"Yeah, it's almost time for me to go to that suckers meeting, a bunch I unfortunately still belong to. Poor brat… he has no idea where the hell he is… But fuck it, I'll get ready." In his quarters, inside his factory, Heisenberg saw his vintage clock reading 9:25pm, or thirty-five minutes to 10pm, the time of the meeting involving him, Mother Miranda, and the other Lords, so that they could discuss and decide something a little complicated: the fate of the mysterious stranger boy who had just arrived in the village.
However, the Lord spent a good part of the day coming up with theories about how the fuck that boy had gotten to that place, while he… was working.
"Something or someone may have sent or brought him here. I don't know if anyone would send a brat here to… spy? Reconnaissance? I can only think of one alternative:
He may have a hidden camera (and very well hidden) in his clothes, or the watch has a camera built into it, which would explain the strange design.
No one could imagine that a watch could be a camera in disguise and that it was used to capture images and videos of everything possible for later be sent to whoever.
It wouldn't be a coincidence that he was caught snooping around the church.
It's a good theory, but… a boy? dressed like that? sent on a spy and/or reconnaissance mission? Who the fuck would think of such a thing? It seems to be even ridiculous, or is that what whoever came up with this crazy idea wants? Think this is ridiculous enough not to arouse suspicion?
This is all in addition to the fact that he knew about the 'bedtime stories' that he was certainly the one who sought to know about them. He looks like a very curious guy.
This is all pretty weird, but anyway, it's better than just saying he's a tourist who got lost in the woods and ended up in a backward village. Something that just someone like that big bitch would think. And as for who will be chosen to catch the brat... I'd say that's already in the bag." Heisenberg believed he had a persuasive enough argument to convince his leader that he was the best fit to bring the kid to her, whether he agrees to it… or not… He was deep in thought as he took a nice hot shower, in the place inside his chambers where his bathroom was.
Meanwhile this…
….
The youngsters were still in that same spot where the statues of the Four Kings once stood. They were talking to each other, until they had the idea to separate, the boys went to one corner of there, and the girls to the other. So Ben, Marcos and Edward could talk about certain topics, as well as Gretta, Bianca and Gabriella.
-So, about the daughters of the Countess, or, Lady Dimitrescu… I also heard a pretty macabre legend that says about them, you guys know, huntresses and man-eaters, witches, vampires, and… Ben was talking about legends that involved the Countess who lived in the castle and her daughters as if it were a trivial matter, only to find out more information about them. His pretense of unconcern on the matter was seen in his face as he spoke about it.
At this point, Ben thought he'd better not consume any more shots of alcohol.
For the first time, trying three different types of drinks was already a good size. Ben hadn't finished listing the things that were attributed to characters in that legend, as he was interrupted by Edward.
-Yeah, we know what you're talking about. And I don't blame you for being curious, or even scared. The fact is that many or almost all call them witches not only because of their look, but because of the power they have. Their pale skin and yellow eyes give them a vampire-like vibe, but oddly enough, they're still pretty. Edward said, curing Ben's curiosity.
- And as for the "manhuntresses" part... it's more like the "siren song ". Even though they are not normal, they are so beautiful that, according to their elders, "grace the lustful eyes of any man" or "it is impossible not to fall in love". Marcos said these phrases in a mocking tone, as if he was imitating someone he heard say that. He ended up laughing a little at his own joke.
- Especially when we talk about the redhead. She makes a point of "hunting" the younger guys. For her, they are "easy prey". Edward said in a joking tone while smiling, gesturing quotes with his fingers, making Ben imagine the scene where a hooded redhead woman dressed in black was seducing younger men, either to make fun of them, or to take them somewhere.
-And when does this usually happen? Ben asked, making Edward and Marcos think that Ben was wanting to see Lady Dimitrescu's daughters in person, inducing them to smile slightly.
- They will probably appear in the village tomorrow, first thing in the morning. Gretta and Bianca told us that you like to spend your time sitting on that bench by the statue, and that's exactly where they hang out, before going elsewhere. However… Marcos didn't finish his sentence, because Edward would continue.
