18:30 February 23, 2295

  Cranesong Garden (鶴頌花園), 1F, Mount Sword Lake Hotel, Section 4, Zhongshan N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taipei, Taiwan, Imperium of Dragons Territory

  Dilinur sat across from Prince Joon-Seok Pak, her gaze lingering on his features as she pretended to focus on her bowl of rice. The man before her was undeniably handsome, his sculpted face framed by raven-black hair that fell in soft waves, contrasting against the deep red and gold embroidery of his coat. His sharp jawline caught the light, but it was his eyes — the dark brown irises, intense and steady — that held her attention most.

  "The duck is cooked well. Just the right amount of spice." The Prince commented as he reached for another piece with his chopsticks.

  "Indeed, milord." Dilinur's fingers fumbled with the slender sticks of polished ebony, her attempts to capture the grains of sticky rice in her bowl growing increasingly frustrating. "Indeed..." she repeated.

  The Imperial fusion restaurant, draped in hues of deep crimson and gold, radiated an opulence that only emphasized her clumsiness.

  The round table was set with a strategic banquet. Platters of abalone in oyster sauce, Peking duck with crispy skin, and lotus root slices marinated in a sweet-spiced soy reduction. Dilinur's eyes kept returning to the Dongpo Pork, its fatty layers of braised meat swimming in dark, aromatic gravy. Such delicacies had always been central to negotiations in the Imperium—showing one's wealth through food as much as through words.

  "You seem to be struggling with those, Prefect Altai," Kaori Ouyang observed, her amber eyes gleaming with subtle amusement as she delicately separated a thin slice of duck from its platter. "One might wonder how you rose to such prominence without mastering even the basic tools of Imperial etiquette."

  The words were delivered with such practiced elegance that they almost masked the barb beneath. Almost.

  Dilinur kept her expression neutral despite the heat rising to her cheeks. "Where I grew up, we had other priorities."

  "You ask me, world's got bigger problems than which finger goes where on a stick." Iron Roach interjected, not looking up as he shoveled a massive piece of abalone into his mouth. His jaw worked, the red sunglasses he never removed gleaming in the restaurant's ambient lighting.

  Kaori's perfect features tightened perceptibly at Roach's crude directness as she placed a morsel of duck between her crimson lips.

  Beside her, Prince Joon-Seok Pak reached absently for his wine glass, taking a measured sip before returning it to its precise position.

  "Allow me," his voice cut through, smooth as aged silk. He set down his wine glass and reached across the table.

  Dilinur froze as his hand closed over hers. His fingers were warm and dry, his touch surprisingly gentle as he adjusted her grip on the chopsticks.

  Timidly, her gaze darted to a ebony golden cylindrical object resting next to Joon-Seok's small dish, recognizing it to be a deactivated Psytum Sword.

  Joon-Seok's sword, she thought to herself.

  "The lower one remains stationary," he explained, his voice gentle. "It rests here, against your ring finger, providing stability." His thumb brushed against her knuckle, the contact brief but unmistakable. "The upper stick moves, controlled by these two fingers."

  His demonstration was methodical, clinical even, yet Dilinur found herself focusing more on the proximity of his hand than the lesson itself. The slight callouses on his fingertips — evidence of countless hours training with his Psytum Sword — created a pleasant friction against her skin.

  "Now, try," he instructed, withdrawing his hand slowly.

  Dilinur steadied her breath and attempted the motion he'd shown her. The chopsticks closed properly, capturing a clump of rice. A small unexpected satisfaction.

  "Very good," Joon-Seok nodded, his lips curving in the ghost of a smile. "Adaptability serves you well. A quality most valued in the Imperium." He commented before returning to his own meal, picking a delicate piece of lotus root with his own utensil.

  Kaori watched the exchange with narrowed eyes, her perfect posture becoming somehow even more rigid. "How...instructive of you, Your Highness."

  Iron Roach snorted, reaching for his third helping of abalone. "Should we talk about why we're here? The Crystal isn't going to extract itself." He swept his gaze around the table, mechanical fingers drumming impatiently on the tablecloth.

