Baxy's note: September has been a heavy month for alot of people and October is still going in that direction. I pray for change. I can pray for things to be better but action is so much more important now.
I hope you all stay safe and I hope I can keep you all entertained.
Thank you to my patrons, OdeToAKite, Danielle Warvel, Michael, JewBot9000, Jonathan Newman, Konrule and Kolonji Francois for always being patient and supporting in what I do.
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Ivy stared at her screen, "If I were to say that he would've won, I'd be lying to myself and to everyone. A week has already gone by, and he's still whining about that draw."
She looked over to a screen where she can see Callista doing her usual fucking with Marcus,
"Well the good news is that the prince and his parents left the same day they came. Two for Aric, zero to Callista. Ouch girl, you really need to step it up."
She closed the screen and her eyes looked over a sleeping Aric, "But you got pretty close to activating a new branch in your power. Your stats now…"
She looked over his panel to see his stats remain unchanged. His physical stats were still at C and B.
"Well, I guess that's what happens when you break fate, isn't it?"
"All the choices that were supposed to happen, you would've been A+ across every stat now and possibly managing your first ever EX rank. But in that timeline..."
She projected the timeline with her fingers and made it into a hologram. Bodies piled up, bleeding everywhere. Buildings destroyed, Seraphina using her dark powers to the maximum.
"Many people died because you couldn't stop the demon fast enough."
She scoffed, "Still, though, it's crazy how you will never know what could've happened. So now…"
She changed the projection to a timeline of what could happen today,
"If you choose to leave her even after all that, the prophecy Nathan set would still come to pass. But if you choose to defy one more time, I have to fix up the cube and use my powers to be everywhere at once."
The Being then appeared behind her. Ivy was no longer startled, as she too had gotten stronger after the fight with Nathaniel.
"You think that fate can be broken more than 3 times?"
Ivy laughed, "Hahaha. Yeah, because it is him we are talking about. Still though, Nathaniel's planning is nothing to be laughed at. It's still somewhat…entertaining if that's the right word."
Being then sipped on her tea, "But how would the prophecy even happen when Aric had basically shut down Theodore? Surely you-"
Ivy cut her off by turning her chair and crossing her legs, "Don't bullshit me, friend. You have the power to see what has and hasn't happened. You know how Theodore would get her if Nathaniel doesn't interfere. But your powers of certainty stop there when there is interference with people like us."
Being looked at her with a smile of acknowledgement, "So, what do you think he will decide?"
"I don't know, let's just see when he wakes up."
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With summer now in full effect, Aric was very thankful he didn't wake up in a pool of sweat like he used to on Earth. He closed his hands but wasn't quite able to. He was still drowsy, so he tried it again, but now, he could feel something soft.
BOING
Oh. Aric thought, I know what this is. Is it finally my time to get the romance clichéwhere the MC wakes up squishing the woman's boobs and then acts all startled?
He opened his eyes and focused. His thought was correct, as his hand was indeed on Seraphina's breast.
Nice! Let's go! I'm finally getting my isekai treatme- His train of thought stopped when he realised who that woman is,
Wait. It's Seraphina. I always sleep with her! NO! I CAN'T BE SQUISHING HER BOOBS LIKE THIS!
He released his hand gently and put it on the pillow. Okay…okay. She's not awake, so…I'm goo-
He was proven wrong again when he saw Seraphina staring right at him,
"You…um…you were squishing me. Like a lot. Are you perhaps enjoying yourself, Mr Aric?"
Aric closed his eyes and accepted that he indeed just did all that. Yeah. I'm so cooked.
"I can explain. I was asleep and I didn't know…so it's an accident. I swear, I didn't do this intentionally."
Seraphina's face looked amused, "Mhm. Did you at least enjoy groping me?"
"I uh…"
"I swear I won't call you a pervert."
Aric reluctantly admitted, "Yes…I did…"
"Pervert."
"Hey, you said-"
She ruffled his hair, "I'm not mad."
"So, have you decided what you want to do?"
Aric stared at her for a moment before responding, "Oh, right. We just finished off the majority of the debt and even got you some in return. I overheard the queen, and you'll be meeting every 2 months or so about the business."
"Mhm."
