The platform of Behemoth was shrouded in a soft, milky white light in the morning mist. The heels of her shoes landed with a crisp click on the polished black and white marble floor as she stepped out of the carriage. The platform was covered with a deep red Persian carpet, the edges of which were embroidered with gold thread in an intricate vine pattern that stretched to the far side of the arcade.
Six ticket inspectors in navy blue uniforms stood beside the gilded railing, their uniforms well-tailored, their silver buttons gleaming warmly in the morning light. The head ticket inspector was a gentleman of about fifty, with immaculately trimmed gray sideburns and a brass name tag on his chest that read "Robert Wilson."
"Good morning, ma'am." Robert removed his tall bowler hat and flashed an appropriate smile, "Welcome to Behemoth."
His voice was low and pleasant, with the subdued ease characteristic of a gentleman of the old school. Szell noticed that he wore a silver wedding ring on his left ring finger, with a small clover design engraved on the face of the ring.
"Your credentials for access, please." Robert bowed slightly, moving with the grace of a professionally trained butler. Simin subconsciously touched the Tang sword at his waist, but touched a cold metal object next to the sheath. Looking down, a delicate silver key hung on her belt at some point.
The key was beautifully crafted, with the handle cast in the shape of a blooming iris and a crystal clear sapphire set at the stamen.
"Ah, the Silver Key." A hint of appreciation flashed in Robert's eyes, "Guests who hold this key are placed in the VIP villa in the Oak Tree District."
He turned around and made an inviting gesture, and the other five ticket inspectors
immediately neatly made way for a passage. Szell noticed that each of them had a small silver clover brooch pinned to the cuff of their uniforms, identical to the design on Robert's ring.
"I'm this month's shift supervisor and I'm honored to serve you." Robert introduced himself as he led the way, "Your luggage has been delivered to the villa ahead of schedule, and the maid should have already made up your room."
They walked forward along the red carpeted platform. The columns on either side were hung with beautiful oil paintings depicting the four seasons of Behemoth: roses blooming in the gardens in spring, fireworks displays along the river on summer nights, vineyards in the harvest of autumn, and snow-covered steeple churches in winter.
"Every Wednesday afternoon, there are open-air concerts in the town square." Robert
pointed to a fountain in the distance and said, "If you're interested, I can reserve the best spot for you."
At the end of the platform was an ornately decorated archway with an exquisite grapevine pattern carved on the lintel. Passing through the archway, a cobbled, tree-lined pathway appeared before them, with neatly trimmed shrubs planted on both sides.
"This path leads straight to the Oak District." Robert paused, "Forgive me if I can't continue to see you off, duty hours aren't over yet."
He pulled a gold-stamped business card out of his pocket and handed it to Sifu, "This is my contact information, feel free to reach out to me if you need anything."
The business card was made of the finest ivory cardboard, emitting a faint cedar aroma.
Robert's name and title were printed in elegant italicized letters on the front, and on the back was a miniature map of Behemoth.
A subtle tingling sensation came to her fingertips as Szell took the card. She looked down to examine it and realized that there was a thin, barely visible line of metal around the edge of the business card that glowed strangely in the sunlight.
"By the way," Robert said as if he suddenly remembered something, taking out a delicate silver bell from his pocket, "this is the villa's doorbell, and when you ring it, the nearest maid will immediately rush to serve you."
The bell's surface was engraved with an intricate vine pattern, and the small hammer inside was a tear-drop shaped sapphire, the same as the gemstone on the Sifu's key.
"I wish you a pleasant stay in Behemoth." Robert took off his bowler hat again and curtsied, "There is a welcome reception at City Hall tonight, and Mr. Mayor has asked me specifically to invite you to it."
Simone nodded her thanks and turned to step onto the wooded path. After a dozen or so steps, she looked back furtively. Robert was still standing in the same spot, the morning light gilding him with a soft golden edge. Seeing Simone turn back, he smiled and waved, his movements impeccably graceful.
A few robins were singing merrily in the bushes lining the path. The air was filled with the fragrance of roses and fresh earth, and the sound of water from a fountain and the lilting melody of an accordion could be heard faintly in the distance.
Szell's fingers unconsciously rubbed the silver key at his waist. The sapphire shimmered charmingly in the sunlight, as if it were silently saying something. She took a deep breath and continued forward, the soles of her boots making a crisp sound on the cobblestones.
The villa was at the end of the path, its white facade crawling with ivy, its blue roof gleaming in the sunlight. In the small garden in front of the door, flowers of all colors were in full bloom, and an orange cat was lazily lying on the steps, basking in the sun.
Simone stood in front of the cast iron gate, the silver key tingling slightly in her palm. She looked up at the villa's windows and vaguely saw figures swaying behind the white curtains.
The breeze brought a crisp wind chime as if welcoming her.