Saint-Denis isn’t as bad as his first impression led him to believe without the thieving brats, corner hoppers, and criminals shooting innocent wives down for purses and overpriced drinks. Most people here are kind, wild, and bursting at the seams with personality. As much as Arthur has always loathed the rules of civilization and those who look down on others for their misfortunes, he finds himself weirdly attached to this city. He frequently comes to and from here after his latest hoorah with Mary. Something about the place makes him want to take care of himself and blend in with the crowd. Pretend that he’s someone different for a while.

After claiming a room at a local hotel to stay the night, Arthur gets a hot bath, some Milk, Wheat, and Honey washed down with a cold beer. All before sauntering down to the barbershop to get a trim. Much to his delight, the sign on the sidewalk next to the shop reads “FREE HAIRCUTS” for the whole world, but there’s no long line out the door. Sketchy. Arthur knocks on wood, figuring he received a random stroke of luck for the day. He pushes the shop door open harder than necessary, startling the barber into dropping her shears.

“Goodness!”

Arthur’s eyes trail from the shears up her thickened, short legs covered in soft riding pants. A black, expensive-looking corset over a white long sleeve, paired with a soft smile, greets him. Even her hair looks well taken care of, shined with health without being greasy.

He roughly clears his throat, hands going to his leather belt as he approaches her chair. “Didn’t mean to startle you, miss.”