Aric didn't know what to answer. Even with a week of thinking, he wasn't sure what he really wanted.
"I don't know Seraphina. From the knowledge that I know, which you know, the anime, mangas, and manhwas I've mentioned previously, normally this is the point where the person is conflicted."
Seraphina placed her hand onto his cheek, "Are you conflicted?"
Aric responded, "On one hand, I know that logically, you will still suffer politically as long as you're with me. Especially with the fallout of Vayne's parents, the Whiteford's. I know in my head that you leaving me or me leaving you would benefit you in the long run."
His eyes looked down at the bed, "But on the other hand, I have fun with you. It was lonely being by myself for months. Eating alone and doing things alone, but when you listened to me, things changed, and I know that's the real you. I know that's who you are."
"I don't know, Seraphina."
"I want you to be the great duchess you are and I want you to achieve your dream of helping the entire nation. But I feel like, for that dream to come true, I would need to step away. Maybe they are right-"
She caressed his cheek, "But what do you want, Aric Lawson? What does your heart desire? You have been putting me first so many times that I feel like you would rather eat the crust off the bread than eat the main part."
"You're a good man, Aric. You really are. But you can be selfish as well. If you want to leave, then I'll have to accept that and cover for you. I'll lie to the kingdom about where you are, I'll make sure to keep in contact with you wherever you may be, and I'll promise to be there if you ever call for me."
"But, if you were to stay, then you still have total freedom. You may do as you please, as I am only your wife by name. We are just…"
She hesitated for a moment, and her lips shuddered. Actually…what are we? We sleep together in bed every night. We eat and laugh together as if it were routine. He makes me clothes and treats me well.
He protects me from the rain and sun. He gives me whatever I demand from him…
What are we?
We act like we're more than a married couple, but not lovers. Wait, what if Aric is secretly a Playboy all along, and it was his old marriage that changed him?
Maybe he is…Her thought was cut short. Wait, that doesn't make sense. I should stop overthinking stuff like that.
Aric saw the conflict in her eyes. We are just…huh. Guess she's confused as well.
"Sera." He said. "Look, I am not going to lie. I don't know what we are. We do stuff like married couples but we have never even once done anything a real couple would do, like kissing or going on dates or whatever. Weeks ago, you told me that we needed time to figure it out, but I'm guessing neither of us knows what we are. So..."
He grabbed her hand, "Umm…look, I am still just someone you met months ago. We have done everything we needed to and we are now at a point where we need to decide. You are okay with either choice, but..."
"I'm not. Maybe I am selfish. Maybe I'll take you up on your offer."
He squeezed her hand, "Do you want me to be around? Do you want me to act as your husband until you're tired? Am I someone you can see sharing your most vulnerable self? Am I someone…that you're okay calling your husband even if it's fake? Are you okay with it being me?"
She had a big smile and hugged him immediately. Squishing him with her body,
"I want you to stay, Aric."
A day later.
The morning sun shined upon Ashwick with golden light, casting long shadows over the newly rebuilt streets and buildings. The town had transformed beyond recognition since Aric's arrival. Aric's efforts had given Ashwick more than just infrastructure; they had given its people dignity, opportunity and a future worth fighting for.
At the center of the stage was Adam, the newly elected mayor, alongside Mira, his co-mayor. Both were respected figures within the town, chosen not only for their skills but also for their integrity. This was a decision made by Seraphina to fight the corruption that had plagued Ashwick under Sebastian's rule.
Together with the council formed with people like Kim, Elena, Linda, Henry, Larry, Zhang, and Mei, they represented the voices of the people, ensuring decisions were made collectively rather than dictated by greed or selfish ambition.
Today marked the official farewell ceremony for the Arkwright's.
And so, when Seraphina insisted that Aric deliver a speech to commemorate the occasion as his first-ever official task as Seraphina's partner. He agreed of course even though they were both unsure of what their relationship is.
Aric thought as he was writing, I still don't know if I want to stay at the end of the day...Why can't I make up my mind?
By midday, nearly everyone had gathered in the square including Callista, Lira, Thorin and Marcus. Flags bearing the emblem of House Arkwright fluttered while banners celebrating unity and resilience adorned nearby buildings. Children perched on shoulders, elders leaned on canes, and young adults stood shoulder to shoulder, united by shared memories of hardship overcome.
