Sythrik carefully handed Imelda her mirror back and said with a normal tone, "I look like I usually do, that I can assure you." In a pursuit to hold as much of what had just occurred a secret. "I see, pardon my rudeness," Imelda said. Sennan merely copied her and went silent, waiting for a reply. "Don't worry Sennan, we've only met twice before, as such, I can understand how a mistake like this could be made. Even more so for Imelda, as she's only seen me for less than a minute before we met today."
As Sythrik reassured them, Imelda and Sennan found a new topic to speak about. Sythrik, now being able to contemplate without interruption, started to ponder about The Hanged Man, and his new changes, "So that really wasn't dream huh? Then, that means that The Hanged Man is real, a being with powers and abilities beyond what we can imagine. Not only that, his wisdom seemed immense, and his knowledge even vaster! How did he pull me towards him without using any physical solutions, or how he kept me in place with a simple gaze!? Not only that, he managed to predict the fall of the Capital of Tarot!
"That's right!!! The Capital should be my priority right now! However, I have no clue how it is supposed to fall, or perhaps break into war... Wish he had given me at least a hint!... No, he doesn't seem capable of that for now. Being chained up, summoning me to provide hope and help, being in a rush, he clearly had his own situations as of now." Sythrik pondered about the situations of the nearby countries, internal conflicts, possible supernatural powers and such, which reminded him, "That's right! He changed me, making physically enhanced, more attractive, taller, and possibly a supernatural ability!
"He must've changed me in such a way because this revolves around another supernatural entity. Though, I have no idea what ability he has given me, nor do I know if he did... He said something about visiting a museum. Is the Capital's impending doom related to history? If that's the case then it must be related to the city of instant, but that's highly unlikely. They both hold the God of war, Nicodemus in high regard due to settling their war and conflicts. In all honesty, they seem to be in a rather "friendly" relationship as of now.
"Since that's the case, perhaps the museum is related to me instead of the Capital! That makes more sense as I alone, even enhanced can't stop a Capital's fall on my own. In that sense, perhaps he intends for me to grow stronger, strong enough to settle it on my own if need be! Yes, that makes a lot more sense." Sythrik paused for a moment and thought, "For now I will visit the museum and try to figure out the "real" truth behind his advice, after that, I will try and join the police as a detective and search for clues while also getting combat lessons and equipment to defend myself with.
"I can do that by using the Reign family's influence, I might not need my sister to put in a good word for me to her new husband as I have developed a good relationship with Sennan. If that doesn't work I'll have to focus on joining some sort of combat class, perhaps a martial arts dojo or hire a personal trainer." Sythrik nodded to himself and laid out some emergency plans if need be, and even some more possibilities regarding high ranking individuals with powerful connections and positions alike...
...
After an uncertain amount of time, Sythrik's line of thoughts were interrupted when the carriage suddenly stopped. He looked confusedly around when he saw Imelda stand up and say, "Its been a pleasure getting to know the two of you." With a slight, yet gentle bow, tucking her leathered suitcase in between her hands. Sythrik and Sennan mannerly bid her farewell and exchanged quick formalities. She waved with her back facing their faces, and elegantly stepped out of the fancy, black carriage with golden emblems etched across it's edges.
As the door closed, Sennan engaged in a conversation with Sythrik, "Your sister asked of me to bring you to the Reign household to store your luggage before we go out. She wants you to meet the rest of our family, you know, getting to know each other by going out to a restaurant like the two of us did just four days ago."
Sythrik rested his cheekbone on his knuckles, asking, "Do I have time to dress up as well? I believe making a good impression on such a wealthy family would be a good choice no? I know that's not the case with you, you probably prefer the more laid back approach but that's rare for such families I believe."
Sennan chuckled as he leaned back, striking a small man spread as he said, "You're right, my family is rather serious in the aspect of representation, image, fashion, manners, and such. However, as you are not directly a part of the family, and rather the brother of a new family member, I don't believe they will expect much from you. And anyway, appearance wise you are already close to a model, so whatever you choose, it won't matter as long as you don't present yourself as homeless.
"But, if you want to give a good first impression, then I can help dress you up. We stil have two and a half hours till the dinner, and there is around one and a half hours until we reach the capital. So, what do you say, you want a makeover?"
