Scarlett and Dean Godwin strolled back from the hedge garden to the mansion, making their way to the front courtyard, which was still under renovation. Scarlett, through the Loci’s senses, knew this was where Rosa was.
Upon reaching the courtyard, they spotted Rosa perched on a simple stone bench, clad in a snug fur coat. With klert in h...
2024-01-25 21:19:38 +0000 UTC View PostScarlett sat beside Dean Godwin on the bench, her eyes fixed on the Loci at the garden’s heart. “I appreciate your patience, allowing me to conclude my affairs before greeting you,” she said.
“Interrupting a noble lady during her personal matters is something I endeavour to avoid when possible. The tales of my impropriety are often...
2024-01-21 21:17:00 +0000 UTC View Post“—your investigations should primarily concentrate on Brook Tower and Ustrum’s acquaintances, likely around 800 A.R. The exact time period, however, is somewhat uncertain,” Scarlett said aloud, sitting alone in her office.
Before her, on her desk, was a small bluebird carving perched on a circular marble base, emitting a faint glow...
2024-01-18 23:08:36 +0000 UTC View PostScarlett felt more than simply tired as she sat on her chair, perched on the porch at the center of Freymeadow, her eyes fixed on the quaint square before her. Next to her, Arlene was absorbed in her book, while Rosa, seated on the porch railing with her back to them, was lost playing on her klert.
Eventually, Arlene lifted her gaze, looki...
2024-01-14 23:48:39 +0000 UTC View PostFirst, I wanted to notify you all that, unfortunately I'll be away traveling this week, which means I won't have time to get the next chapter out till Thursday. The next chapter will instead be one week from now. I had hoped to write an extra chapter this week to make up for it, but I did not find the time. Hopefully, you won't come after me wit...
2024-01-07 21:25:06 +0000 UTC View PostA diverse array of elemental effects unfolded before Scarlett in steady succession as she channeled her mana into her magic, her focus etched deeply into her furrowed brow. Fiery orbs and swirling globes of water sailed through the air, slamming into lifeless trees here and there. Aqua Mines, varying in size, appeared and detonated in mere momen...
2024-01-07 21:24:46 +0000 UTC View Post“It’s been a while since I last saw this scene,” Rosa said, standing beside Scarlett, both of them overlooking the expansive glade before them. A winding river traced the outer edge of the glade, disappearing into the forest to the north, while timber-roofed homes were nestled within a low stone wall on the far end.
Bathed in the eve...
2024-01-04 22:40:31 +0000 UTC View PostRosa woke up to the serene sight of sunlight streaming through the window above her bed, the gentle chill of the winter air permeating the linens and stirring her awake.
After blinking away the remnants of sleep—and doing a decent job at it, if she might say so herself—she sat up and looked outside. The snow-draped expanse of the Hartf...
2023-12-31 20:38:58 +0000 UTC View PostLater in the evening, following Scarlett’s meeting with The Gentleman and Empress and some time spent familiarising herself with the Loci’s development, she had returned to her office. The interrupted reports were spread out in front of her, with the completed ones to her left and the remaining few to her right.
As the clock approached...
2023-12-28 21:05:04 +0000 UTC View PostScarlett drew looks from the mansion’s servants as she trailed behind Empress through the halls, especially when the cat paused for some pats and attention along the way. Most appeared bewildered by Scarlett’s presence as Empress insisted on their grooming, but none seemed able to resist the cat.
One girl—presumably a new hire since ...
2023-12-21 21:16:59 +0000 UTC View PostScarlett 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 m...
2023-12-17 21:48:55 +0000 UTC View PostScarlett wondered if reaching Beld Thylelion would help her learn more about the system, this whole ‘Anomalous One’ business, and what her role in this world actually signified. Were there things waiting in that place that differed from in the game?
It was a distinct possibility now, it seemed. She was hoping so, at the very least, but...
2023-12-14 22:47:06 +0000 UTC View Post“Had a hunch you were gearing up to ask for the chance to rub things in Anguish’s face,” Rosa said, casting a knowing glance Scarlett’s way.
“Then you know me well in that regard,” Scarlett replied.
The bard smirked. “I’d never have the guts to call you petty myself—too attached to my purse and life for tha...
2023-12-10 21:17:41 +0000 UTC View PostScarlett found Rosa in the woman’s quarters, seated in a dim corner beside a round table, head lowered and klert cradled in her arms. Soft halcyon notes floated from the instrument, enveloping the room in a glum melody. Scarlett paused at the entrance, observing the bard, who seemed absorbed in her music.
Through haunted walls where ...
2023-12-07 23:27:22 +0000 UTC View PostIt was during Scarlett’s journey back from Duke Valentino’s residence that another system window appeared before her.
[Side-Quest completed: Ducal favors and manipulations]
{Skill points awarded: 5}
As the carriage gently navigated Bridgespell’s cobblestone streets, she sat in the cabin, considering the floa...
2023-12-03 22:54:55 +0000 UTC View PostAfter Scarlett’s talk with Raimond, things progressed smoothly. Scarlett and her entourage lingered near the outskirts of Sir Home’s camp while a steady stream of people arrived from Bridgespell. Among them were more of the duke’s men, the Followers, a handful of Solar Knights, and crown officials. None Scarlett recognized personally, but ...
