone with a subtle glow, his skin refreshed and clean. He opened his eyes, and a hint of a smile played on his lips.
"Thank you," he said, his voice low and appreciative. "Your touch is gentle. But your heart is fiery"
Just before anyone could think to say anything, the sound of the bell by the door rang and Julius entered, his face not so welcoming.
"Kael" he greeted bringing out a sharp wooden stake.
" Julius" he smiled harmless looking straight into his eyes.
Kael's smile never wavered as he reached into his coat and pulled out a black envelope, adorned with a subtle silver seal. He handed it to Julius, who accepted it tensed and caution. As Julius opened the envelope, a faint hum of anticipation filled the air.
Inside, Julius found a single card with a message scrawled in elegant calligraphy: "The Nightwalker requests your presence." Julius's eyes narrowed, his grip on the stake tightening. "What does this mean?" he asked Kael, his voice low and even.
Kael's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Merely an invitation, Julius. The Nightwalker wishes to...discuss a matter of mutual interest." He paused, his gaze flicking to Claire and Rein, who were watching the exchange with wide eyes. "Perhaps we might discuss this further in a more...private setting?"
Julius's expression remained guarded, but he nodded curtly. "Very well. Let's hear what the Nightwalker has to say." With that, he tucked the card back into the envelope and slid it into his pocket, his eyes never leaving Kael's face.
As the tension between Julius and Kael seemed to thicken, Claire and Rein exchanged nervous glances. What had they stumbled into? And what did a Nightwalker want with Julius?
Well all that didn't concern them and the tactically retreated to the inner parts of the shop.