[center][h1][b][color=BBC7E1]Charlotte Vikena[/color]
&
[color=9354FF]Fritz "Ryn" Hendrix[/color][/b][/h1]
[hr][/center]
A [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex9AXcYR_a0&ab_channel=SoLastSaturdayBaby]strange chittering sound[/url] filled the room in the silence that had followed. 

Charlotte and Fritz turned to the source as a black ferret wormed his way out from under the bed. She knelt down to collect the furry being as he launched himself into her arms and swirled around chaotically in them, nibbling at her hand. [color=BBC7E1]"Oh, my little baby."[/color] She cooed softly and tickled Kier's chest, oblivious to Fritz's intense gaze and raised hand that yearned to touch the tiny creature. Charlotte was sure that if Lorenzo had been home, he would have been here with Kier. She stood up, ferret in hand, and walked over to the bed. Obviously, no one had sat or laid on it, but she patted around the surface, searching for any sign of warmth. 

Ryn let his hand down as Lady Vikena picked up the creature and began her investigation of the bed. He continued to appreciate the adorable ferret from where he stood a while longer before finally joining Lady Vikena in her search. Though he thought it might be rude of him to enter a duke's personal quarters, it was not the first time he had entered someone's room without its owner's permission. He scanned the room for any recent traces of Duke Vikena.

She straightened back up with the sudden feeling to just curl up on the floor and sleep right then and there. [color=BBC7E1]"If only things could be easy…"[/color] Charlotte sighed as she scoped the room, hands on her hips. Delilah had cleaned in here after Lorenzo had left, and indeed he'd have messed at least one thing up by now. But, on the other hand, there was not a thing out of place. 

Charlotte moved into the hall and called through it, [color=BBC7E1]"Lorenzo!"[/color] She glanced around, listening carefully for a moment. Her tired blue eyes found Fritz's gaze. Kier halted his chaotic tumbling as if he had suddenly died, his gaze now locked on Fritz, sniffing. [color=BBC7E1]“Well. It seems the night has only begun for me."[/color]

[color=9354FF]"It certainly seems that way… I can't say for certain, but it didn't look like your father returned to his room."[/color] Ryn could not refrain from smiling at the ferret who showed interest in him. He walked closer to it and extended his hand for it to sniff. When the ferret decided that the stranger was not a threat, Ryn sneaked in a few head scratches. [color=9354FF]“Which is odd… Didn't Nathaniel mention that Benjamin told him that Duke Vikena went straight to his room after arriving home?"[/color] Could it mean that one, or both, lied to them? That or Duke Vikena managed to run off without any of his servants noticing him.
Kier took Ryn'  's fingers in his little paws and began to happily hug them to his body. Charlotte was silent as she studied the bedroom once more then the hallway. [color=BBC7E1]"Lorenzo would have left that bedroom in a frenzy as he ran late…. His room is now clean, meaning the door was open, and Delilah was able to go in and tidy up."[/color] Charlotte informed him, then pointed at the carpet in the hallway. It was off-center as if it had been pushed. [color=BBC7E1]“Someone left in a hurry. They locked the door and hurried off in that direction, I think.."[/color] She pointed forward, using the carpet to decide the direction the person had gone.

[color=9354FF]"Someone who knew exactly where the key was hidden or potentially has access to another key to the room."[/color] Which narrowed down their pool of "suspects" considerably. [color=9354FF]"This someone, if it's not the Duke himself, went through quite the effort to make it look like no one went in the room since Delilah cleaned up…"[/color] Ryn gave the ferret one last scratch before he walked towards the carpet to get a better look at it. There was a skid mark from a shoe, solidifying the direction someone had run in. It was toward the stairs to go descend to the first floor. [color=9354FF]"Do you think they were looking for something?"[/color]

Charlotte moved around the room to get a closer look, [color=BBC7E1]"I don't know. I don't come in here often…But I don't think anything seems moved enough. It doesn't seem like anyone came in even after it was cleaned."[/color] She examined the room for a little longer before joining him in the hallway and closing the door. 

[color=9354FF]"So you think the Duke came upstairs but didn't enter his room for one reason or another, and then he bolted back downstairs?" [i]Like he forgot something?[/i][/color] Another possibility popped up into his head, causing him to rub his temples. [color=9354FF][i]Or someone?[/i][/color] Ryn sighed. Charlotte had nodded. 