  Dilinur's gaze followed the Prince's to the holographic projection hovering above the center of the table. Osram rotated slowly in mid-air, its rugged surface rendered in exquisite detail. Thin, luminescent lines began to etch themselves across the hologram, mapping intricate routes over jagged craters and beneath shadowed valleys. These pathways converged toward a single point deep within the moon's core.

  Finally, the image centered on a crystalline structure nestled within the core—the Moondust Crystal, shimmering, casting prismatic rays.

  "This Crystal must be housed in one of the ancient Neptunian Vaults," Joon-Seok murmured in his tenor voice. The hologram's light reflected in his eyes. "Besides the Radi-Mons, they are the only culture which can construct networks deep into a moon."

  "Never seen a Neptunian myself," Roach commented, reaching for his wine glass with metal fingers that clinked against the crystal. "What do they look like? Ugly blue octopi? Scantily dressed, sexy ladies?"

  "Roach." Dilinur cut in, her brows knitting together in disapproval.

  "Just kidding, Dinu." Roach said before taking a gulp of his wine.

  "No human has," Joon-Seok replied with measured patience before finishing the his lotus root. "The civilization is thought to have gone extinct millions of years ago. Earlier this century, however, the Imperial Legion's expedition fleet discovered numerous ruins in the Realm of Sapphire Sea — the moons of Neptune. Scientists worldwide named this civilization accordingly."

  "That explains why no one lives there," Kaori pouted between delicate bites of Dongpo Pork, her full crimson lips savoring the meat. "I would never want to live close to dead alien ruins."

  "We'd likely be venturing into an ancient dungeon, then," Dilinur observed, setting down her chopsticks to gesture at the hologram. "These tunnels appear to form a defensive network."

  "Quite so," Joon-Seok nodded approvingly. "And that presents both challenge and opportunity."

  Dilinur leaned forward, her earlier embarrassment forgotten. "The Terra Alliance will have analysts studying the same pathways. If they've identified the Crystal's location as well, we'll likely encounter resistance."

  "Let them come," Kaori said with cold confidence, taking a small bite of abalone. "More glory for us when we tear them to pieces."

  Iron Roach set down his empty glass with a thud. "Alliance, Directorate, Sand Lotus—doesn't matter. We'll crush whoever stands in our way." He reached for the wine bottle, pouring himself another generous serving.

  "Speaking of the Directorate," Joon-Seok remarked, swirling the wine in his glass contemplatively, "our intelligence suggests they've become increasingly active in lunar operations. Their Kimaris Warband has been reported on the Far Side of the Moon."

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Kaori's expression darkened visibly at the mention of the Directorate. She set her chopsticks down, reaching for her wine glass. "The Maridians have become quite a nuisance. But their technology is primitive compared to ours."

  "Yet effective in its own way," Dilinur pointed out as she managed to capture a piece of abalone with her chopsticks, the small accomplishment bringing a flicker of satisfaction. "Their Scarab mechs have proven formidable in several recent engagements."

  "Aren't those just bad copies of Digital Era cartoons?" Kaori dismissed with a disdainful shrug. "My Draconic Engine could blast them to dust in but one shot." She took a sip of her wine and dabbed at her lips with a napkin.

  "Their leader, Kofi Mensah, is no fool, either," Joon-Seok countered, his tone suggesting respect rather than admiration. "His administration has secured the significant influence in the Realm of Divines — on Jovian moons where both Alliance and Imperium have failed to impress the locals."

  Iron Roach laughed, the sound metallic and harsh. "Bah, look at us, talking about jobs on a fucking Saturday night!" He speared another piece of Dongpo Pork with a single chopstick, ignoring Kaori's grimace at his table manners.

  "Roach, watch your manners!" Dilinur admonished as she stole a glance at Joon-Seok. "At least show enough courtesy to allow our visitor to complete his thought."

