Days before

The next day Hector woke up rejuvenated and went to his bathroom to wash his face. Upon entering his bathroom, he watch its interior and was once again reminded of this world's difference. The walls are adorned with rich, dark wood paneling, intricately carved with gears, cogs, and other steampunk motifs. Brass pipes run along the ceiling, giving the room an industrial and mechanical vibe.

The centerpiece of the bathroom is a large, claw-foot bathtub, featuring an impressive arrangement of exposed copper pipes that feed into a series of antique-style faucets. The bathtub sits atop a raised platform with steps leading up to it, creating a sense of grandeur and luxury.

Above the bathtub, a large, ornate mirror hangs on the wall, framed with brass and gears, reflecting the elements in the room. Brass sconces with Edison-style light bulbs provide warm and dim lighting, adding to the overall ambiance.

Next to the bathtub, a vintage vanity with a marble countertop stands tall. The vanity is adorned with brass fixtures and elaborate engravings, and a large, circular mirror with a magnifying lens tilts on its side. Antique perfume bottles and other trinkets are displayed neatly on the vanity, adding to the Victorian charm.

After taking a quick shower Hector changed his clothes and went downstairs. As the first rays of sunlight filter through the curtains, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, signaling the beginning of a new day. The soft clinking of plates and utensils in the kitchen is a comforting sound, a prelude to the delicious meal that awaits.

Heading to the dining area, the table is set with care, adorned with a simple vase of fresh flowers, a burst of color, and freshness that adds to the ambiance. The morning light streams in through the windows, casting a warm glow over the scene.

Sitting down at the table with Albert standing in the corner of the room, Hector is greeted with an array of choices, each more inviting than the last. A plate of golden-brown pancakes, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of creamy butter, tempts the taste buds. The pancakes are fluffy and light, a delightful treat that melts in the mouth.

Next to the pancakes, a bowl of fresh fruits awaits, a colorful assortment of ripe berries, and cut apples. Slight aroma of freshly made tea, the warmth of the drink spreading through the hands and heart.

At the side of the plate, a buttery croissant calls, its flaky layers inviting a moment of indulgence and desire. The sound of the first bite, the crunch of the delicate crust, is music to the ears, and soul even if one lacks such a thing.

As the breakfast comes to an end, the feeling of satisfaction and contentment settles in. The meal has not only provided nourishment for the body but also a sense of tranquility and joy that lingers long after the last bite. Then he spoke to Albert about his request to the chef to prepare lunch for him as he would eat outside.

Hector wouldn't come back for lunch as he would be in the middle of enhanced interrogation of his yet unknown informants for their penance.

"Should I take Simar and Gorm with me?" Hector mumbled to himself after which he shook his head and decided against the idea.

"Gorm is not yet beyonder animal and Simar's introduction to such activities should be with easier tasks. But on the other hand trial by fire could be just what he needs..."

After finishing his breakfast Hector went upstairs to prepare objects that he could possibly need. "Should I take gardening scissors or a bottle of cooking oil?" Hector said to himself as he was packing, taking too much would be burdening and not to mention suspicious to people around him. Taking too little would bring different challenges as looking for those items on the spot could prove to be difficult and for some tools impossible.

"It's better to be prepared..." Hector said at last and put both things into his suitcase that was packed with items. Among them were a skinning knife, butcher knife, scissors of various shapes and sizes, scalpels, small flat and pointy wooden sticks, sandpaper, hand saw, a few metal and wooden nails, pliers, already mentioned cooking oil and gardening scissors, cloths, and a few other items.

Most of it he would be able to pack into his suitcase but others he would need to have on himself.

"Simar come hear," Hector spoke in a slightly raised voice so Simar could hear him.

The next moment Hector could see a shape in the form of a dog running at him while its tail was shaking from side to side. "Yes! Do you want to play?" Simar said hopefully.

"In the manner of speaking yes," Hector said smiling but then he spoke more seriously. "It is a game of highest importance, we are going to gather information about your previous home." After he finished speaking he could see Simar's tail drop and spark of fear in his eyes.

"..." Simar did not speak but Hector could guess what he was thinking about. To reassure him he continued talking, "We need that information so we can destroy that building and all those that are inside." While speaking Hector was scratching Simar behind his ears to show him comfort.

"...Ok," Simar said after a moment of silence and Hector could see that his eyes became more spirited.

It was important for Hector to raise his dogs to the proper standard to not invite any problems late on. He will need them to be merciless when it came to his enemies, thankfully with animals it was always easier than with people as they didn't feel bad for harming those that weren't close to them.

It was what made them similar to him as both could not feel guilt for their actions. Their submissive behaviors, like a meek expression and a bowed head, look a lot like how humans display guilt. But in truth, those are only learned actions in anticipation of negative emotions.

Hector then called for Gorm and put them both on the leash, after which he went to the kitchen and took his lunch for which he made space in his suitcase. Unfortunately, that forced him to keep a few of his scissors in his pockets.

Albert had stood at the door as Hector exited his home and entered the carriage that took him closer to the East borough.

As Hector's carriage rode through the cobbled streets, the scenery outside the window began to shift. Leaving the opulent and pristine avenues of his neighborhood behind, the carriage entered a less adorned part of the city-a district that whispered of humble beginnings and faded elegance.

The buildings here displayed signs of age and wear, with peeling paint and weathered facades. The grandeur of the architecture was exchanged for a simpler, more functional style. The streets seemed too narrow, and the air became tinged with a mix of bustling life and a hint of struggle.

Farther he went greater signs of disrepair were showing. Once he was close enough to the East Borough he exited the carriage and walked the rest of the way.

"Which one should I choose." Hector said to himself as he observed buildings around him