[color=BBC7E1]"Let's make sure he isn't in the house and then find Benjamin to-." [/color]She broke off, pausing before telling him with hands waving defensively, [color=BBC7E1]"Oh, I'm sorry! I'm not trying to force you into this, by the way… I am kinda thinking out loud here. Let me know please if you'd like to go home at any time."[/color]

Ryn placed his fingers lightly over his heart and, in mock shock, exclaimed, [color=9354FF]"[i]Detective![/i] You cannot possibly think I can leave [i]now[/i]? I'll be tossing and turning in my bed for the rest of the night, wondering what happened."[/color] The count smiled to reassure her that she was not forcing him into anything, [color=9354FF]"Let us proceed with our investigation."[/color] The count glanced down at his new furry friend, [color=9354FF]"Will you help us find your master, little one?"[/color]

Charlotte smiled at him while Kier hopped onto Ryn's shoulder upon being addressed and climbed upon his head to sit in his hair. Despite the situation, she couldn't help but giggle. She proceeded down the stairs and looked around thoughtfully.

[color=BBC7E1]”Lorenzo!”[/color] She suddenly called through the house. [url=i.imgur.com/onH99Nc.jpg]Delilah[/url] moved into the room with genuine concern written on her face. Charlotte immediately informed her of the situation, [color=BBC7E1]" Lorenzo is missing. Please search the house with the other staff best you can. Oh, and please have Benjamin come to the parlor here."[/color] 

[color=7ea7d8]“Of course. I'm so sorry this is happening, Lottie. I knew something seemed strange that he would apparently come home without you, but…"[/color]Delilah drew off, her tone sad, but she did not seem all that surprised. Lorenzo had been strange, to say the least, since his wife's death. Nonetheless, she alerted the other staff to search the house, stating, [color=7ea7d8]"Yes, I will do so, right away."[/color]

Charlotte looked at Fritz, confessing, [color=BBC7E1]"I do not think he is here unless maybe he's sleeping somewhere odd …but I was quite loud, wasn't I?"[/color]

[color=9354FF]"Any louder, and I fear you'll call your neighbors."[/color] And no one wanted that. However, it did make Ryn wonder if there was any chance that Duke Vikena would visit Count Damien at this time of night. They may have disdained each other, but they were “close” enough to come to a mutual agreement to keep the cause of their "bad blood" a secret from Lady Vikena. Perhaps he could ask Peter later if he saw the Duke. [color=9354FF]"If he was in the house, I think he'd have to be a heavy sleeper, heavily sedated, unconscious, or he's in a soundproof room. In which case, I'd love to ask who made the room because its soundproof capabilities are impeccable."[/color] 

She tapped her foot anxiously and wrapped her arms around herself at the mention of neighbors. [color=BBC7E1][i]Neighbor. I reckon he could be involved in this too… But Calbert made himself clear that he wanted Lorenzo home as I do right now... Unless tonight was the straw that broke the camel's back.[/i][/color] The calm expression she had been wearing for the sake of Fritz and her own pride faltered a little, and she covered her mouth, turning away. 

Ryn narrowed his eyes. His stern expression mismatched the adorable presence of the ferret, which remained carefully balanced on his head. [color=9354FF]“Wh–...”[/color]

[color=slateblue]“My entrance has been requested.”[/color] 

Both Charlotte and Fritz glanced over, her hand falling from her face as [url=i.imgur.com/N6UUcaJ.png]Benjamin[/url] stood in the doorway, cane in hand. He was a bearded gentleman in a high-class suit and top hat with a rather serious countenance. He gave a bow to Charlotte and tipped his hat. [color=slateblue]“Good evening, M’lady.”[/color]

He leaned on his cane as he stepped forward toward the duo, telling his story before they could even ask questions, [color=slateblue]"When we arrived at the estate, Duke Vikena was somewhat inebriated. However, the man could still tread very well on his two feet and casually informed me he would slumber in his bed-chamber. I watched him make it into the estate before turning on my heels to place the horses in their stable."[/color] 

[color=9354FF][i]So he had no intention of picking up Lady Vikena afterwards?[/i][/color]

