The first morning, sunrays pierced through the stained glass, illuminating the shiny marble floor. The expansive lobby was lined with darkwood benches, standing upon dark green marble flooring. In the midst of the hall stood a bronze statue with a golden sign: “The First Chamberlain of the Chamber of Repose.” The metallic man had a burly moustache that seemed like it wanted to separate from the statue. His eyes were piercing, and his receding hairline was partially obstructed by an oversized tophat.

  The lobby was mostly empty, save for the bored receptionist, sitting behind a bronze grate and a few youths idling on the benches.

  The sunlight reflected on Vahl’s polished shoes. The young man sat there. Motionless like a statue. His fair complexion and blonde hair with slight curls were a picturesque example of what a noble youth was expected to look like. A purple shirt and a black overcoat hid his average physique, and the padding on the shoulders accentuated his stature.

  The black-haired man sitting next to Vahl yawned and leaned towards him. His posture revealed a relaxed predisposition, but his finger tapping conveyed anxiety about what was to come.

  “Hey, don’t you think this lobby would benefit from some purple or gold? I’ve never liked these new Baroque Royalist builds.”

  Vahl side-eyed the tall man and gave him a tactful reply: “Do you prefer High Royalist architectural styles?”

  “Eh, I am not sure. I like buildings like the Westbridge Courthouse,” the man betrayed his lack of knowledge on the topic.

  Vahl, amused by the man’s posturing, decided to strike back: “The Westbridge courthouse uses orange brick and copper roofing as its base. The white pillars are there solely to provide verticality and contrast, as they don’t even carry the embellished front. Those are the defining traits of Baroque Royalist style!”

  “Of course, I was simply prodding you as a matter of small talk. My name is Drew Livingstein,” the man offered Val his hand to try to hide his own blunder.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  “Vahl An Louviel!” the receptionist called out.

  Vahl stood up and made a gesture: “That’s my name being called. Perhaps we can continue this discussion if I am still alive by the time the sun sets.”

  Vahl grabbed a newspaper from the bench and scribbled down his phone number next to the date: July 2nd, 1964.

  The receptionist looked at Val with an indescribable look as she slid him a paper underneath the metal bars.

  Val took it and made his way to the examination room, where a doctor checked on him and consulted him about his ingestion of any stimulants before his arrival, as they might interfere with the procedure.

  “Your coffin is prepared, Sir!” said a technician.

  In that moment, another figure entered the room. Wearing a purple blazer and a black shirt underneath, he looked awfully similar to the bronze statue in the lobby. The man even went as far as wearing a similar tophat. He made a fake cough to get Val’s and the doctor’s attention.

  “Let me introduce myself,” said the balding man.

  The doctor and the technicians promptly left the room to give the two some privacy.

  “I am the current Chamberlain’s Adjutant. I came here simply to express my goodwill. We share the An surname, and so it felt appropriate. It might not have special meaning anymore, but that’s why I hope you will see my gesture as sincere. You are about to embark on a perilous journey, but where there is risk, one can find ample rewards as well. After you construct a mnemonic lock for the coffin, you will lie in it and consume a sedative. Any questions?”

  “No questions, but thank you for the sentiment. I very much appreciate it.”

  “Then I have nothing more to say. Good night and good luck!”

  Afterwards, the Adjutant left the room, and Vahl followed the proceedings.

  Now he was lying in a steel coffin padded with soft red pillows and a leather base. Vahl relaxed and stared at the coffin’s small window.

  “The only way out is through,” Vahl mumbled to himself.

  He checked the lock again and put a nose spray next to his face. With a look of resolve, he closed his eyes and inhaled the sedative.

  Soon, he fell into a deep slumber.