1595 The New Era Approaching

In the dead of night, the dark skies engulfed the lands, and the streets were desolate except for the few people moving about the place.

After 2 A.M, no one was to be seen walking about the sight. The guards would patrol the many streets, and any caught outdoors without permission would get locked up. This was a way to easily capture assassins, spies, and whatnot.

So it was expected that no matter how much one drank in an ale parlor, they must stop around 1 A.M and leave if their homes were far. Some people's homes were 40 minutes by horse within the same city. And some were over an hour's worth of time.

In the end, people know themselves. Of course, some drunk people never make it home, passing out in gutters and streets. The controlling guards would take note of these people, with some hidden guards watching them lest it was some ploy by an enemy to pretend.

Of course, they were also those who prepared not to leave the taverns, ale houses, pleasure homes, hotels, and many places they chose to stay.

After drinking for so long, at 2 A.M, when some establishments choose to close up for the night, some people would book a single room in pairs to split the cost. There were new policies that no more than 2~4 people could stay in one room.

Aye...

Many have been splitting the cost for over 15 years with their good drinking buddies. And once they've gotten a room, they pass out immediately.

Other times, they got 1 or 2 ladies to join them in the rooms.

There were also several establishments that stayed open 24 hours throughout the day and night.

These places allowed people to stay indoors and drink and have their fill till morning. But the catch was that they were never to get on the streets during this time.

They were to remain indoors until morning, when the city gates and docks were typically open.

For most cities and towns, that would be 5~6 A.M.

....

Stepping out from several vessels were women with large black hooded clothes.

Looking at the moon, its shadows, the luster of the night sky, and all its stars, they quickly determined the time.

There should be 2 quarters before 1 A.M... In other words,12:30 A.M... But this was just their guess, though they were truly close, as it was already 12:23.

But hey... That was still impressive.

Within each nightly quarter, the moon acts differently, positioning itself at different heights.

Good...

They had an hour and a half before the streets got completely deserted with nothing but controlling guards around.

They came here quietly and didn't want to be noticed.

Their numbers were indeed large, so they had almost all their ships sail far out at sea, a good distance away, while just 2 ships sailed to Arcadina's shores.

They purposefully came in smaller numbers.

Luckily for them, there were many services around the shores that sold, rented carriages, or offered transport services to any arrivees.

Tsk.

This matter was very impressive, making the witches feel it should have been the wives of these men who came up with the ideas after blowing pillow farts at them.

It was almost as though these witches had a filter, never acknowledging anything men do. Even the mighty Morgany was a fraud in their eyes.

History has consistently proven that women were smarter than men thought. They were more in control and could manipulate men puppets if they wanted to.

They were powerful and naturally born quick thinkers. Their ability to multitask and keep things in order far surpassed men's, maybe because they had more nurturing spirits since they gave birth.

All in all, these witches felt women of this world hadn't realized their potential, allowing the men to undermine them.

But soon, the glorious day will come when women rise to power all over the world, locking men up in cages to be displayed like the beastly animals they were.

The witches had disgust for men. Men were only there to assist in planting their seeds. After that, what was their use?

The witches almost gagged, talking to the men doing business beside the docks.

So disgusting!!

....

"Lady, my people can drive you to whatever destination you want since we know all the roads in the city. "

The witches found it hard to maintain their smiles but still showed a flawless, gentle look.

The men at the docks didnt discriminate their business between men and women, which was very rare. Of course, it was all due to the influence of Baymard, as they attended business seminars and gathered money from both men and women.

If it were before, they would offer their business to men first, and women... Only nobles and those women looked like they were loaded.

Ordinary women won't get a chance to ride or use their well-made carriages and wagons to transport items.

But now, things have changed, and they also got a good reputation amongst the locals, which boosted their sales and productivity.

Damn!

The owner regretted the years he had discriminated against the most pleasant women. Or else, wouldn't his pockets be fuller than now?

Women populated the world by more than a half, and though most were peasants, what of it?

If they had money, then that's it.

Now, those doing business dared not discriminate as they did before, not wanting their competitors to go ahead of them.

They respectfully explained and showed them a booklet with images and prices for whatever they needed.

But the witches did not think these people were showing them kindness because they wanted to have a taste of their flesh.

Their insides churned with disgust, almost running out of patience.

Was this another way of trying to woo them? By offering to drive them through the place like some kind gentleman?

Heh.

They sneered inwardly.

"Sir... I'm afraid that can't work. We'll rent."

"Of course! Of course!... Just tell me the number, as well as the type. And it shall be done. As for a guarantee, it collected all that you won't run away with my carriages, you need to present items or money of equal cost."

They ran a fair business here. How can they rent their carriages just like that with no guarantee?

What many visitors did was that they would give the gill market piece of everything they rented to these people.

That way, if the carriage didn't return, the money would be enough to buy another carriage, wagon, and so on.

Of course, if they returned the carriages, the money would also be given to them. And the carriages had to be returned in the same condition it was given, or less maintenance fee cost would be deducted.

Many can say this option was a hassle. But think about it.

For those staying in the city for only a few days or so, it was the best option, rather than buying and later reselling them when leaving. Sometimes, you resell them for way cheaper than the original buying price.

So why not just rent?

...

"Here you are, 12 Grand/Large carriages. They are the latest carriages, having space for Tvs and storage. I know you're going to love them."

Eh? Tvs? Weren't those the strange block things that Number 5 reported to have seen when she escaped the Baymard with her life on the line? She described it as a box that kept people trapped in them.

The witches narrowed their eyes, seeing their carriages drive toward them.

Some of the ladies quickly took the position of coachmen, and off they went.

They drove for 50 minutes, barely making it before curfew time.

Mind you, they had spent an additional 30 minutes at the docks, renting and waiting for their carriage to be brought over. And when they finally arrived, it was already 1:52 A.M.

The ladies folded their maps and excited the carriages.

Bam!

They stepped into a moderate-sized establishment, seeing many drinking merrily and having a good time.

But suddenly, a strange light shone in the eyes of the female witnesses and staff frolicking around.

"Excuse us, missies... But what do you want to drink?"

"Red blood Moon Ale flying over the skies."

"How many?"

"As many as the stars. The Night is still young, but the lady of the night begins her feast."

"Yes... She does indeed. Please, right this way... Lynda! Get their carriages before curfew time is over."

The one speaking quickly led the gang in. And soon, the council bow deck promptly bowed their heads, seeing the mighty women walking in.

"Welcome, Head Witch."

Since they got the secret letter, they've been expecting them.

Hmmm...

Jamilla nodded, taking her seat on a high chair.

"We proceed as planned. Ladies... We are not only after Baymard but also after the traitor's daughter. The girl has a gift of strength and intelligence. And with her, we witches will rule the world!!!"

"Witches!"

"Witches!"

"Witches!"

Bahahhahahahah~

The witches began rattling their fingernails as a way of clapping. Their eyes were crescent, and their smiles true.

Finally, the time has come.

The era of the witch.