During the journey to Callista's estate, Aric had retreated into his mental space for five hours straight. On the outside, he appeared to be asleep but inside?
Aric was in a sanctuary of neon-blue light humming softly against infinite darkness. Floating notes materialized around him, organizing themselves into detailed plans for inner wiring simulations.
Using his matter manipulation, he has been visualising a replica of the Arkwright estate, complete with walls, corridors, and potential wiring routes. He experimented with carving channels into the simulated walls, inserting wires, and sealing them seamlessly afterward.
Each attempt revealed new challenges: ensuring structural integrity, avoiding interference with insulation, and accounting for variations in wall composition.
[Progress looks promising.] Ivy praised while appearing in the screen,
[Though I doubt Thorin would approve of your lack of precision.]
I don't exactly have dwarves to rely on this time. Aric shot back mentally. It's all on me. Plus I asked Borin and Grumlin and they were stubborn and said they wanted to work on new devices based on solar.
I mean it's great but I really needed them. So that's why I'm simulating the wiring right now.
[Then get it right already. You only have a couple hours to get this right before you're fucked.]
Ignoring her sarcasm, Aric focused intently on refining his technique. By the time they arrived at the estate, he felt reasonably confident in his ability to execute the wiring process—though he knew the real test lay ahead.
The carriages rolled to a halt before an ornate wrought-iron gate adorned with intricate floral patterns that shimmered under the midday sun. Beyond it stretched acres of lush gardens, meticulously manicured hedges forming labyrinthine pathways interspersed with marble statues of entwined lovers.
Fountains spouted crystalline water into the air. To Aric, it felt less like arriving at a noblewoman's estate and more like stepping into a dream—or perhaps a feverish fantasy.
Two guards stood at the gates, clad in uniforms so tight they bordered on scandalous. Their white shirts were unbuttoned far enough to expose chiseled chests, while their black trousers hugged every curve of muscle beneath.
So not only is she a freak but the fucking guards look like strippers. If you told me this was a sex house I'd believe you.
Reminds me of a certain guy name hosting freak offs on a weekly basis.
[I mean to be fair Callista has great taste in looks. All of them could have been a model back on Earth. Though I doubt any of them like the idea of wearing like a slut.] Ivy said that but she was taking photos of them from the screen.
Seriously? Have you no shame?
[What? It be rude not to look. Plus nobody can see me.]
When the lead guard recognized the crest he waved them through.
"Why are you gawking? You don't remember?" Seraphina asked dryly,
"This is where you came to cheat on me—with her."
Callista twirling a strand of her hair,
"Oh, darling, don't be so harsh on him. It wasn't just cheating—it was passion. Fireworks. A night neither of us will ever forget."
She shot Aric a sultry glance, "Or… maybe you truly have forgotten."
Aric met her gaze evenly, his expression sincere.
"I'm not lying when I say I have no memory of that. Whatever happened here, it wasn't me."
His words hung in the air, met with varying degrees of skepticism.
Callista sighed dramatically, looking almost disappointed,
"How tragic. And here I thought you'd at least retained some semblance of charm."
When they finally entered the mansion itself, the opulence reached new heights. The grand foyer boasted towering ceilings painted with frescoes depicting scenes of celestial ecstasy. Chandeliers dripped with crystals, casting kaleidoscopic reflections onto polished marble floors.
Plush velvet couches lined the walls, each occupied by maids and butlers whose attire left little to the imagination.
Aric stared in disbelief as one maid walked past wearing a dress so short it barely covered her thighs, paired with thigh-high boots laced provocatively up her legs. Another butler strutted by shirtless, his perfectly sculpted abs gleaming under golden lamplight.
[Well, well.] Ivy chimed in through a glowing notification screen. [Looks like someone took 'sex sells' literally.]
This place is insane. Aric muttered mentally, trying—and failing—to suppress his astonishment.
What kind of fucking freak level do you have to be? This some devious work right here. Every maid and butler here is either wearing something tight, sexy and short or is not wearing much at all.
This place is just a brothel but for millionaires.
[Billionaires.]
Yeah whatever, she's nasty. How did Vayne even put up with this?
Seraphina facepalmed herself, clearly struggling to maintain composure,
"You brought us to this den of debauchery? Have you not change at all Callista?"
Callista smirked triumphantly, "What can I say? My home reflects my personality. Isn't it divine?"
Before anyone could respond, Aric turned to her, his voice calm,
"We need to discuss logistics. What's your strongest natural element here? Wind, water, sun or none? And also manpower, who's strong enough?"
Callista tilted her head thoughtfully,
"Water, definitely. There's a river running through part of the property. Why do you ask?"
"I already explained in the carriage to you and it's even the blueprints but it'll determine how we design the generator." Aric explained.
"Each environment requires adjustments based on available resources."
Callista nodded approvingly, clearly annoying him,
"Clever boy. Now, about manpower…" She clapped her hands sharply, her voice carrying effortlessly through the halls.
"Boys, girls! Bring me my strongest!"
Within moments, four burly butlers appeared, flexing muscles that seemed carved from stone. Their uniforms—looser than the others'—still managed to accentuate their imposing physiques.
Behind them trailed a petite maid who looked almost out of place among the giants. Her uniform was modest compared to the rest, consisting of a fitted black dress with minimal frills.
Aric clearly looking at the woman like she's a cute cat in a pride of lions,
Hey Ivy I'm not tripping right. That's a small woman with big bulky men. How is this...
Before Ivy or Aric could even form a thought, Callista gestures toward the maid with pride,
"Oh, don't let her size fool you. She may look delicate, but trust me, she's practically a warrior in strength."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow skeptically, "And these are your best options?"
"They're perfect for heavy lifting!" Callista replied confidently.
"But if brute force isn't enough, my gravity magic might come in handy. Of course…" She paused, leaning closer to Aric with a wicked grin.
"…my help comes with extra payment, if you catch my drift."
Why is she always flirting with me right infront of Seraphina? Can't she see that Seraphina won't hesitate to take her head off. Aric internally facepalm himself.
[Well...you have a point there. Maybe she's still salty from her loss against you.] Ivy added while eating popcorn.
A vein throbbed visibly on the side of Seraphina's temple as she clenched her fists tightly though she somehow managed to restrain herself from throttling the insufferable duchess.
"You should watch it." Seraphina growled lowly.
"If you insist on being difficult, I won't hesitate to intervene—with or without permission."
Callista laughed, unfazed by the threat.
"Oh babe, always so dramatic. Relax okay. Now shall we get this generator and power grid up and running?" as she takes out the blueprints from Penelope bag.