While Gideon remained in the Northern fortress while waiting for Lyric who had been tasked with escorting him to the encampment and Arctelle, on the other hand was already on his way back home.
He sat stiffly inside the carriage with anger simmering beneath his carefully proper appearance.
Though he was dressed as a noble should be, imperial knights rode on either side along with their silent presence making it clear he was not being escorted out of respect.
To them, he was a problem to be contained.
Realizing his place, Arctelle gnawed at his nails with his thoughts spiraling along each passing moment.
"How did everything go so wrong?" he muttered darkly. "That rat should have died when I had the chance. Why does he always survive? Why does he keep standing in my way?"
As the carriage rolled closer to his estate, a heavy unease settled in his chest.
