"How did you manage to get a carriage like this on such short notice?"
William sat beside Sebastian on the coachman's seat, the two of them sharing the front while Lucy rested inside the carriage.
"That's a secret," Sebastian replied with a wry smile, remembering all the chaos he had endured to secure it.
William leaned over to inspect the side of the carriage. Scratches lined the wood, and an arrow was still embedded next to him. He yanked it free and held it up.
"I'm not even going to ask," he said, casually tossing it to the side of the road.
"I think it's best if you don't."
Leaning back with his arms crossed behind his head, William stared up at the trees, their branches casting shadows beneath the night sky. "Still, color me impressed. You really pulled it off. All that's left now is departure."
"Oh? So you've finished the preparations?"
William twitched slightly. "Um... almost."
"Then I suppose there's still a long night ahead."
"More than it already has been? At least the worst is behind us. The rest should be smooth sailing."
"By the way, Sir William, I hope you don't mind me staying the night. I'll sleep in the carriage."
"No problem. It'll make it easier to leave first thing in the morning."
"So this is your home…" Sebastian remarked as they arrived at the Jaeger residence.
He climbed down from the carriage just as Lucy stepped out from inside. His gaze shifted to her.
"Say, is this the young woman you were asking about at the bar?"
William glanced at Lucy, then scratched his cheek. "As a matter of fact, yes. This is Lucy—the girl from the bar."
Lucy gave William a sideways look. "That's a rather crude introduction, Mister William."
"I—I didn't mean it like that—"
"I'd like to think I'm more than just some 'girl from the bar.'" She turned to Sebastian. "But yes, I'm Lucy. Just Lucy."
Sebastian bowed. "A pleasure to meet you, Miss Lucy. Or should I say... princess?"
"P-Princess?"
Sebastian chuckled. "The way you carry yourself—it was the first word that came to mind."
William nodded. "He's got a point. You do act rather dignified."
Lucy's face flushed red. "I—I see…"
Though she often showed her softer side to William, to the world she presented a composed, refined demeanor. Her posture was always impeccable, her gaze steady and focused. The warm smile she gave William was often replaced by a neutral expression and sharp crystal eyes when around others.
Sebastian tilted his head. "Say… have we met before?"
Lucy furrowed her brow. "I don't think so. Maybe at the bar?"
"Hmm… perhaps." Sebastian drifted into thought, but Lucy looked puzzled.
William sensed the conversation was starting to loop. "We can talk about it later. For now, why don't we head inside?"
"Very well," said Sebastian, turning toward the carriage. "I'll be sleeping here, then."
William stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. "What are you talking about? You're helping me finish the preparations. And while you're at it, wake up our little slacker."
Both men saw through the window Nicolas fallen asleep on the floor.
Sebastian gave a devilish grin. "With pleasure."
Both men entered the house. Moments later, the peaceful night shattered with a loud, panicked scream.
***
"I'm grateful for your help," Sebastian said, bowing to William.
The sun hadn't yet risen. The forest was silent—not even birds dared sing in that cursed wood.
"Well, I had to go there eventually," William replied. "Might as well be for a good reason."
"A man rarely acts unless there's something in it for him."
William waved off the comment with a sheepish smile. "That's not it... though I've definitely had second thoughts."
Second thoughts were a constant for William. If he ever had time to truly think things through, he'd talk himself out of everything. That's why he often avoided troublesome matters altogether.
Sebastian laughed. "Don't worry. You'll be well-rewarded. And once the trip is over, my master would like a word with you—if you don't mind."
"Uh… sure."
"Aye, aye! Come on, everything's ready!" Nicolas's head popped out the carriage window like a worm from an apple.
Both men burst into laughter as his voice cracked mid-sentence.
"Sounds like your voice is finally changing," Sebastian teased.
"Don't even start," Nicolas snapped.
Sebastian crossed his arms. "You should be thanking me. I was the one who got you that beer. One step closer to becoming a man. All you need now is a woman."
If looks could kill, Sebastian would've dropped dead on the spot. Nicolas glared daggers, but the butler just laughed it off.
"Please don't murder each other on this trip," William muttered. "I've got enough to deal with already."
Everything was packed and ready. Of course, the youngest among them had done most of the work.
"Would it have killed you two to help with the loading?" Nicolas grumbled. "Master? Wait—where did he go?"
William had quietly slipped away, approaching Lucy, who stood by the doorway, her gaze distant.
"Everything alright? You're not feeling sick, are you?"
Lucy shook her head. "No, I'm fine. I just... wanted to wish you a safe trip. Be careful in the forest."
He gently patted her head. "We will. But are you sure you'll be okay here alone?"
"I'll be fine. I've got everything I need. Or so you said yourself, didn't you?"
William chuckled. "True. Still, I worry."
"Now I'm the one wondering if I've got everything I need here. You just admitted you were worried."
"In my home, there's no luxury. Only the essentials. That's why I worry."
Lucy smiled. "I don't need luxury."
"Alright then. I'll see you soon. I'll bring back a souvenir."
He turned and walked toward the carriage.
"Bye, Miss Lucy!" Nicolas called out.
"Take care, Nicolas! Have a safe trip!" she replied, waving.
She leaned against the doorway, watching the carriage disappear into the distance.
"May we meet again," she whispered.
Behind her, the gothic lady approached.
"Are you ready, Lucy?"
She nodded. "Yes. Take me to my mother."