Chapter 218 - Home once more
Scarlett and her group’s final days in Bridgespell quickly came and went. They were comfortable enough in the Golden Griffin Inn’s lodgings, so Scarlett ended up politely declining Duke Valentino’s offer to his estate. She had, however, taken him up on his proposal to meet up again, discussing the recent events around Crowcairn and other matters concerning the nobility. She’d even had dinner with the duke and his wife.
While not exactly enjoyable encounters, Scarlett had to acknowledge their value, if only for the potential worth of having a connection with the Duke of Bridgespell. Even if the man himself didn’t seem overly fond of her specifically.
Before their departure to Freybrook, Scarlett had considered exploring additional nearby dungeons, but ultimately decided against it. Her team had already checked out the most accessible ones, and they deserved some real rest after everything that had happened.
She had expected Raimond to visit at some point and provide updates on how things were going on the Followers’ end, but that hadn’t happened. Presumably, he was too preoccupied with his responsibilities to find the time, which was understandable. From what Scarlett had heard from the duke, the investigation into the citadel was still underway, and no official statement had been released to the empire at large beyond some vague assurances.
On their last morning in Bridgespell, Scarlett and the others quickly finished their preparations and left the inn early, boarding their carriage bound for the city’s Kilnstone.
When they arrived in Freybrook, the morning sun had just started casting its golden glow over the city. In stark contrast to the swarming chaos of activity that was Bridgespell most of the time, Freybrook’s streets were much quieter, lending a peaceful atmosphere as their carriage moved through the city. To Scarlett’s surprise, a thin layer of snow had fallen upon the city while they were away, adding a foreign touch to the otherwise familiar scene.
Rosa, peering out the carriage window at the wintry tableau and the people walking about on the streets, sighed dramatically. “Ah, good ol’ Freybrook. It’s been ages, but it’s still as thrillingly dull as ever. I love it.”
“It’s only been two weeks,” Fynn said, a subtle frown on his face.
“Exactly.” Rosa nodded sagely. “Ages.”
Allyssa’s lips parted in a light laugh as she shook her head, the girl’s gaze also fixed outside. “I agree that it certainly feels like more than two weeks have passed. So much happened. I’m still having trouble processing it all.”
“That might have more to do with your poor perception of time,” Shin remarked beside her, though his comment was promptly ignored by its intended target.
“So, boss.” Rosa turned her attention to Scarlett. “What’s next for us? What devious schemes that’ll rattle our minds and blow away our common sense can we expect?”