Two Worlds at a Time

Aric couldn't understand how could someone who was new to LOTR could go so deep into the story of LOTR. But then again he wasn't complaining. Komin was related to the royal family and connections were important in this world, or in any world for that matter. 

Komin spoke of LOTR in more length and Aric just went along with it. 

"Let's go and make you an official citizenship of Vallin." Komin said. 

"Uh. I don't have a background." Aric reminded Komin. Komin was surprised by this as he felt by this time he might have found his family but it seemed nothing had changed from the looks of things. 

"Then I will be the guarantor." Komin replied without an ounce of hesitation. 

"No. I will pay the price to be a citizen." Aric said. "And you can be as insurer."

There are two ways to be a citizen of Vallin. One was using someone from Vallin to recommend someone as the guarantor. If the new citizen commits any crime, the guarantor will have to pay a penalty, the graver the crime is, the more penalty one has to pay. And the other way was paying a sum of money to the monarch while getting a recommendation also called as an insurer and he wouldn't be tied to the new citizen at all even if he or she committed a crime.

"Uh.. Okay.." Komin wanted to protest but he could see that Aric didn't want to argue against it. 

"Besides I ain't here to talk about the citizenship. I will buy a home here for myself and I just want you to tag along." Aric said. 

"You called me for this. I am bit offended now." Komin laughed as he said that. 

"I wanted to thank you. And the home buy part was a part of convenience." Aric said. 

"Fine. We can discuss more of LOTR then." Komin said as if nothing mattered to the world other than LOTR for him. This reminded him of one friend he had in university. That guy was obsessed with Naruto and talked about nothing but Naruto. Though he did grow out of it, but he was obsessed. Now Komin felt the same to him. 

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Aric and Komin cruised through the curving streets of Vallin City in an anti-grav car, its sleek frame gliding effortlessly above the ground. The car moved with a silent grace, its translucent panels offering an unobstructed view of the sprawling metropolis around them. The city, an architectural marvel of towering structures and suspended gardens, arced upwards into the artificial sky, which in itself was just as the same as the ground since the gravity was working on all sides here. It was a little mind boggling for Aric but he was silently getting used to it. 

The car's AI guided them smoothly towards their destination, a holographic map displaying the route ahead. As they approached the real estate district, Aric glanced at Komin, a slight smile on his face.

"You know, Komin, you didn't have to drive us in something so… extravagant," Aric remarked, half-joking.

"It's just a car," Komin couldn't understand what Aric meant and Aric could only sigh. He was rich but he was never born rich, so he would never know what being born in rich household looked like. 

"Well, you certainly know how to make an entrance." Aric shook his head, amused.

The car descended gently as they reached their destination, an upscale neighborhood in one of the hearts of the city. As they stepped out, they were greeted by a tall woman with sleek silver hair and a tablet in hand. Her name tag read "Elara," and her expression was one of practiced professionalism. Aric had seen too many of these alien species to tell who was considered beautiful and who wasn't. 

"Welcome, Aric, And you must be Komin," Elara said, offering a polite nod. Her eyes flickered briefly over Komin, as if trying to place him, but she quickly focused on her task. "I understand you're looking for a home in Vallin City. I have several properties that might interest you."

"Yes, something unique, with character. We're not looking for just any place." Though Aric would buy the place but Komin, being the guy that he was, took an authoritative stance. 

"Of course. Let me show you some of the finest residences the city has to offer."

They followed her into the building, taking a private anti-grav elevator to the 80th floor. The doors opened to reveal a sprawling penthouse, its interior adorned with the finest materials and technology. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the central park below and the city's upward arc.

"This penthouse is 500 square meters," Elara began, her voice smooth. "Four bedrooms, a state-of-the-art AI kitchen, and a private sky garden. It's one of the most luxurious units available."

Aric wandered towards the windows, taking in the view. "It's certainly impressive," he remarked.

Komin, however, remained distant, his expression unreadable as he walked through the rooms. "Luxury is easy to find," he said finally, his tone measured. "I'm more interested in something that feels like a home."

Elara adjusted quickly, her fingers moving deftly over her tablet. "I understand. I have another property that might suit your tastes better."

They returned to the anti-grav car, and Komin guided it towards the river district. This part of Vallin City was quieter, with the artificial river winding its way through lush green spaces and elegant low-rise homes. The next property was a modern townhouse, its design blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

"This is more private," Elara explained as they entered. "Four bedrooms, a solar roof, and direct access to the riverwalk. It's designed for those who appreciate both luxury and tranquility."

Komin's expression softened as he took in the surroundings. He walked through the house, noting the attention to detail in the architecture. "This has character," he said, a hint of approval in his voice. "I can see myself living here."

Aric smiled, sensing Komin's growing attachment to the place. "I think this could be it," he agreed.

Elara's smile widened slightly, satisfied with their response. "I'll prepare the necessary documents. You've made an excellent choice."

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