To Gamble A Heart

Chapter One

Notes:

Disclaimer: I do not own Honkai Star Rail or any characters, places, or concepts associated with it. I only own the planet Eternium and any concepts and characters associated with it that do not exist inside the game.

Author's Note: Slow Updates for now. This is also published on AO3 and Quotev.

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The familiar sound of spinning roulette wheels and slot machines fill Aventurine's ears as he sits at the bar enjoying a meal and a drink while feigning interest in a young woman that's trying to flirt with him but failing to hold his interest past her pale purple hair and silver slitted eyes.

"So, what do you say we get out of here?" The woman says suggestively.

The ringing of his phone saves him from replying and he holds up a finger to the lovely woman.

"Boss, I take it you're calling to end my vacation?" Aventurine asks.

"Precisely, I have a new assignment for you." Jade answers with a casual tone.

"Alright. One moment." He replies then turns to the woman. "Sorry sweetheart, work calls." He tells her while paying off his tab. The woman tuns and leaves in a huff but does look back over her shoulder as if expecting Aventurine to follow her.

Aventurine pays her no mind as he heads out of the casino. "So, what's this new assignment you have for me, Jade?" He asks as he returns his attention back to the work phone call.

"The planet Eternium." Jade answers and Aventurine raises his eyebrows.

"You mean the planet the IPC was banned from ever setting foot on again eight years ago?" Aventurine asks incredulously. "And what exactly do you expect me to do with that planet?"

"The IPC was banned from Eternium until – and if - the crown Princess herself invited us back when she was older. She's now 21 and has reached out to Diamond and I with an invitation." Jade replies. "We want you to be the IPC's ambassador with the Eterni Princess." She explains.

"Don't you think it'd be better to send Topaz or, forgive me if I'm overstepping here, go yourself?" Aventurine questions. "I read the reports on what happened on Eternium eight years ago, I'd think sending a woman would be the better idea." Aventurine points out.

"I see your point and that was my line of thinking as well, but I have a feeling that you are the better and perfect choice for this assignment." Jade replies.

"Alright, if you say so, boss. When do you want me on Eternium? Are there any aspects of the Eterni culture I should be aware of before even setting foot on the planet?" Aventurine asks as he steps into the hotel he's staying at.

As he makes his way to the lift, he notices a group of three people off to the side keenly interested in him. They're wearing odd uniforms Aventurine is unfamiliar with, red and purple with white accents and white jewelry, each piece of jewelry inlaid with purple and red gemstones.

"The Eterni people value nature and are mostly altruistic, but they despise being called 'do-gooders'. The Princess herself is more of a pragmatist. Another thing to keep in mind is that the Eterni people have a sacred and culturally important approach to relationships that the Princess will explain to you." Jade answers.

"Got it, so don't call them do-gooders, respect their approach to nature, and no flirting with the princess." Aventurine replies, mostly joking with the last one.

He's thankful when the lift doors close because the three people start approaching him. "Jade, you wouldn't happen to know of a group of people who wear red and purple uniforms that have white accents and jewelry inlaid with red and purple gemstones, do you? Because three people like that seem keenly interested in my conversation." Aventurine adds.

"Hm, I can't say that I am. I'll make note of it. Maybe the Eterni Princess will have an answer for you." Jade replies. "As for your previous question, the Eterni Princess is expecting you by 4 in the afternoon tomorrow, she advises that they're expecting a heavy storm so her twin brother will be taking you down to the planet surface, I'll send you his image as soon as we hang up." Jade explains.

"Right, I'll pack my bags and make my way to Eternium." Aventurine replies and the call ends with that. Barely a minute later Jade sends the necessary information through. The prince has long golden blonde hair that's half tied up into a bun and golden eyes with fair skin. Both ears are pierced. Considering him and his sister are twins Aventurine begins to try to imagine what the princess looks like.

He makes it to his room and quickly packs the few things he had out. As he exits the room his thoughts turn back to the odd people who seemed to be quite interested in his conversation with Jade. To play it safe, he decides to take the stairs and go out the back door. He'll check out of the hotel using the mobile app.

Safely making it out the back door he hails a taxi which takes him the two blocks to the space port. Jade said in the information she sent over there should already be a ship waiting for him in hangar 7.

Eternium. One of the oldest planets in existence. "I wonder what kind of gambles I'll find on this planet?" He asks himself while looking down at the information package Jade just sent to him.