2023-11-30 22:19:06 +0000 UTC View PostScarlett observed Raimond, considering him for a moment. “I must confess, I did not anticipate this conversation happening so soon, but very well. It would seem you are more yourself than at our last meeting,” she said. “Unless, of course, this is an act. With you, it is always difficult to be certain.”
Raimond chuckled lightly, br...
2023-11-26 21:47:23 +0000 UTC View PostHaving slipped away from Crowcairn unnoticed under Raimond’s invisibility spell, Scarlett and Rosa managed to make their way to the encampment. Upon arrival, they discovered that most of Sir Home’s forces had left to search the village after defeating the Tribe members who’d fought them back. Only the injured, a few officers, and their exh...
2023-11-25 19:32:19 +0000 UTC View PostWitnessing the Dawnbringers in action always presented a humbling spectacle. This was something Raimond was certain wouldn’t change, regardless of how long his tenure as a deacon of the Quorum continued.
Before him, holy knights, serving as the radiant sword of Ittar, moved in seamless harmony, collaborating to repel the monsters threate...
2023-11-19 22:26:43 +0000 UTC View PostScarlett couldn’t speak for how the Followers of Ittar and their Quorum dealt with deacons who neglected their duties, but she did know that having Raimond’s assistance helped her avoid a nasty confrontation.
She hadn’t been aware of his proficiency in illusion, but his ability to conceal her and Rosa’s appearance proved a great he...
2023-11-16 21:20:36 +0000 UTC View PostRaimond regarded Scarlett silently for a while, the man’s expression concealed beneath his mask. Scarlett wasn’t sure if it was the [The Deacon’s Sunfire Visage] left by Deacon Emberwood or if it simply looked similar, but that didn’t matter much. What did was that Raimond was clad in his full deacon attire, making no attempt to hide his...
2023-11-12 22:12:16 +0000 UTC View PostMalachi didn’t even so much as glance at Scarlett as the woman approached, her demons slowing to trail a few meters behind. Scarlett moved to stand in front of Rosa, but the bard stopped her with a raised arm, shooting her a meaningful look.
Frowning, Scarlett stepped aside, carefully observing Malachi while also keeping an eye on the la...
2023-11-09 22:33:29 +0000 UTC View PostRaimond gazed at Crowcairn before him, shrouded as it was by an unnatural grey barrier that shielded it from the outside world.
The past day had been a relentless series of unexpected and illuminating events, but he had certainly not anticipated finding himself back here, and under these circumstances. Just moments ago, he had been locked ...
2023-11-05 21:26:20 +0000 UTC View PostRosa was long since used to not feeling in control. Used to feeling adrift — a castaway clinging to the flimsy raft that was her life, tossed about by the turbulent waves of circumstances she didn’t even completely understand. She had grown used to this feeling, sure, but she had never been comfortable with it. Instead, she had alwa...
2023-11-02 22:36:46 +0000 UTC View Post“An alternative?” Malachi said slowly, sounding skeptical.
“Yes,” Scarlett replied. “An alternative. A trade of sorts, you might say.”
The woman’s gaze sharpened. “For the Astral Soulstone, I presume?”
“Yes.”
“How convenient. For you.”
“Quite the opposite, in fact.”
There were var...
2023-10-29 21:13:59 +0000 UTC View PostScarlett’s gaze remained fixed on the elevated platform across the chamber, where Rosa sat upon a hideous throne. Before the non-regal seat, perched on a short pedestal, was the heart of the Abyssal Vilewyrm, pulsating with a sinister energy.
Even at this distance, Anguish’s vicious grin was unmistakable, the Vile clearly enjoying the ...
2023-10-27 20:26:47 +0000 UTC View PostShadows seemed to dance over the walls as the door opened before Scarlett and Allyssa, the air suddenly thickening with subtle tension as what lay beyond was revealed. A dark set of stairs led to a long corridor with a tall ceiling, with a macabre tapestry of demons looming at the top.
As one, dozens of eyes fixed to glare on Scarlett. Som...
2023-10-22 20:18:27 +0000 UTC View PostThe minutes passed in silent anticipation as Scarlett and Allyssa stood before the sealed door. Its frame was mostly a dark pitch black, with the only color coming from the two crimson gems embedded in its face, seeming to pulsate with a subtle internal energy. They were still waiting for their companions to complete their respective tasks, and ...
2023-10-19 20:04:21 +0000 UTC View PostWhen Scarlett returned to the previous chamber, she found the whole group still waiting there for her, their expectant gazes fixed on her. That included Raimond, who showed no signs of harm.
“How’d it go?” Allyssa asked, her eyes scanning Scarlett’s appearance. “What did you find?”
“It went smoothly,” Scarlett replied...
2023-10-15 20:33:48 +0000 UTC View PostIf there was one aspect of fighting demons that made them a particular pain, even more so than most other enemies, it was the fact that they often simply refused to give up. Scarlett had been prepared to fight through hordes of demons while navigating Anguish’s citadel, yes, but did they really have to be so tenacious?
Maybe it ...
2023-10-12 20:43:49 +0000 UTC View Post