Aric jolted awake, his heart pounding wildly as the remnants of a nightmare clung to him like cobwebs. In the dream, he'd been trapped between two voices—Seraphina's cold fury and his ex-wife's, Natasha, biting accusations.
Their words overlapped in a cacophony of blame, each syllable slicing deeper into his psyche until he couldn't breathe.
He sat up abruptly, drenched in sweat, his grey eyes darting around the room. The morning sun greeted Aric.
For a moment, Aric simply stared at the ceiling, trying to steady his breathing.
[Good morning, Administrator~!] Ivy chirped cheerfully from the holographic screen. Her usual cyberpunk aesthetic had transformed overnight into something far more sexy. \
She now wore a sexy neko cosplay, complete with cat ears, and a tail somehow.
Aric groaned, burying his face in his hands.
"Seriously? This is how you greet me after that nightmare?"
[What? You don't like it?] she purred, literally.
[I thought I'd spice things up a bit. Besides, you looked so tense last night—I figured some visual stimulation might help.]
"Help?" Aric snapped irritably, throwing off the silk sheets and swinging his legs over the side of the bed.
"You're making my life hell, Ivy."
She giggled, clearly enjoying his discomfort. [Oh, come on. Admit it—you're mildly amused. Maybe turned on even.]
"No." he shot back flatly, sarcasm in his tone
"Just 'mildly' annoyed."
As Aric shuffled toward the small table near the window, he noticed a bottle of whiskey sitting there.
Alden must have placed it during the night, likely guessing that I would need a drink for my breakfast. What kind of alcoholic were you?
But instead of reaching for it, Aric sighed heavily, picked up the bottle, and set it outside the door.
Untouched.
I'm not Vayne and drowning my sorrows in alcohol isn't going to solve anything.
Instead, he headed to the luxurious bathroom attached to his chambers. The Arkwrights spared no expense when it came to comfort, and Aric found himself grateful for the spacious bath lined with polished stone and gold fixtures.
If this how royalty was in this age, I'd imagined my time's royalty to have like, futuristic robot shit I didn't even know about.
However, his gratitude faded quickly once he stepped inside.
The soap block provided was utilitarian at best—functional but utterly devoid of scent or luxury. Aric wrinkled his nose, muttering under his breath about the 'lack of refinement'.
This shit is so ASS!
He closed his eyes, recalling the soothing aroma of lavender-scented soap from his previous life. With a flicker of Creation Magic, he manifested exactly what he envisioned: a bar of lavender-infused soap that smelled divine.
"There!" he murmured, satisfied, as he lathered it onto his skin. The familiar scent calmed his nerves almost instantly, lifting his mood significantly.
I guess the time here is kinda like Earth. Things were made for practical usage without the add ons. Still, it's not that hard to add scented oil to it later on. Maybe I can sell this as well.
But the issues didn't end there. When brushing his teeth, he discovered the only option available was a powered toothpaste—a far cry from the minty freshness he craved.
THIS SHIT IS DISGUSTING! MY MODERN TASTEBUDS CANT HANDLE IT!
Rolling his eyes, he used his magic again, creating a sleek toothbrush and a tube of fluoride toothpaste.
Mmm. Better. I guess I should make some for all the people here. It might score me some brownie points.
Finally, realizing there was no proper shampoo for his hair, he conjured that too—a rich, moisturizing formula infused with subtle notes of citrus and herbs.
Seriously how did the people before look great in photos? I guess looks can be deceiving, but Seraphina smelled nice though.
By the time he finished bathing, Aric felt like a new man—or at least closer to the person he used to be before this strange reincarnation.
Back in his bedroom, Ivy lounged lazily on the holographic interface, still wearing her neko suit
[Well, well] she drawled, crossing her arms smugly.
[Looks like someone's turning into quite the diva. Soap, shampoo, toothpaste? Really? What's next facial cleanser? Moisturiser?]
"I'm not a diva." Aric retorted defensively, pulling on fresh clothes.
"I just appreciate basic hygiene products that actually work."
[Sure, sure.] Ivy teased, rolling her eyes. [Keep telling yourself that, darling.]
