(AN: Edited the ending of the chapter, sorry everyone, just wanted to put everything in order.)
(Thanks for the constant support everyone.)
Chapter 15: A New Task.
The Ghoul was wearing the same servant attire as him which suggested he was a low level servant like him but,
Feeling unsure, Hitoshi still decided to be polite.
He gave a small bow. "Good morning, Senior... I'm sorry if I offended you in any way." He said meekly yet the ghoul didn't respond.
He simply stared at Hitoshi in silence, His hollow eyes seemed to study the little human boy before him as if dissecting him with an unreadable expression.
Hitoshi felt pressured by his lifeless gaze, gulping unconsciously.
The silence dragged on for awhile before the ghoul finally spoke.
"...So you're the one the Head Maid is interested in."
' Eri Onee-san was talking about me?.'
Hitoshi blinked in confusion.
The ghoul's expression remained impassive, but inwardly, his mind was a storm of questions.
'Just what's so special about this brat?.'
He had never given the kid much thought before. In fact, he barely even noticed his existence until the Head Maid had warned him and his friends about him, seemingly giving him with a level of attention that no other servant had ever gotten the pleasure of receiving.
As for why, he just couldn't tell.
The human before him didn't seem particularly strong. His presence was practically nonexistent.
And yet…
_________________________________________
The ghoul exhaled slowly, deciding not to think too much about it.
"The Head Maid has prepared a task for you," he finally said, his tone flat. "Follow me."
"O-okay!." Hitoshi tilted his head before nodding his voice a stutter.
Without hesitation, he followed the ghoul down the corridor, moving through the dimly lit servant quarters. The journey was silent, the only sound being the soft patter of Hitoshi's footsteps against the cool stone floor.
Eventually, they ascended a set of stairs, leaving the basement-like quarters behind as they entered the grand floor of the manor.
The difference in atmosphere was immediate.
Hitoshi's eyes widened in amazement, The hallway stretched wide, its polished marble floors reflecting the dim chandeliers that hung high above. The air smelled of incense and something faintly sweet, like fresh roses.
Hitoshi's eyes darted around, taking in the intricate wall tapestries and gilded pillars.
Everything felt big here.
But before he could get too distracted, a familiar voice called out.
"Hitoshi~!"
Hitoshi's ears perked up, and his face brightened.
"Eri Onee-san!"
He beamed, waving as he spotted her standing at the end of the hallway. Without thinking, he rushed toward her, his previous soreness completely pushed to the very depths of his mind.
Eri watched him approach with an amused smile before placing a hand on her hip.
"You look awfully cheerful," she remarked, a light smile on her lips. "Did something good happen?"
Hitoshi nodded excitedly. "I think I got stronger and it's all thanks to you!."
Eri's brows raised a bit as she scrutinized him with her gaze.
She had merely allowed him to soak in her Vitality pool, intending to strengthen his frail body. But after taking a look at him, she discovered that his body was more sturdier than before and not by a small amount.
She couldn't help wondering whether his body was really special to have absorbed so much vitality and improved so much in such a sort span of time.
Before she could respond, her crimson eyes flickered toward the ghoul standing stiffly behind Hitoshi.
Immediately, her expression darkened.
"...You've completed your task," she said coldly. " You may now take your leave."
The temperature seemed to drop in an instant around the ghoul as if several non-existent Icicles were hovering all around him.
The ghoul stiffened.
His earlier confidence shrank under the weight of her gaze, and for the first time since his arrival, a flicker of fear passed through his sunken eyes.
"Yes, Head Maid."
His voice was quiet and even more so Submissive.
Without another word, he turned and left in hurried strides, his clawed hands curling slightly at his sides.
Hitoshi watched in confusion.
"Eh? Onee-san, why was he in such a rush?"
Eri exhaled through her nose before flicking Hitoshi's forehead lightly.
"Never mind that," she said, her smirk returning. "You have work to do, don't you?"
Hitoshi pouted, rubbing his forehead which now had a pinkish hue. " Onee-san you're being mean."
