The plush interior of the lead carriage felt more like a warzone than a mode of transport. Aric sat stiffly beside Seraphina, who radiated icy disdain, while Callista lounged provocatively beside him.
"I don't see any reason why you should join us." Seraphina snapped,
"Your own carriage is perfectly adequate."
Callista smirked lazily, stretching her legs so that one dangled dangerously close to Aric's inner thigh.
"Oh, darling, I simply couldn't resist the opportunity for…company." Her fingers traced idle patterns along the seat cushion, dangerously close to Aric thighs.
Why does this always happen to me? All I wanted was a peaceful ride not having Ms Lust herself beside me. Aric groaned internally.
[Because chaos loves you.] Ivy chimed in
[Also, your stats suggest you're terrible at handling awkward situations. Just saying.]
"Remove your hand." Seraphina hissed.
With effortless precision, tendrils shot out, slapping Callista's wandering leg back into place. The force wasn't enough to hurt—but it was certainly enough to humiliate.
Callista gasped dramatically, clutching her leg as though mortally wounded.
"How rude! And here I thought we were bonding."
"We aren't bonding." Seraphina retorted coldly.
"And if you keep behaving like a harlot, I won't hesitate to remove you from this carriage myself."
Callista arched an eyebrow,
"But my dear Seraphina, you look positively ravishing when you're angry."
Before the situation could escalate further, Aric interjected desperately.
"Enough! Both of you need to just sit down."
Callista pouted playfully,
"You're no fun at all, Vayne. Here I am, trying to lighten the mood, and you act like I'm plotting treason."
To emphasize her point, she draped herself partially over him, pressing her chest against his arm.
"Get off me!" Aric exclaimed, shoving her away with far less grace than he intended.
"You disgust me." Seraphina muttered venomously, glaring daggers at Callista.
Suddenly, a low buzzing sound filled the tense silence.
Brrrr.
Seraphina froze, narrowing her eyes suspiciously. "What in the nine hells is that noise?"
Callista grinned wickedly, shifting slightly in her seat. The buzzing grew louder, unmistakably emanating from somewhere beneath her dress.
"You can't be serious!" Seraphina snarled, realization dawning.
"You're USING THAT!? In this carriage!?"
Callista shrugged nonchalantly,
"One must entertain oneself during tedious journeys."
Before Aric could process what was happening—or stop himself from imagining horrifying scenarios—Seraphina lunged forward, yanking aside Callista's dress with surprising speed. Sure enough, there it was: the vibrator snugly between Callista's thighs.
"YOU DISGUSTING BITCH. USING THE TOY IN FRONT OF US!? HAVE YOU NO SHAME?" Seraphina shrieked, snatching it away with a furious flourish.
Callista gasped, reaching out to reclaim it. "Hey! I was close!"
"Close to what? Losing every shred of dignity?" Seraphina sneered, holding the offending object triumphantly above her head.
"Disgusting."
Aric facepalmed audibly, muttering under his breath.
This cannot be happening…Who knew she was an actual exhibitionist?
Ivy retorted with a smug, [Or...you could've awaken that inside her. Ever thought about that?]
Meanwhile, in Callista's Carriage
Evelyn and Penelope exchanged awkward glances as the distant shouts and screeches grew louder. They had wisely decided to ride separately after Callista insisted on joining Aric and Seraphina—a decision they now considered genius.
"So." Evelyn began casually, watching Penelope fidget nervously beside her.
"What exactly is your role as Callista's maid? Beyond the obvious."
Penelope sighed deeply, "It's… complicated. Yes, I clean, fetch things, assist with dressing—but there's also…other duties."
Evelyn nodded knowingly. "Let me guess. Nights spent with her 'entertaining' herself?"
Penelope groaned, burying her face in her palms.
"Hours. Sometimes all night. She'll have me down there until sunrise, demanding everything perfect. It's exhausting."
"And yet you stay?" Evelyn observed gently. "Why?"
"She pays ridiculously well. About 20 gold a month." Penelope admitted bitterly.
"Enough to support my family back home. But some days…"
She trailed off, shaking her head. "Some days, I just want to run away."
Evelyn placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"If you could leave—to somewhere safe, say House Arkwright—and still earn eighty percent of what she pays you… would you take it?"
Penelope blinked, startled by the question.
"Eighty percent? That's… almost impossible to imagine. Do you really think someone would offer me that?"
"I'm asking." Evelyn said firmly.
"Because no one deserves to live like this. Especially not for someone as insatiable—and frankly, unhinged—as Lady Callista."
Penelope stared at her, "I… I don't know what to say."
Evelyn urged softly. "You could say yes. Start fresh. You deserve better than being treated like a toy."
Back in the Lead Carriage
Chaos reigned supreme once again. Callista wrestled unsuccessfully to retrieve her confiscated device, while Seraphina waved it tauntingly out of reach. Aric, trapped between them, looked utterly defeated.
"ENOUGH!" he bellowed finally, startling both women into momentary silence.
Callista smirked, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Oh, Vayne. Always so dramatic."
"Here." Seraphina muttered darkly, throwing the toy back to her.
"Use it somewhere else. Not here."
For a brief moment, silence fell inside the carriage—but it didn't last long. The argument resumed, escalating to new heights of absurdity. Evelyn and Penelope, hearing the commotion from afar, shared a resigned glance.
