® The Witch and the Beast is the propierty of Kousuke Satake
Phone Call
"Guideau, we're stopping here."
"Huh, again?
The complaint echoed through the high walls of the hall, and by the time Guideau realised she might have raised her voice a little too high, it was already late. Ashaf sighed patiently and stepped out of the lift first.
Guideau walked past him, deliberately bumping into him. If she had her way, she would rip that stiff outfit to shreds right there. It felt too tight, especially around her chest and waist. Her skin was sore and irritated where the corset tightened the most. On top of that, all the unnecessary layers were compressing her chest and she felt like she was suffocating. She headed straight for the dressing rooms, knowing the way even though she had only been there once before. Ashaf followed her with lazy steps, taking his time.
Inside the rooms, a young maid was dressing a mannequin. It was a large room, with high walls, stools to sit on, coffee tables with drinks, more mannequins and mirrors everywhere. The disgruntled reflection of the beast looked back at her from every direction.
Ashaf greeted the maid politely, but Guideau walked in without a greeting, tearing off her cloak before she even reached the dressing screen.
"This way, please," the girl urged, pointing to the nearest screen. She quickly unfolded it, hiding Guideau behind its exquisite patterned sides.
""We would like to return these items and get our clothes back from upstairs," he explained. "There are more in the suitcase"
The maid nodded and left the room in search of the requested items. Meanwhile, Ashaf removed his gloves, pulled out the handkerchief that adorned his tailcoat, and removed his cloak. As he stepped out of his outer garments, he was called to by another servant.
"Your call, sir."
Ashaf picked up the outdated telephone and answered the call. Meanwhile, Guideau waited - rather impatiently - behind the barrier. She tapped her foot, the heel clicking against the wooden planks, unable to stand still.
"Yes. We leave in thirty minutes," he said into the phone. "Send us transport, please."
Guideau growled. The maid was taking too long. Ashaf glanced sideways at her, looked away and concentrated on the person on the other line. They asked questions and Ashaf answered promptly. This went on for a little while, Ashaf talking on the phone and Guideau waiting for the maid, with no sign of her coming back.
Guideau could stand it no longer.
"Hey!" she barked at her, loud enough that the person on the other line could hear. "Hurry up or I'll get dressed -!"
Guideau stopped abruptly as Ashaf looked at her with the expression of someone who admitted no complaint. She looked away, frowning deeply and crossing her arms over her chest. Ashaf turned his attention back to the speaker, only to be met with an awkward silence.
"Uh..." the voice hesitated, rather flustered, "it seems you are... uh... busy. Call me when you're back."
Static. The voice had hung up.
Ashaf raised his bare hand to his forehead.
"Oh dear," he said in a defeated murmur.
This chapter is set after the Orlencia Sett arc.