Three weeks had passed since the initial installation began at Callista's estate, and finally, everything was complete. The entire property now humd with modern efficiency—wired ticulously for power grids, equipped with solar generators as backup systems, and outfitted with every invention Aric had introduced.
Thanks to Aric's guidance, detailed blueprint that even a 12 year old could have built it and his matter manipulation nearly at pro level, every room and hall is filled with the air conditioners, heated floors (with a toggle switch to disable them during sumr), refrigerators, fluorescent lighting, electric stoves, ceiling fans, and exhaust systems. It was a technological marvel that transford the mansion into sothing almost futuristic.
Callista stood in the newly renovated kitchen, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction as she admired the sleek appliances around her.
"Well," she admired while running a finger along the smooth surface of the refrigerator,
"I must say, I don't think I could go a day without air conditioning now. Plus, the ability to turn off the floor heating is magnificent, especially with sumr approaching."
She turned to face Aric, her lips curling into a sly smirk. "And speaking of magnificent…"
She reached into her purse and pulled out the sa vibrator Aric humiliated her with. Holding it up triumphantly, she tilted her head playfully,
"Vayne," she said sweetly, "may I purchase a bulk order of this fine… invention? We can have an agreent where you'll gain a share of the profits. Let's say… twenty percent? And do tell the actual na of this."
Before Aric could respond, Seraphina stepped forward abruptly,
"Thirty-five percent." Seraphina demanded coldly,
"If you're going to profit from his work, we deserve a higher cut."
Callista chuckled softly, "Oh, darling, always so greedy. How about thirty?"
Aric sighed deeply. He didn't particularly care about the financial details, but he couldn't deny the irony of profiting off such an invention.
Still, if it ant securing additional funds for House Arkwright, I can't argue with that. The faster I can finish the debt, the faster I can leave.
"Fine." he muttered reluctantly. Aric manifested ten boxes all filled with vibrators and their accompanying chargers.
Not like she can recreate the toys anyways.
"It's called a vibrator. If you want to market them, I suggest giving it a nicer na or a polished description to attract the ladies. Like..."
He sighed from how stupid he will sound next,
"...The Whispering Wand—elegant, mysterious, and sounds expensive. Or if you're going for more subtlety, 'Relaxation Rod'. That way, they can giggle behind closed doors while pretending it's so noble household tool."
Callista raised an intrigued eyebrow, but Aric continued,
"Market it as a health device. Say it relieves tension. 'Releases pent-up stress using the magic of vibration, restoring balance to the body and mind.' Add a pamphlet if you want to sound scientific. Won talk—this sells itself."
God help , I've beco a sex toy rchant.
Ivy laughed hysterically while clutching her stomach,
[HAHAHAHA. I got a tagline for you—"Vayne's Vibrations: Because Sotis, Magic Should Hit the Right Spot."]
Aric cringed physically which made Callista and Seraphina raise an eyebrow to Aric's body language.
[I an, think about it. You've brought electricity to the masses, made dwarves like you—and now, you're revolutionizing lonely nights across the kingdom. That's what I call impact.]
Ivy that is probably the stupidest thing I've heard all year.
[And yet sohow... still better than your "Relaxation Rod."]
...I hate you.
[Love you too, Chief 'Buzz' Officer.]
As Aric handed over the boxes, he raised an eyebrow skeptically at Callista,
"I know I made the generator and all, and I did give you the raw blueprints to ensure you can replicate it or sell it to others at my price point. But are you confident you can get it done? These aren't exactly simple devices."
Callista laughed lightly, waving her hand dismissively,
"Don't worry about it, Vayne. I know how to get what I want. Besides, I won't bother trying to manipulate walls to move wires like you did—that thod seems far too complicated for my taste. Instead, I'll simply design houses and renovate them. It will be specifically built around these technologies. Wiring will be installed during construction, making everything seamless."
