Inside the Estogazt Grand Hotel's briefing room, four intricately carved Chesterfield chairs sat arranged around an automated hydraulic round table. Despite their classic contours, these chairs were upholstered in pristine white leather, integrated with reflexology features and digital seating adjusters. The central conference table, crafted from solid wood and finished in a glossy white coat, boasted elegant, traditional legs—yet concealed a high-tech, pop-up digital panel beneath its surface.
On the floor, white marble tiles with subtle gray veins were laid out in a precise Chevron pattern. Asley sat in one of the seats, restlessly tapping his foot against the floor while casting a sharp glance toward the sole vacant chair. The deceiver is running late!
The chamber's design seamlessly fused classical aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, draped entirely in a dominant white palette. The walls featured symmetrical wooden paneling reminiscent of the Georgian era, save for the front section, which was fitted with a Smart Glass Panel. When powered down, it masqueraded as an ordinary, pristine wall; once activated, it transformed into an interactive touchscreen optimized for presentations.
A man with an undercut hairstyle idly flicked through the channels, his thumb pressing the remote control in a slow, rhythmic pattern.
Above, the high ceiling displayed meticulously sculpted cornice moldings gracing every corner. At its apex, a traditional geometric pattern encircled the primary lighting fixture: a modern-classic chandelier woven with crystal beads, utilizing LED lights that could shift dynamically from a warm amber to a crisp, clinical white.
Meanwhile, a man with a quiff hairstyle sat beneath the glow of an LED lamp, his eyes fixed on his phone screen.
Furthermore, audio speakers were seamlessly concealed behind the fabric wallpaper, their patterns blending flawlessly with the wainscoting. The entire ambiance—lighting, temperature, and the heavy, classic drapes—could be manipulated effortlessly via voice commands.
"Where on earth is Elfinder?" Asley demanded.
"Still shooting his scenes, apparently," replied a man sporting a sharp undercut and deep brown eyes.
"Sturm, you're telling me he's still on set?!" Asley snapped, his voice rising. "That absolute fraud!"
"Calm down. He'll be here shortly," Sturm muttered.
"Sturm is right, Asley. You need to rein it in. We're all well-acquainted with that actor's chronic tardiness by now," chimed in another man, running a hand through his quiff haircut.
"It's not about staying calm, Lour! We are running out of time," Asley countered, turning his glare toward the man with the quiff.
Lour released a heavy sigh. "I understand. Especially since the colonel is already making his way here."
"Exactly! And that charlatan chooses now of all times to be late," Asley grumbled.
"He's an actor, Ley. It's what he does. Besides, it's not like you're the most active member in our organization either," Sturm pointed out.
"I am a state official! I can hardly abandon my public duties to attend every single one of our meetings," Asley fired back.
"Everyone plays their part, As. Drop it. There's no use losing your temper over trivial matters," Lour interjected.
Asley fell silent, averting his gaze in annoyance.
Suddenly, a chime echoed from Lour's phone. He retrieved it and quickly scanned the screen, a faint smile gracing his lips. "It appears our colonel has entered the premises. But he's not alone; two unfamiliar men are accompanying him."
"It's not Devin and Lexin?" Sturm inquired.
Asley scoffed. "Ron and Nox are with him."
Sturm's eyes widened slightly. "You know them?"
"Of course I do. I'm the one who forged their identification cards."
"Forged IDs? Ah... I see. So this is your method, As?" Lour deduced.
"Precisely," Asley validated.
"Will they pose a threat to our agenda, As?"
"Rest easy. Everything remains firmly within my grasp."
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Ley. Lest you forget, that very colonel once managed to cut right in between you and Leyra Estogazt."
Asley bolted upright, his eyes boring into Sturm with venomous intensity. "Watch your mouth. Speak like that again, and you'll never walk out of this building alive, Sturm."
Sturm merely smirked, unfazed. "Ooh, terrifying."
"You—" Asley caught himself.
He sat back down, forcing his voice into an eerie, flat monotone. "Rhea Edelweiss... she's quite the fascinating catch, isn't she?"
Sturm slammed his fist against the table. "Asley! You little—"
"BOTH OF YOU, ENOUGH!"
Lour's booming command instantly choked the brewing conflict into silence. He glanced between Asley and Sturm, his expression hardened. "Look at yourselves. Squabbling like children over women."
The two men looked away, refusing to offer a retort.
"Remember our objective. If we bungle this up, every single sacrifice we've made becomes utterly meaningless," Lour reminded them.
"The actor already failed his one job to shoot the colonel dead," Asley muttered under his breath.
Lour exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples. "Which is exactly why we convened this emergency meeting—to devise our next strategy and figure out how, against all odds, that colonel is still breathing."
"Drop it, Lour. Don't waste your breath on an obsessive maniac like him."
"Look in the mirror, Sturm. You got rejected and you're still desperately holding onto hope. Don't make me laugh."
"I said, enough! If another word about women leaves anyone's mouth, I will personally ensure you never speak again."
An oppressive silence blanketed the room. The three men sat in absolute stillness, waiting for the actor's arrival.
Lour's focus drifted toward the window. Elfinder...
***
Meanwhile, down in the grand lobby, Zigh, Nox, and Ron navigated the opulent space, clad in tailored suits, drawing the attention of every visitor.
"Colonel, why are we dressed like this?" Nox grumbled, adjusting his collar.
Zigh ran a hand through his hair, smoothing down his strands. "Every establishment has its decorum, champ. Your usual attire is far too... casual for a venue of this caliber."
"Colonel, why did you hesitate just now?"
"Focus on the mission, champ."
Nox scoffed and averted his eyes, clearly unsatisfied with the deflection.
