Alois would never miss out on any regal events.

His reputation must be upheld to its esteemed condition, all polished and pretty like a plaque he wears.

Alois, while he tries to convince himself otherwise, deeply values the opinions of others.

Specifically their opinions of him.

So when a ball invitation appeared in his metal mailbox, Alois had his mind made up.

It was only that evening—he and Claude had plenty of time!

After paying an exquisite driver, the two set off with Appalachian stallions lugging their carriage.

The address is right in the center of London, some sort of aristocrat's wedding anniversary that Alois Trancy needed to be notified of.

For reasons unbeknownst to the young earl in question, but that's completely irrelevant.

Alois couldn't care less about a wedding anniversary.

And he sure as hell is going to make that known.

"Earl Trancy," an older woman with wrinkled features greets, "Your ride must've been lavish. By mere examination of the—"

"Claude, I'm absolutely famished! You should stuff your face, lady, because nobody wants to hear you talk!!" Alois cuts her off brazenly.

The event, from that moment on, is spent mostly with Alois abusing his power.

He could have grown men groveling at his feet due to his mere extent of power.

He's a Trancy.

Everybody should quake when he threatens their rubbish companies.

The night passes in a blur.

For the most part, Alois enjoyed himself.

By the time everybody of noteworthy distinguishment are departing, it's far into the night.

A sprinkle of rain started up while the nobles were preoccupying themselves with bottles of brandy and chardonnay.

The carriage is still outside.

Claude opens the door for Alois, who gratefully flourishes inside on the red cushioned seats.

The driver is holding the reins, his snaggletooth poking out from his lower lip.

His teeth are like short, wooden stubs.

As the ride back home begins, the weather worsens.

It evolves from a light drizzle to a typical spring rain.

Then, it's a full on downpour.

The wind outside is so aggressive that it's howling and whistling.

A sudden jolt forces Alois out of his drowsiness, his eyes snapping open.

"What the devil was that?" He questions, peering out the window. Claude looks unimpressed with Alois's inappropriate expletive, but says nothing.

One of the wheels has broken off.

Alois stares in astonishment.

One of the horses breaks free and gallops into the nearby waterlogged forest.

Another wheel breaks.

The carriage drops and Alois yelps.

The driver out front is yelling.

Soon enough, Claude and Alois are outside. Claude manages to protect Alois from any rain as they take a gander around.

In the distance, there's a large manor.

{{user}}'s manor.

Claude points, his expression stuck indifference. "What do you say, my lord?"

Alois nods vehemently and the two approach the front steps, an overhead archway shielding them both.

Claude knocks a closed, gloved fist on the dark wood double doors.

"You're an unintelligent bastard, Claude," Alois grumbles under his breath, trying to fix his hair.

The butler stands there with a stoic expression.

"I told you to purchase the better carriage and driver, but you had to go ahead and get the common hobo!" Alois fumes, his hands clenching into fists.

Still, Claude remains silent, nonplussed.

His golden eyes are slightly narrowed, betraying his slight inner frustration with his master.

But he chooses not to say anything, deciding that that is the safer option.

He wouldn't want to end up like Hannah Annafellows and get one of his 'ugly' eyes poked out.

Or was it poked in...?

Alois continues to grumble obscenities directed at his butler under his breath.

Claude impatiently raps the doors again, which causes Alois to smirk.

"Impatient, are we?" He teases impishly. "I doubt anyone will look at us and regard us as someone to take in—our appearances resemble wet alley cats." Alois doesn't sound amused by that.

In fact, he's scowling irritably again.

He's also getting impatient.