Eri chuckled.
"Come on, let's go."
" I decided to change up your task for today." With that, she led him further down the hallway, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished floor.
Hitoshi bounced on his feet as he followed after Eri Onee-san through the long, dimly lit corridors of the manor. His small hands clenched into excited fists at his sides, barely able to contain the giddy anticipation building in his chest. The polished wooden floors creaked beneath their steps, and the glow of enchanted lanterns flickered against the ornately carved walls.
Eri Onee-san walked with her usual elegant grace, her tall figure cutting a commanding yet strangely reassuring presence ahead of him. Hitoshi craned his neck to look up at her, eyes wide with curiosity.
"Onee-san!, Just what is my new task anyway?" he asked eagerly, his voice bright with enthusiasm. He beamed, rocking forward on the balls of his feet, barely resisting the urge to skip beside her.
Eri Onee-san let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head slightly as if she couldn't quite understand why he was so excited. "You're always so eager, aren't you?" she murmured, a touch of amusement in her voice. "Very well, since you're so excited, I'll tell you before we reach our destination."
" I'd like you to tidy up the guestrooms on the first floor."
Hitoshi gasped, his excitement nearly making him trip over his own feet. "The guest rooms?!, I get to clean them?, All by myself?!" His grin stretched impossibly wide, practically splitting his face in half.
Any normal person would've been pressured when they were given such a task since not only were the Guest bedrooms normally big, the troublesome part was how important they were.
When cleaning rooms, a servant had to be extremely careful to avoid any mistakes, even Hitoshi who had read the Aoi family rules and regulations guidance manual already knew this yet, in Hitoshi's mind, such a task was simply the best since it would allow him to prove himself even more!.
"That's amazing!, Tidying rooms sounds cooler than washing dishes!, Onee-san, your the best!."
" I promise I'll make them all spiffy and shinny after I'm done!"
Eri Onee-san raised a brow at his overflowing enthusiasm before sighing softly, reaching out to ruffle his hair. "Keep all that energy for cleaning up the rooms." she said, though the corners of her lips twitched ever so slightly, betraying her amusement.
" Ok!" Hitoshi nodded rapidly, though the sheer excitement vibrating through his body wouldn't let him stay still. He fidgeted, practically bouncing with every step, making Eri Onee-san inwardly wonder just what sort of chaos he might bring to the task.
Still, she said nothing, merely leading him toward the main staircase. The deep red carpet cushioned their steps as they ascended, the air growing slightly cooler the further up they went. The flickering sconces along the walls cast elongated shadows across the grand hall below, but Hitoshi's focus remained on his task ahead.
Soon, they arrived at the first floor's main corridor. It stretched far, lined with sturdy wooden doors, each leading to a guest bedroom waiting to be cleaned.
Eri Onee-san turned toward Hitoshi and gestured down the lengthy hallway. "These are the rooms you'll be tidying up," she explained. "But since this is your first time, don't push yourself too hard. Cleaning three rooms a day is more than enough." She patted him on the head, ruffling up his hair.
Hitoshi nodded obediently, but inside, his mind raced with a grand plan.
' Three rooms?. Hehehehe!.' he thought to himself as a devious thought came to mind.
' What if I don't clean every room in the corridor, but all the rooms on the first floor?' He grinned at the thought.
' Onee-san would definitely be impressed!, Maybe she'd even give me an even bigger task next time!' he thought.
While he was still thinking of his ambitious goal, Eri Onee-san waved her hand.
A small ripple of magic shimmered in the air before a tiny pouch, no larger than a coin purse, appeared between her fingers. She held it delicately, then extended it toward Hitoshi.
' Woah..., what was that!.' He blinked in amazement at the magical scene but still reached out, gently taking the pouch in both hands.
The material felt soft, like finely woven silk, yet there was an odd weight to it, as if it held something much bigger inside. His curious eyes darted up to Eri Onee-san for an explanation.
"This is a spatial treasure," she told him, her voice calm and matter-of-fact, Though not the answer of the question he wanted to ask.
