Chapter 6

The high-end shopping district of Belie was a dazzling array of luxurious boutiques, international flagship stores, and artisanal shops. The streets were paved with smooth, polished stones that reflected the light from elegantly designed street lamps, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The siblings were amazed at how the Celestians were able to seamlessly blend their advanced technology with their surroundings.

The first store they entered was a renowned fashion house, Albert's, known for its exquisite tailoring and cutting-edge designs. Lady Liana hadn't been nervous for as long as she could remember. As a member of a wealthy commoner family, which had a history of more than a century in the business of clothing and jewelry, she was used to meeting people of nobility and commoners alike. Yet, hosting the empress and her guests was as nerve-racking as being struck by lightning.

As the royal procession pulled up to the door, everyone was nervous. The doors of the car opened, and two children who seemed to be 11 or 12 years old got out first. When everyone was confused for a moment as they were joined by Empress Tatiana, everyone wondered who these children were. With her head and all of her staff bowed, "Welcome to my humble shop, Your Royal Highness, and I would like to thank you for your patronage this beautiful afternoon. I'll be showing you and your guests around my shop today," said Liana.

"Now, children, what do you say in this situation?" asked Tatiana to the siblings. "Since they are addressing you, Grandma, you would tell them to raise their heads," replied Glory. As everyone was shocked at what they heard, Empress Tatiana bade them to rise. "Erick, acting cool, are we?" said the empress with a look of exasperation. "Okay, lead the way, Ms. Liana; we're in your hands today," said the empress.

As Ms. Liana guided her guests through the lobby, they were greeted with a 12-story interior with a colossal, glass-domed ceiling structure that allowed natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The dome itself was a feat of engineering, intricately designed with patterns reminiscent of ancient mosaics, giving a nod to the city's rich heritage. As the siblings kept gazing and moving, they were greeted by a grand atrium that stretched upwards for several stories, its walls adorned with verdant vertical gardens that brought a touch of nature indoors. A cascading waterfall flowed down a central pillar, the gentle sound of water adding to the serene ambiance. The floor was a mosaic of polished marble, depicting scenes from Celestia's storied past, from the reign of the first warrior king and queen to the modern-day metropolis.

"Now, Ms. Liana, my lady-in-waiting informs me that your shop is the place to be for the younger generation. Now, this isn't formal, but these are my grandchildren from my firstborn daughter. They'll be starting school soon, and I want them to have the experience of shopping since this is their first time here."

"Speak for yourself, Grandmother," said Erick, cutting her off in the middle of her talking. A sharp pain assaulted his side from Glory's elbow.

"Shut up…" said Glory in embarrassment. "As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, we will need at least three closets each: formal, casual, and dinner, and for other various activities. Anything I'm forgetting, my darlings?"

"Do we need three closets full of clothes?" asked Erick, thinking of the hassle that was going to arise from this trip to the shopping center. "Speak for yourself, brother. I want clothes; all my favorite clothes burned down, remember," said Glory, seeming annoyed by the lack of interest from her brother.

As they were led to the top floor VIP guest room, the siblings found themselves in front of a monitor display which acted as a mirror. "Please stand in front of the display, my lady, young lord, and see if they fit and what looks good. Here are some recent fashion trends," pointed Ms. Liana. As a whole row of associates came in with various variations of brands, Tatiana chose formal clothes, watches, and jewelry for Glory.

As both siblings chose what they wanted, Tatiana also made the necessary choices of accessories. Glory selected a delicate bracelet encrusted with opals, while Erick chose a sleek, understated watch that spoke of quiet elegance. Their shopping spree continued through a series of floors offering the best of artisan crafts.

As they all walked around to see what they could find, Erick was stunned by a violin that seemed like it was made out of something resembling crystal. As the light hit it, it started to turn into a multi-colored glass piece. "What is this, Ms. Liana? What kind of string is this thing made out of?" asked Erick, mesmerized.

Before an answer could be given, "You do know that's out of your league, right?" said Glory, smiling.

"It's made of rare wood body and the strings are made of spotted amber tiger gut. It's one of nine pieces in the whole world, young lord."

"How much?"

As Liana looked at the empress, "It's 20 million crowns, my lord," said Liana, crashing his soul into dust.

"Do you play, my dear?" asked Tatiana with curiosity. For the first time in months, she saw a glimpse of emotion, which surprised her. As both sibling and grandmother gazed at him with different emotions, Liana was surprised at how the famed Valkyrie was spoiling these children. Even within the circle that she runs with, she is known for her coldness.

