Chapter 12
The Hero's Dinner Dilemma
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This was the first time Arondight had witnessed how Red Hilt demonstrated his ability to warp from one place (or dimension) to another.
At first, it was just a rumor among his fellow heroes. They say that Red Hilt can warp from a place even if he hasn't been there or seen it yet, or he can travel to another time whenever he wants. Still, no one had ever proven that the notorious no. 2 villain, Red Hilt, could actually do it (especially the latter)
Not until now.
Yes, now that he had experienced it himself, the experience was comparable to riding a roller coaster at impossible speeds, where every fiber of Arondight's stomach was being pulled and twisted as the environment shifted around him.
But soon, the chaotic movements stopped.
The smoke that had enveloped Arondight's body disappeared. He collapsed onto the soft, plush carpet that smells like an expensive perfume while gasping for air. A wave of nausea immediately followed and churned violently in his gut. He tried to press a hand to his chest to steady himself as his eyes slowly adjusted to his environment. When his vision was cleared, he realized he was no longer in the warehouse. Instead, Arondight found himself in the vast and luxurious dining hall of Noble Seas, one of the 5-star hotels in Galahad City that only a few elite and influential people could afford. The chandeliers sparkling above him looked like they were made out of diamonds. The long tables were laid with polished silverware and crystal glasses. At the same time, the aroma of rich, exotic dishes from the chef's kitchen filled the air, mingling with the faint tang of the sea breeze drifting through open windows.
Arondight slowly stood up, wiped the sour taste from his mouth, tried to shake off the lingering nausea, and scanned the room incredulously.
Noble Seas? Why here?
Of all places in Galahad City, why would Red Hilt choose this ultra-exclusive, gilded hall for a dinner?
But more importantly...
What kind of "dinner" was this villain preparing for him?
After standing frozen for several moments, still trying to comprehend what had just happened, Arondight heard Red Hilt's light but clear footsteps. The villain passed him without a glance and headed straight to his waiting assistant.
"Sebastian," The way Red Hilt called his assistant was a combination of command and charm, "Please escort my guest to the private suite I reserved. Also, he needs a change of clothes, something that is suitable for the evening. I'll just get myself ready."
The assistant replied with a bow. "Yes, my lord,"
Then Red Hilt suddenly disappeared into thin air before Arondight could even think of objecting.
"What the hell..." Arondight blinked a few times. He didn't know where things were going. He knew it wouldn't be good if he stayed there any longer, but leaving wasn't an option for him. No, not until he confirmed that Harbinger and the children were safe.
So for now, the only choice he had was to play along.
"Sir Arondight," Sebastian approached the young hero and said politely but firmly, "Please, follow me."
"Wait, what? Follow you where?"
Sebastian didn't give any more details and immediately called the other staff waiting on the side to support and accompany the hero into the private room reserved for him, leaving him no real room to argue. Of course, Arondight considered fighting back, but his strength still hadn't returned, and worse, that strange heat crawling under his skin was intensifying, like he was some sort of animal in heat.
Arondight just gritted his teeth in frustration.
In the end, he had no choice but to follow.
Four men guarded and accompanied the young hero down a long corridor lined with gold-trimmed walls and crystal sconces until they reached a grand private room that looked like a cross between a luxury suite and a fashion studio. The wardrobes lined on one side of the wall were made of high-class mahogany filled with tailored suits. And they were not just any tailored suits, but designer pieces that cost more than the hero's annual salary. On a nearby bed lay rows of silken ties, arranged by color, and the air was filled with the faint, expensive scent of roses and cologne.
Arondight blinked in disbelief, "Why am I here?" he demanded, looking from the wardrobes to Sebastian. "What exactly am I doing here?"
A woman dressed in a sleek black steward's uniform approached him and bowed respectfully as she answered, "You need to change your clothes, sir. Our master has ordered it before you head to the dining area for dinner."
"Wait, what?"
Sebastian entered the scene, stepped closer, gesturing toward the collection, and said, "You may choose whichever you prefer, Sir Arondight. Our maid will assist you in getting ready."
Arondight blinked at him with disbelief. "Wait, seriously? You expect me to just...play dress-up right now?!"
The butler's expression didn't change. "Our master was insistent that the evening proceed in a certain manner."
Arondight just stared, unable to process the absurdity of it all. What was happening was far from what he expected. Still, even though he wanted to retreat and disappear, he couldn't do it until his powers returned. He was sure that Harbinger and the children they rescued were safe.
So, for now, he gritted his teeth and endured it.
"Please help our special guest change," Sebastian said smoothly. Then he motioned to the guards, who stepped outside and closed the door behind them to give the hero enough privacy.
The female steward curtsied politely. She stepped forward with her skirt's soft rustle while her hands were already reaching toward the wardrobe.
"Excuse me, sir," she said in a practiced, calm tone, "Would you like me to help you remove your clothes?"
Arondight immediately wrapped his arms around himself like a startled child and exclaimed, "NO! THANK YOU!" Then, he immediately realized that he had accidentally raised his voice, so he quickly corrected himself and this time said gently, "I mean, I...I can get dressed by myself."
The woman blinked, still perfectly polite. "Are you sure, sir?"
"Yes," Arondight replied firmly. He expected the maid to leave because he was going to get dressed, but the maid didn't leave, which made the situation even more awkward.
Arondight frowned upon realizing it. "Uh...I'm going to get dressed now, miss. Aren't you going to leave?"
The maid inclined her head slightly as she responded, "My apologies, sir. But our master instructed me to remain here and ensure that you do not attempt to escape while changing."
"Huh?" Arondight froze, his face screaming in disbelief and embarrassment. "You've got to be kidding me..."
"I am only following my orders, sir," she replied without a trace of embarrassment in both her tone and reaction. Arondight stood there for a moment, staring at the maid, while his face turned red.
"That fucking guy..." the hero muttered under his breath, grinding his teeth. "He's enjoying this somehow, isn't he?"
Arondight had no choice but to dress himself. The maid chose the best white suit in the wardrobe for him. It's crisp, ivory-white coat that radiates quiet authority and elegance. The jacket and the pants were perfectly cut, emphasizing the young hero's well-built physique. The ensemble was paired with a black silk tie, creating a striking contrast that added an edge of formality and elegance.
When Arondight finally stood before the mirror, he barely recognized the reflection staring back at him. It was the first time he had worn such expensive clothes, and he admitted that he looked different, especially with his hair styled and his face powdered.
For a moment, he almost looked...normal but expensive, a man dressed for a date he never wanted, with the last person he should ever be seen with.
"It's okay, Arondight. This is just another mission. You'll get through it. Nothing else will happen..."
Arondight repeated those words like a mantra while straightening his coat and forcing himself to take a deep, steady breath. At the end of the day, no matter how polished he looked, he was still a hero pretending to play along with a madman's game. Whatever game Red Hilt was playing, Arondight would endure it...
...and win.
Soon, the maid approached the young man while holding a slim bottle of one of the most expensive perfumes, "Please hold still, sir," she said softly before spraying a fine mist over the young hero. Then the maid stepped back and politely bowed, "Come, sir. The master is waiting."
Arondight nodded once, setting himself for the last time as he followed the maid toward the door.
"Okay," he whispered. The doubt in his chest was replaced by a stubborn determination to face whatever is there head-on.
"Let's go."