Kaveh felt like his chest was convulsing as he ran. Alhaitham had teleported ahead of him and Nozomi towards the Palace of Alkazarzaray. Nozomi trailed behind him, probably just as breathless as him.
"Alhaitham slow down!" He huffed. "You have longer legs than the both of us and poor Nozomi is behind! Jeez, come on…"
Alhaitham didn't stop, instead, he turned over his shoulder.
"Sounds like a you problem Kaveh. Nozomi has done a lot more training than the both of us in Inazuma so she's probably biding her energy until we get there." He called back. "In case you haven't noticed, you're four hours late to your own deadline… I'd cast aside any exhaustion until we get there."
Nozomi had caught up to Kaveh in a few seconds, seemingly unfazed while Kaveh clutched onto her shoulder.
"How can you run for so long without breaking a sweat? Seriously how do they train you over there?"
She paused beside him, pulling him back up before he could sit down on the path. Her hand brushed his hair out of his eyes and her fingers traced along the bridge of his nose. Kaveh even through his breathing couldn't help but feel refreshed around her.
"You've got this Kaveh, it's only a couple more roads until we're at Dori's? Come on, I want to see this famous Palace in person." Nozomi nudged then pulled on his sleeve. "It must be beautiful for you to fight so hard for."
Kaveh didn't say anything as she pulled him forward and focused on trying not to fall on his face. He dreaded going back regardless of him carrying the amount of mora required to pay her.
What if I'm too late? What if the Palace is already sold? All my years of sacrifice right down the drain…
"Kaveh, no matter what happens… you have me." Nozomi squeezed his hand and smiled gently into his eyes. "You also now have Alhaitham as a backup for emotional support."
His legs seemed to move on their own at Nozomi's praise. He felt conflicted about accepting her praise and the thought of Alhaitham having another heart-to-heart conversation.
"I said this to Alhaitham but I think I'd rather die of a heart attack than see him emotionally confide in me again." He coughed. "Your words of kindness are appreciated though… thank you. Let's get going, maybe it's time to face the music after all."
Nozomi nodded then both walked together at a brisk pace with Alhaitham stopping every once in a while. Checking to see how far the two had walked. Kaveh observed Alhaithams eyes wandering over to Nozomi who didn't seem to notice while huffed to catch her breath.
"You know… I'm still shocked that Alhaitham has any romantic feelings towards you Nozomi. Perhaps I've spent too long arguing with him to understand that even someone like him can have feelings for another… whatever that looks like. In any case, I'm happy he's found you."
"You say that like you're also not a part of this. Remember, without you I wouldn't have had anywhere to live much less have so much fun in Sumeru. Kaveh, I'm happy I've found you both." Nozomi said cheerfully. "I hope I can still be a smile in your life, I did promise you that right?"
An outline of the Palace loomed nearer as Kaveh temporarily forgot his exhaustion. His heart seemed to feel lighter and the warmth between their fingers lit a small bit of understanding between the two.
"My smile? Then… I'll always be your light in the dark should you need it." He squeezed her hand back. "Promise."
Nozomi's laughter echoed around him as she smiled widely.
"My god you're so cheesy… I guess being the Light of the Ksharwrewar does that to you, doesn't it? Anyhow isn't that the Palace?" She pointed through the clearing. "It's huge!"
Both finally caught up to Alhaitham who stood at an entrance of a bridge. Looking further ahead, Kaveh almost shared the look of astonishment that Nozomis's stare held.
The Palace of Alkazarzaray. Even in the night sky and with a crescent moon, he couldn't help contain the pride that his work had looked beautiful to the eye. Beyond the bridge in the center was a water-fountain that shined in the moonlight. A larger building to the back with similar leaf-shaped roofs overshadowed the backdrop of a waterfall in the background. A smaller building similar to his and Alhaithams home was not too far to the right of the larger building.
At least they've kept the grounds clean. I wonder how the inside is holding up? Maybe once the debt is paid I could add something like-
"State your business, who are you three?"
Kaveh shook his head as two guards approached with spears at the ready. He noticed Nozomis' fingers sliding towards the hilt of her blade and he stepped forward hurriedly before either of them could notice.
"I uh… I'm here to speak to Dori." Kaveh rubbed his forehead. "Lord Sangonmeh Bay I mean. I'm Kaveh of the Ksharewar and I'm here to pay the rest of my debt."
