Chapter Twenty-five

The second day in Eden began with the Braavosi envoys awaking in the most luxurious accommodations they had ever experienced. Their chambers were beyond opulent—tall, arched windows framed by curtains of silver silk, floors of gleaming marble that reflected the light from crystal chandeliers, and furniture upholstered in fabrics so fine, they felt almost weightless to the touch. The beds were so soft that Carra had woken up in a state of disbelief, convinced for a moment that he was still dreaming.

Denyo stretched out lazily on his bed, staring up at the intricately painted ceiling, where scenes of Eden's mythical history were depicted. "I've stayed in palaces," he said, his voice thick with awe. "But nothing like this. Even the Sealord's palace in Braavos feels like a shack compared to this."

Carra grunted in agreement as he stood by the window, looking out at the perfect streets below. Every blade of grass, every flower, every building—everything in Eden was a vision of immaculate precision. Even the morning light seemed gentler here, casting a warm golden glow over the streets. In the distance, towers of shining glass reached high into the sky, their reflective surfaces shimmering like a dream.

Their guide had told them that Eden was a place of perfection, but nothing had prepared them for this. "It feels... unreal," Carra muttered.

Denyo pulled himself out of bed, glancing around the room. "It's too perfect. Like it's been polished down to the soul."

They dressed themselves in the elaborate clothing Eden's fashion dictated for their visit to an art gala hosted by Garth, the Minister of Commerce. The invitation was both an opportunity and a challenge. The Supreme Leader's approval was critical to establishing any trade with Eden, but Garth's collaboration would ensure that Braavos was not left behind in the bustling trade market that Eden had become. Everyone who sought trade with Eden needed his favor, and tonight, the Braavosi envoys were to meet the man in person.

But first, they had to deal with the clothing.

"These damned outfits," Denyo grumbled, struggling with the vibrant robes that shimmered like liquid metal. The sleeves were extravagantly long, billowing with every movement. The collars were stiff and high, almost like armor around their necks, adorned with small crystals that caught the light in dizzying patterns.

"Eden's fashion is... challenging," Carra said, his own frustrations evident as he tried to fasten the intricate fastenings of his tunic. "But we'll have to get used to it. We need to blend in."

After a struggle with the unfamiliar attire, they were finally ready. Outside their chambers, a sleek black limousine awaited them, its surface gleaming like onyx. As they settled into the soft leather seats, the city unfolded around them, and they could see more of the Eden that both amazed and unnerved them.

The streets were impossibly clean—there wasn't so much as a piece of litter or a crack in the pavement. The polished roads reflected the glow of streetlights and passing vehicles, creating an almost surreal atmosphere. Everywhere they looked, the citizens of Eden moved with an elegance that seemed almost rehearsed. People smiled, greeted each other warmly, and walked with a purpose that suggested a life of ease and contentment.

As the limousine glided through the city, they passed through green spaces dotted with sculptures and gardens, all meticulously maintained. Groups of families and friends were picnicking, children laughing and playing on the grass, while young couples strolled hand in hand, exuding an air of carefree joy. Everything about the city was orchestrated to perfection, and yet, the more Carra and Denyo saw, the more uneasy they became.

"Look at them," Denyo muttered, glancing out at the people. "Not a single wrinkle on their clothes. Not a single hair out of place. It's like they're all actors in some kind of play."

Carra nodded. "And we're the audience."

The limousine arrived at the Museum of Art, an architectural wonder of gleaming glass and steel that seemed to reach up into the heavens. The building's grand entrance was lined with towering sculptures, each one illuminated by soft, ethereal lights that gave them an almost otherworldly glow. As the envoys stepped out of the car, they were immediately greeted by the sound of soft music and the murmur of conversation from within the gala.

Inside, the gala was a display of wealth and extravagance that left even the Braavosi envoys speechless. The room was filled with Eden's elite, dressed in outfits that defied logic—dresses that changed color with each movement, suits that shimmered with an almost magical quality. The air was filled with the scent of exotic flowers, and the walls were adorned with artwork that was as bizarre as it was mesmerizing.

But as the envoys moved through the room, they quickly realized that the art on display was not what they had expected. Instead of grand portraits or marble statues, they were greeted by frames filled with chaotic splashes of color, sculptures made of twisted metal, and installations that seemed to defy explanation. One piece, in particular, caught their attention: a single pineapple, placed on a small pedestal in the center of the room, surrounded by guests who were deep in animated conversation about its "profound meaning."

"It's a pineapple," Denyo whispered, his voice incredulous. "How is this art?"

Carra shook his head, equally confused. "I don't know, but everyone seems to think it's the greatest thing they've ever seen."

As they tried to mingle with the guests, they quickly found that their conversations were just as surreal as the art itself. Each person they spoke to greeted them warmly, praised Eden's grandeur, and wished them luck with their upcoming meeting with the Supreme Leader. Then, without fail, they would drift away, leaving the envoys feeling as though they had just spoken to someone reading from a script.

"It's the same thing every time," Denyo muttered after their third conversation. "It's like they're programmed to say the same lines."

Carra nodded, feeling a growing sense of unease. Everything in Eden was perfect—too perfect. And the more they experienced it, the more they felt like they were being watched, like every interaction was part of a larger plan that they couldn't yet see.

Finally, after what felt like hours, they spotted Garth. The Minister of Commerce stood out from the crowd, not because of his appearance, but because he looked... normal. Unlike the impossibly beautiful citizens of Eden, Garth looked like any ordinary man from Westeros, his face lined with age and experience. He was dressed simply, in stark contrast to the over-the-top outfits around him.

"Garth," Carra greeted him as they approached. "Thank you for inviting us."

Garth smiled warmly and extended his hand. "I've been looking forward to meeting you both. Please, come, let's talk."

The conversation with Garth was a refreshing change from the endless praise and rehearsed greetings they had received all evening. Garth spoke openly about the intricacies of Eden's commerce, the importance of their trade partnerships, and the role his department played in managing the city's economic relationships.

"If the Supreme Leader approves your trade request," Garth said, his voice steady and calm, "you'll have my full support. Braavos is one of the few cities in this world that values true freedom, and Eden respects that."

Carra and Denyo felt a wave of relief wash over them. It was good to finally have a conversation that felt real, without the suffocating perfection that seemed to define the rest of Eden.

As their conversation was winding down, a sudden commotion drew their attention. A young woman, dressed in one of the elaborate gowns so common in Eden, was having a breakdown in the middle of the room. Her face was twisted in anguish, and she was sobbing uncontrollably. Several people in uniforms rushed to her side, restraining her gently but firmly. One of them produced a small yellow pill, which they quickly administered to her. Within moments, she calmed down, her sobs fading into silence as her body relaxed.

"What just happened?" Denyo asked, his voice low with concern.

Garth sighed, his expression somber. "That was Soma. It's a medication we use here in Eden. Many of our citizens have endured unimaginable trauma before they came here. Eden is perfect, yes, but perfection can be... overwhelming. Soma helps them manage their anxieties, their fears. Without it, some of them wouldn't be able to cope with life here."

Carra and Denyo exchanged a look, their unease deepening. Beneath Eden's surface of perfection, there were cracks—cracks that were carefully hidden but nonetheless present.

"Soma," Carra repeated softly, filing the name away. There was more to this city than they had ever imagined, and they were only beginning to understand just how deep Eden's perfection ran.