Time blurred together like a haze.
Minutes passed as Arthur drove through the city, his supercar's windshield wipers working tirelessly to give him a clear view of the road.
Eventually, the Lieutenant General reached his humble abode and drove into the garage.
The Ashking's residence was quite different from the Augustus's.
Its structure was similar to that of a castle – high walls, small towers at each corner and their flag at the very top. However, the design was like that of a modern home with a black and white color palette, large windows and a slanted roof.
Rain poured endlessly upon this building and slid off the slanted roof. The drops of water were collected in half-pipes at the edge and guided underground into tanks where the rainwater would later be used in the house for various machines.
Arthur stepped inside, slamming the door behind him. He grabbed a towel from the changer and dried his hair. Then, he took off his shoes, placing them on the shoe rack. Entering the living room, he saw a multitude of robots small disc shaped machines cleaning the floor.
At the center, a female servant was standing by, making sure nothing went wrong.
Noticing his presence, the maid bowed and greeted her superior in a respectful manner.
"My lord, welcome back." The maid spoke with courtesy. "May I get you a cup of tea?"
Arthur sighed, waving his hand. "No… I'll head back to my room. Do not disturb me."
The maid lowered her head, placing one hand over the other.
"As you wish, my lord."
Arthur spun around and headed up the stairs. Stepping onto the second floor, he strolled through the hall. After a minute or so, he arrived at his personal quarters.
Placing his hand on the doorknob, he twisted it and pushed the entrance open to unveil a large room.
The Lieutenant General threw himself onto his grand King-sized bed, resting his head on a soft pillow. The sound of the falling rain, the cool atmosphere and jut being really tired made his want to sleep.
Soon, his eyelids became heavy. His body began to relax as he felt his heart press against his chest. He tried to stay awake; he tried his best. However, in the end, he succumbed to his tiredness and fell into a deep slumber…
***
Hours later…
Arthur groaned, tumbling around his bed. After a few seconds, he stopped and heaved heavy breath. Then, with another groan, he pushed himself away from the soft mattress. Sitting on the edge, he stared at the floor with drowsy eyes.
"Oh… Pangea…"
He slowly raised his head and gazed at a katanakake stuck to the washed-out walls of his room. The stand held his very own katana, a blade forged from high-end Spring Steel and permanently coated with a thin layer of DLC.
Arthur shook his head, shaking off his tiredness. Then, he looked at himself one more time and realized…
'I'm still in my suit.'
Clicking his tongue, he stood up and began to undress. Stripping himself down to his underwear, he entered his personal bathroom and entered the shower. Arthur spun the steel knob and the next second, hot water gushed out of the shower head.
The warmth of the liquid gave Arthur a sense of pleasure. Embracing the warmth against the bitter cold of Ashland, he stayed in the shower for a few minutes. After washing himself, he stepped out and grabbed a towel
His pale white skin seemed brighter than before as he dried himself. Wrapping the towel around his waist, he exited the bathroom and stopped before his closet.
The wooden doors swung open and revealed a wide variety of clothes.
Arthur has some good taste. I was worried he'd be like Missio.
After putting on a fresh underwear and a white sleeveless shirt, he picked out a suitable attire. Knotting the drawstring on his grey trousers, he fastened it to his waist. Then, he slid on a red hoodie and adjusted it to his own comfort.
Then, after looking at himself in the mirror, he exited his room.
'I'm craving some tea right now…'
Walking down the cold hallway once more, he felt extremely refreshed and thus, felt the pressure on his chest ease a little. As he arrived at the stairs, he met a familiar individual.
His own brother – Christopher von Ashking.
The Supreme Commander slightly raised his brow, peering at his little brother. Arthur yawned and mumbled to Chris.
"Good afternoon, brother…"
Chris curled his lips, ascending the steps.
"Good afternoon? It's evening now."
The Supreme Commander placed his hand on Arthur's shoulder.
"Did you take a nap?"
Arthur nodded. "Yes, I was just going to get some tea."
"Very well, then." Chris patted Arthur's shoulder and walked away. "I'll go and change into something more comfortable. Tell Hugh to prepare for dinner."
"By the way," Arthur called out. "What happened to Missio's team?"
Chris halted for a brief moment.
"…They're going to leave tomorrow."
Arthur titled his head.
"And have you contacted Sir Dante yet?"
Hearing Dante's name, Chris's lips oddly curled into something similar to a smile. Yet, that expression disappeared the next moment as he responded to his little brother.
"I haven't but I will tonight."
Arthur sighed, descending the stairs.
"Alright."
Chris continued to his room as soon as those words left Arthur's lips. The Lieutenant general touched the ground floor, approaching the sofa in the center.
"Hugh." He called out.
Moments later, a tall man dressed in a three-piece red suit just like Chris, arrived in the room. Arthur rested on the sofa as the slender butler halted in front of him.
"My lord." Hugh bowed slightly.
Arthur raised a finger, pointing it at the butler.
"Tell the chef to prepare dinner."
Hugh straightened, crossing his arms behind his back.
"Do you have any preferences? Or will it the chef's choice?"
Arthur paused for a few moments, contemplating whether he wanted anything today. Then, with a somber smile, he replied to his butler.
"I'd like…a shepherd's pie."
Hugh nodded, tugging at his goatee.
"As you wish, my lord. What about his majesty?"
Arthur shook his head.
"He hasn't told me his preference but I'd guess…" He added with a soft smile. "Pheasant Crumble Pie."
Hugh chuckled slight, stepping away from Arthur.
"I'll inform the chef. Please wait patiently."