The next day, Chad and Ethan set out to find Vincent's beauty salon, "Nightshade Enchantment." Armed with the address and a sense of humor, they navigated the city streets, with Chad providing comical commentary.
"Ah! I knew it! Amelia tricked me into this. I knew there was something fishy going on! Well, whatever, let's get over with it."
Ethan said, his face looking like someone who ate a spoonful of umeboshi extract.
"You know, Ethan, vampires, and beauty salons. It has the makings of an interesting combination. I wonder if Vincent sparkles in the sunlight like those famous vampires in movies," Chad joked, earning a chuckle from Ethan.
"Maybe he'll offer you a makeover. I can see you with a fabulous new hairstyle, Chad," Ethan teased, earning a playful glare from his friend.
As they approached the salon, Ethan's nerves flared up. He couldn't shake off the memory of Vincent's dramatic advances at the amusement park. But Chad reassured him, "Don't worry, Ethan. We're just here for information, and I'm sure Vincent will help."
Stepping inside "Nightshade Enchantment," they were immediately greeted by an 'enchanting' atmosphere. The salon was a fusion of elegance, with dark curtains draped over large mirrors and plush velvet seating.
Chad called out in his booming voice, "Yooosh, Vincent! Are you in?"
A figure stepped out from behind a curtain, and there stood Vincent, dressed in his signature aristocratic style. He greeted them with a charming smile, though his eyes twinkled mischievously.
"Ah, my esteemed guests have arrived! Welcome to Nightshade Enchantment, where beauty meets the supernatural," Vincent announced with theatrical flair.
Vincent, dressed in an immaculate black suit, greeted them with a flourish. "Ah, my dear Chad, and the charming Ethan! What brings you to my humble abode this fine evening?"
Chad raised an eyebrow, unable to resist teasing his eccentric acquaintance. "Supernatural beauty, you say? I'm intrigued. Can you help me achieve that immortal glow, Vincent?"
Vincent chuckled a hint of mystery in his voice. "Ah, my dear Chad, your charm and vigor are already supernatural. But for you, my dear friend. I'd recommend a daring new haircut. A fiery red to match your spirit!"
Chad playfully gasped. "A red-hot makeover, you say? Well, I suppose if it's for the sake of supernatural beauty!"
As Chad and Vincent exchanged banter, Ethan couldn't help but feel a mixture of amusement and relief. Vincent's charm was undeniable, and this lighthearted atmosphere put him at ease.
Finally, Chad shifted the conversation to a more serious note. "Vincent, we came here for some information. We need your help with a matter concerning the dragon realm."
Vincent's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Ah, dragons and mysteries, my favorite combination. Pray, do share the details."
Chad explained the situation with the dragon council and their quest to uncover the source of the mysterious disease affecting the dragons. Vincent listened intently, his theatrical demeanor giving way to genuine interest.
"I see, a most pressing matter indeed," Vincent mused. "The dragons in this city are now facing a crisis. There seems to be an unknown disease in circulation. The consequences, I can only imagine if that balance is disturbed. But fear not, my friends! I may be a vampire of nightlife, but I have a keen ear for secrets and whispers."
Vincent gestured dramatically toward a hidden corner, where a row of sparkling bottles and mystical potions adorned a shelf. "This is where the real magic happens, my private collection of knowledge."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, curious about Vincent's claim. "Private collection of knowledge? What do you mean?"
Vincent produced a mysterious book from a hidden compartment with a theatrical flourish. "This, my dear Ethan, is a collection of ancient texts and mystical tomes passed down through generations. Within these pages, you shall find the answers you seek."
Chad chuckled, amused by Vincent's flair for the dramatic. "Well, then, let's get to work, Vincent. Lead us to the secrets that lie within those pages."
A around the same time - the West's house.
As an influential blogger with a network of readers, Minerva knew she could use her platform to gather valuable information.
Sitting at her desk, surrounded by stacks of notes and her trusty laptop, Minerva began to delve into the world of her blog readers. She had a devoted following of housewives and mothers who often shared their experiences and stories with her.
Through the comments section of her blog and discreet messages, Minerva initiated conversations with her readers, subtly guiding the discussions towards recent magical disturbances and mysterious illnesses among mystical beings.
As the day progressed, Minerva uncovered some intriguing leads. One reader mentioned unusual occurrences in the enchanted forest, where the fairies resided. Another shared a tale of a rare herb that had suddenly disappeared from the market, rumored to possess potent healing properties.
Taking note of these clues, Minerva continued her investigation, connecting with more readers and analyzing the patterns emerging from their stories. She noticed a common thread—there seemed to be an increase in magical disturbances around the time the dragon's ailment began.
Excited by her discoveries, Minerva shared her findings with Chad and Amelia.
Chad and Ethan didn't notice the message as their phones were muted since they absorbed themselves into old tomes with Vincent.
Amelia read the message and is now on the road. She plans to meet up with the boys and break them the news. Minerva also got herself ready to drive to the beauty salon.
Meanwhile, Chad and Ethan had been busy conducting their own investigations, following leads, and analyzing the information Vincent had provided. As they walked through the bustling streets of Arcadia City, Chad couldn't shake the feeling that they were getting close to the truth.
Vincent, ever the mysterious figure, had been surprisingly helpful, providing valuable insights into the underground magical community. His connections and sources had led them to the same conclusion that Amelia and Minerva had reached.