[Hathaway's Flash] Vol.02 Ch.08

Chapter.08 Apartment

　As Gigi Andalucia set foot in the bustling Hong Kong airport, she seamlessly sidestepped the assembly of officials who had joined her on the journey. Instead, a youthful Ensign from the  Circe Unit took possession of her luggage, leading her toward the airport's atrium.

　"Does it wear on you, serving under a rigid commanding officer?"

　"No, I've always thought the military was like this, so Captain Sleg's approach doesn't bother me."

　The affable Ensign accompanied Gigi until she was safely ensconced within the luxurious limousine, cautioning her to remain vigilant as the metropolis was teeming with illegal residents.

　"In this city, your whereabouts and limousine access are seen as privileged activities. I suggest tipping the chauffeur upfront, lest you find yourself swindled."

　"Would that hold true even if someone like you makes the request?"

　The Federation government's crackdown in this region has had a severe impact on the common people, fueling their aggression. Retaliation against the privileged class, including the use of Manhunters, is commonplace.

　"Thank you. That's some good advice."

　"Should you require assistance, please dial the number on this card."

　With a courteous farewell, the Ensign watched Gigi depart. He needed to return to the airport promptly to retrieve three esteemed ministers and Mace Flower, who would be joining them on their trip to Davao.

　Mace, initially planning a leisurely vacation in Hong Kong after a work stint on the Haunzen, found herself entrusted with the responsibility of hosting these ministers after a call from Kenneth. Embracing the unexpected turn of events, Mace chose to journey to Davao, considering it a welcome diversion.

　Oblivious to these developments, Gigi marveled at the surprisingly vibrant urban landscape adorned with time-worn structures reminiscent of bygone eras.

　"Yet, it pales in comparison to the glory days of the previous century."

　The limousine chauffeur offered this insight.

　Gigi noticed the impeccably maintained road ascending the mountain as they exited the city.

　"It's remarkable how well-kept this road is, surrounded by nature; it rivals even a space colony."

　"Indeed, the Federation government's recent Earth-centric initiatives have been quite impactful. A century has passed since the dawn of the Universal Century. Yet, as Earth's pollution is alleviated, influential Federation officials have established these luxurious urban enclaves for their own benefit..."

　Realizing Gigi's destination lay within one such posh neighborhood, the driver abruptly halted his commentary.

　"Don't worry. I'm not of that social echelon. I'm merely a humble mistress."

　Gigi proclaimed, loud enough for her voice to traverse the plastic barrier separating the driver's seat from the cabin.

　Their eyes met in the rearview mirror.

　"Hahaha! You have a knack for defusing delicate situations. Thank you. Your words have put me at ease."

　Ascending to a notable elevation, the limousine came to a halt before an elegant apartment complex.

　A steely-eyed security officer at the entrance inquired the driver about the identity of the cabin's occupant.

　"Gigi Andalucia. I presume you were informed of my arrival, correct?"

　Gigi addressed the guard, keeping the window merely halfway open.

　There are moments when an air of arrogance and aloofness proves efficacious, and this was one such instance.

　Naturally, this tactic had been imparted to her by her benefactor, Count Cardias Bowndenwooden.

　"Ah, yes! We were worried since you took so long to arrive."

　"I came down on the Haunzen."

　"Oh, of course! That must have been quite an ordeal. Kindly wait a moment."

　As the guard retreated within the entrance, the sturdy main gate shutter began its gradual ascent.

　The choice to forgo wireless or optical sensors signaled prestige, signifying that someone could be employed around the clock to oversee the gate.

　Moreover, it had the added advantage of creating jobs.

　In contrast to earlier times, the capability to produce food, living spaces, and daily necessities with a significantly reduced labor force led to a surge in individuals with no work obligations. However, this development did not yield positive outcomes.

　As evidenced by the consequences of implementing an entirely welfare-focused society, it became clear that people require exceptional talent and determination to lead fulfilling lives while engaging in leisure all their days.

　To unconditionally live in tranquility, an individual must possess an inherently composed disposition suited for such a lifestyle or exhibit formidable resolve.

　Lacking these attributes, individuals would succumb to corruption.

　A perfect example of this would be the well-intentioned welfare policies for the minority ethnic groups once scattered across the planet. The protection policies that ensured sustenance until their final days not only hindered successful assimilation but also stripped them of their capacity to preserve their cultural legacy. Once these minority groups no longer encountered adversity, they relinquished the fight for survival, forsaking their ethnic pride and customs.

　The ultimate consequence was the extinction of these ethnicities.

　Mankind had to shoulder colossal burdens to acknowledge the existence of seemingly benevolent abandonment policies.

