28 Auras of Prestige

It was a chilly morning, two weeks after Ronald's visit. The weather was quite cold as winter was near. Red and brown leaves were decaying and a mild fog covered the place. The oak trees had a little amount of acorns on them.

Xana put on her coat and walked out after watching a few squirrels fight. She was headed to the building were her technologies were sold to people.

It was a blue store. The windows had wraps on them as they were still new and the surroundings still smelt of fresh paint. A few villagers were building flower hedges and attaching boards.

The building was suggested by one of the villagers who was then praised for his beautiful idea.

Funds for the building came from the village chief, the well-to-do in the village including Bill and Old Tim and Xana herself. Ronald wanted to help too but was politely declined by Xana.

'A frigging politician sponsoring something that I want to use as a help for my village? They'll just be ripped off when I'm gone.' she thought as she smiled at Ronald who had no such thoughts. Well.... didn't not completely have those thoughts.

She nodded in greeting to the workers.

In front of the building, a board was hung. 'The Miracles' were the words written on it. She walked in and her eyes swept the unfinished room. Chairs were littered around and a door was by the side of the wall.

It was the office of the owner. She walked in.

Today, she was going to commence the activities of the store. It's name sucked but that was what the villagers preferred.

Very soon, the corridor was cleaned up and arranged and a banner was hung inside.

"THE MIRACLES ARE GIVEN A FOUNDATION TODAY!"

Xana sighed as she remembered the day the title was brought up. Even her friends approved of it.

The name was a disaster. But she probably shouldn't be jinxing herself, should she?

The sun geared up and began attacking the mist covering the village. Rays were shot and droplets fell. The whole area was clear and bright.

It was 10am already. The compound was filled with villagers and people from other places who had heard of the miracles. Some even had it and had used them. Anyways, today was the day that it would be launched officially so everyone came happily.

After the speeches were delivered and applauses were given, Xana felt free. She wouldn't have attended this celebration if she was given a choice.

The Hopkins Family House

The welcome party Ronald promised Xana wasn't exactly a bustling party as most others would expect. Well, those close to the Hopkins would know that a bubbly baloony party was never to be expected from them.

Their dining room had no change, the minimalistic colours still reigned with no additions. The table was beautifully and elegantly arranged as usual. The sight would make any common person stifled.

But this was the Hopkins style.

Ronald's assistant personally drove to Acorn village to pick up Xana.

"I trust you are ready, Miss Page." The assistant addressed her politely. She was dressed formally in a black and white striped suit and trousers. It was personally sent over by the politician including the sneakers she wore.

'This must be limited edition.' she mused.

After waving her family and friends goodbye, she entered the car.

It was first time she was leaving the village ever since she arrived. 'Had she been too slow in her development?' she thought and inwardly shrugged.

'Well, I'm yet to find my purpose here, right? So let's just take things slow and steady.'

The car soon passed the uneven road of the country side and entered the city.

"WELCOME TO WESTERN FIELD CITY." A signboard displayed.

The car continued to move as Xana absorbed the sight around her. It wasn't up to her expectations. For one, there were a number of beggars at junctions and a few roads were filled with potholes.

Soon, they passed the downtrodden part of the city and entered it's heart. A huge mansion came into view immediately they entered a gate. The pillars were designed intricately with silver paisley and crowns. It's gate was on a whole different level. Xana had no adjectives to use.

It was automatically opened, one of the newest and best work of the Hopkins tech team. The compound was as big as two football fields, discarding the area the mansion was built.

A butler came out to bring her in. All the members of the family were seated at the dining table. Xana was led through long corridors and huge doors till she reached the dining room. Ronald smiled as he heard the approaching footsteps.

"Miss Deanna Page." The butler announced as the wooden doors with intricate gold designs opened.

Everyone's eyes moved towards it. Most of them had been forced to attend this impromptu meeting. What technological guru was in a teenager from the countryside?

Xana stepped in, her head held high and her long red hair flying in the invisible breeze. Their breaths hitched at their throats.

'Beautiful!' was the thought that passed through their minds. Ten seconds later, they still hadn't recovered till the patriarch cleared his throat.

"Right, right, have a sit young miss." One of the maids said, totally flustered.

Xana sat directly opposite Ronald's mother and next to the patriarch. No one had ever sat on that seat. The members of the Hopkins family burned with jealousy. Well, most of them.

She took in all their expressions. This family was going to be her stepping stone. She's gotta understand every single one of them.

She sat without hesitation on the seat next to the patriarch which as he was led to without minding the burning gazes of those around her. Her lips moved higher as she observed Ronald, thereby stunning everyone once again.

'Was this extremely beautiful and exquisitely seductive lady a sixteen year old?'

"It's nice to meet you in person, young lady. I've heard so much of your actions and works. Today was your opening ceremony, wasn't it?" The patriarch began.

Xana smiled politely and replied. "Yes. It's an honor to be here."

'This old man's aura was not normal. He could compare to junior scientists of my world. He has to be the leader of this family. The rest are like chickens.'

The patriarch smiled and nodded. "The pleasure is mine."

The butler announced that the food was ready and it was immediately served.

Roast duck, pig head, vegetable salad, soup, rice. It was scrumptious.

"You are absolutely welcome." The patriarch waved at the maids to serve the visitor.

'This girl is not normal. Not at all. She could look me straight to the eye and not quiver in fear. She's a keeper.' He thought as his eyes swept over her and Ronald.