She paused, tapping her chin thoughtfully before continuing,
"Plus, I have connections—elves, builders, architects—who specialize in crafting efficient layouts. Trust ; I believe everyone should live with this level of comfort. Why suffer through outdated thods when innovation offers so much more?"
Aric shrugged nonchalantly, "Yeah, yeah. Just don't screw it up."
As the final touches were completed at Callista's estate, preparations began for Aric, Seraphina, and Evelyn to depart. Their carriages awaited them outside, loaded with luggage and supplies, ready to take them back to Arkwright Manor.
The air buzzed with a sense of accomplishnt, but there was also an undercurrent of tension as Penelope approached Lady Callista one last ti.
"My lady..." Penelope began hesitantly, her voice trembling slightly.
"May I… speak with you privately for a mont?"
Callista arched an eyebrow curiously. She nodded, stepping aside to give Penelope so space. The maid fidgeted nervously, clutching her hands tightly as she struggled to find the right words.
"I…" Penelope started, her gaze dropping to the floor.
"I wish to leave your service, my lady. If you'll permit it."
Callista felt genuinely surprise at this request.
What..? Why? Was I too hard on her? Do I not pay her well?
Why would she want to leave?
"Leave?" she echoed softly, tilting her head slightly.
"Why would you want to do that, dear? Have I not treated you well? Do I not pay you enough? Would you like a raise?"
Penelope shook her head fervently, tears welling up in her eyes.
"No, my lady. You've been kind to —in your own way. You've changed my family's life, lifting us out of poverty when no one else cared. But…"
She paused, taking a deep breath before continuing,
"…I can't continue like this. Not after everything that's happened. I need a fresh start—a chance to be more than just… a toy."
Callista studied her carefully, her sharp gaze assessing Penelope's resolve. For a long mont, silence hung between them, broken only by the soft hum of the newly installed appliances around them.
I guess, I did treat her badly...
But she's my favourite person...who's going to listen to when I go on my rant? Or when I need soone reliable...
Was I really that bad?
Finally, Callista sighed softly, her shoulders relaxing slightly.
"Very well." she said, her tone gentle,
"If that's truly what you desire, then I won't stop you. Consider it… repaynt for your years of loyalty."
She reached out, placing a hand on Penelope's shoulder.
"But tell honestly—why are you leaving? Is it because of Vayne?"
Penelope hesitated, glancing toward Seraphina, who stood nearby watching the exchange,
"It's not just him, my lady. It's… everything. I want to serve soone who sees as more than an object. Soone like Lady Seraphina...I know it sounds bad and you both have history but I don't want to be a toy anymore but being in your service requires...flexibility. I wish to be more than that."
Seraphina's eyes widened slightly at being addressed directly,
"Callista." Seraphina said quietly,
"What do you intend to do?"
Callista turned to face her, her lips curling faintly into a bittersweet smile,
"What can I do? She's made her decision. And truthfully…"
She glanced down at Penelope, her voice tinged with sadness,
"…I think she deserves better than what I could offer."
And...maybe I was too hard on her. Perhaps this is a lesson in and of itself.
Penelope's eyes filled with tears, and she threw her arms around Callista in a tight embrace,
"Thank you, my lady. Thank you for changing my life—and my family's. I'll never forget what you've done for us."
To everyone's surprise, Callista returned the hug, rubbing Penelope's head affectionately.
"Take care of yourself, little one. And rember—you'll always have a place here if you change your mind."
With Penelope now joining them, the group prepared to board the carriage. As they climbed inside, Aric offered Penelope a reassuring smile, while Seraphina remained silent but visibly thoughtful. Evelyn sat quietly beside her, observing the scene with quiet approval.
Before the carriage departed, Callista stepped forward, her crimson eyes gleaming with a mix of amusent and sincerity.
"Farewell, Pene. May your new path bring you happiness—and may you never forget how much you've grown."
The carriage rolled away, leaving behind the estate and its mistress.