- Be aware that they are not normal women, and that they are capable of doing things that even the smartest would not know how to explain. And if one of them invites you to go to the castle together, just decline as kindly as possible, however inviting they seem to be. Edward said in a more serious tone, advising him.
"And pray to all the saints you know. Not that it would help you anyway." Edward told Ben in his thoughts as if he was talking to him. Edward thought that maybe it would be best not to tell Ben this directly so as not to scare him off somehow.
-Their mother doesn't like tourists very much? Ben asked in a light teasing tone, before taking a sip of bourbon. He wanted to drink a few more before he stopped altogether… just for that moment.
- The Countess doesn't like the people who live in the village very much. I don't think it would be any different with tourists. Marcos replied coldly, before lighting a cigarette that was in his pocket.
"On the contrary, my friend. They love tourists." Marcos said in his thoughts that, like Edward, he didn't want to attract Ben's curiosity to certain questions.
Meanwhile, Gretta, Bianca and Gabriella were talking about a subject that almost had a little to do with what the boys were talking about.
-Well, now that I've completed another year of life and everyone in the village already knows about it, it's just a matter of time before I'm summoned to work at… Lady Dimitrescu's castle. Gabriella said, but her dismay at this showed on her face for some reason.
- And we too. We are in the same boat. Bianca wasn't too thrilled either to learn that she has a vacancy for a maid job or something at the castle.
- Yeah, but let's be more optimistic. At least we'll have work and housing there in that castle. That's two advantages. Gretta said, a slight smile on her face. Even though she was sharing the same feeling of dismay at perhaps being summoned to serve the Countess of the castle and her daughters, she was still trying to inspire some optimism in her friends.
-Ah, sure, a "lifetime" office of a maid and living in a castle as salary is my childhood dream. I'm so excited! Bianca said in a sarcastic tone, gesturing quotes with her fingers. Gretta knew what Bianca meant by "lifetime" in quotes, and she wished she didn't have to think about it. True or not, what the legends said about the Countess and her daughters was frighteningly sinister.
-And you had to remind me of that, right? Isn't it bad enough knowing that someone could make wine from my blood if I, or we, go there? Gretta asked, displeased at the supposed possibility that such a rumor about Dimitrescu Castle's viniculture could be true.
- Using the blood of virgin women to make wine… who would be so crazy and sick at that point? Gabriella's question sounded rhetorical. A look of disgust was on her face as she said those words.
- According to legend, the Countess. And guess who will be the next puritan virgins to serve her and her daughters? Exactly. Gretta said in a sarcastic tone, but still letting a subtle apprehension show through.
- Unless… Bianca didn't finish the sentence, intending to make a brief suspense, while looking in the eyes of her two confused friends in a mischievous way. In exactly three seconds, Gretta and Gabriella caught that message.
- Bianca… Gretta said, giving her friend a severe look, as an adult would say to a child who was misbehaving. She didn't need to be a telepath to know what was going through her blonde haired friend's mind at that moment.
- By any chance, are you thinking of… Gabriella didn't finish asking her question, because she wanted to hear what she was thinking her friend was going to say, from her own mouth.
- For Mother Miranda's sake, how can you guys have such dirty minds? I was thinking of coming up with some good excuses. You two really are bad influences. Bianca said before giving a few giggles, seeing that her two friends thought of something completely different.
- That's what I get for keeping up with you. Gretta said in a light teasing tone, a mischievous look on her face.
- Anyway, I don't give a shit about it. If they call us, ok, if not, even better. Gabriella said, before taking a sip of vodka, showing her unconcern about the possibility of being summoned to work at the castle.
-Exactly. Gretta nodded, agreeing with her friend.
- The boys' conversation seems to be good. Bianca said as she watched Ben, Marcos and Edward talking on the other side.
- Why don't you try to guess what they are talking about? You are so good at this. Gretta said in an ironic tone, just to tease her friend, before giggling. Gabriella also ended up doing the same because she thought Gretta's joke funny. Bianca didn't like that very much, but ended up laughing along with her friends… while they still could.
Meanwhile, Ben, Marcos and Edward were still talking about the Countess and her daughters.
-I suppose the winter here is rigorous, for them not to dare to set foot outside the castle during all this time. Ben said, surprised by the three "witches"' aversion to cold weather.