He came to a stop before Fritz and eyed him rather intensely. [color=slateblue]”Hmm… Currently unidentifiable…Very well then. State your reason for this appearance in the Vikena establishment."[/color]

Ryn faced him with a smile, [color=9354FF]"Good evening to you too, Mr…."[/color] He had no idea what the carriage man's surname was, so he settled with, [color=9354FF]"Benjamin. I apologize for disturbing you at this hour, you must be terribly tired, but … well, you see, Lady Vikena could not return home in her family carriage, so I had the honor of escorting her here myself."[/color] He tilted his head slightly, and the ferret on top mimicked him in the opposite direction; two pairs of obsidian eyes stared right back at Benjamin, [color=9354FF]"I was offered tea, and I accepted. Now here I am enjoying what the Vikena establishment has to offer. Will this answer suffice, Mr. Benjamin?"[/color]

Benjamin stroked his beard repeatedly and thoughtfully.  [color=slateblue]”Ahh… This is a sufficient answer indeed "[/color]He then smiled at Ryn for a moment, but his eyes moved up to the ferret instead, petting his head, [color=slateblue]" I see you have made a friend of Kier… Lady Charlotte, I do believe he's a keep-"[/color] 

[color=BBC7E1]”Benjamin. Why would you and Lorenzo leave without me?"[/color] Charlotte had no qualms interrupting at the moment. She stepped forward to come next to the pair and looked at him. Her tone was perhaps sharper and more commanding than usual. He was more recently employed, and she could not say she was close with Benjamin. He was usually pleasant enough despite being a rather strange fellow. 

Benjamin was surprised to see Charlotte step out of her usual tone, even if it was slightly so. However, he was not hesitant with his reply. [color=slateblue]"Duke Vikena requested to abruptly leave at once. Being that he is my master, I obliged. Oh, and the maids who helped carry him to the carriage also informed us that you were staying the night at the castle with your friends… So you can imagine I was quite curious to see you here tonight… I sincerely apologize."[/color] It did not take long for him to notice Charlotte wasn't thrilled with his answer for some reason. Her brows were furrowed. His expression saddened. [color=slateblue]"...I think if the Duke is not within this estate, we should perhaps report him as missing as soon as possible so search parties can thus be conducted. Since I had a hand in causing this situation, I can be the one to do so."[/color]

Duke Vikena seemed to be a man who turned things into quite the ordeal, no matter how minor it began. His mistakes were likely not motivated by ill intent, or Ryn assumed so. Instead, trouble seemed to follow him about like faes had taken a shine to him, spreading mayhem and giggling at the resulting pandemonium.

The Caesonian court, as far as Ryn could gather, did not think much of Duke Vikena. With the palanquin incident still fresh in everyone's mind, announcing the Duke's disappearance would not help the Vikena's already tenuous situation. Lady Vikena's expression drew Ryn's attention. [color=9354FF]"Lady Vikena, it is your choice. Should we officially declare the Duke missing, or would you like to keep this in-house?"[/color] 

Charlotte glanced between them and bit her lip as if withholding her thoughts. She finally stated, [color=BBC7E1]“...I want to look a while longer before declaring him missing… I do not think anyone’s checked the yard or garden..”[/color] She glanced at Ryn, [color=BBC7E1]“You can join me if you like… Thank you, Benjamin.”[/color] She did not look in Benjamin’s direction as she made her way out the door and outside again. 

Ryn took one step forward, then halted, remembering that he still had a passenger. He carefully picked Kier from his head and placed him carefully down. Stroking him gently, Ryn bid the ferret farewell and quickly rushed outside to Lady Vikena’s side. 

Fritz had followed her as she descended the steps down to the path and moved into the yard. The two agreed it would be more efficient to split up for a short while as Lorenzo had an extensive property here. There was a fountain, a chicken coop, and even a tiny stable. Charlotte had moved toward an area heavily covered in flowers.

Ryn was walking along the borders of Vikena’s estate when a familiar sound caught his attention. He checked his surroundings to see if anyone else was around before quietly approaching the sound’s source. As he moved close enough towards it, Peter dropped down from above, landing as soundlessly and gracefully as a cat. 

