BRRRRRRRRING! BRRRRRRRRING! BRRRRR—

SLAM!

Asher tried to roll out of bed, following his usual routine.

But he quickly realized his usual routine wasn’t so usual anymore.

With a groan, he fell right back into bed, letting out a whimper.

“Would it be better to simply end it all? It might be optimal considering the unbearable aches and soreness. Everything is tender. Ahhhhh, maybe I should just go back to sleep?”

“Is it really necessary to brave the outside world’s mortal danger today of all days? If anything, it’s irresponsible to leave. Society as a whole should thank me—perhaps compensate me, really.”

Asher almost chuckled at his terrible jokes before dragging himself to the bathroom.

Some time later, he was sitting downstairs, cleaning up after his breakfast.

“It was just two cups of whiskey. How is it even possible that I’m hungover? Where was I again? Ah yes, life is truly just the journey to death. In any other situation, one would strive to accomplish their goal post-haste!”

Asher took his black cotton suit jacket off the coat rack and locked his door. Suddenly, a familiar scent assaulted his nose...

“No way. Ah, but yes way! It would seem the world is testing me today.”

Raising his head and turning around, he barely contained a gasp, even though he was somewhat prepared.

“Good morning, Mr. Moretti! You didn’t visit, so I thought I’d stop by and check on you.”

Asher struggled to meet her gaze, feeling as if he was staring at the sun.

“Bonjour, Madame Duval. Your presence is truly an unexpected boon. I’d hazard to say this hallway has never looked so good, even when new.

I appreciate your concern; unfortunately, I’ve been delayed. Work has been extremely taxing, occupying the majority of my time.

You will have to forgive me; it is my fault entirely.”

Renee smiled brightly, seemingly amused at his innuendos.

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“That’s terrible, ta pauvre chose! I’m glad you’re okay. I would be beside myself if anything happened to my first friend in Menthil. As you say here in Menthil, the nights would grow cold.”

Asher noticed Renée wore a modest grey dress, paired with a lilac cardigan. Her hair was tied up as usual, and her bun looked extremely tight.

Cough.

“In any case, I will sincerely endeavor to make time for some tea. Please do look past my transgressions. While I could not want for anything more than to continue enjoying the beautiful scenery, I must be going now. I fear I’ve delayed enough.

Passe une merveilleuse journée, Madame Duval.”

“Ah, in that case, I suppose I will have to reconsider... At any rate, it was good to see you. Hopefully, it won’t be long before we can enjoy our time in a more relaxed setting. If ever one is found lacking answers, friends can be invaluable, especially if one cannot ask those questions.

Passe une merveilleuse journée, Monsieur Moretti.”

Renée gave him a mysterious look and winked before offering a half-curtsy. Asher didn’t stand on ceremony, but mentally snapped a picture before leaving for the public carriage stop.

As he approached Henry’s door, his vigilance peaked. After the old man’s antics, he half-expected to fall through a trapdoor.

Surprisingly, he made it in unmolested.

I wonder if Henry is unwell... suspiciously easy...

Henry, without a doubt, was a creature of habit. The man was nothing if not consistent; he sat in his armchair, sipping a steaming mug.

His eyes were fixed on the dancing flames beneath the hearthstone. Asher was certain that even if the man was staring at the flames, he wasn’t really looking at them.

“Mysterious... or maybe senile... yes, probably senile. That would explain a lot.”

Henry finally acknowledged his presence, sparing him a glance before returning to his daze.

“You’re too exhausted to do anything, right? Perfect! Let’s begin. Go change your clothes and start from the beginning.”

“From... the... beginning? Bollux! W-w-what the heck does he mean?!

I’ve half a mind to tell this old man to try it himself!”

He must have let his outrage show on his face because the old man laughed, seemingly reveling in his despair, if not outright delighted.

“The man was a real basket case!”

“Quit your whinging and go change! If I have to repeat myself again today, you’ll regret it.”

Asher, swallowing his sigh and realizing this was a battle he could not win, turned to the door.

Liz was sitting at her desk when Mr. Bolard approached her.

“Hello, Dunn! How are you?”

AHHHHHHHHH!

“I’m well, Elizabeth. Please send some coffee to my office and some water and coffee to Henry’s as well.”

GAHHHHHHCK!

“Certainly! I’ll bring them over in just a spell. What in the world is all that noise?”

EHHMMMAAA!

“Thank you, dear. Ah! That? I suppose someone left a window open. Not to worry. Have them deliver an extra breakfast and lunch set as well. I’ll cover the expenses. Inform Helena.”

Mr. Bolard walked back to his office, shutting the door as he passed.

“How long has it been? Days? No, maybe weeks... I can’t be sure. Time is just a coping mechanism invented by humans. Perhaps it’s been an eternity just now, or perhaps the second prior.”

Asher was growing all too familiar with the sight of the ceiling.

“I hope Henry’s coffee is cold for a week! I hope his firewood is wet!”

A short knock rang on the door, giving Asher just enough time to collect himself.

Liz entered, looking reminiscent of a waitress, carrying three saucers with cloches.

She set them down on Henry’s desk and left.

“Well, hatchling, I suppose you earned a meal. Go wash up before you tuck in.”