- Indeed, but still, you can go out there as long as you are well wrapped up. She, on the other hand, is never seen outside the castle during the entire season. Edward said, with a certain nonchalance in his tone.
"Not when they have a 'full pantry'." Edward said in his mind what he didn't want or could say to Ben.
-I don't know what winter is like over there in America, but here, it's our "lean season". Marcos said, gesturing quotes with his fingers.
"And theirs too." Marcos said in his mind, as did Edward, which he chose not to tell Ben. This made Ben remember that the villagers supported themselves with what they harvested and produced in agricultural and livestock activities, and that such activities were impractical or impossible when winter arrived. For those who are used to buying food in supermarkets, the difficulty of those who work and produce in the fields, to later transport and sell to urban stores, or fill pantries, is something that you can only understand by putting yourself in the shoes of a peasant.
-It shouldn't be easy at all, but it's not impossible either, right? Ben asked, a slight smile on his face, putting himself in the shoes of those who live and work in the fields, whether planting, harvesting, mowing or herding, paying his respects to them.
- Surviving has never been easy, wherever you are. But in the end, we always get the job done. Marcos replied, a confident smile on his face.
- That's the spirit. Ben said, fully understanding the concept of survival, both in theory and in practice.
- Hey, Ben, what time is it? Edward asked, reminding him that he had a set time to return to Luiza's house. Ben asked the Omnitrix, and that same voice answered, saying it was 9:30 pm, that is, it was 15 minutes before the curfew started.
-Yeah, I think we better get out of here and go back to the village. You've already been warned about… Marcos didn't finish his question, because Ben answered it before, already knowing what it was about.
- Curfew? Yeah, Heisenberg told me that everyone has to be home by 9:45 pm. and that there are no lights on after 10. Ben responded, showing his understanding of the situation.
"When 'bedtime stories' come to life… and that's also when I'll confirm it." Ben said in his thoughts, as he had planned he would.
When the lights in the houses were off, and everyone was asleep, he would make his "night tour" looking for whatever caused trouble or danger to the villagers. Edward whistled at Gretta, Bianca and Gabriella, getting their attention.
They also understood that it was almost time for everyone to retire and that they should return to their respective homes as soon as possible. The young men and women walked towards the stairs, to regroup and go back to the village together.
-Yeah, it was good while it lasted. Bianca said, dismayed to know that yet another boring day was ahead.
- Just thinking that I have to help my mother with clothes tomorrow… Gretta said, also dissatisfied with the fact that she had her duties to fulfill the next day. Washing clothes in the middle of Saturday was not encouraging.
- Don't complain. That's nothing compared to what we'll have to do at the castle if we're called. Gabriella said, making her friends think that compared to the maids who serve the Countess and her daughters, their daily affairs are like child's play.
However, this caught Ben's attention, making him remember the part of the legend, which spoke of the women of the village who were summoned to go to work in the castle... and what supposedly went on inside.
-And you guys really want to do that? Ben asked, making them think that by now, he had already heard about the legend. They noticed that Ben was, or seemed to be worried about them, but the fact is, not even they could say if what the legend said was true precisely because they had never been to that castle.
-Honestly no. But we have no choice... unless we find someone to be in a relationship with. Gabriella replied, before draining her glass, drinking the last of her vodka.
- Married women do not meet the requirements for the service. And that's why only the youngest women are called. Gretta said, explaining how it was part of the selection process for those who were able to work at the castle.
- Or if the woman has children or takes care of someone who depends on her, as is the case with Elena and her father. Bianca explained the other part of the selection process, making Ben think it made sense that Elena wouldn't be working at the castle. She had to take care of her father, who might have been on medication or something.
-And who usually, you guys know, select the "candidates" for office? Ben asked, as he connected some dots and already had the answer in his mind.
- The Countess's daughters. They are the ones who walk around the village during the day looking for single girls without dependents. They offer housing and work within the castle with payment for domestic service. Gretta replied, making Ben think that this is one of the reasons "witches" come out of the castle during the day.