[color=9354FF]“Is Calbert here?”[/color]
“He’s in his fancy house, taking a bath. So I thought I’d come by and say hi.” Peter stood and gave Ryn a toothy grin. “So, hi, Boss. How was your date with Lady Lottie?”
He must have seen Ryn and Lady Vikena walk past Count Damien’s estate. [color=9354FF]“I’m not sure if walking someone home constitutes a date.”[/color]
“Eh,” the man shrugged, “there are people out there who think apples soaked in armpit sweat counts as wooing. So yeah, it’s a date.”
[color=9354FF]“Well, the date is now a missing person’s case.”[/color] 
“It couldn’t have been that bad, Boss,” Peter smirked.
Ryn chuckled lightly at that, [color=9354FF]“I haven’t scared Charlotte off just yet. It’s—...”[/color]
“Lorenzo.” Ryn could hear the acid in the redhead’s voice as he crossed his arms and frowned. “I wouldn’t be wasting your time worrying about him, Boss. It’s not like he’s been missing for days.”
[color=9354FF]“We may be overreacting to a grown man being gone for a few hours, that’s true, but the circumstance in which he left… leaving Charlotte alone in that castle without her knowing, seems odd.”[/color]
“Not according to C-Bert here.” Peter pointed his chin to the Damien estate. “When he heard that Lorenzo left, he said that it ‘was expected’.”
[color=9354FF]“Is that so? Did he say why?”[/color]
Peter shook his head, “And before you ask, C-Bert hasn’t met Lorenzo since the ball ended, and Lorenzo hasn’t paid the Damien estate a visit… Unless he came in the house before Calbert got home, they have a private room downstairs where they do their kinky sh*te.”
[color=9354FF]“You’re never going to drop that, are you?”[/color]
The count expected a joke to follow his question but was greeted only with an awkward silence, “They’re perfect for each other, in a way.”
Ryn searched Peter’s eyes, [color=9354FF]“Is there… something I’m missing here?”[/color] 

Unable to maintain eye contact for long, Peter turned his gaze away, and he took off his hat to scratch his scalp in frustration. “I’m just annoyed with him. That’s all.” He made no attempt to clarify who he was annoyed with. When he placed his hat back on, Peter’s usual countenance returned as well, “Well, since we’re going to be talking about it anyway, there are a few things you should know.” He pointed a finger out, “Lady Lottie and C-Bert had a little chat. They talked about how she should kill herself like her mother and how everyone thought she was a whore and stuff like that. You know, the kind of banter me and Udo have.” A second finger jutted out. “C-Bert’s putting a lot of effort in keeping Lorenzo hidden away from the public eye. Did you know they have… had? An agreement that Lorenzo wasn’t supposed to attend events?”

[color=9354FF]“‘They’? As in between Charlotte and Calbert?”[/color]
“Based on how long he’s been out of the game… I’d say Lorenzo agreed too.”
[color=9354FF]“But… why? Why was that promise made in the first place? What would Calbert gain from such an arrangement?”[/color] Questions they had no answers to. Though Ryn started to feel that the late Duchess Vikena was at the center of it all. The biggest shard to the scattered answer Lady Vikena sought. 
“More reason to dig in deeper, right Boss?” A sinister grin sprouted on the ginger’s face. “This oughta be fun.”

Sounds from a distance snapped Ryn’s head in its direction. [color=9354FF]“I should let you get back to work. Thank you for keeping me updated.”[/color] 
“Well, I gotta prove that you don’t pay me just for my good looks.”
Ryn placed a hand over his mouth, [color=9354FF]“I don’t?”[/color]
“HA!” Peter kissed the air in Ryn’s direction. “I’ll head back to the castle in the morning.” He was about to turn away when Ryn remembered something he almost forgot.
[color=9354FF]“Before you go…”[/color] Ryn pulled out the soiled handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Peter, [color=9354FF]“Mind sending this off?”[/color]
Peter squinted at the handkerchief and then looked at Ryn, puzzled. He wanted to ask what it was exactly but thought better of it. “To Wayra?” Peter placed the cloth into his pocket.
[color=9354FF]“As soon as you’re able.”[/color]
“Anything else?” When Ryn answered by shaking his head, Peter saluted him and turned around. And in a blink of an eye, Peter vanished from Ryn’s view. 