Ignoring her sarcasm, Aric focused on his next task. Realizing others in the estate might benefit from these improvements, he decided to share his creations.
Using his Creation Magic, he produced 300 units of the same thing he used. He place the soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, and toothpaste, packing them neatly into a large bag.
Oh right, I have to act like the piece of shit they all know.
Slipping back into his Vayne persona—the arrogant, domineering noble everyone expected him to be—he stormed downstairs with the bulging sack slung over his shoulder.
Spotting Alden and Claire nearby, he barked orders without preamble.
"You two!" he snapped, shoving the bag into Alden's arms.
"Take this. Inside are supplies—soap, shampoo, toothpaste, everything. Figure out how to use them yourselves, and make sure…"
He hesitated briefly, softening slightly. "My wife gets some too."
Before either of them could respond, Aric turned sharply on his heel and strode away, leaving behind bewildered servants clutching the mysterious bounty.
Heading toward the generator site, Aric found Thorin already hard at work. The dwarf stood beside the humming device, inspecting it closely with an approving nod.
"Morning." Aric greeted casually, approaching cautiously. "What's all this?"
Thorin glanced up, grinning smugly.
"Made a few improvements while you were sleeping. Your original design was solid, but I streamlined the wiring process and added safeguards against overload. Efficiency has increased by nearly twenty percent."
Aric blinked, impressed despite himself. "That's incredible. How did you manage that?"
"Centuries of experience and dwarven blood." Thorin replied simply, shrugging modestly.
"Earth magic helps with precision, tools you left were also incredible and I've dealt with mechanics before. It wasn't difficult."
Wasn't difficult? I had to do the prototype so many times in my mental blueprint! Thank God for one dwarf stereotype to hold true, being master builders.
"Well, thank you." Aric said sincerely.
"With your modifications, we can move forward faster. Speaking of which…"
He paused, retrieving a book and pen from thin air using his Creation Magic. Handing them to Thorin, he added,
"This is a gift—a token of appreciation. More will follow, but you'll have to buy those."
Thorin raised an eyebrow, flipping through the pages curiously. They contained detailed instructions and schematics for upcoming inventions, including air conditioning units, ceiling fans and heated floors.
Well this boy is more impressive than the crimes he did, that's for sure.
"Impressive." he admitted, pocketing the book carefully.
"Rest assured, I'll pay whatever price you set—for these blueprints."
"Good to hear." Aric replied, smiling,
"Now, let's head back to the estate. There's plenty more to do."
Upon returning, Aric noticed several maids and butlers gathered near the kitchen, examining the contents of the bag he'd left earlier.
Most seemed skeptical, whispering among themselves about whether the items were safe to use.
Claire held up a bar of lavender soap uncertainly, sniffing it cautiously.
How did he make this? The same 'creation magic' as well?
"It smells nice..." she admitted hesitantly, "but… what if it's poison?"
Marguerite snorted dismissively.
"If it were poison, he'd have died testing it first. Or worse, killed us all. Either way, it's suspicious."
Despite their reservations, Alden and James—the head butler—decided to give the toothpaste a try. After all, if it turned out to be harmful, they reasoned, it wouldn't matter anyway.
At least one of them would be rid of Vayne's presence permanently.
As they brushed their teeth experimentally, both men exchanged surprised glances. The minty freshness was unlike anything they'd experienced before.
"Well," Alden muttered, spitting into the sink, "at least it tastes better."
James nodded in agreement, unable to suppress a small smile.
Perhaps Vayne wasn't entirely useless after all.
Thorin raised an eyebrow, gesturing toward the scene as they ascended the staircase.
"What's all that about?"
Aric smirked, switching into his Vayne persona,
"Ah, those are my latest creations. Claire!" he barked sharply, causing the young maid nearby to jump visibly.
"Bring a set of supplies to Prince Thorin immediately."
Claire hurried over, her hands trembling slightly as she handed Thorin a neatly wrapped bundle containing soap, shampoo, toothbrush, and toothpaste.
Despite her obvious fear, she managed a curtsey before retreating quickly.
