Chapter 168 - A very polite pull over
Scarlett and Fynn were seated in their carriage as it traveled through Freybrook’s Northern District, heading towards the heart of the city. Scarlett had some business with a local artisan regarding the handling of some dragon materials, and she also planned to check the progress of the new carriages ordered by her and Evelyne from one of the city’s workshops.
Her gaze rested outside the window, observing the enclosed estates that dominated this part of the city, though her expression remained impassive as her thoughts were mostly focused on other matters.
Lately, she had devoted much of her time to trying to devise contingencies and formulate plans to counter any potential threats that might arise if the Viles were to find Rosa and take action against them. She also had to consider Anguish’s looming presence within the bard, as well as the upcoming empire-wide assault that the Hallowed Cabal was planning.
Compared to all of that, Arlene’s quest seemed almost trivial. In a way, it led her to question whether it was worth her time amidst the multitude of pressing issues. Most likely, it was. What she could gain from that quest was valuable, and she was already heading to Bridgespell anyway. Their passage through the Kilnstone network was booked for tomorrow, so she hoped to make progress on the Rosa situation while completing the quest.
After that, it might be worth considering—
Her thoughts stopped as the carriage suddenly slowed down and came to a halt.
With a frown, Scarlett’s eyes moved to the front of the cabin. “Why are we stopping?” she asked loudly.
“Ehm, I’m sorry,” came the coachman’s voice from outside. “But there’s…”
In the corner of her eye, Scarlett glimpsed movement through the window as the cabin door swung open. An ordinary-looking man in a top hat and a long dark cape entered, his head bowed to avoid the ceiling. He was followed by a black-furred cat that gracefully leaped onto the wooden floorboards.
The cat fixed its clear, amethyst eyes on Scarlett.
She stared at the two newcomers as the man leaned an ornate cane against the seat opposite her and sat down. Crossing one leg over the other, he folded his hands and offered her a polite smile.
“Greetings, Baroness. It has been some time,” The Gentleman said.