Charlotte finally emerged and made her way over to Ryn. Their garden was rather large and complex, almost like a maze. It had taken her time to comb it through, but she felt that she had looked anywhere a grown man could be found, even glimpsing inside the tool shed and behind trees. It had also taken a moment longer since Nathaniel had informed her that no one could find any sign of Lorenzo inside the estate. 

She raised her hand in a subtle wave as she came to stand at his side. Since Lorenzo was nowhere to be seen, she supposed Fritz did not have luck either. With a shaky breath, Charlotte said, [color=BBC7E1]“I guess he’s not here...”[/color]She rubbed her own arm as if to comfort herself, her gaze lowering, [color=BBC7E1]“... I’m really sorry about all this… We have, um, a guest bedroom if you are tired or anything.”[/color] Her gaze raised, and she looked at him with concern, [color=BBC7E1]”If you’re hungry, I can get you something to eat as well.”[/color]

[color=9354FF]“That’s kind of you to offer, but I’ll be fine.”[/color]  

Charlotte paused to glance down at her gown as the blue material shimmered in the moonlight, [color=BBC7E1]“Think I may go change into something more comfortable…”[/color]She knew the next step was to go walk about the kingdom. She definitely had to disturb the Calbert estate, but she wasn’t so sure she wanted to drag poor Fritz into that situation. He seemed to have a very kind soul, and it was certainly nice to make his acquaintance, but she had no business dragging him through the kingdom in the middle of the night.  

She also knew it was technically possible Count Fritz could be someone sent to watch her by Calbert. Though she did not like to assume the worst in people, she knew after what happened that she should err on the side of caution…yet she felt in her gut that Count Fritz was someone she could trust. Thus, she had no intention of doubting him until he gave her a reason.

Ryn glanced at Lady Vikena’s dress at the mention of changing clothes. Thinking back on it now, it was probably one of the first things she should have done when she got home. The Northern Kingdom’s traditional formal party attire was notorious for feeling uncomfortable, and it only got worse the longer one wore it. [color=9354FF]“Will we be broadening our search beyond the Vikena estate, then? Do you know or know someone who knows where he might go?”[/color] 

Charlotte hesitated, pursing her lips. Then, her gaze slid to the Damien estate. She sighed after a moment, hoping she would not regret this. [color=BBC7E1]“I think it’s time I tell you what I was upset about….Meet me in the front of the home.”[/color] She then retreated back into the house. Soon, Fritz would see her emerge in a [url=i.imgur.com/fwjbZxg.png]simple purple dress[/url]. Her hair was tied back in a low ponytail, a lace ribbon holding her dark locks together. Though she was much more comfortable, she couldn’t shake feeling the way she did. 

[color=BBC7E1]“Count Calbert approached me while I was up on the castle wall. He was behaving rather abnormal, moving toward me in a threatening manner.”[/color] She halted her words and stared at him,[color=BBC7E1]”I think he was trying to mess with my head, telling me to kill myself then saying it was a joke, changing moods, changing approaches… He may seem charming at first but be forewarned, he’s a dangerously manipulative man… Anyway, he was angry that Lorenzo went out tonight. Over the last year, he actually informed us that he did not want us to attend any events a few times. Perhaps he had meant we needed some time to grieve after my mother’s passing. However, it’s been a [i]year[/i].”[/color] 

[color=9354FF][i]It all goes back to Duchess Vikena’s death.[/i][/color]

Charlotte bit her lip as she felt the guilt set in again, [color=BBC7E1]”I know if I said I hadn’t wanted to go tonight, he wouldn’t have, and we could have avoided all this. So in that way, perhaps he was right…yet… It still doesn’t make sense.”[/color] She took a moment to think before saying anything more. 

Charlotte finally met his eyes, anxiety swimming in hers despite the firmness she pushed into her tone, [color=BBC7E1]“I think Lorenzo knows something he’s not supposed to, and Calbert is afraid he might tell someone. Terrified even.”[/color] She folded her arms, debating on saying more, but she eventually decided against it. 

[color=BBC7E1]”I think Calbert is a good start tonight.” [/color]

As far as Peter could tell, Duke Vikena never went near Count Damien since the ball ended, so Ryn doubted that they would find the Duke there or if Count Damien would be gracious enough to point them in the right direction. They could only hope.

