《Ravenwolf's Rose》Overnight At The Hot Springs...

Advertisement

I never imagined I would be flying first class almost halfway across the world...

It still felt like a dream so each hour I would look at my surroundings in awe...

Even though I had insisted on flying economy Nathan told me that since they usually fly first class, it wouldn't make sense for the current heir of Ravenwolf not to do the same...

When I insisted they live more humbly Nathan reassured me that it was only for longer, international flights they flew like this.

But didn't everyone else fly economy during long travels? I didn't want to debate Nathan because I was sure it was because Kai just didn't want to be around people... so I relented and decided to see how it would go...

*

It was a long flight but I was able to sleep for 2 hours. When we arrived in Nagoya it took about 45 minutes for us to reach the Marriott. Along the way we spent a majority of our time on the highway. There was a lot of lush vegetation--bundles of greenery and trees, many houses, and electrical towers along the way...

After we arrived at the hotel I thought about all the tourist areas I would be missing out on. I was interested in the parks located in the Aichi Prefecture, especially the Nagoya Castle. There was also the Science Museum and the Kinshachi Yokocho where we could try some traditional Nagoya cuisine...

I knew I shouldn't have looked at the travel guide given to us on the plane... but it was a little sad I wouldn't be able to explore this city... but since we had a specific business itinerary, I understood...

After we checked in to the Imperial Suites that Kai booked for each of us... I thought I had ascended into heaven... the first class 'experience' was already uncomfortable for me but this was just way too luxurious... when I sunk into the fluffy white duvet on the bed I couldn't believe it...

So this is how rich people lived?

Well, hadn't I been living in this kind of life for a while now? Even so... I couldn't get used to this kind of surreal feeling.

I got off of the bed and explored the room a little. There were quite a few amenities included. There was even a bathrobe for me in the bathroom... I could literally vacation in this room alone...

"Hazel..." Nathan called out for me after knocking on the door. When I opened the door and saw him he told me that I could rest since our meeting wouldn't be until tomorrow.

Advertisement

We were all exhausted from the trip so it was only natural for us to spend the rest of the evening sleeping... I didn't hesitate to agree. I ordered some food, ate a little, and then decided to have a hot shower.

Afterwards, I sunk into bed and slept almost instantly...

When I woke up I was welcomed by the morning light beaming into my room.

My phone started buzzing and when I looked over at my phone I saw that Nathan was letting me know they would be meeting in the lobby in 20 minutes...

I yawned a little and laid on my back leisurely... it took a moment for me to realize he had said 20 minutes?! I forgot to set my alarm because I was so tired last night....

I rushed out of bed and quickly brushed my teeth, washed my face, and then styled my hair.

I sped over to my suitcase and tossed out a few items. I found one outfit that Nathan insisted I pack for business and slipped into it. I grabbed my bag and then flew out of the room. I realized I had forgotten to put on my shoes so I ran back inside...

When I got downstairs I was out of breath. I held onto Nathan's shoulder and he held me up.

"I... am I... late?!" Nathan shook his head and I tried straightening my posture. "Alright... let's go!" I walked ahead...

The two of them followed after me. In the car my stomach grumbled and I tried turning away from Kai who was sitting beside me doing some work on his iPad. He then reached into a bag and handed me something... it was 2 Onigiri wraps.

I carefully opened them up to eat...

When we got to the company that was located somewhere in Central Nagoya I came out of the car and greeted one of the members on their management team. He seemed a bit frazzled and I wondered why. When I turned to Kai I swore I could see a smile form at the corner of his eye and he pointed towards his teeth.

I was confused... until I realized he was gesturing for me to clean my tooth. I took out my compact and saw the seaweed stuck in one of my upper teeth...

I wanted to hide under a rock...

Kai stepped forward and made some small talk with the man.

After we met up with The President and several executives of the company they immediately got into talks. I didn't understand anything but that was to be expected...

Advertisement

I probably should learn Japanese a little more...