Both guards looked at each other and then at Alhaitham and Nozomi.
"How about those two? Not just anyone can see Lord Sangonmah Bay." Their eyes narrowed.
"They're-"
"Emotional support ehe." Nozomi walked over and held out her hand. "Nozomi Ogawa of Haravatat, I'm here just to-"
"Oversee that Kaveh pays off his debt. Alhaitham." He didn't offer his hand and pushed Nozomi's hand down. "We'd like to see Dori please."
The guards looked at each other confused then waved for them to follow. Once they had made their way toward the larger building, one of them opened the doors and motioned for all three to make their way inside.
Kaveh took in the interior he had worked on, noting how the marble floors with many patterns still reflected their figures as they walked forward. He hid his amusement when Nozomi whistled impressed.
They were taken inside a smaller room with two larger doors that opened to a veranda that held a view outside of where they had come from. Many exquisite furnishings laid about the room, alongside cushions and a collection of well-made statues in every corner. The guards turned and gestured for them to stay.
"Please wait here while Lord Sangonmeh Bay gets ready to meet you three. Please make yourselves comfortable in the meantime."
The guards pulled the doors shut and a deafening bang seemed to echo throughout the Palace.
Kaveh used this as an opportunity to calm his nerves and poured all three of them a drink. He skulled down his first round of wine and quickly poured a second.
"They say nerves are made of steel but I'd say yours is always made of wine. You might want to slow down if you want a better chance of negotiating with Dori about your late payment." Alhaitham took a swig. "That being said, this isn't a bad vintage. Nozomi, you should try this."
"I'll just eat the cheese, I'm fine without wine for now." Nozomi still took the glass and put it on the table in front of her. "Kaveh, you built all of this?"
"Well, I planned the initial design phase and helped install a few pieces yes. The construction was done by the builders and contractors… so it was a massive effort made by everyone." Kaveh beamed. "I'm glad Dori has kept it tidy. I'm still proud to say this is my best work yet. I keep trying to outdo myself but no one understands the creative process that goes into architecture…"
Kaveh sighed as he took a longer sip, the wine already making him feel lightheaded.
"Wow… I still can't believe you built my room in less than a month. Seriously I hope someone will accept your proposals for a larger project after you're done in the dessert. How much longer have you got to go?"
"Well about that I-"
"Well well! I didn't expect to see three people tonight." A voice interrupted them. "Welcome back Kaveh, let's see what you've got for us."
Kaveh's sense of dread came back as he looked over at the smaller figure wearing their usual shades, purple vest and pants. Her short pink hair was unmistakable and her jinn that she sat ontop of almost caused him to pick up his stuff and run.
"You look like you've seen a ghost Kaveh. Let's cut to the chase, what have you come to me at the dead of night for?" Dori held her frames and slid her shades up her head. "You've some nerve bringing Alhaitham urgh… wait, if I'm not mistaken is this Nozomi Ogawa?"
Dori peered over at Nozomi and Kaveh stood to introduce them.
"Where are my manners… yes, this is Nozomi Ogawa. She's a Light Novelist from Inazuma but currently studying with the Haravat at the Akademiya."
Dori ran over towards Nozomi and took a seat next to her. He watched nervously as both shook hands.
She isn't seriously going to propose a loan to Nozomi is she!? I should stop them before anything serious happens.
"Oh stop looking at me like I'm going to bite her head off Kaveh, I just want to know how far she is with writing 'They Were Roommates.' I was in line at your booksigning event but you had collapsed onto the ground. My condolences."
Kaveh gripped the edge of his seat resisting every urge to grab her away from Dori. Alhaitham raised his hand and coughed loudly, drawing everyones attention to him.
"We're in a bit of a hurry." Alhaitham stood up and pulled Nozomi up towards him and spun her to take a seat in his spot. "Is Kaveh up to date with his debt?"
Doris eyes slanted and a wide grin appeared across her face when Alhaitham had spun Nozomi into his seat.
"This is indeed a curious encounter. I had wondered if Miss Ogawa had just chronicled you two coming out as a couple or if there was anything else behind you three being here together… as it so happens." Dori held out her hands. "I will now count out the amount owed. Please give me a few moments everyone."