  "Yet Sir Roach has a point. Very well." Joon-Seok conceded with a grin, his face contemplative as he chose a slender piece of duck. "Do you each have some form of indulgence? Any recreational pursuit you find pleasurable?"

  "I go to Osram and browse the antiques at Yue Shanghai," Kaori answered while adjusting her hairpin, her tone carrying an unusual fervor as she regarded Joon-Seok. "There's a jade toad figurine I've been eager to add to my collection. Proposed 2 million Imperium Yuan to purchase it, but the seller insisted it wasn't for sale."

  Dilinur suppressed a groan, envy welling up within her. Among the Golden Serpents, Kaori was the 'wealthy girl' who possessed nearly limitless coins to spend. Advantages of being born into a family favored by the Emperor. "What a...covetable dilemma to face."

  "Indeed," Joon-Seok said, giving Dilinur an approving look. "I prefer the fitness center, personally. There's something peculiarly relaxing about tearing down old muscle tissue and having fresh ones develop."

  "I can imagine so." Dilinur felt warmth rising to her own face as she sneaked a glimpse at Joon-Seok's form beneath his clothing.

  "So you what, hit on the girls at the gym? One night stands?" Roach quipped as he leaned forward in his chair, the scent of wine lacing his breath. "That still trendy these days?"

  Kaori simply scoffed as she reached up a hand to cover her forehead.

  "One of these days we need to have Cheng teach you proper speech, Roach." Dilinur shook her head.

  "Too late." Roach simply grinned. "Fuck! That reminds me. Cheng still owes me seven thousand Yuans."

  "For?" Dinu's eyes narrowed.

  "For a bet!" Roach pointed a finger at her. "You still haven't found a boyfriend, Dinu. Cheng said you'd agree to a date with him BY JANUARY!" A laughter erupted from the man before he added. "Thanks for making me rich."

  "…you're quite welcome." Dilinur replied dryly.

  "Your Royal Highness, when we reach the Moondust Crystal, how would we extract it?" Kaori asked, changing the subject while holding her bowl of rice.

  "I have a few Peons at my disposal if you need them," Roach added before scooping up a mouthful of lotus root with his silver spoon. "Best indentured servants on this side of Earth."

  "Five Peons should suffice," Joon-Seok agreed, taking a measured sip of his wine before placing the glass back on the table. "But the Terra Alliance and their Psi Lynx agents will undoubtedly be at the vault door. We may need an extra set of hands to secure our dominance."

  "What extra hands might you be referring to?" Dilinur paused.

  "You call him Flesh Pot," Joon-Seok's voice remained smooth and velvety, blending with the luxurious atmosphere of the restaurant. "Governor Qin's reports indicate he's ready for deployment but requires Helionite consumption to be fully awakened. I've procured a cart full of Helionite. With his strength, we can overcome any opposition and secure the Moondust Crystal."

  Dilinur's eyes flickered across Joon-Seok's face, searching for signs of doubt or bravado. There were none. She nodded, feeling the weight of the mission settle upon her shoulders.

  "If you prefer, Prince Joon-Seok," she acknowledged, her tone measured. "I may show you to his Tissue Culture Container after this meal."

  "That would be best." he replied with a curt nod.

  But then, the guttural rumble of her hunger echoed through the opulent stillness. Dilinur's cheeks warmed with a flush that matched the crimson ambience of the room as she felt the weight of every gaze upon her. She darted her eyes away, seeking refuge in the shadows that played along the intricate patterns of her robe.

  "You have not eaten any of the main dishes," Joon-Seok observed, his voice neutral. "Is the food not to your liking?"

  Before she could muster a response, Kaori's lips curled into a carefully constructed smile. "Perhaps our selection is too...sophisticated for certain palates."

  Iron Roach, surprisingly, was the one who broke the tension. He signaled to a passing waiter with a cybernetic hand that gleamed under the ambient lighting.

  "Get us some decent food here!" he barked, his voice cutting through the refined atmosphere. "Lamb skewers, and — ugh, Kash-something. Kashgar stuffed flatbreads! Turpan grape leaf dolmas."