God I wish this two woman would pretend to get along for the sake of everyone. Aric told to himself as he was busy busy simulating a house design in his head.
As twilight deepened, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, the carriages rattled through verdant countryside dotted with quaint villages and sprawling fields.
The road grew narrower as they approached Ashwick, a modest yet bustling market town nestled between rolling hills and dense forests. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, mingling with the scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meats wafting through the crisp evening air.
Lanterns hung outside shops and homes cast warm pools of light onto cobblestone streets, illuminating clusters of townsfolk going about their business.
Despite the picturesque charm, there was an undercurrent of tension. Merchants hurriedly packed away goods, while children scurried indoors at the sight of the approaching entourage.
Word had spread quickly—House Arkwright was here, and with them came Lady Callista Duval, whose reputation preceded her.
At precisely six o'clock, the carriages rolled into the heart of Ashwick, stopping near a grand stone fountain that stood at the center of the square. The drivers dismounted, bowing respectfully before reminding them to meet back at the fountain by morning for departure.
Aric stepped out of the carriage first, as he straightened his posture, attempting to project confidence—but it faltered almost immediately as whispers erupted among the gathered crowd.
"Vayne Arkwright!" someone shouted angrily.
"You burned down my shop last year! What are you doing here now?"
Another voice joined in, louder this time.
"You swindled my family out of everything! We starved because of your schemes!"
Faces turned toward him, eyes filled with hatred and desperation. Aric froze,
I didn't do this! he thought frantically. What the hell Vayne? Even here?
[Unfortunately, they don't know that,] Ivy chimed in while writing on her tablet,
[To them, you're still the monster who ruined lives.]
Seraphina emerged next, her emerald gown flowing gracefully as she descended. Evelyn followed close behind, hand resting instinctively on her sword hilt, ready to intervene if necessary.
Callista exited last, unfazed by the hostility directed at Aric and Penelope finally join her mistress back.
"Let's move." Seraphina ordered sharply, "We need lodging for the night."
Callista smirked, hooking her arm through Penelope's instead.
"Pene, let's go to our favourite tavern." With that, she sauntered off in the opposite direction, leaving Seraphina with Aric and Evelyn.
They made their way to The Golden Griffin, a stately inn reserved exclusively for nobles and wealthy merchants. Its ivy-covered facade gleamed under lantern light, and the heavy oak doors swung open smoothly as liveried attendants rushed forward to assist.
Inside, the inn was opulent yet tasteful. A roaring fireplace dominated the main hall, casting golden light over polished wooden floors and intricately woven tapestries depicting hunting scenes.
As they entered, all eyes turned toward them. Recognition flashed across several faces, accompanied by murmurs of surprise—and disdain.
"Lord Vayne Arkwright." one nobleman drawled, raising a goblet in mock salute.
"What brings you back here? And with your wife and Evelyn no less. Want to commit arson again for losing a game of poker?"
Aric clenched his jaw, forcing himself to not crashout. Seraphina stepped forward, her voice cutting like steel.
"We're here on business. Now, if you'll excuse us, we require rooms."
The innkeeper, a portly man with a neatly trimmed beard, bustled over, bowing deeply.
"Of course, Lady Arkwright! Your usual suite awaits. Shall I prepare accommodations for anyone else?"
"Yes." Seraphina replied curtly. "Prepare a room for Lady Callista as well and her maid and also give a room to my...husband."
"Certainly, my lady."
Would it kill her to just say husband immediately without looking like she's holding the nuclear codes?
Night had fallen over Ashwick, cloaking the town in shadows broken only by flickering lanterns and the faint glow of hearths through curtained windows. The streets were quiet, save for the occasional clatter of hooves or distant laughter spilling from a tavern.
Aric sat alone in his room, staring out the window into the darkened square below. His reflection in the glass was pale but resolute, his gray eyes reflecting the turmoil within.
There's a mob gathering down there. I'm assuming it's for me. Hah, who knew I became a cartoon villain where villagers use pitchforks and torches?
I promised Seraphina that I wouldn't trouble her anymore. Once the debts are paid, I will leave House Arkwright behind forever.
That promise weighed heavily on him now as he listened to the growing murmurs outside.
But still, it is scary to see all those mobs down there. Should I even come down? What happens if I don't? Are they gonna burn this inn down?
Even the guards are on their side.
[You're thinking too much again,] Ivy chimed in through a golden notification screen hovering near his shoulder.
[What's bothering you?]
It's nothing. Aric replied mentally, though his clenched fists betrayed his unease.
Just...seeing the consequences of his action here makes me worried. I'm not Vayne but...
[But everyone thinks you did them. Including those villagers gathering downstairs.]
Sure enough, when Aric glanced out the window again, he saw torches flickering in the distance. A crowd was forming outside the inn, their faces grim and determined.
Their voices carried faintly on the night breeze—angry accusations about burned shops, stolen livelihoods, and ruined lives. All directed at Vayne Arkwright.
I can't let them hurt anyone else because of me. Aric thought firmly.
Without hesitation, he grabbed his coat and headed downstairs, careful not to disturb Seraphina or Evelyn.
As he stepped outside, the cool air hit him like a slap, carrying with it the acrid scent of burning pitch. The mob turned toward him instantly, their torches casting eerie shadows across the cobblestone streets.
There's at least 200 of them. What the hell Vayne? Just how many people did you wrong in just 2 years?