Dori jumped back onto her Jinn and both slid out of the room, slamming the door and a loud empty bang echoed throughout the hallway.
Minutes passed by where no one said anything. Kaveh stared at both Alhaitham who had pulled his book out, staying in his usual temperament while Nozomis thumbs circled around. Her eyes kept darting around the room. Eventually after five minutes, she quietly whistled and her eyes glowed a pale blue he was used to after a few months of her using her vision. Kaveh leaned on his chin, admiring how her eyes controlled the movement of the cobalt feather floating around the room.
Regardless of feeling anxious of the amount of debt being paid with Dori, he couldn't help but give a small smile.
"I've just noticed, the night you stopped me and Alhaitham from completely tearing ourselves to shreds… your feather had a shield around it. That sort of ability would come in handy against bandits in the desert."
Nozomi's eyes quickly faded in black while the feather fell to the ground. Kaveh slapped his forehead as he realized how Nozomi's face crumbled.
"I didn't mean to bring the other night up, I'm sorry. Err I just mean that you've gotten better at using your vision. I got mine by biting into a meal." Kaveh forced a smile hoping to change the subject. "When I built the Palace of Alkazarzaray, it was attacked by the Withering Zone… half of my lifes work was down the drain along with the rest of my finances. So I had to ask Dori for a loan and one day I sat down to grab a bite to eat. Then when I was about to take a bite, a Dendro Vision appeared… I still couldn't believe it, I almost choked on my food and could have died! Anyway, the point I was trying to make was that I'm glad you found a use for yours."
He watched as Nozomi's face relaxed and nodded.
"Alhaitham did explain about how you got into debt but he didn't mention why. You've certainly made alot of sacrifices… I'd say too many sacrifices." She held her broch with the hydro vision. "I've read alot of the archives and asked a few students, most have theories that we obtain them from our Archons but if that's the case-"
The doors swung back open with Dori walking through on her own. She held a few books and put them on the floor, swinging herself to sit on them. Kaveh gulped while tapping his foot.
"So, is the debt all paid off?"
Kaveh felt like Dori was about to say something, a long pause went on between the two as if she had dug claws into his skull.
"Yes it certainly is! I've counted all the Mora and all of your existing debt is clear and the Palace of Alkazarzaray will no longer be on auction for Schneznaya. However," Dori held up a finger. "Due to you paying off your debt later than the agreed time, there is a 15% late payment fee."
Kaveh felt his knuckles turn white as he stood up straight.
"Alright so, I just need to pay 15% of todays usual fees in the contract, right?"
Dori chuckled. "Silly Kaveh, the total debt you've paid me is fine but you need to pay the 15% of the total as a late payment."
Alhaitham's hands slammed his book shut on his knee and Kaveh could hear the crack in Nozomi's neck as both turned to glare at Dori and himself.
"What?" Both muttered.
"Listen guys… I can get this seriously. I'll just pay it off bit by bit, atleast it's not in the millions."
"Again however, since I'm sooo nice and Kaveh is such a valued customer," Dori cackled. "I'm willing to waive the entire fee in exchange for a written signature from all three of you."
Dori jumped off the stack of books and it took everything in Kaveh not to yell as he recognised Nozomi's books of 'They Were Roommates' now being stacked onto the table.
What the hell does Dori plan to do with those books? Is she going to blackmail us into doing something embarrassing? Oh no…
Dori turned to Kaveh with a sly grin and wagged her finger at him.
"Don't look so nervous." Dori turned to Nozomi. "Now Nozomi, these are the only limited-edition hardcover copies of They Were Roommates. Since Alhaitham and Kaveh have so many fans, I was wondering if you'd all sign each copy. Your light novels are currently up in the charts in the Boys Love Genre and my family are all huge fans."
Both Alhaitham and Kaveh's faces fell as they turned to Nozomi. Kaveh sighed heavily then waved at the books.
"If Nozomi is happy to sign the books, I don't see why we shouldn't either." He said reluctantly. "Honestly I can't believe what I'm hearing-"
"I can ask for the 15% of mora over a few payments still if you'd like?" Dori flicked the rims of her shades. "Your choice."
No sooner had Dori said 15% did Kaveh reached over to Nozomi's chest and grabbed the quill. He opened all four copies and signed the front page and held the quill infront of Nozomi who was now blushing. Kaveh closed his eyes and looked away knowing that he had almost grabbed her chest.