"Prepare it for him. What about you, Glory? Choose something expensive, okay."

"I don't want anything else, Grandma. We just need some kind of hardware to familiarize ourselves with things."

"Don't worry, it's all at the royal estate. You can have whatever you want. Right, I almost forgot. Give them your top-of-the-line comm units too, will you." "Understood, Your Highness," said the sales associate while wrapping up their belongings, and they were escorted out.

As they left the top floors, the empress suggested a break at a nearby café. The siblings agreed, and soon they were seated at a cozy table, enjoying a selection of pastries and refreshing drinks. The café was a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern comfort, with plush seating and vintage décor juxtaposed with sleek, minimalist design elements. "I must say, this has been a wonderful day," Glory said, taking a sip of her lavender-infused tea.

"Thank you, Grandmother." Erick nodded in agreement, his eyes still sparkling with the excitement of his purchase. "Yes, thank you. It's been good."

The empress smiled warmly at them. "I'm glad you're both enjoying yourselves. Celestia has much to offer, and I'm proud to share it with you."

As they finished their refreshments and prepared to head back to the estate, "You have a good place here. I'm surprised that I haven't been here. Oh well, say hi to that old bastard Albert; he keeps avoiding me in the old lodge… hmm," said Tatiana while shaking her head. "It's been an honor hosting you and your family, Your Highness. Please come back again anytime; our doors are always open," said Liana and her associates while they bowed until the cars started moving about their way.

After their eventful day in the high-end shopping district of Belie, the empress and the siblings made their way back to the royal palace. The grand residence was an architectural marvel, blending traditional opulence with cutting-edge technology. As they arrived, the large iron gates swung open, revealing a beautifully manicured garden and a long driveway leading to the main entrance.

The palace staff, impeccably dressed, stood in formation to greet them. As they entered the palace, the siblings were awestruck by the grandeur of their surroundings. Massive crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the intricately designed marble floors and walls adorned with historic tapestries and artwork.

Inside, they were met by the extended family members who had gathered for the evening's dinner. The atmosphere was both formal and welcoming as relatives of various ages approached to greet the empress and her grandchildren. There was a sense of anticipation in the air, as it was a rare occasion for the entire family to come together.

The siblings were introduced to aunts, uncles, cousins, and other dignitaries. Each introduction was accompanied by polite bows and curtsies, reflecting the traditional customs of the royal family. Despite the formalities, there was a palpable warmth in the interactions, as the family members took genuine interest in getting to know Glory and Erick.

"Erick, Glory meet your uncle's and aunts, this Thalor my second born after your mother, then came Lysandra and finally my baby Darian, and these are their spouses Cathryn, Michelle and Daniel and your cousins as well." Said empress while introducing her children.

"As the eldest…"started glory before getting interrupted by her brother.

" Only by 2 minutes."said Erick.

" As I was saying this is my brother Erick and we were born in the continent you call Twilight at Zelcore territory. He loves hunting, combat, arts and music, to be precise instruments and as for me similar things to my brother but with the exception of games and also books. Mmmmmmm what else, oh animals to specially Horses. I guess that's it for now." Said glory with poise that only an adult could. Everyone at the dinner table looked at her impressed by how she carried herself and yet her brother was another topic.

"Your etiquette lesson went well then my dear." Said emperor Julian with some pride in his voice, as he looked at his grandson it was a whole another story." Erick what happened to your lessons?" Said the emperor with a hint of disapproval and everyone could see it.

"Sorry." Replied Erick unfassed knowing it would piss him off.

"Look if you can't even master basic etiquette, no one will give you a chance to even speak, let alone trying to gain access certain aspects of high society. It's for your own good boy." Said Julian tired of the constant push back from him, he couldn't even blame anyone for this behaviour known that he's still angry life it's self.

"Well my sincerest apologies to everyone who came out to welcome my sister and I, members of the government, military and family members and friends please accept my apology for my conduct this evening as it was a long day I'm exhausted, so I'll leave you at the lovely hands of my sister and grandma. So please forgive me but I need to turn in for the night." Said Erick mustering every bit of sincerity he could while slightly bowing his head to show respect to the guests as he was thought. Turning around he kissed his sister on her head and facing his grandmother for permission to be excused.

As The empress ordered her First Lady in waiting to escort him to his room, everyone at the table was surprised to see how quickly he changed his attitude, how he composed himself to get what he wanted. Everyone turned their attention to the sister and can't help but notice that difference in their personality. Glory noticing the change in the mood decided to follow her brother and asked for permission to be excused from the table and caught up with her brother.