Reincarnated into a Failed Marriage

Aric Explores the Mansion

Aric sat upright in bed, his mind still reeling from the chaos of the previous hours."Alright." he muttered under his breath.

"You said something about… Creation Magic?" He glanced down at his hands, which now felt charged with an energy he couldn't quite comprehend. 

he called mentally,

[In theory, yes.] Ivy's replied as she now return to the screen,

[But don't get too excited. Even EX-tier potential doesn't mean instant mastery. You'll need practice—and caution.]

Aric repeated dryly, flexing his fingers experimentally. A small spark of light flickered in his palm before sputtering out.

He was not impressed to say the least.

[Oh, darling.] Ivy teased him, [Even toddlers grow up eventually. And when they do… well, let's just say you won't be lighting candles anymore.]

Aric smirked. There was something oddly comforting about Ivy's presence—her snarky humour and unwavering confidence acted as a counterbalance to the storm brewing inside him.

Deciding he needed answers and fresh air. Aric swung his legs over the side of the bed and walked out of his room.

As soon as he stepped into the hallway, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Maids and butlers who had been chatting, fell silent. Their conversations dying mid-sentence.

Heads bowed low, avoiding eye contact as if they were afraid even glancing at him might incur wrath.

One particularly nervous-looking butler approached cautiously, wringing his hands together like he was holding onto a lifeline.

"M-Master Vayne" he stammered as he bowed deeply,

"Forgive me for disturbing you. I'll fetch your breakfast immediately."

Before Aric could respond, the man scurried off, disappearing around a corner. Aric was confused to what just happened,

The hallway stretched endlessly before him, lined with intricate golden moldings and towering windows that bathed the space in soft sunlight. Each pane of glass was etched with delicate patterns resembling vines curling upward toward the sky.

Expensive tapestries adorned the walls, depicting scenes of battles long past, royal ceremonies, and serene landscapes painted with such precision that they almost seemed alive.

Aric ran a hand along the polished railing of the walkway. Every detail screamed wealth and power—the kind reserved for those at the very top of society. 

The decorations weren't merely ornamental; they told stories. Stories of conquest, alliances, betrayal. He paused briefly to examine a painting of two knights locked in combat, their swords clashing in a fiery explosion of sparks.

Beneath it, an inscription read: "Honour Above All."

Aric thought.

Eventually, he reached a grand staircase spiralling downward. It was four flights and there were chandeliers, more expensive paintings and with each descending step, Aric became increasingly aware of how disconnected he felt from this world.

By the time he reached the ground floor, the scale of the mansion hit him like a punch to the gut. The central hall was cavernous, dominated by a massive crystal chandelier that looked like it belonged in a cathedral.

In the center of the room stood a portrait of Vayne and Seraphina, larger-than-life and framed in gold. Their names were plated there, Seraphina Arkwright and Vayne Arkwright.

Aric stopped dead in his tracks to stare at the portrait.

Beside him stood Seraphina where Aric could feel the aura from her. 

Together, they looked every bit the picture-perfect noble couple.

But there was something unsettling about their expressions. Vayne wore a smug smirk, his arm possessively draped around Seraphina's waist. She, on the other hand, gazed off slightly to the side, her eyes were distant and cold despite the smile.

Aric grumbled under his breath,

He scratched the back of his neck,

He continued wandering through the halls. The architecture grew even more elaborate as he ventured deeper into the mansion. He counted at least twelve archways branching off in different directions, each promising another labyrinthine path to explore.

It wasn't long before he found himself hopelessly lost near what appeared to be an observatory wing. The ceiling here was domed, painted with constellations that sparkled faintly as though infused with magic. Telescopes and celestial charts littered the room, hinting at a fascination with astronomy or perhaps astrology though that's not a real thing.

Aric leaned against a nearby table,

As Aric took in the observatory, a strange sensation prickled at the edge of his awareness.

[I wouldn't linger too long there if I were you.] Ivy chimed in suddenly,

[There are secrets buried in places like this. Secrets best left undisturbed.]

Aric raised an eyebrow, 

With a final glance at the glittering constellations, he turned and headed back toward the main hall.