"I… Nozomi can you please do the honours? Sorry I grabbed your quill without thinking."
"Oh no! Seriously it's fine!" Nozomi waved her hands Infront of her face. "Dori did you want me to make it out to your family?"
"Oh don't worry about that, your name will do fine." Dori rubbed her hands. "These will sell for a load of mora with just your signatures!"
Nozomi's mouth opened as she scratched her head. Her quil glided across the page then slid the book over to Alhaitham.
"Now to our over to our famous Scribe, if you could please sign the page too Alhaitham." Dori held her chin in thought. "I've seen you at the booksigning and I found it absolutely hilarious. Does this mean that you and Kaveh are actually together?"
Alhaitham silently glared at Nozomi while the tip of the quill dug into the page. Each stroke seemed to look like a rapid succession of cuts as his signature laid indented in the page. Kaveh almost felt sorry for her when the corner of her eye twitched in irritation.
"I've repeated this once to Nozomi and Kaveh, I am now going to reiterate the same. As much as her fans or Kaveh wishes, I will personally never go out with him. He's too emotionally fragile." He slammed the cover shut and slid it back to Dori. "Your thanks, very loosely, is appreciated."
"Well I'm not the one who pushed me against the wall the other day aren't I? You're the one who seems pent up with frustrations that maybe you do like me, otherwise why else would you have said anything?" Kaveh folded his arms and grinned feeling victorious. "Did you want to admit anything right now Alhaitham?"
Dori's mouth gaped open while the two bickered and Nozomi pulled out her notebook.
"Maybe you're remembering events incorrectly. Perhaps it's time for a visit to Tighnari to have you checked for early-onset dementia… I specifically asked what if I did have feelings for you? You also missed the part where I clarified that it was said in jest." Alhaitham sighed.
"Maybe I should write down this moment for the next scene…"
"Don't write it!" Both Alhaitham and Kaveh hissed at Nozomi.
"Alright alright, Dori is that all you need from me and everyone else?" Nozomi slid her notebook back into her bag. "The fith edition should be released in a few weeks so, I can send you another signed copy by mail."
Dori jumped up and ran over to Nozomi. She shook her hands rapidly.
"Please do! Any chance to gain mora- I mean support local authors from Sumeru is something I love to do hehe." She coughed and started to usher her out the door. "Anyway, I must bid everyone here farewell… loads of accounting on my end to take care of, business to run."
All three were hurriedly rushed outside of the Palace. Dori had bowed.
"A pleasure doing business with you Kaveh. Remember I'm only a few doors away, when you need a loan with Lord Sangomah Bay. Don't be a stranger now, see you."
The doors to the entrance clanged with a bang. Kaveh looked over at Alhaitham then Nozomi. He slumped over and leaned into her shoulder.
"Your books were our saving grace tonight." He breathed out heavily. "But I'm never going to live it down… Dori will probably tell everyone in the Akademiya that me and Alhaitham are together."
He felt Nozomi's arms wrap around his waist as they trudged on back home. Alhaitham had already walked ahead at a brisk pace, leaving the two of them alone.
"Seriously I wonder what he thinks at times." Kaveh stretched. "God I'm glad this part of my life is over! I can finally start saving for more projects… oh, maybe I can buy more parts for the desert next year."
"I think you've had a few to drink tonight." Nozomi shook her head. "Let's not worry about your next dream project and get back home."
*
Nozomi made her way through the front door and shrugged off her bag. Alhaitham and Kaveh paused infront of the stair case that led to her room and she felt an awkward silence hang in the air.
"Well it's been a day. I'm going to excuse myself and get some proper sleep." Alhaitham waved over his shoulder. "See ya."
"Goodnight, Alhaitham." She nodded. "Well I agree with him… I guess I'll get some rest too."
Nozomi turned to walk up the stairs but could swear she heard Kaveh whisper something. Kaveh had a look she didn't recognise, his lip seemed to quiver.
"Yeah… Goodnight Nozomi. Rest well." Kaveh mumbled. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Nozomi waited until she heard Kaveh's door close and she walked upstairs to her room. Once inside she stripped out of her clothes and flopped onto the bed, flinging the blanket over herself. She covered her eyes with her arm and a sense of calm started to wash over her.