　Finally, in the Universal Century, as the mixing of ethnicities took place, society began to restrict welfare policies solely to the most defenseless and reevaluate the importance of work in preserving their identities. This reassessment solidified the understanding that labor was indispensable for upholding one's identity.

　"The view will be magnificent when we reach the top floor."

　"I'd certainly hope so, or else there's no point coming to a place like this."

　"Of course."

　With an enigmatic, faintly dark smile characteristic of East Asians, the concierge wheeled Gigi's suitcase and directed her toward a crimson door.

　"We left the bare minimum tasks, such as making the bed, but should you require any additional items, we can promptly contact a supplier."

　The concierge unlocked the wooden red door using two cylinder locks. These locks were considered safe due to their mechanical nature.

　The ornately engraved red door radiated an air of elegance without ostentation. Beyond it, a winding staircase greeted them at the entrance, accompanied by a compact elevator to the left.

　"It's wheelchair accessible, right?"

　"The elevator? Of course."

　"Please call the interior and furniture suppliers immediately. I'd like to make some changes."

　Gigi surveyed the living room with a commanding view of the heart of Hong Kong, the dining room, and the main bedroom before giving the order.

　"As you wish, ma'am."

　Gigi thought she could make do with the standard kitchenware and dining set in the kitchen downstairs, but she decided that the upper floor needed an urgent makeover.

　"Please call the kitchenware supplier as well."

　"Of course, ma'am."

　"May I arrange meal deliveries for tonight and tomorrow?"

　"Most items can be ordered upon request. Oh, and if any of the temporary furniture appeals to you, you're welcome to purchase it."

　The concierge referred to the complete living room ensemble, dining set, and bed in the main bedroom.

　"I see..."

　Gigi returned to the living room and glanced at the thick catalogs on the table. Despite sensing an atmosphere of collusion between the concierge and the various suppliers, she requested arrangements and then sent them away.

　By evening, she had negotiated markdowns with numerous suppliers and placed orders for wallpaper replacement in one chamber and new draperies.

　In truth, procuring top-notch items demanded time and careful attention to myriad details.

　Gigi's inability to fully commit to this task felt like a disservice to the Count, but haste was necessary.

　It was precisely this facet of Gigi that Count Cardius Boundenwooden prized: her capacity to assume the role of a particular social stratum in situations like this.

　In other words, her aptitude for identifying and organizing tasteful, high-quality products earned her the admiration of those in her company.

　Her duties spanned from price negotiation to overseeing the craftsmen.

　Hours passed in the blink of an eye, and a middle-aged Chinese woman employed by the apartment building delivered Gigi's dinner.

　As Gigi accepted the tray with her meal, the woman unapologetically extended her hand, seeking a gratuity.

　Gigi bristled at the woman's surly demeanor, the exact kind of attitude the Count detested.

　While giving her a tip, Gigi said, "Don't always expect a tip, okay? With that attitude, you'll be asked to leave."

　The woman uttered nothing, merely scoffing dismissively.

　Resolved to let her go, Gigi sent the woman on her way and promptly contacted the concierge, communicating her decision.

　"I'll cover her severance. How much?"

　Stunned by Gigi's assertiveness, the concierge proposed a substantial amount, adding that it would suffice for the woman to reside in the city for half a year.

　"Mr. Hou? Starting tomorrow, please employ someone with a distinct surname from yours. Otherwise, you might be the next one asked to leave."

　He objected, arguing that Chinese surnames were limited in number and locating someone would be challenging.

　"Chinese surnames outnumber Korean ones, correct? Moreover, this city should host a diverse population, including individuals of Japanese or Southeast Asian origin."

　At Gigi's insistence, the concierge vowed to adhere to her request.

　This, too, was an aspect of Gigi's role.

　Gigi dined alone in the spacious dining room under ridiculously bright lighting, looking down at the seedy Hong Kong nightscape, a far cry from a glittering diamond.

　Exhausted, she then perused the hefty catalog before her, inputting a list of furnishings to order the following day on her computer and placing orders via phone lines where feasible.

　"..."

　Finally, the time came when she could completely undress.

　Gigi used the main bathroom, recalling Hathaway Noa's reaction when he saw her naked.

　She wouldn't have minded the pre-arranged amenities here if she pretended to be staying at a hotel.

　"Hathaway..."

　As Gigi murmured his name several times, she envisioned him presently mired in dirty work.

　She also knew that tonight might be the only time she could use such a splendid bathtub.

　"How delightful. Yes...!"

　Thus, Gigi nestled in a tiny corner of the apartment's double bed and slept in solitude.