The estate grew quieter with every turn of the wheels. Just before the carriage vanished over the hill, Callista whispered under her breath—so softly that not even the wind acknowledged it.
"…I am sorry."
Then, more to herself than anyone else, her voice catching as a few stray tears finally slipped down her cheek,
"I should've treated you better."
Her arms crossed around her own chest, holding sothing invisible.
"You were the only one who stayed…I am so sorry."
Unbeknownst to anyone, this was the butterfly effect caused by Aric.
Once they were safely en route, Ivy popped up in the screen beside Aric. Her amber eyes sparkling with pride.
[Congratulations, Administrator. You've officially cleared the first major hurdle—the debt with Callista. It is so for so rewards.]
Aric raised an eyebrow skeptically, Rewards? What are you talking about?
[Allow .] Ivy gestured dramatically, summoning a golden screen before him. On it appeared his updated status:
Na: Aric/Vayne Arkwright
(LVL 30)
Potential: EX
Age: 22
Height: 6'1"
Blood Type: O-
Magic: Creation Magic
Sub Abilities: Matter Manipulation, Healing Magic.
Main Stats:
Strength (STR): D (0/1000)
Speed (SPD): D (0/1000)
Durability (DURA): C (50,000/100,000)
Endurance (ENDU): C (50,000/100,000)
IQ: S (700,000/950,000)
Mana: SS (800,000/999,999)
Mana Control: SS (800,000/999,999)
ntal Strength: SS (500,000/999,999)
ntal Resilience: SS (500,000/999,999)
Charisma: C- (Upgraded!)
Reputation: D
Titles:
The Spark of Innovation
The Keeper of Preservation
The Bridge Between Races
The Redeer of Broken Lives
New Titles:
The Luminary of Progress (For revolutionizing entire communities through technological innovation.)
The Architect of Unity II (For wiring 80% of Thorin's Kingdom—nad Stonefist Hold—with electricity, providing affordable energy to commoners and nobility alike.)
Perks:
FUTURE
Additional Upgrades:
IQ Upgrade to S , unlocking a new sub-ability:
Conceptual Crafting (Allows for advanced theoretical designs based on imagination alone)
[Neat isn't it?] Ivy smirked smugly.
I an yeah it is neat...but why did I get hundred of thousands points added into my mana and ntal stats?
[You don't understand how impressive it is to use Matter Manipulation for hours on end without collapsing. Most mages would burn themselves out within minutes. But you? You keep pushing boundaries.]
Aric stared at the glowing screen, overwheld by the sheer magnitude of his progress,
Wait… Stonefist Hold? Eighty percent wired up already? How is that possible?
[Thanks to Prince Thorin implenting your inventions.] Ivy explained casually.
[Not only are the cities thriving, but the countryside is benefiting too. Commoners pay re silver coins for electricity and new jobs are cropping up everywhere. Even the dwarves—who used to despise humans—are singing your praises. Which explains the upgrades to your Charisma and Reputation stats.]
But why is it so much? I was E rank on both before.
[Getting dwarves to like you is one thing but praising you? That deserves recognition. Better charisma also ans people trust you more.] Ivy replied sharply.
[Reputation determines how others perceive you. Right now, most view you as scum thanks to Vayne's sins. But these upgrades give you a fighting chance to turn things around. You're already doing fantastic. If you can get more people to like you and hit C-rank? You go from kill on sight to maybe he's not so bad. People still want your head but think of it as from 100% to 70%.]
Huh, I like this. Thank you Ivy though...why no upgrade to my physical stats? I carry alot of heavy stuff you know.
[That's like saying that I fast today, why didn't I lose 10 kilos? Do so real training. Listen, genius, your past body was a soldier, not a professional mover. Carrying things builds stamina, not skill. You want upgrades? Spar. Bleed a little. Break sothing—preferably not yourself. Then we'll talk.]
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