Ruby's eyes skimmed over the pamphlet again.
---
Land Car Race Competition.
☛ Cars will be provided at the venue.
☛ Only 18+ witches are allowed to drive.
*Note: No ghosts are allowed to participate.*
✶ Prizes✶
1st place: 5 Notes (500 gems)
2nd place: 1 Note (100 gems)
3rd place: 50 gems
Venue: Hollow Wood Village, near the Old Fort area.
Time: 15:00 4th March
---
Just as she finished reading, a voice startled her.
"That offer might sound good, but who in their right mind would participate? Do you know how dangerous land racing is? Goodness, one bump, and you're done for! I prefer flying in the air. Safer, more fun, less... fatal."
Ruby turned to find a witch with long black hair muttering to herself. Her eyes, a shade of light ocean blue, stood out against her pale complexion. She wore a white robe with intricate blue embroidery.
The witch didn't seem like the daring type. But Ruby? She'd always lived for a challenge.
"Is it really that dangerous?" Ruby asked, curious now.
The witch sighed, folding her arms. "More than you think. Land cars can be unpredictable. A single bump at high speed, and you're out—if not worse. That's why air driving is better. No sudden crashes with the ground."
Ruby considered it, her gaze lingering on the prize list again. 500 gems... That could change everything. It would be enough to kickstart her business, get supplies, maybe even rent house.
"Well, I think I might give it a try," she said, determination creeping into her voice.
The witch raised an eyebrow, looking her up and down. "You're either brave or crazy. Good luck. You'll need it."
"Hi, I am Angeline Tombson," the witch introduced herself, smiling as she extended her hand.
"Ruby Graves," Ruby responded, shaking her hand and locking eyes with Angeline.
"I like you already!" Angeline beamed, her blue eyes twinkling. "Aren't you the one living in that slum house with your four husbands? That must be pretty hard."
Ruby forced a smile, though her mind cursed the original owner of this body for not doing more. "Yeah... it is. I'm trying to change things now."
Angeline nodded sympathetically. "I see... Most of the time, when I pass by the village bar, I see you there almost daily," she said, rubbing her jaw thoughtfully. "But anyway, if you don't mind, I can take you to the venue. I was planning to go watch the race today. It's happening soon, right?"
Ruby couldn't hide her relief. "Yeah! That's exactly what I needed. Thanks, Angeline."
"No need to thank me! I have a feeling we're going to be great friends," Angeline chuckled softly, a warm and playful smile gracing her face.
Ruby felt a sense of ease around her—maybe having someone like Angeline in her corner wouldn't be so bad after all.
Ruby walked with Angeline who was telling her about herself.
"I have six husbands," Angeline said casually, shaking her head as she continued. "My youngest husband is very naughty—he loves to make fun of others. The fifth one? He's a cuddler, always wants to snuggle. My fourth is such a romantic, always writing me poems. My third is just so cute, I can't resist him. The second is super responsible—he's the one who keeps the house clean. And my first? He's a master in the kitchen. But goodness, sometimes I can't handle them! They get so jealous of each other. I'm definitely not planning to marry again."
She turned to Ruby with an amused smile. "You only have four husbands. It must be easy to control them, right?"
Ruby blinked, trying not to show her surprise at Angeline's situation.
Six husbands?
Six husbands!!
The thought of it made her head spin. Having four husbands was already a lot to handle okay, but six? Ruby felt a headache coming on just imagining the chaos.
She stayed quiet, not sure how to respond, but Angeline didn't seem to notice. "Oh my god!" Angeline suddenly exclaimed, her eyes wide. "Talking to you, I almost forgot—my first husband asked me to get him a new robe." She turned to Ruby with an apologetic look. "Sorry, Ruby! I have to run, but I'll see you again in the market, same place we met today, okay? I've got something important to take care of."
Before Ruby could even say anything, Angeline waved her hand and hurried off, disappearing into the crowd as quickly as she had appeared.
Ruby stood there for a moment, watching the spot where Angeline had vanished and started exploring market.
Ruby stopped near one of the shops, her eyes catching sight of an old clock hanging on the wall. It was 12:38. She realized she didn't have much time before the race and needed to prepare. Thankfully, they were providing the cars, and she knew how to drive one, though the challenge wasn't lost on her.
In this world, land car driving was considered dangerous. The roads were full of bumps and rough patches, requiring careful attention and skill to navigate. Unlike the smooth, twist-free experience of sky driving, where drivers didn't have to worry about sudden turns or obstacles, land driving was unpredictable and risky.
To many people here, it was the most dangerous way to drive. But at the same time, it was thrilling to watch. Land races had become a spectacle, something everyone loved, even if they wouldn't dare participate.
She took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself. She had to win this. Not just for the thrill, but for the prize money—it could be the key to getting her life on track in this strange new world.
—To be continued...🪄