  The waiter blinked in confusion.

  "Got Helionite in your ears?" Roach grimaced in annoyance.

  "I am most sincerely sorry, sir. Would you mind…" the waiter ventured with a bow.

  "The Uyghur section," Roach clarified, his tone brooking no argument. "Forgot which page it was on your fancy menu. Triple portions, all of them!"

  Dilinur stared at him, momentarily stunned.

  "What?" Roach shrugged, noticing her surprise. "Spent three years stationed on the Western Border. Best damn food I've ever had. Criminal those Unblooded stuffs aren't on more menus."

  "How...quaint," Kaori murmured, setting down her chopsticks. "I heard those foods are eaten with bare hands."

  "Best way to enjoy real food," Roach countered with surprising conviction. "Taste gets in your skin that way. Stays with you."

  Within the next minute, the dishes arrived, their rich aromas cutting through the refined scents of the Imperial cuisine, Dilinur felt a surprising wave of homesickness. The skewers were charred perfectly, the flatbreads stuffed with spiced meats and vegetables, and the dolmas wrapped with practiced care.

  "Show us," Joon-Seok said, his attention fully on Dilinur now. "The proper way to enjoy these."

  Dilinur demonstrated how to strip the succulent lamb from the skewer, the technique requiring both teeth and fingers. The familiar motion transported her briefly to her childhood, before the weight of her position.

  "Like this," she said, passing a skewer to Joon-Seok.

  To her surprise, he followed her instruction without hesitation, adapting with grace. When he bit into the lamb, his eyes closed momentarily in appreciation.

  "Remarkable," he declared, opening his eyes to meet hers directly. "The flavors are bold, unapologetic. Our Imperium has much to learn."

  "Pardon?" she asked, her heart skipping a beat as she marveled at his handsome features.

  "About embracing diverse culinary traditions." he replied between bites.

  Iron Roach was already on his second skewer, eating with efficiency. Kaori, meanwhile, held her skewer at arm's length, examining it as if it was Radi-Mon specimen, not food.

  "The spice blend is quite…distinctive," she finally commented, taking a cautious bite. Her eyes widened slightly—whether in surprise or distaste wasn't immediately clear.

  "It's called 'ziran,'" Dilinur explained, feeling strangely validated as she watched them. "A mixture of cumin, red pepper, salt, and other spices passed down through generations."

  "The heat builds gradually," Joon-Seok observed, reaching for a stuffed flatbread. "Complex rather than overwhelming. A thoughtful balance."

  They ate in companionable silence for several minutes, the tension that had characterized the earlier part of the meal dissipating somewhat. Dilinur found herself watching Joon-Seok's expressions as he explored each new dish, noting the subtle shifts that suggested genuine appreciation rather than diplomatic courtesy.

  As they finished the meal, Joon-Seok turned to Kaori and Roach. "Lady Ouyang, Sir Roach—it has been a pleasure dining with you both. I believe Prefect Altai and I have some logistical matters to discuss."

  "Getting tired of us already?" Roach arched an eyebrow as he quipped, but the relief was evident in his posture.

  "What are our orders, Prince Pak?" Kaori maintained her composure despite the obvious dismissal.

  "Await my instructions tomorrow. I need to discuss some operational details with Prefect Altai," Joon-Seok replied with polite finality.

  Kaori stood and bowed deeply before leaving, her movements as precise as calligraphy. Roach simply rose and made his way toward the exit, not bothering with formal gestures.

  As their footsteps faded, Joon-Seok turned his full attention to Dilinur, his eyes reflecting the restaurant's subdued lighting.

  "After dinner, perhaps a stroll?" he suggested, his tone carrying a hint of something beyond professional courtesy. "Then we may inspect this Flesh Pot you've been cultivating."

  For once, amidst the shadows of Imperial politics, Dilinur found herself intrigued by the possibility that lay behind those composed features. "That would be most welcome, Your Highness."

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