[color=9354FF]“Have you informed your servants where you will be going? We wouldn’t want them to think that another person went missing”[/color] Charlotte nodded. She had done so on the way outside.

Side by side, the pair exited the Vikena estate and made their way to the front gates of its neighbor. One could tell a lot by the exterior of a house. The Vikena’s estate was open, easily accessible from any side. Filled with vibrant and warm colors. Security-wise, it had a lot to be desired, but it was homely and welcoming. 

In contrast, the Damien’s estate was precisely what one envisioned a nobleman’s mansion to look like. It was prestigious, scrupulously tidy, and above all else, aloof. The gates made of iron and stone separated the estate from the world. Whatever happened there… stayed there or went back to Montauppe. 

Ryn glanced over at Lady Vikena to see how she was faring. His hand reached over, then quickly retreated. [color=9354FF]“It’ll be fine. I’m here.”[/color] Ryn was somewhat confident that the count would, at the very least, not be rude to her while he had an audience. 

Charlotte looked at Fritz and gave him a small smile, perhaps the following words comforting herself as she whispered jokingly, [color=BBC7E1]“Pssh. Me? Scared of a pompous jerk like him? You must be confusing me for someone else.”[/color] She gave him a playful smile and flexed a thin, muscleless arm, but it was obviously trembling a little if one studied it. She was self-aware of how a punch from her would simply feel like a tickle, that sarcasm of hers finally making a return as she said, [color=BBC7E1]“They call me the big ol’ bruiser around here. I’m terrifying.”[/color]

[color=0072bc]“Good evening.”[/color]

She practically jumped out of her skin at the sudden sound of Calbert’s voice, her head whipping around to see him suddenly behind the gate, staring at them through the bars. His long black hair was damp, and he was in more comfortable yet somehow still fancy clothing. His intense blue eyes bore into her for just a second before a smile crossed his face, and he opened the gate. 

[color=0072bc]“What a pleasant surprise!.”[/color] His tone and expression were both warm. [i]Genuine.[/i] [color=0072bc]“Lady Charlotte, you’ll please have to introduce me to this gentleman here, but first, please assure me is… everything okay?”[/color]

Charlotte could hardly resist glaring at him, but she still held back. Thoughts of all the things she really wanted to say crossed her mind, but instead, she put on a small smile. [color=BBC7E1]“Um.. No, it’s not.”[/color] She glanced up at him, [color=BBC7E1]“Lorenzo is missing. I was wondering if you knew anything. He’s not with you, is he?”[/color]

A surprised look took over his expression, and he shook his head adamantly, [color=0072bc]“Oh dear. You poor thing. After the night you had…”[/color] He gave a sad sigh, [color=0072bc]“I’m so sorry. I haven’t seen him.”[/color] Calbert paused to open up the gate, coming to stand before them with a worried countenance, [color=0072bc]“How can I assist? …Maybe you should let the guards know, and you return home where you’re safe… It is getting late for you to be outside… Oh, if anything happened to you, it’d break my heart.”[/color] His voice cracked at the end of his words. It was strange how the man was so good at portraying his words in such a believable manner. If Charlotte hadn’t known the real Calbert, she might have even liked him at this moment. [color=0072bc]”I am certain Lorenzo will be found safe and sound…He…. He’d never leave you alone, Lottie. “[/color]A hand fell on her shoulder comfortingly. [color=0072bc]“All will be alright.”[/color] His gaze moved to Ryn after letting the moment linger for a few seconds.

[color=0072bc]“My name is Calbert. Count Calbert of Montauppe.”[/color] He smiled as he introduced himself and bowed. [color=0072bc]“Thank you so much for accompanying our sweet Lottie. It is a comfort to know someone is with her tonight.”[/color]

Ryn returned the exact same smile and bowed just as Count Damien did. [color=9354FF]“I am Fritz Hendrix, Count of Erwynn. It is such a pleasure to meet the renowned Count Damien. I have heard so much about you!”[/color] He frowned slightly, [color=9354FF]“If only it were under better circumstances…”[/color] A woeful sigh escaped his lips, [color=9354FF]“Would… you happen to know where His Grace may have gone to? I’ve heard that you and Duke Vikena were the closest of friends. We were hoping that you may have some ideas…”[/color] 

