Grapevine (Zetheria Series #1)

Chapter 4: Diamond Statue

The waves crashed on the stones supporting the city and a salty scent permeated the air, reminding Selene of childhood summers spent on the beach.

Zurham City bustled with activity. The stalls displayed mouth-watering barbercue, soups, sweets and other street food, enticing the passersby to stop and have a taste.

"Would you like to have one of those, Lady Selene?" Mika suggested. Her eyes were visibly sparkling with excitement. She told her that this was her first time visiting the capital city of Zetheria.

It was Selene's first time, too.

"They looked expensive though."

"Oh, you don't have to worry about that. All the food here is free."

Selene gave her a bewildered look.

"How is that possible?"

"You probably forgot about it, Lady Selene. Major cities in the Crimson Empire have Food Districts that are entirely for free..."

She didn't want to believe it. Wouldn't the Empire exhaust all their coffers if they do this?

"... It is a symbol of wealth and prosperity and was managed by the Emperor himself. It was made possible by a decree, requiring wealthy houses to donate a small portion of their income." Mika stopped walking and looked at a food stall warmly, as though reminiscing a memory.

"But, what truly made this all possible was the citizens' effort and cooperation. Farmers who own a little land, donate all their harvest to the Food District. Those who had skills in making and preparing food volunteered to work here. In return, everyone will get food for free. No one will starve."

Suddenly, Selene imagined a Food District on Earth. If it's possible, then it will take a long time for them to achieve something like that. Probably, centuries or an  even more realistic guess would be a millenia. And a more accurate guess would be that no one will think about making it or that if someone did, they will eventually give up.

'That's reality for you...'

Mika faced her with a smile. "Lady Selene, this is the power of cooperation."

A gust of wind blew their hair and the salty smell intensified. A woman's shawl flew up into the sky. The banners flapped like wings and the waves sounded louder.

"It's amazing. Whoever the Emperor is, he must be powerful."

Selene glanced at one stall where most of the smoke is coming from. The thick, appetizing smoke obscured it completely, veiling the busy street in wisps of white.

The crowd moved. The cacophony of voices made Selene dizzy.

"How about that one, Lady Selene? Let's try it!" Mika clapped her hands enthusiastically and looked over her shoulder. "Lady Selene?"

She was nowhere to be seen.

"Lady Selene?" Mika called, her voice drowned by the noisy crowd.

There, from a distance, something was reflecting the sun. It caught Selene's eye. It was too late when she noticed that she had been separated from Mika. She shrugged. Curious, she headed straight to the mysterious object.

She bumped her shoulders a few times before reaching her destination.

Coming out of the crowd, she stood in awe in front of a massive statue as tall as a three-story building. It was sculpted out of blue diamond. It was blinding and majestic. The hair, the features, the lines, curves, every crease in her armor, her hair being blown by the wind and even her eyelashes were crafted with great detail. She had the same pose as the Statue of Liberty, but instead of a torch, she was holding a sword. In her left hand lay an open book.