Sythrik thought for a bit, pulling his gaze to his attire and sighed. He thought for a second before he said, "I would appreciate the help, I believe my current choice of clothes is a bit... Plain in a sense."
"Its a deal then!" Sennan said excitedly, with his usual childlike excitedness and joyful behavior.
Sythrik nodded, then they fell into usual chatter...
...
After an endless amount of random chatter did they finally arrive at the Capital. It was vast, almost endless, covering countless kilometers and many thousands of buildings. There was a large, stone castle in the middle, with a large area of nothing but grass, flowers, and a small lake with a bench around it, and two statues in front of it's entrance which was covered by a wall of stones with intricate patterns.
The entry of the Capital was covered by mountains, some small, some large. Their distance was everything from 1-3 kilometers away from the Capital and thus, acted like walls of protection. There was also only three ways to enter the Capital as there was only three roads that connected to the Capital's inner Roads where carriages traversed it's grounds. One was on the west side, one was on the southern side, and the last was on the northern side. The country, Instant, is located further to the southwest.
The Capital the bore a liveliness feeling as it flickered with light and warmth, even when its winter. Most houses and buildings was made from stone, while only the poorer part, the western side, mostly bore buildings of wood as the previous war between Tarot and Instant had left them in a dire situation, despite the years, the high ranking officials have been hesitant to rebuild it, and have now almost forgotten about it, putting it aside for less "expensive" situations.
As Sythrik and Sennan was about to make their way into the Capital, they were stopped by two police officers asking for identifications. Sennan, looking at them through carriage's window showed the back of his right hand. There wasn't anything out of the ordinary as such Sythrik looked at him confusedly, seeing only a single golden ring. As he only saw it from behind, he couldn't make out what was on it's front.
"The Reign family's emblem!?!?" The more experienced police officer yelled out in surprise. He stepped backwards, bowed slightly and said, "Pardon my rudeness, Sir. You are allowed to pass at once!"
Sennan smiled warmly and spoke with a gentle tone, "No problem sirs, you were simply doing your jobs. Thanks for your services gentlemen." The officer bowed and informed the others to make way. After a very small moment, did they finally enter the Capital.
Sythrik stole a glance at Sennan's ring and saw a lion carved in gold, with a mane carved in bronze. There was obvious details carved across it, perhaps a security measure to reduce the possibility of a copy, making it unique. Sythrik didn't feel the need to ask about it as it was obviously just identification, thus putting his curiosity aside.
As they came in from the southern entrance, and the Reign family's household is at the eastern side, it took them about 20-25 minutes to reach the Reign household.
...
As they had finally reached the household, after a long silence, Sythrik could see two statues of lions next to the entrance, and a long wall around the white mansion. There were gardeners taking care of the lawn constantly and maids who came running towards them. The door opened and Sythrik stepped out first with his leather suitcase and bag in hand with a Sennan in tow.
Sythrik let out a deep breath and stretched after putting his items down.
"Pardon, but would you like us to take care of your luggage master?" One maid said to Sythrik while the other mimicked the same sentence to Sennan. Sythrik looked at Sennan who gave his luggage away with a smile, thus, he did the same and said, "That would be very kind of you, miss."
The two maids bowed and traversed back to the mansion after Sennan signaled them off.
"Well then, are you ready to go shopping?" Senna asked with a smile, clearly excited as there was an obvious glint in his eyes. Sythrik merely chuckled and said, "I am." With a nod.
"Lets get back in the carriage, we only have about 50 minutes to get ready!" Senna hurriedly stepped into the carriage and so did Sythrik with upcurved lips.
After Senna told the driver where they wanted to go, he spoke with a larger sense of familiarity, "So, what type of fashion is your type?"
"What type of fashion is my type...?" Sythrik blinked twice and entered a state of thought... After a little over 20 seconds did he finally answer, "Something that's not too attracting, kind of plain, yet, something grand... I don't know if that is too controversial but that's all I got, haha..."
Senna thought for a moment, the carriage flowed steadily across the streets as the roads were well taken care of, and replied with a helpful tone, "I think I have an idea of what you want.. All I ask is for your trust in the matter."
Sythrik sighed and crossed his arms, "You're the expert, I have no choice BUT to trust you..."
A short moment went by before they suddenly fell into a random laughter.
"I'll do my best then!" Sennan said full of belief in his own judgement.