Paragon

Remnants of the Great War [4]

PARAGON

Remnants of the Great War Arc [4]

Chapter 13 : New Game

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The Hano Grand Resort was a golden castle by the sea. Silken beaches and tropical coves drenched the property in luxurious prestige, and the sun above bathed the whole city in a perfect heat, never too hot or too humid, all year round. Golf courses, volcanic hot springs, and furnished bars littered the resort, and its guests were never left wanting for greater services or accommodations. Despite the astronomical price tag on even their smallest suites, the resort remained fully booked year-round, though the property was so vast that it never felt cramped or crowded. It was unusual to not see at least several world-renowned celebrities enjoying one of the crystal pools or relaxing on one of the many private beaches.

Cynthia took a sip of her cocktail, a lemon-colored nectar flavored with the purified enzymes of a Toxapex cultivated specifically for that one ingredient. It was refreshing beyond all belief, like drinking sunlight with accents of wood and spice. An array of small plates covered the circular table she sat at, holding powdered cakes and frosted cookies and fluffy meringue and other pastries and sweets she couldn't even name.

It was a bit past noon and the sun still hung overhead, but she was inside. A day like today would've been best spent outside, but this penthouse suite at the top of the resort offered a different strain of comfort. The walls were lined with doors, and all of them were open to let in the fresh air and island breeze. Artificial streams trickled throughout the room, adding to the ambience. The ceiling above was painted with an oceanic mural with beautiful renditions of the local pokémon wildlife.

Across from Cynthia sat a woman she'd known since she was a child. She had long black hair that cascaded over her shoulders like water and pooled on the floor around her. She wore a simple white sundress that swept over her tenuous form down to her ankles, and silver ringlets banded her fingers. Even though they were indoors, a wide-brimmed white hat sat on her head. Cynthia had learned how to be a woman from her, and she was the obvious inspiration for her own meticulous public image. Her face was spotless, without a single wrinkle or mole marring her porcelain skin. Her long eyelashes flitted like the wings of a butterfly with every blink, and her eyes were a cold pearl.

Zelda Leora was perfection incarnate.

"I'm sorry for calling you away during such a busy time. I would have understood if you declined."

Funny.

"Of course not!" Cynthia waved her hand. "Not even the end of the world could stop me from coming to tea time."

Zelda beamed. "You're so sweet, Cynthia. And speaking of, try one of these honey tarts. A cafe nearby just opened several months ago and these sell out an hour after they open every morning." She pushed one of the plates in Cynthia's direction.

Cynthia picked one up, then looked back at Zelda. The woman laced her fingers together and stared at her expectantly, like a child, her face alight with pride. Cynthia smiled and bit into it. Sugary goodness blossomed across her taste buds, and her eyes widened. She brought a hand to her lips. "Oh my goodness."

"Right!" The lavender eyeshadow around Zelda's eyes shimmered as she smiled. "Here, have another! Oh, and then you have to try some liechi pudding next! And the sugarberry eclairs after that."

"I'm trying to watch my weight..."

"Oh, enough, you're still young," Zelda scolded. "Life is all about mundane pleasures like this. You need to enjoy them while they're still in front of you!" She pushed another plate forward with her glossy fingernails.