Ron, on the other hand, was quietly absorbing the architectural marvel of the lobby. Towering pillars adorned with intricate floral carvings stretched toward the ceiling, while magnificent chandeliers shaped like blooming lilies illuminated the central promenade.
"Why would they choose such a lavish hotel for a briefing?" Ron murmured.
"We'll unravel that mystery soon enough," Zigh replied.
Moments later, a young woman with waist-length black hair glided across the marble floor, trailed closely by a blonde-haired man acting as her escort.
Zigh's eyes locked onto her instantly. "Leyra..." he whispered.
"Leyra? Colonel—"
Without waiting for Ron or Nox to finish, Zigh broke stride and marched directly toward her.
"Nox, keep up with Zigh," Ron urged.
Nox nodded, and the two trailed close behind their leader.
"Leyra, how have you been?" Zigh greeted, stepping into her path.
Leyra halted, and her blonde companion stopped in tandem.
She turned her head. "Zigh. What brings you here?"
Stationed right behind Zigh, Nox and Ron carefully scrutinized the raven-haired woman and her blonde guardian.
Nox crossed his arms. That girl... no wonder the colonel was acting so strange in the car earlier.
Meanwhile, Ron touched his chin, his mind reeling. That blonde man... why does he look so much like Father?
"Could I trouble you for a few moments of your time, Leyra?" Zigh requested.
Without answering him, Leyra addressed her escort. "Rhax, inform management to prepare a private room."
"Right away, Lady Leyra."
Before reaching for his device, Rhax shot a piercing, territorial glare at Zigh.
"Are you keeping well, Leyra?" Zigh pressed on.
"Yes."
"I apologize for dropping in on you like this."
"It is fine."
With an indifferent gaze, Leyra looked past Zigh to the two men standing behind him.
Nox's shoulders trembled as he desperately suppressed a snort.
Ron gripped Nox's shoulder, leaning in to whisper, "Nox, mind your manners."
"Right, right..." Nox whispered back, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
"Leyra, I was wondering if—"
"Lady Leyra, management confirms that the Aquarius 02 suite is available for your disposal," Rhax interrupted, cutting Zigh off.
Zigh's fists clenched at his sides. "It has been quite some time, hasn't it, Rhax Brown?"
Rhax's deep blue eyes clashed with Zigh's sharp green ones. The air between them turned instantly hostile.
"Do you know Zigh, Rhax?" Leyra inquired.
"Yes, Lady Leyra. We are acquainted."
"Oh, we certainly are. Isn't that right, runner-up?" Zigh provoked.
Rhax took a deliberate step forward, his stature imposing. "You just got lucky."
"At the end of the day, who's the one standing?" Zigh countered.
Nox snorted, muttering under his breath. "Well, look at this. Dinner and a show."
Ron nudged Nox in the ribs. "Nox, look closely at that man, Rhax. Doesn't he look uncanny to Father?" he whispered.
Nox studied Rhax's features for a moment. "Honestly... He looks exactly like you, Ron... just the hyper-frigid version."
"You are incredibly annoying."
"Hey, you asked for my opinion," Nox muttered.
Leyra's gaze shifted between Rhax and Zigh.
"Zigh, you are welcome to converse with Rhax. I shall take my leave." Her monotone voice effectively shattered the grim standoff.
She turned and began walking away.
"Leyra, wait! I truly need to speak with you. This is a matter of utmost gravity."
Leyra didn't stop, though her voice drifted back to him. "To the Aquarius 02 suite, then."
Rhax immediately hurried to catch up with her, followed closely by Zigh, Ron, and Nox. The five of them filed into an elevator in tight silence.
"Ley—"
"We talk in the room, Zigh."
Rhax let out a soft, mocking chuckle. Nox glared at him, but Rhax merely returned the stare with eyes as cold as a winter glacier. Ron could only let out a tired sigh.
Ting!
The elevator doors slid open, and they made a direct path toward the Aquarius 02 suite. Upon entering, Leyra gracefully took a seat, with Rhax standing like an unwavering sentinel by her side.
"You may sit," Leyra permitted.
Zigh claimed a seat immediately. When Nox reached out to pull a chair for himself, Ron caught him by the wrist, pulling him back.
"Nox, read the room."
Nox clicked his tongue in annoyance but relented. Ron took his position to the right of Zigh's chair, while Nox stood guard on the left.
"What is it you wish to discuss?" Leyra asked.
"Leyra, it's about—"
Before Zigh could articulate his thoughts, a sudden ringtone shattered the silence. It was Zigh's phone.
"Forgive me, Leyra. I must take this call."
"Proceed."
Rhax clenched his fists tightly, his eyes tracking Zigh as the colonel stepped away toward the far window. If only I had landed that knockout blow... I would have been the one to win that amateur boxing match...
A little further away, Ron's eyes drifted back to Rhax, his thoughts consumed by suspicion. How can someone look so identical...? he pondered, slipping out.
Nox gently patted Ron's back. "We'll demand answers directly once we're through here."
Ron's eyes widened slightly before a small, grateful smile formed. "Yeah. Thank you."
Meanwhile, Leyra's perceptive eyes hovered over Nox. That black-haired man... why does he feel so familiar...?
Standing right before the glass window, Zigh stared at his faint reflection on the pane before pressing the phone to his ear.
"Hello, Lian?"
"Zigh, I have some stellar news for you," Lian's voice chimed from the receiver.
"What is it?"
"They've planted explosive devices. Around the harbor, and right inside the very hotel you are standing in."
Zigh's pupils dilated in sheer shock, Lian's voice suddenly sounding miles away as the gravity of the situation set in.
To be continued...