Chapter 311: Chapter 311: Life of Luxury and Dissipation
The "palace maid" leading the way was very quiet, like an NPC.
Except for a fleeting look of surprise when she first saw Owen Sinclair, she proceeded to guide them step by step, with only a respectful expression on her face.
This showed just how strict the training for service staff here was.
Along the way, Ariana Grant kept turning her head, wishing she could imprint the scenery inside her mind.
Ashley Shaw also found it quite novel, especially as the sky gradually darkened; the distinctive play of light and shadows against the antique scenery truly gave one a time-traveling sensation.
Shane Coleman said, "In such a hedonistic place, I wonder who the boss behind it is?"
He asked while looking at Owen Sinclair.
Owen Sinclair gave a meaningful glance at Ashley Shaw before shaking his head, "I’m not sure. It’s better not to speak about uncertain things."
Shane Coleman made an "eh" sound, saying, "Could you blend a bit into our younger world? You look so young, but once you speak, you reveal your age."
Owen Sinclair looked helpless.
Looking young was a gift from his parents; there was nothing he could do about it.
Moreover, he made his living in this business, so even if he didn’t care about his image, his assistant, manager, and the upper management of the agency wouldn’t allow it.
But if some things are certain, he plans to retire early and enjoy his twilight years.
After his daughter gets married, he will start preparing to help take care of grandchildren.
...
The Nocturne doesn’t have ordinary boxes; each box is an entire courtyard.
And each courtyard is named after a place from The Empyrean Dynasty.
After walking for about half an hour, Ariana Grant had already achieved her exercise goal for the day, and the "palace maid" finally stopped in front of a courtyard with a "Yarrowdale" sign hanging.
"Ladies and gentlemen, here we are." The palace maid used an ancient tone to invite the four of them in.
The courtyard was similarly antique, with jars and bottles all styled after The Empyrean Dynasty.
Owen Sinclair took a look and said, "These are authentic."
The three of them, including Shane Coleman, all showed shocked expressions.
That showed the level of opulence here.
Xavier Quincy came out when he heard the noise.
Seeing Owen Sinclair, a look of surprise flashed in his eyes.
Ashley Shaw, as the intermediary, stepped forward to make introductions.
After everyone had met, Xavier Quincy said, "It seems you need to change into formal wear for the ’Palace Banquet.’ Any issues with that?"
Ariana Grant’s eyes lit up.
"No objections! Of course not!"
Xavier Quincy then looked at Shane Coleman and Owen Sinclair.
Shane Coleman, who came just to tag along and broaden his mind, also nodded in agreement.
Owen Sinclair had no objections either.
Whatever Ashley Shaw wanted to do, he would accompany her. After all, changing into ancient attire was nothing unusual for an actor.
"Alright, then I’ll call them over."
Xavier Quincy rang the bell hanging from the eaves, and soon people dressed in Empyrean attire came in.
They were responsible for dressing up the guests.
The dressing was done in the wing rooms of the "Yarrowdale" courtyard, with separate rooms for men and women.
Ashley Shaw and Ariana Grant entered, immediately seeing the dazzling array of Empyrean clothing and headpieces.
"Would you like to choose yourselves, or should I help you pick?" the stylist asked from the side.
Ashley Shaw said, "You guys can pick for me."
Ariana Grant nodded in agreement, "Anything is fine for me, just find me a larger size; otherwise, I can’t fit into it."
The stylist chuckled and said, "Don’t worry, Empyrean dresses will look good on you."
Ariana Grant tugged at the corner of her mouth.
Was that a compliment or mockery?
Whatever, just assume it was a compliment.
Before long, the stylist had selected dresses for both of them.
Ariana Grant changed into her dress first and came out.
The stylist selected a light purple chest-high robe for her, with peony patterns embroidered at the edges, transforming her into a true beauty of The Empyrean Dynasty.
The stylist had worked at The Nocturne for more than a year and had seen many beauties but had never seen anyone like Ashley Shaw who suited ancient clothing so well.
"If you were in the past, who knows how many nobles would have bent to you."
Ashley Shaw shrugged, "If I were in the past, I’d probably be on the battlefield fighting wars, becoming a noble myself."
Being pampered wasn’t her style.
She’d tried it once before.
Being pampered meant relying on others; once the tree you rely on no longer supports you, you’ll wither quickly.
The stylist didn’t know why the atmosphere had suddenly become heavy.
Luckily, at that moment, Ariana Grant finished changing.
The stylist had chosen a crimson chest-high long dress for her, with layers of sheer scarves revealing a faint red sheen like flames under the sunset—fiery and captivating.
The hem was embroidered with intricate phoenix patterns outlined in gold thread, vivid and lifelike, as if about to take flight.
Ariana Grant instantly transformed into an elegant and majestic beauty of The Empyrean Dynasty.
The stylist was completely amazed by Ariana Grant’s makeover.
While Ashley Shaw was stunning and breathtaking, Ariana Grant perfectly matched the style of the Empyrean dress.
It really felt like Cleopatra had returned to life.
Ashley Shaw gave a thumbs-up.
"This style suits you so well!"
Ariana Grant covered her chest, a bit shy.
"Isn’t this... too revealing? Were people from The Empyrean Dynasty really this open?"
She felt like if she leaned forward, her chest would spill out of the neckline.
Ashley Shaw laughed, "It’s not that the people of The Empyrean Dynasty were open; it’s just that you’re less open. Relax, as long as you stay classy today, your chest won’t spill out."
The stylist, a girl, heard them and handed each a strip of anti-exposure tape.
Ariana Grant stuck it to her chest, finally feeling a bit safe.
"Is this the legendary big-bust dilemma?"
The stylist, seeing Ariana Grant’s expression, joined in the joking.
Ariana Grant shrugged her shoulders and said to the stylist doing her hair, "Don’t look at me, I’m purely chubby. If I slim down, there might not be much left up here."
As she spoke, she tugged at the stylist’s long sleeve, motioning her to look at Ashley Shaw sitting beside her.
"This one is truly slim in clothes and... well-endowed out of them. Once, we went to a hot spring, and I saw—"
Ashley Shaw blushed furiously, glaring in mock anger, "Don’t talk nonsense!"
"Why are you afraid? We’re all girls here. I’m telling you, her chest..."
"Ari, Ana, Grant!"
Ashley Shaw glared angrily, and Ariana Grant, seeing she was genuinely a bit annoyed, swallowed her words with a smack of her lips.
This only piqued the stylist’s curiosity.
Even though she was doing Ariana Grant’s makeup, she couldn’t help sneaking a peek at Ashley Shaw’s chest.
Ashley Shaw felt this and awkwardly coughed, finding an excuse to go to the bathroom and leaving.
As soon as she stepped out, she saw the three men had already changed into their attire, standing in the courtyard.
As soon as Ashley Shaw opened the door, the three of them looked her way.