ROSES HAVE THORNS-Chapter 70 - New Neighbour

"That’s seriously a lot of suitcases..."

"I’m pretty sure I didn’t order that many..."

Emelie and Kurt watched Darwin and a few staff employees haul out suitcase after suitcase of Kurt’s new clothing. Five cases in total.

"Ehm, Darwin? Did Raphael really bring all these out for me? It’s a bit too much."

"Why, yes he did, sir. I too was surprised by the amount. When I asked him why he told me it was because, and I quote, "I was hit by a sudden wave of inspiration when I saw and measured his body." He looked especially... happy when he said the words ’measured’ and ’body’."

"Pffft hehehe! Guess we’re not so different now, huh Kurt." Emelie laughed when she saw all his luggage compared to hers.

"Darwin, my friend, is it possible to ask if the employees here could carry these up to my room? I’d appreciate the help."

"Of course! It’s no problem at all. That is why they work here after all. Chop chop people, you heard our dear patron." When Darwin clapped his hand, the employees promptly picked up his suitcases and carried them up the stairs so as to not block the way of anyone using the elevator.

"Now, Ms. Herst. Judging from all the luggage you brought, am I right to assume that you’re here to book a room?"

"You know me?"

"Who doesn’t know about THE Emelie Herst. A.K.A. The Best– Ehem!" Darwin nearly started fan-boying out but managed to compose himself.

"I mean yes. Your reputation precedes you Ms. Herst. It would be stranger if I didn’t know you."

"That so? In any case you’re right in that I am here to book a room."

"That’s wonderful! And how long will you be staying?" Darwin asked as he reached under his desk to grab some papers for her to sign.

"A week. And if there’s a room available, I’d like to have one that’s near him." She pointed with her thumb at Kurt

"Oh my. Are you two perhaps..."

"Distant relatives, yes." Emelie quickly answered before he got the wrong idea. "He’s still new to Eldoria so I took it upon myself to show him around."

"Really, Kurt?! Why didn’t you say you were related to THE Emelie Herst?!" He quickly turned his head between the two of them as if trying to find the resemblance.

"Oh, it errr.... It slipped my mind. Eldoria’s a big place compared to where I’m from so I couldn’t help but go on my own little adventure. It’s the reason why I didn’t come back yesterday, haha"

"I see. That’s understandable. If I were a tourist, I’d be pretty overwhelmed too. Eldoria’s a very beautiful place. Now, Ms. Herst, let me check those rooms for you..."

While Darwin was looking through the list of available rooms, Kurt dragged Emelie to the side where he whispered to her.

"What was that about? Relatives? You really put me on the spot there."

"It’s not that big of a deal." Emelie shrugged nonchalantly.

"It is when everybody freaks out by just hearing your name. What if the word spreads? Oh God, I can already picture it. You piss off some random noble boy or girl, and now they want revenge on you by going through me..."

"Funny how I can picture that happening too, haha. But don’t worry, I’ll be on my best behavior. Don’t think about it too hard, Kurt.

Besides, I say it’s the perfect excuse. We’re going to be seen together a lot from now on anyway, so you better get used to the limelight, partner~" She gave him a cheeky smile and went back to Darwin.

"... She’s a maniac." Kurt sighed as he followed her back to the front desk.

"Ah, Ms. Herst." Darwin looked up from his clipboard. "You’re in luck. It would seem that two rooms on the third floor have opened up. Room 16 and 17. Kurt is currently residing in room 15. I take it you’ll take room 16–"

"17." Emelie quickly corrected him. "Give me room 17 please."

"Do you mind me asking why? Wouldn’t it be much easier for both of you if you were next to each other."

"Because my dear Darwin~, last time I was neighbours with him I caught no sleep due to him and his girlfriend staying up all night. You catch my drift?"

"Whoa! T.M.I. Emy!"

"That shouldn’t be a problem, Ms. Herst. Our walls are embedded with the best sound proofing magic in the industry–"

"An extra layer of protection? Even better for me then. I’m sticking with room 17, thank you." Emelie smiled as she made her final decision.