- I understand. Ben nodded, wondering why the girls weren't so excited about working and living in a castle, and the reason wasn't that housework could be strenuous. The legend that spoke about the Countess and her daughters, real or not, was not a good attraction for anyone who lived outside the castle, and being summoned to work in such a place was certainly not interesting.
However, that conversation lasted as the young people walked down the stairs and across the large pavement bridge. Knowing that it was not a good idea to arrive home with almost empty bottles of alcohol in their hands, Edward, Marcos, Gretta, Bianca and Gabriella decided to approach the edge of the bridge, and threw their bottles into the river, so the current to carry them away, eliminating any suspicion that the youngsters were consuming alcohol, at least in the case of Gretta and Bianca in relation to their respective parents. Even the glasses were thrown into the river.
"It wouldn't be smart if I did my 'night tour' while drunk. Waking up with a hangover in the morning would be the least of my problems." Ben said in his mind. As much as he wanted to drink a few more shots, he still had a mission that required all his attention and caution to fulfill it, and being drunk in the process could result in numerous problems involving his transformations. Irreversible problems.
Shortly afterwards, the youngsters passed through the altar where they were before, entered through the gates, closing the one that was iron and red soon after.
They were back in the village, near the statue. The lights of the surrounding houses were still on, as well as a lamp that illuminated the entire place around the statue. Where appeared to be the gates that led to the entrance to the castle, there were still lit fire torches.
-Well, this is where we part ways, outsider. You better get back to your "hotel" before the lights go out. Edward said, intending to advise Ben in a friendly way.
- Afraid of the dark? Ben asked in a teasing tone, sounding like a slight tease.
- For those who are far from home and have just arrived here, you are well accommodated, don't you think? Marcos asked in a slightly teasing tone, noting Ben's lack of concern about the curfew.
"You have no idea where you are, little buddy." Marcos said in his mind as he looked at Ben.
-What can I say? I feel at home wherever I am and wherever I go. Ben said, a confident look on his face as he shoved his hands in his pants pockets.
"You have no idea where I've been, peasant." Ben said in his mind as he looked at Marcos, as flashbacks of his adventures in the most dangerous and chaotic places in his world raced through his mind.
-It's a good way to stay calm being so far from home. Gabriella said, smiling slightly, admiring Ben's reassurance about her situation. It was like leaving as suddenly as he appeared, whenever he wanted.
-Su casa es mi casa. Ben said, before winking his left eye at Gabriella, a smug look on his face. Gabriella, as well as Gretta and Bianca, thought that was cute, and expressed it with low giggles. They must have seen or heard that phrase somewhere or from someone, and they knew what it meant.
-So, good night and sleep well? Ben asked, suggesting to the others that it was time for them to go home.
- Yeah, you're right. Good night, Ben. Gabriella was the first to say good night, as she and the others walked away from Ben, heading towards the street that led to a different location from there.
- See you tomorrow, Ben. Gretta said, waving her hand as she smiled amiably.
- Dream of the angels, handsome. Bianca said, before blowing a kiss and winking her right eye at Ben in an affectionate and sensual gesture.
- After having heard all those legends? It's easier for him to have nightmares at night. Edward said jokingly, drawing a few chuckles from the other youngsters.
- Don't forget to pray before bed, stranger! Marcos said, following Edward's cue to tease Ben, who was also finding it funny. They had already taken a good deal of distance as they walked slowly down that street, getting further away from Ben.
-Wow, I'm so scared! I hope my "magic watch" will protect me from the evil monsters in the dark! Ben said in a sarcastic tone as he too walked away taking steps backwards.
They just chuckled before turning around and continuing on their way. Ben saw them enter through a large gate, which led to another part of the village where there were also others, making him think that he had other places in the village to go and explore, however, that was a task for another day.
"Oh man! This is the first birthday I've been going to and there's no cake. I understand why, but going on a night tour" with an empty stomach is not cool." Ben thought, hoping to find something to eat at Luiza's house, as he made his way to her house.
….