Aric stepped onto the platform, his eyes scanning the sea of faces before him. He unfolded the prepared script in his hands,
"Today marks the culmination of months of hard work, sacrifice, and teamwork. Together, we have risen from the ashes of despair to build something extraordinary…"
His voice trailed off as he glanced at the crowd again. Man, fuck the script.
He folded the paper and addressed them properly,
"I'm no hero. I didn't come here seeking glory or redemption. I came because I believed that change is possible. That no matter how broken things seem, there's always a way to fix them. Be it inherited sins or not."
"When I first arrived, I saw fear. Hunger from the people. Despair. But I also saw strength. Resilience. Hope. You, the people of Ashwick, taught me that true power lies in the willingness to stand together, to forgive, to dream."
Aric's voice grew stronger, "I won't lie to you. There will be challenges ahead. Days when progress feels slow.. But remember this: every step forward, no matter how small, matters. Every act of kindness, every effort to help another, you are shaping the world around you. And that's what matters."
"I know this may come as a shock to some of you, but the council and the mayor have agreed on the project for the school for the people. I know what you're thinking, school? But that's only for the nobility and the rich. Well, we are here to change that."
He rummaged through his pockets and found the paper. He showed it to everyone, and while it was visible, only the people with good vision or at the front could see it.
"The school in question is a trade school. Basically, you will learn from the best, and it will be free. Though you do need to pay back eventually with labour. Don't worry, there will be salaries for it."
"What you will learn is how to build stuff, how to use and make components that I have made, how to make and gather such supplies, and well, basically anything I have ever done. Cooking, farming, and sanitation. Just to add a little flair, as for who will be teaching you construction. That will be Grumlin."
He pointed to Grumlin who was at the side lines, "He will be the dwarf that will stay here for some time alongside his team to teach you all a thing or two. You will also receive certificates demonstrating your competence. Don't worry, we are getting it validated with the royal family as we speak."
Before he could continue, the crowd erupted into cheers that drowned out his words. Voices rang out passionately,
"You're our hero!"
"He saved us from Sebastian!"
"He brought back our shops!"
"He gave us jobs and he's making a school now!"
"ARIC! ARIC! ARIC! ARIC!"
Aric smiled faintly, touched by their declarations despite his discomfort with praise. Raising a hand to quiet the crowd, he took a deep breath and concluded his speech.
"If history remembers me at all, if you will remember me, remember me not as a hero but as someone who believed in second chances. As someone who dared to hope, even when hope seemed impossible."
Turning his gaze to the younger generation, "To all of you, especially the children and teenagers, don't let anyone tell you your dreams are too big or your goals too far away. If I, a broken man with nothing to offer, could help rebuild an entire town, then imagine what you can achieve. The future belongs to you. Make it brighter than anyone thought possible."
"If you want to be a mage then be one. If you want to make it big, make it big. If you want to be a chef, a farmer, a technician, a sculptor, a singer, or an artist, be one. I will support those dreams however I can."
As the applause thundered around him, Aric stepped back, allowing Adam and Mira to take the stage. Their speeches followed, thanking Aric, Seraphina, the dwarves and the community for their contributions and promising to uphold the values he had instilled in the community.
Later that evening, Aric found Grumlin gazing out at the horizon. Aric sat down beside him and spoke,
"Are you really okay with being here, Grum?"
Grumlin laughed and slapped his back,
"Of course, lad! Why wouldn't I be? The folk here treat me fair, the food's hearty, and the ale flows strong. Can't ask for more than good company, full plates, and a proper drink after a day's teaching."
Aric smiled and talked with him. The carriages stopped in front of him. The window opened, and Seraphina waved at him with a smile,
"Let's go, husband. We don't have all day."
Aric stood up and looked back. He saw the people coming out to wave him goodbye and thank him. Aric waved goodbye and entered the carriage,
"I'LL COME BY SOON! GOODBYE, EVERYONE!"
Grumlin and the crowd waved their hand, "Goodbye, Lord Aric! Goodbye, Lady Seraphina!"