"I figured you wouldn't be able to carry all the cleaning tools yourself, so I took the liberty of storing them inside here. When you need something, just imbue your mana into the pouch and envision the item you want."
Hitoshi wanted to ask how she caused the pouch to manifest out of thin air but his eyes still widened in awe at her explanation. "Onee-san… you made something this amazing?!" He held up the pouch, turning it over in his hands as if trying to see where the magic was hidden. "You're incredible!, This is the coolest tool ever!"
" Silly little brat, I didn't make it, I just got it for you." Eri Onee-san's expression remained composed, but inwardly, she felt a small sense of satisfaction at his open admiration. Praise had never really mattered much to her, yet somehow, hearing it from Hitoshi made her mood a little lighter.
" Ehem..." She cleared her throat lightly before continuing, "Just remember not to overexert yourself ok, and be careful when tidying up the Guestrooms, I don't want to come back and see any torn fabrics, understand?."
" Understood!." Hitoshi gaze an adorable salute.
' This cheeky brat....' Eri Onee-san struggled to hold back her laughter at the sight, fortunately she managed to reel in her emotions in the end.
With that final warning, she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Hitoshi standing in the hallway, still marveling at the little pouch in his hands.
His excitement bubbled over. "This is going to be so much fun!."
Eri's silent footsteps echoed faintly against the polished marble floors of the manor's grand hallways. The flickering lanterns lining the walls cast elongated shadows as she moved through the dim corridors with measured strides.
Her black and red head maid uniform, immaculately pressed against her voluptuous figure as she ascended the grand staircase to the second floor, her hand ghosting over the smooth, polished railing. The halls here were quieter, untouched by the bustling activity of the servant floors nor the faint sounds of footsteps on the lower floors. The thick velvet curtains draped over the tall windows, filtering the moonlight and bathing the passage in a subdued, ethereal glow.
She eventually reached her destination, Eri stopped before a set of intricately carved double doors. The deep crimson and obsidian painted wood bore swirling patterns of intertwining black roses, the emblem of the Aoi family.
She lowered herself onto one knee, her head bowed in unwavering silence.
From within the chamber, a sultry, honeyed voice rich with amusement, broke the silence.
"You may enter."
Eri stood fluidly, her movements sharp and precise. Placing both hands against the heavy doors, she pushed them open with practiced grace and stepped inside.
Inside, what came into view, was a study, vast and lined with towering bookshelves overflowing with aged tomes and pristine manuscripts. The scent of parchment, ink, and faint traces of expensive perfume permeated the space. A luxurious fur rug sprawled across the floor, its origins unmistakably rare, perhaps from a beast slain in a distant land.
At the heart of the room, beside a grand fireplace, sat Countess Hana Aoi.
The flames flickered behind her, casting shifting shadows that only heightened her ethereal beauty. Silky silver hair cascaded down her back like threads of moonlight, its sheen luminous under the warm glow.
Her face, gorgeous and regal, bore a naturally seductive air, with sharp, mesmerizing features sculpted to perfection. Pale, flawless skin, radiant as porcelain under the moon's glow, only further accentuated her allure.
The deep V-neck of her flowing black dress lined with crimson exposed a tantalizing view of her decolletage. Her plump, H-cup breasts rested atop her chest like soft marshmallows, rising and falling subtly with each unbothered breath.
And her mouthwatering curves…
Naturally, They were arousingly proportional, far more striking than most women, yet carried with effortless grace.
She sat leisurely, book in hand, legs crossed atop each other, as though wholly uninterested in anything beyond the words before her.
Eri stopped precisely three meters from her, bowing low.
"I have done as you commanded, my lady."
For a moment, the only sound was the gentle crackling of the fire. Then, A slow, knowing smile curved onto the Countess's lips.
"Good girl."
Her voice was a decadent whisper, laced with hints of amusements, yet accompanied by something unmistakably dangerous.
Eri lifted her head slightly, unlike when facing Hitoshi, her expression retained it's usual Level of coldness and nonchalance, unreadable as ever. But inwardly, she felt conflicted.
