Opulence

After a quick shower, made longer by Lili joining you to get ‘extra clean’, you head out the door with the girls. Lili is excited as always to be out and about, but Emi shares your nervousness. Regardless, she smiles at you as you pull out of the parking lot, her hand finding yours and giving a gentle squeeze.

It’s a bit of a drive to Harold’s house, on the outskirts of the city. When you reach the address you were given, you’re a bit shocked by what you see. You knew he was well off, but what you see is practically a castle! A brick wall surrounds the place, containing a large, well kept yard. The house itself is enormous, three floors visible, and obviously many rooms on each floor. The driveway is gated, but the gate swings open as you drive up to it. Clearly, you’re expected.

You examine the grounds as you drive through the gate, which closes behind you. You never expected to see anything like this place, much less be invited to visit. You can’t begin to imagine what a house like this must cost. Harold must be wealthy beyond what you expected to be living in this kind of luxury.

As you pull up the driveway, practically a street in and of itself, a side door of the house opens, and a well dressed woman steps out. Dressed in a suit, with her blonde hair tied back in a tight ponytail, she has an air of authority about her. You park the car, and she approaches you, her face expressionless save for her blue eyes, which examine you closely.

“Good evening. Andy, I presume? Mr Albright is waiting for you inside. Please follow me.”

Without waiting for a response, she turns and walks towards the door. The three of you follow, and even Lili is somewhat restrained for once. Somewhat less of a friendly greeting than you expected.

Heading inside, you half expect something out of a horror movie, empty halls and dim lights, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The house seems well lit and almost cheerful, if a bit more fancy than you’re used to. Surprisingly, there’s also quite a bit of activity, with several people moving through the hallway, all dressed similarly to your guide. Everyone seems to make way for her, however, but unlike her, you see them mostly smiling.

Along the way, you pass what you take to be the kitchen, based on the sounds and smells from behind the half closed door. The aroma is intoxicating, and you feel your stomach rumbling in anticipation. Out of the corner of your eye you catch Emi licking her lips, and she blushes when you look at her. Lili, meanwhile, is practically vibrating with excitement, though she still stays quiet, at least for now.

Finally, your guide opens a door and gestures towards it. “Here you are, sir and ladies. Dinner will be prepared soon.”

You nod to her, getting no response, and lead the girls into the room, which turns out to be a lavish dining room. A long table is laid out, though only one end is set up. At the end of the table sits Harold, dressed fairly casually. He smiles as you walk in, rising from his chair to greet you.