"Hazel... Hazel..." Nathan was calling out to me. I nodded and then presented with the best of my ability. I told them about the new S series we were launching, how their technology would best suit this model, and how future collaborations between two countries would prove beneficial...

When I finished Kai continued for a brief amount of time.

Later, Nathan told me they were getting into details about time lines and projections for production dates and the duration of testing. He told me that Kai would be sending a few of his employees in the design and development sector and later marketing team for support.

I stood up when Kai did when our meeting was over. Their President had invited us to take a look at the manufacturing plant.

Afterwards, they all insisted we have lunch together so we accompanied him and his executive team to a nearby restaurant.

After we parted, we headed back to the hotel. In the car, Nathan made an announcement.

"The President surprised us with a complimentary overnight stay at Yunoshimakan, a traditional Onsen Ryokan..."

"A hot springs?" I said and he nodded.

"Yes, it's one of the three most famous in Japan. It's a 2 hour drive from here but the experience will be worth it..."

I looked over at Kai. He seemed unmoved by this discussion. Of course he already knew...

"When are we going?"

"After we get back to the hotel... tomorrow afternoon we will finish our business at the company and then head back home..."

I looked out at the window briefly... anticipating what it will be like at a traditional Onsen and I smiled...

Maybe I would be able to see Kai wear a traditional Yukata?... I could picture it... I must have been staring off into space thinking about Kai in a Yukata when Nathan tried getting my attention.

"Hazel, are you alright? We've arrived at the hotel..."

It was as though I could hear glass smash in the back of my head... I couldn't believe I was daydreaming about this?! I chuckled a little and looked away again...

*

When we got there I was in awe again...

The entire Onsen was surrounded by a beautiful natural forest... and it had layers of traditional Japanese wooden architecture. The air smelt fresh and invigorating. When Nathan told me that the hot springs were known to be therapeutic I could understand why...

When we went inside I continued to admire our surroundings. Nathan told me about the various halls I could explore: there was an old ballroom and sunroom, for instance. There was also a place where you could overlook the city and the mountains since this traditional Onsen was located in the middle of a hill.

Before we entered our rooms we were told about the 2 large open-air baths, the foot bath, and the private baths for families and couples...

When I entered my room, I was enchanted by the design...

Nathan had educated me about the Onsen's traditional architecture along the way. He told me I would be staying in their 'Keizanso' room.

It was a 10 mat tatami room with a lovely veranda. There was a mix of Western and Japanese-styled seating near the windows and then the lower table in the centre of the room with a flat cushion on each side... the lighting was dim and golden... and around the windows there were traditional 'shoji,' which were translucent screen panels...

There was also a Yukata prepared for me too... I walked over to touch the top of the garment delicately... when I realized I didn't know how to put one on properly I thought about who I could ask.

When I was going to ask Nathan to find someone to help me... I saw the door open a little. I wondered who it would be... maybe it was Kai or Nathan?

When I walked forward I couldn't believe it.

"Surprise!!" Jackson was standing there... alongside James and Charlie. Jackson then dipped his head towards me while letting his sunglasses dip down the bridge of his nose. He spoke in Japanese.

From what little I understood I'm pretty sure he said:

"I'm here."

**END NOTES** For anyone curious, Yunoshimakan is a real traditional Ryokan Onsen in Nagoya, Japan.

'Ryokan's' are traditional Japanese Inn's and Onsen's are traditional Japanese hot springs. I used them together because they both apply, but not all Onsen's are Ryokans (aka not all are inn's for lodging. Not to confuse!).

PLUS! If anyone is interested in knowing what a Yukata is... they come in a variety of colours, patterns and styles. It's a casual summer kimono that is wrapped around the body and is fastened with a sash. They usually offer them at Ryokan's, hence why they are included in this part of the story :)

    people are reading<Ravenwolf's Rose>
      Close message
      Advertisement
      You may like
      You can access <East Tale> through any of the following apps you have installed
      5800Coins for Signup,580 Coins daily.
      Update the hottest novels in time! Subscribe to push to read! Accurate recommendation from massive library!
      2 Then Click【Add To Home Screen】
      1Click