[color=0072bc]“Count Fritz Erwynn ! A marvelous name indeed for certainly a marvelous young man!”[/color] Calbert had said with gumption. His expression melted into a sadder one with his, [color=0072bc]“Hmm…Perhaps the library or…the tavern.”[/color] He relented with a sigh as if it were information he was reluctant to share. Calbert looked at Charlotte apologetically, who nodded her understanding,[color=0072bc]“I am sorry to reveal something perhaps indecent about your father. However, I know this is an emergency.”[/color]

Ryn’s eyes widened as if he was unaware of the Duke’s drinking problem, [color=9354FF]“I… see… Any particular tavern?”[/color] He could not deny the modicum of sadness he would feel if they did find the Duke in a drunken stupor in some tavern or dark alleyway, knowing that his daughter was left to fend for herself, but Ryn also wanted to trust the first instinct he had about the man.

[color=0072bc]“The Tough Tavern, right down the block from here.”[/color] He pointed him in the western direction they had walked from earlier. 

Ryn’s eyes followed Count Damien’s finger before moving to Lady Vikena’s direction. He nodded to her, turned to the count, and bowed, [color=9354FF]“Thank you so much for your time, Count Damien. We shall head over there immediately.”[/color] When he straightened up, he smiled, [color=9354FF]“I hope you have a wonderful evening, Count Damien.”[/color] He turned to Lady Vikena, [color=9354FF]“Shall we?”[/color] 

[color=BBC7E1]”We shall.”[/color]Charlotte was more than happy to walk away from Count Damien’s house and towards the tavern. She offered her arm out with a smile she managed. Fritz took it without hesitation, and they both walked away.

Once they were far enough away, Count Damien had whispered to his advisor Henry to find out more about “Count Fritz Erwynn.” In the shadows, another figure rubbed their tongue against the gap between their teeth as they grinned. Amber eyes shone with excitement. An owl hooted in the trees nearby and flew away, its feet clenched around a small furry thing.

After the two walked some distance away from the Damien estate, the smile he kept up for the count dropped, [color=9354FF]“He is [i]very[/i] talented. Almost think he missed his calling as a thespian.”[/color] At surface level, everything Count Damien did and said was exactly what it was. However, like his house, Ryn could feel that cold iron gate that safely hid things away from the world. In every gesture, there was a different undertone to it. Subtle enough for the casual observer to miss, yet ever-present. 


[color=BBC7E1]“Oh, he certainly thinks he’s on a stage performing a play.”[/color] Charlotte had agreed with an eye roll. They came to a stop before the small tavern. It was shabby-looking and not the most welcoming. She glanced across the street at the other buildings. She noticed giggling women in front of them, trying to wave over passer-byers. It took a long moment to click on what she was looking at. [color=BBC7E1][i]Oh. This is almost the slums…[/i][/color] Her gaze moved to the old buildings at the end of Lover’s Lane. She shook off her thoughts and then opened the door to the tavern, holding it open for Fritz to join her. 

However, as soon as they entered, all eyes zoomed on them, and the chatter abruptly halted. One could hear a pin drop at that moment. A very tall and muscular woman with a bandana around her forehead was by the window. She shut the window suddenly, whirling on them. Her footsteps were heavy and loud as she made her way over to suddenly slam the door shut behind them. Her fist was just inches from Charlotte’s head. Pieces of her hair had frizzed up from the wind of her movement.

Charlotte blinked. It had been so surprised she had not been able to flinch. Instead, she scooted closer to Fritz ever so subtly with slow movements. Her eyes slowly slid to look at the muscular woman.

[color=lavender]”Maxwell saw you pass by in fancy dress.”[/color] The woman boomed, her eyes glaring down. After she spoke, she pointed at the man she had waved at earlier, still sitting by the bar. He looked absolutely annoyed. In fact, everyone here did.  

True, Lady Vikena must have stood out in that dress, especially around an establishment such as this one, but how did this woman know that Lady Vikena was [i]the[/i] lady wearing the big fancy dress? Combined with her rushed action to cut off their exits, it felt as though they were being trapped inside.