"Y-Yes ma’am. The payment amount is listed here as well as where you need to sign..." Darwin slowly slid the contract to Emelie.

Kurt, on the other hand, was staring at a particularly interesting speck of dirt on the ground since for some reason his head felt too heavy to look up at her.

....

"Thank you for staying at City View Hotel. We hope you enjoy your time here..." Darwin waved at Emelie as the two of them were standing in the elevator.

"Thank you for having me." Emelie waved back as the elevator doors closed.

Ding! Shut

The elevator ride was awkwardly silent. Mainly since Kurt still hasn’t lifted his head and looked at her.

"Why so quiet?" She asked him.

"... The shame, Emy. The shame I feel is unbearable..."

"Oh that? I’m long over it. I was only teasing you back there."

"Still, if there’s anything I could do that’ll wash away this feeling, please, let me know."

"So dramatic." Emelie rolled her eyes. "Fine. Dinners on you tonight, Mr. Rich-Man. Also, buy me a six pack of grape flavoured soda."

"Deal. What’s the soda brand?"

"Drinksalot."

"D-Drinksalot? How... straight-forward."

"You should try it. It’s really good."

"Damn. If THE Emelie Herst is saying so, then who am I to refuse."

"Don’t you start too..."

Ding

Kurt help Emelie carry her bags into her room then promptly left thereafter before telling her,

"Meet you downstairs in an hour? Looks like we both got some rearranging to do."

"Yeah." She nodded. "See you then. And thanks for the help."

"Anytime." He waved with two fingers and left for his own room.

’Hm?’ He stopped right before swiping his card to unlock the door.

’I can hear something moving inside. A robber? A staff member?’

Kurt reached for his dagger only to remember,

’Oh shit! I completely forgot to take back my weapons! Ngaaah, screw it! Those were cheap and disposable anyway. *Gasp!* Also, Arlo’s tag! I bet Emelie would’ve known how to unlock it. Dammit! I could’ve been so much more richer!’

The movement inside the room suddenly stopped. That’s when Kurt noticed the very faint shadow lurking beneath the door.

’Are they waiting to get the jump on me? Hmph, not if I surprise you first.’

Kurt readied himself to launch himself at whoever may be waiting for him.

’Aright, here we go. In 3... 2... 1... Now!’

Beep

"Got’cha bitc–!"

*meow*

"... You’re kidding me. Kitty?"

*meow?*

"How did you even get in here?" Kurt calmed down and deflated as the sudden rush of adrenaline left his body.

"Last time I saw you was on the ship." He bent down to pet the cat as he thought back.

"C’mon, let’s go inside. I don’t know the rules about keeping cats here so you’re probably gonna have to leave soon."

*meow purrr~*

Shut

Kurt spent the next 45 minutes taking both a shower and a relaxing bath as he cleansed all his worries away and emptied his mind. After which he then sorted through all the suitcases and packed his new clothes away while keeping the ones he decided to wear.

"All done. Let’s bounce, Kitty."

*meow!*

The cat jumped on his shoulder and together they left for the lobby.

....

"Hmm? Looks like Emelie got here first."

"Kurt. There you are– What’s with those shades? And I see that Kitty has once again popped out from nowhere."

"You like it?" Kurt adjusted the round sunglasses on his face and flashed her a charming smile.

"It’s... nice."

"Thanks. I like your green crop top too. It’s a nice change of pace from your white uniform. Compliments your hair nicely."

"And I see you haven’t ditched the black. Didn’t you learn your lesson from last time?"

"Whoa whoa whoa! Do you not see the white shirt with a beautiful black floral design? Besides, we ninja are supposed to be stealthy."

"Where did you even get these clothes? I thought you only got suits?"

"They came inside the suitcases. Turns out it was not only suits but a whole plethora of casual and formal wear. I really oughta thank Raphael next time I see him. Maybe give him a generous tip. I was kinda acting like a dick last time I saw him..."

"Yeah, well that can wait. We need meet with Dominik and update him on the situation. While we are walking, you can also tell me how your meeting with the king went." She waved her hand over her shoulder to let Kurt know to follow her.