Deviating from the original plot

Chapter forty-nine

Celeste's nose wrinkled in distaste. "Undercover? By visiting taverns?"

"Does this have something to do with the Black Mages?" Evelyn pressed, her voice suddenly serious.

Victoria stiffened at how quickly she caught on. She hesitated, then nodded. "Yes... it does."

"But why taverns?" Celeste demanded.

"Because that's where everyone gets their answers," Victoria said sheepishly.

"Taverns? Really?" Celeste's grimace deepened. "You sound like you've been drinking all night. Do you actually think you'll find answers in a place where people are too drunk to stand? You just admitted they were worshipping a literal chicken."

Victoria's lips twitched. 'But that's where fantasy protagonists always start their quests,' she thought, stealing a glance at Little Guy, who just clucked.

"Well then," she said aloud, "what are you two doing here?"

"We're also investigating the Black Mages," Evelyn explained.

"We've been visiting the sites of their attacks," Celeste added. "Gathering evidence. Talking to witnesses."

Victoria frowned. 'Oh, that's actually more logical. Meanwhile, I've just been bar-hopping with a chicken. I really wasted my time following cliches.'

"But Lady Victoria, you shouldn't be involving yourself in this sort of matter," Evelyn said gently, her brows furrowing with worry.

"I agree with Lady Evelyn," Celeste chimed in, folding her arms firmly across her chest. "It's far too reckless. And dangerous."

Victoria gave them both a weary look. "You don't think I realise that? But I can't just stand by."

Evelyn let out a quiet sigh, her voice gentle but steady. "We understand your resolve, Victoria, but this is dangerous. If the black mages catch wind of you pursuing them, they won't hesitate to strike."

Victoria arched a brow. "And yet here you both are, disguised in commoner clothes, doing the very same thing."

"This is different!" Celeste shot back, her tone sharp.

"No, it isn't though," Victoria retorted.

Evelyn and Celeste exchanged a look before they turned back to her.

"Why are you two acting so strange about this?" Victoria asked. They were free to investigate the black mages, but somehow she wasn't? It was absurd.

The two women exchanged a conflicted glance.

"We just don't want you getting hurt," Celeste admitted, with Evelyn giving a firm nod of agreement.

Victoria huffed, folding her arms. "That's a little hypocritical, don't you think? Look, I have to do this. You two won't understand, but I'm not backing down from this; so if you have objections keep them to yourselves."

"Then perhaps," Evelyn said carefully, "we should at least work together. The three of us could form a group... an investigation team of sorts."

Victoria hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. "A group?" she echoed, glancing between them. "You two can't be serious."

Celeste crossed her arms. "We are serious. If you insist on poking around in things this dangerous, then at least don't do it alone."

Evelyn inclined her head in agreement. "Besides. We're already involved, Victoria. Whether you accept it or not, you're not doing this without us."

Victoria's eyes narrowed slightly. "So what-you think I can't handle myself? Are you monitoring me?"

"Not like that," Celeste replied quickly.

Evelyn leaned in, her voice steady but softer. "We just don't want you to get hurt. If that happens, we wouldn't forgive ourselves. Just please."

For a moment, Victoria was silent, then she finally sighed, rubbing her temple. "Fine. I guess that's more reasonable."

"Great then." The two women smiled, relieved that she agreed.

✦ ✦

Evelyn spread the map across the table in the modest restaurant they'd ducked into. Victoria had slipped the waiter a coin to allow Little Guy inside, and the chicken now sat contentedly on her lap, pecking idly at the edge of her sleeve.

"We spent the day covering these districts," Evelyn explained, tracing the inked circles on the map with her fingertip. "The alleyways, the shopping district, and the residential quarter-the three sites we know about. But from what we've heard, there have been more incidents. The imperial guards seem to be keeping those under wraps."

Celeste leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. "Most of the people we spoke to were either too afraid-or simply unwilling-to say much. It made things... difficult."

Victoria nodded thoughtfully, giving them her full attention. Meanwhile, Little Guy began pecking at the map, earning a quiet sigh from her as she gently pressed the chicken's head down beneath the table.

"But we did manage to find a lead," Evelyn said at last. "One witness told us that, on his way home one night, he passed by an abandoned warehouse and thought he heard chanting coming from inside. He wasn't completely certain, but at least he showed us the place."

Celeste tapped the map where the warehouse was marked. "It's on the edge of the old district."

Victoria's eyes narrowed with curiosity. "So what are we waiting for?" she asked. "Let's check it out."

Evelyn exchanged a glance with Celeste, her brow furrowing. "We should be careful. If the witness was right, then walking in unprepared could be dangerous."

Little Guy yanked the map off the table, sending it fluttering to the floor, and let out a loud squawk that drew the attention of everyone in the restaurant.

The other patrons turned toward their table, murmuring in irritation, and the waiter strode over with a strained smile.

"The other guests are unsettled," the waiter said with practised politeness. "I must insist that you leave."

Victoria offered a sly smile. "What if I added another tip to sweeten your mood?"

The waiter's expression didn't change as he shook his head. "I appreciate your generosity, my lady, but I'm afraid that won't suffice this time."

Celeste sighed, gathering her notes. "We'd better move before we draw any more eyes."

Little Guy got on the table and let out a sharp squawk, flapping his wings, which only earned them more annoyed stares.

Victoria quickly scooped the chicken into her arms, muttering under her breath.

"This is the second place I've been thrown out of because of you," She said to the chicken as they stepped outside.

Celeste frowned. "Why don't you just leave it behind?"

"You think I haven't tried?" Victoria huffed, setting the bird down on the cobblestones. "The strange thing just keeps following me."

Little Guy tilted his head at her, unbothered.

"Go!" she barked, waving her hand. The chicken merely blinked, unmoving.

"Shoo!" She tried again, but the bird remained planted, staring at her.

Evelyn spoke lightly. "Seems he's adopted you."

Victoria shot her a sharp glare. "Don't be ridiculous."

"Well, this creature isn't coming with us to the warehouse," Celeste interjected firmly.

"Then we should just head home," Evelyn suggested. "We'll check it out tomorrow."

The women exchanged nods, agreeing to call it a day.

✦ ✦

A/n: Do my eyes deceive me, We are already past 3k reads and now we are on our way to 4k. Thank you all so much everyone. I am so happy!!

I promise to be more dedicated in providing you a satisfactory story!

-Cattycat🐾