How did she get this unconcerned about her own safety, anyway?
“Right. But you did listen in on our conversation, didn’t you?”
“Yep. Starting partway through.”
“Then you know we’re going to have to dress you in Delktunian fashion.”
“What’s Delktunian fashion like?” she asked, furrowing her brow. She was no doubt recalling the garb she’d been forced to wear in Clasbure.
“It’s not that different from Abh wear,” Jint explained. “Only, it’s separated into top and bottom halves. Also, Delktunians bare their legs from the knees down.”
“Bare legs?” Lafier’s brow furrowed even more.
“There’s diversity in the colors and patterns, and there’s strictly male and female clothes. It’s somewhat hard for outsiders to grasp, but I think that’ll resolve itself, since trends aren’t that big of a thing in Delktu. It’s very conservative. The fashion probably hasn’t changed much from when I lived there.”
“They really don’t wear anything from the knees down?”
“Yeah. Well, apart from shoes and socks. Those they wear.”
“I can’t believe they think nothing of that.”
The Abh didn’t typically expose any skin apart from the hands and head, even during childhood. In a sense, they might just be the most modest race in the galaxy.
“It’s not embarrassing for them. Everybody dresses the same way. Besides, it fits the climate. I happen to like it a lot. Oh, shoot, we need to dye your hair, too.”
Lafier moaned.
“Can’t forget Que Durin’s mom’s food, either.”
“Is it hard to stomach?”
“Not to me. I’m looking forward to it. But it is Delktu cuisine. They use dairy products and spices galore. I don’t think it’d suit your palate.”
“I see...” Lafier’s tone grew uncharacteristically deflated.
“The whole planet’s under the impression that the more butter they use, the better. And being guests from far away, and Durin’s mother knows her manners, you can be sure she’ll whip up for you what, in her eyes, is the perfect meal. Oh, maybe you should try some Billis scallions while we’re down there.”
“Billis scallions?”
“They’re an endemic vegetable, and a Delktu specialty. It can be nice if you have some as a little spice, but for whatever reason Delktunians use the things like they were just tomatoes or something. If I recall correctly, the first time I tried Billis scallion broth, my mouth was burning for three whole days. And trust me, I drank plenty of water.”
“And I’d have to eat some?”
“If you visit Que Durin’s house, yeah.”
“You don’t actually want to take me, do you.”
“I’m just giving you fair warning.”
“You lie,” she declared.
“I swear it’s all true. You can see for yourself. Just search for info on Delktunian fashion and cuisine.”
“I’m not doubting you about that.”
“Then what...?”
“I don’t care for that paternalistic expression on your face.”
“I’m making a paternalistic expression?” Jint stroked his face.
“Absolutely.”
“Look, I’m worried for your safety, all right?” he confessed. “This landworld was under enemy control until very recently. If I take Her Highness the Royal Princess with me to a place like that without any guards, His Highness the King of Clybh’s going to wring my neck.”
“My father will do no such thing,” she snapped, glaring.
“Fine, maybe not, but that’s just a figure of speech... You get what I’m trying to say...”
Lafier rose to her feet and drew closer.
Jint, too, got to his feet. “I have the right to worry about you, don’t I?”
“You do,” said Lafier. “So don’t hide the truth. I’m happy you’re concerned for me, but I don’t like being deceived — even if it comes from a good place.”
“I’m sorry. I just didn’t want to offend you...”
“I’m more offended that you thought that puerile lie would be enough to fool me.”
“Guess you’ve got me there,” he said, scratching his cheek.
“Besides, I’m concerned for you, too.”
“And that makes me happy. But in my case, you really needn’t be.”
“Really? Even after you’ve been abducted and imprisoned not once, but twice?”
“Oh, I haven’t forgotten. But it’ll be all right. This isn’t Lohbnahss II, and it’s not the Febdash Barony, either. This is the planet I grew up on. My home. I wasn’t born here, but it’s my home, nonetheless. I’ve even got a friend here. To tell you the truth, I’d love to show you around my home planet. But...”
“Okay. I believe you.”
“Thank you. I’ll be going it alone this time, but once we know for sure it’s safe, we’ll go together. And not just to Delktu. To Martinh, too.”
“Sure.” Lafier nodded.
“I’m glad you understand,” he said, clasping her shoulders. “I apologize for trying to trick you. I just want to get a lay of the situation for the time being.”
“You’d best come back in one piece.”
“I will. Promise.”
“By the way, Jint,” Lafier whispered sweetly in his ear.
“What?” he said, with a dreamy look on his face.
“I want to hear about that little ‘Harem Construction Project’ of you two. Best speak the whole truth and nothing but the truth; I don’t like being deceived.”
Mei City, the capital of Delktu, had a population of only about one million, yet its urban area was vast. Delktunians didn’t like multi-family dwellings, perhaps due to some universally shared psychological trauma.
Endless lines of two-story buildings stood along the roads that stretched like a giant mesh. There was no city center. It was the same scenery at any given point. There were government offices, given that it was the capital, but they were to be found not in one area, but sprinkled all over the map. Not only that, but even the government buildings were only two stories tall (albeit bigger than most general residences).
Jint’s self-driving hovercar stopped in front of a certain house. The second he stepped out, the distinctive aroma of Delktu cuisine hit his nostrils.
“Hey! Lynn Jint!” shouted Durin, rushing out to meet him.
“Long time no see,” said Jint, raising a hand in greeting.
“Never thought I’d ever see you with your feet on the surface again,” said Durin, slapping him on the shoulder before peering behind him. “Where are your vassals?”
“You’re the one who told me not to go overboard.”
“Yeah, but I don’t remember telling you to come by yourself,