[color=lavender]”Noble girl sees all us here poor and thinks she can buy all our booze? Eh? You and pipsqueak here?”[/color] She poked her in the chest, making her stumble backward against the door. [color=lavender]”You change clothing to come trick us? Take advantage of us somehow, yes?”[/color] Charlotte had glanced down as she had been poked both with surprise and slight curiosity.  

[color=BBC7E1]”Uhh no, no… Sorry. I did not actually plan on errmm… buying anything.”[/color] Charlotte had meekly told her, very much intimidated by her huge fist. The woman did not seem impressed with her answer. 

On the other hand, Ryn did not look or feel the slightest bit threatened by the aggression displayed by the woman. The fact that she did not actually hit Lady Vikena when she had the chance to and that the others looked more annoyed than anything suggested that they were not looking for trouble. Assuming this was not a trap, then it could mean that they simply wanted to scare the pompous nobles enough to make them think twice about entering their sacred domain in the future, the one place they did not have to worry about the upper class. Regardless of the situation, the duo needed to pacify them, and what did tavern patrons love getting?

Fingers loosened up his shirt to give it a more rugged aesthetic and ruffled his hair a bit to accentuate the new style, [color=9354FF]“What, don’t you tell me the folk in Sorian have something against getting free drinks? Awful shame that is.”[/color] 

As the woman narrowed her eyes, ready to say more, Ryn’s voice called her attention. Her brow raised at his hair. [color=lavender]”Huh! You think you can just ruffle your hair and flatter me, BOY? Pfft!“[/color]

[color=9354FF]“Ah, but it [i]does[/i] flatter you.”[/color] He waved his hand to the man behind the bar and shouted, [color=9354FF]“Hey, barkeep, give everyone here a round of drinks, my treat.”[/color] 

The burly woman’s lips parted to protest, then closed. [color=lavender]”Eh. Guess you are okay, pipsqueak.”[/color] She shrugged and moved over to enjoy a drink. The others in the room had also all scrambled to the bar.

Ryn carefully guided Lady Vikena towards the bar counter, shielding her from their aggressor, as many of the patrons cheered at the sudden gift of free liquor. Ryn placed some coins, more than enough to cover all the drinks and then some, down on the countertop. 

Charlotte leaned in with wide eyes, smiling, [color=BBC7E1]”Wow, Count Fritz…That was like a scene out of a novel.”[/color] She whispered with a giggle. [color=BBC7E1]“You’re incredible at that…Here let me help.”[/color] She began rummaging into her dress pocket for her pouch of coins. She then gently took Fritz’s hand and placed some coins in his palm. Fritz looked as though he was ready to decline the coins, but after a moment’s pause, he thanked her and pocketed them.

He was clearly adept at adjusting to this situation, which was interesting for a noble man. However, she supposed that this was her first time even being in a bar of any sort did put her at a slight disadvantage. There had been no way to know what to expect, but it certainly had not been that. [color=BBC7E1][i]I froze up there like I always do… Goodness, I really need to get out more.[/i][/color] Charlotte thought. Her gaze slid to Fritz. [color=BBC7E1][i]He’s not always going to be there to have my back like this. And neither is Lorenzo clearly… I need to change if things are going to be like this now.[/i][/color]

She sighed and let go of it all for the moment. They were here to find Lorenzo. 

Charlotte craned her neck and took a moment to look about the room. No one remotely resembled Lorenzo crossed her vision, but [i]Maxwell[/i] did. He gave her another one of those award-winning smiles. In closer proximity to the bearded fellow, she could tell he was intoxicated out of his mind. He barely was balancing on his stool.

[color=BBC7E1][i]Looks like you have some charisma too, Lottie ol’ girl. Got yourself a friend! [/i][/color]

Charlotte gave him a smile back and waved, mouthing a hello to him enthusiastically. Maxwell attempted to blow a kiss only to stumble off his stool and onto his feet. Others around him uproar in laughter. She sucked in air as if empathizing with his pain. [color=BBC7E1]“Well. Should we split up and ask around?”[/color] She asked without glancing Fritz's way. 

[color=9354FF]“Sounds like the best course of action. I’ll start with these people.”[/color] He eyed the customers gathered at the counter. 

Charlotte took in a deep breath and rose from her seat. 

[color=BBC7E1][i]I can do this. I will be like Count Fritz and be observant of my surroundings. I know what to say. Stay calm… Stay cool.[/i][/color]