Chapter 27

Rogue Rider Mansion, Beverly Hills, California. United States

When Gen stepped into the actual house, it was complete luxury overload. If Lunis was telling the truth about designing the Rogue Rider Mansion, then he'd gone to the extreme and had an unlimited budget.

Every surface in the shiny place seemed to scream, "I'm richer than you," in a way that would make a king blush. In the entryway, dual staircases twirled upwards like ribbons in a dance, aspiring to reach a ceiling lost in the clouds—or at least, trying hard to.

The chandelier above was the essence of gaudy as it dangled, scattering light with wild abandon. "Subtlety" had clearly been banished from this kingdom, probably exiled to a land far, far away. Modern marvels masqueraded as furniture, pieces so sleek and pristine, they had to be made from unearthly materials.

Walls hosted displays larger than Gen's old village's meeting square, flickering with images of places and people she couldn't begin to comprehend. She'd heard of televisions during her first few educational lessons into this world, but didn't know they told full-color stories of places in such bizarre and vivid ways.

The air hummed with the whispers of a hundred gadgets, each boasting of an efficiency Gen found both admirable and slightly terrifying. Everything here was a testament to excess, a museum dedicated to the art of showing off. Entering this mansion was like stepping into a future where magic was made of circuits and success was measured in square footage.

"I know the Rogue Riders seem a bit tough, but you'll warm to them," Sophia consoled after giving Gen a moment to take in the strangeness of the place they'd entered. "They really are a fun and honorable group for the most part."

Gen glanced out the huge doors that led to the front steps and grand driveway of the mansion. Through the stained-glass windows, she could see Emperor and Lunis lounging on the grounds, resting before a hunt.

"I think it's me that I'm worried about them warming to," Gen offered. "I'm not like them… I'm not like anyone here. And Emperor is about as warm as a blizzard."

"Emperor is setting the tone for a lifetime of leadership," Sophia stated. "He was right to do what he did. Jack is a great guy, but you and he can't be disrespected from the start. You may be new to this world and it might take you time to learn our ways. I don't think you should jump into any role too quickly, but I also think that you demand a reverence that others don't deserve on their first day. Emperor bent Jack's knee, as he should have."

Gen nodded. "So mind control. That's a bit of a head trip."

Sophia laughed. "Oh, wow… That was a pun to impress Lunis. And yes, I didn't see that coming, but talk about a skill. It will be tricky to manage."

"I think that will be my job, according to what Emperor told me," Gen stated.

"And you were pretty quick to set the tone," Sophia said proudly. "Pulling out Bellumferrum and showing that you couldn't be bullied was brilliant. If I didn't know for a fact that you were a Beaufont, I would have guessed it right then."

Gen grinned, feeling giddy still after that moment when she held what she inherently knew was a plasma whip, although she didn't seconds before it materialized. The things that were possible with Bellumferrum were incredible. However, much like Emperor's powers, the Weapon of War could get out of control very quickly. Too much power wasn't a blessing. It was a privilege and came with great responsibility and restraint.

"So this is where I'm going to live, then?" Gen asked, looking around at the marble columns that towered over her, holding up an elaborate ceiling.

"Yes, but I'm sure that Amanda can make your space to your liking," Sophia offered.

"Oh, is she like the Quiet of the Rogue Rider mansion?" Gen asked, studying the artwork on the walls, which was drastically different from the old-world paintings in the Castle. The images of stern and tough riders and their dragons were so surreal, they looked like the painters had used magical paint.

"She's like him, but totally different," Sophia stated. "And here she is now."