Ben opened the gates of Luiza's house, entered and closed them shortly afterwards. He entered the house carefully so as not to make any noise, imagining that Luiza, her husband Ernest and her brother Iulian were already sleeping. But when he got to the living room, Ben found Luiza wearing a white nightgown, slippers on her feet and a cap on her head, so her hair wouldn't get disheveled while she slept. The fireplace was still burning, and there was a white china vase with red and yellow flowers on top of the table. Ben got a little scared when he saw Luiza there, sitting at the table, waiting for him to arrive so she could put out the fire in the fireplace, the only source of light in the entire house at that moment. After the scare was gone, Ben decided to start a short conversation.
-Uh, hi. Ben said, shyly and quietly, avoiding making any noise.
- About time. I didn't warn you before, but here, we sleep early. Luiza said, confirming what he had thought, about her waiting for him to arrive.
- How was the meeting between friends? Luiza asked, while looking at Ben.
- It was fun. It's not everywhere that someone suddenly arrives and makes friends on the first day. Ben said, preferring not to give too many details about how the meeting between friends had gone.
- Perhaps it was no coincidence that you arrived here just on the day of the watchmaker's daughter's birthday. And, I assume you're hungry, right? Luiza asked, a slight smile on her face.
-You got it. Ben said, confirming Luiza's assumption, as he felt his stomach rumble.
- I prepared dinner and left a dish for you in your room. When you're done, just leave it outside, close the door. Luiza said, before continuing with what she was doing: sewing what looked like a black garment, using only a needle and a ball of thread of the same color.
-OK. Ben said, before heading towards his room and opening the door. He came across a tray covered by a dome-shaped lid with a handle, both made of aluminum.
Opening the tray, Ben saw a dish as "colorful" as the one he had enjoyed at lunch, which was still warm and ready to enjoy. Rice, beans, two slices of chicken chest and a salad made with chopped lettuce, tomato and onion. And to go with it, a glass of orange juice. The delicious smell of that meal reached Ben's nostrils, who quickly sat on his bed and began to enjoy his dinner.
Ben really was very hungry, so it didn't take more than ten minutes to get his dish as clean as it was before Luiza prepared it. As Luiza instructed, Ben placed the tray outside the room, next to the door, before closing it shortly afterwards. The room was lit by a few candles, giving the room a strangely different look than it had hours ago.
The wooden window, which was closed and covered by the curtain, did not let the candlelight be seen by anyone outside, on the other hand, this was where Ben would have to leave and go on his "night tour". disobeying the order of the non-traffic of people through the streets and alleys of the village after 10pm.
"She'll think I'll be sleeping peacefully and won't bother coming over to check." Ben thought, imagining that there would be no need for him to resort to the "pillow trick" if Luiza went there to check if everything was okay.
Ben knew what he had to do, wait a bit until he was sure everyone was asleep so he could get out through his bedroom window without making any noise. Put on his sweatshirt in case it was cold outside, don't forget to close the window when he leaved, and start looking for anything strange or dangerous in the village, before going to check it out in the surrounding forest. He asked the Omnitrix what time it was: 5 minutes to 10pm.
He could hear Luiza picking up the tray he had left outside the room. I could see the shadow of his shod feet under the door, the lamplight allowed that.
- Good night, Benjamin. Luiza said, not expecting to hear an answer, imagining that Ben was already asleep.
- Good night, Luiza. And thanks for dinner. Ben said, his voice muffled through the door could be heard by Luiza, who was glad that Ben was still awake to thank her. Ben saw that light from the lamp disappear as he heard Luiza's footsteps getting further and further away, indicating that she was already far enough away.
Ben blew out the candles that lit the room, putting out the fire. The only source of light he now had there was the glowing hourglass outline of the Omnitrix, which Ben could still use to find the window in the dark.
As Ben had planned, he opened the curtains and the wooden window so he could get out, closing both of them shortly after.
Ben was already in front of the gates again, to check if they were already locked, and indeed they were. Luiza must have locked the gates while Ben was having dinner. However, on the left side of the gates, there was a hole in the wall, where Ben could go through it and reach the outside of the wall.
And once again, Ben was outside Luiza's house, already dressed in his sweatshirt, and prepared for everything that came his way or against him.
As he made his way towards the church, he said to himself in his mind: "Curfew? Everyone in bed at 10 o'clock sharp? As my 'negative version' would say… I don't care."