"Thank you." Thorin said warmly, unwrapping the items with genuine curiosity. He sniffed the lavender soap approvingly, nodding in appreciation.
"Not bad."
Aric chuckled softly, reverting back to his normal self as they continued up the stairs.
"Glad you like it. Figured everyone could use an upgrade from the unscented version."
He did it again, he switch his tone and personality with the maid and me. Why Vayne?
Thorin glanced sideways at him, his green eyes sharp with observation.
"You're quite skilled at switching personalities, aren't you? You're the old you one moment, then your new self the next. Aren't you tired of it?"
Aric sighed, running a hand through his damp black hair.
"Honestly? Yeah, I am. But it's necessary. These people hate me—they'll never trust me if I don't act like me before. It's survival, Thorin. Besides, maybe someday they'll see past the mask."
Thorin nodded thoughtfully, choosing not to press further. Instead, he gestured toward a nearby door.
"Lead the way. Let's finish wiring this place up."
They entered an experimental room located closest to the newly installed generator. The ceiling was high and vaulted, making it an ideal spot for testing larger inventions. Aric surveyed the space briefly before turning to Thorin.
"Well." Aric began, pointing upward
"Now we need to wire the socket properly. The wires should already be routed here from the generator—you just need to connect them."
Thorin smirked confidently, raising his hands. With a deep breath, he focused his earth magic, manipulating the ground beneath them. Solid stone shifted seamlessly, revealing hidden conduits snaking through the walls.
Moments later, thick copper wires dangled down from the ceiling, perfectly positioned where Aric had indicated.
Aric stared in disbelief, his mouth agape. "How is that even possible?! You moved the entire foundation without damaging anything!"
Thorin shrugged modestly, though pride gleamed in his eyes.
"Earth magic is my primary ability. I can control things most wouldn't even imagine. Now, tell me how to wire this socket."
After a quick explanation, Aric handed Thorin the tools he made from creation magic to attach the wires securely. Meanwhile, he retrieved the blueprint for the ceiling fan from his mind, visualizing every detail with precision.
Once satisfied, he manifested a sturdy ladder and climbed to the top, balancing precariously as he prepared to install the fan.
"Hold this steady for me, will you?" Aric called down to Thorin, who gripped the base of the ladder firmly.
With deft movements, Aric assembled the ceiling fan according to the blueprint, ensuring each component fit snugly. As he reached the final step—attaching the blades—he grew so engrossed in the process that he lost his balance entirely.
AUGH-
Before he could plummet to the floor, Thorin caught him mid-air, along with the fan itself.
"Careful there." Thorin teased, setting Aric gently on his feet.
"Let me handle the rest. You're clearly not cut out for heights."
Aric laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.
Damn this weak body.
"Fair enough. Here—let me show you how to wire it properly."
Under Aric's guidance, Thorin connected the fan to the wires dangling above. When everything was secured, they stepped back to admire their handiwork.
"Alright." Aric said, flipping the switch on the wall he already wired. The fan whirred to life, its blades spinning steadily and creating a refreshing breeze that cooled the room instantly.
Thorin crossed his arms, thoroughly impressed. "Remarkable. Pure science, you said?"
"Yep." Aric replied proudly.
"No magic required once it's powered. Just physics and engineering."
Thorin nodded approvingly, his interest piqued.
"And how much would you charge for all these blueprints? The air conditioning unit, the ceiling fan, everything?"
Aric grinned mischievously. "Oh, let's just say… a price worthy of royalty. But don't worry—I'll sell them to you first before anyone else. Consider it a gesture of goodwill."
Thorin chuckled, shaking his head. "You drive a hard bargain. Fine. Name your price later."
As they left the experimental room, both men felt a renewed sense of purpose. For Aric, it was proof that his ideas could work—not just theoretically but practically.
For Thorin, it was confirmation that humanity might still hold untapped potential, bridging gaps between races long divided by mistrust.
Outside, the estate buzzed quietly with activity. Maids whispered among themselves about the strange new products Vayne had distributed, while Alden and James exchanged cautious smiles after discovering the joys of modern hygiene.