Straightening her spine, she clasped her hands behind her back and spoke with her usual composed professionalism.
"If I may speak, my lady… Are you certain this plan will yield the desired results? I do not believe hi—" she paused ever so slightly, "—the boy, is capable of fulfilling your expectations."
Countess Hana chuckled, the sound sultry yet laced with undeniable amusement. She tilted her head, finally tearing her gaze from her book to regard Eri with half-lidded eyes.
"Oh, Eri… You wound me with your doubts."
She leaned back in her chair, one perfectly manicured hand running through the silver strands of her cascading hair.
" At first...I must admit I was somewhat unsure. but who would've expected him to move up their meeting by so much..." She giggled, her scarlet eyes giving off an ominous glow.
"For now I think it's best you do not concern yourself with him.....Simply observe and report back to me as scheduled."
"Even if this little plan of mine does not go as intended…"She waved a delicate hand in the air, dismissing the very thought. "I will simply find another way to set Aiko straight."
Eri stood motionless. Her heart, normally as still and disciplined as her expression, shifted slightly in her chest.
It wasn't the plan failing that concerned her, It was him.
Hitoshi was a child she had slowly grown fond of. In her eyes, he was a fragile, reckless and foolish little rascal yet even then , she couldn't bear to see him get hurt due to the countesses plans for Aiko. If this elaborate scheme crumbled, he wouldn't simply be cast aside. He would be broken. Possibly killed.
She wanted to say something but, such thoughts… were not for her to voice.
Even as a flicker of unease coiled deep within her, she remained silent, her icy demeanor betraying nothing.
The Countess studied her for a moment, then smirked.
"Is there something else you wish to report?"
Eri unconsciously glanced towards the crackling flames in the fire place.
A part of her, an irrational, foolish part—wanted to question or at least protest against the countesses words. But she knew that would only amount to more trouble.
She exhaled softly through her nose, schooling herself into absolute professionalism.
Eri shook her head once. "No, my lady." She replied courtly.
The Countess hummed, clearly satisfied. Without another word, she returned her attention to her book, lifting it delicately between her fingers yet not a second passed before her seductive scarlet pupils suddenly constricted, her head shot downwards in disbelief.
Not only her, Eri expression as well turned solemn, her gaze shooting down to the floor as well as if she had momentarily sensed something unexpected from the first floor below it.
What could he have done now!
" Eri...." The countesses lips parted yet her gaze was still fixed downwards. A strange air seemed to have enshrouded her all of a sudden, the air became thicker as if an invisible pressure was being released into the atmosphere.
" Yes your Ladyship!" Eri dropped on one knee, her face facing the countess.
" Go down there and check what's going on.....either our little friend is more shocking than I expected or someone ignorant has decided to pay dearly for steeping out of bounds." Unlike her cheeky tone, The Countess voice was filled with a bone chilling air that caused the atmosphere to drop even more, to the point of the blazing flames within the fireplace to turn into insignificant flames about to go out at any moment.
"As you command your Ladyship."
Eri bowed her head. Her figure vanished into thin air the next second, yet no sound nor marks were left on the floors as if her presence was completely erased.
The heavy doors closed behind her with a faint click that didn't match her speed. And in the silence that followed, Countess Hana Aoi finally lifted her gaze from the floor, more calmer than before.
Just where did that potent level of mana come from.... could it be that child or some intruder?. She furrowed her brows.
If it was an intruder then it wouldn't make sense for them to reveal themselves so foolishly so that just leaves the child.... Hana let out a breath, The atmosphere returned to it's usually temperature in a few moments.
I had no idea he had this much talent for the Arcane.
She stared at the doors, her expression unreadable, the rejuvenated flames from the fireplace casting dark shadows over her face.
For a long moment, she remained motionless. Then her crimson-painted lips curved into a faint smile.
No matter....in all honestly, this is a good thing. If he's that talented then it won't be a problem to convince them to let him attain a permanent admission. Hana thought to herself yet she then sighed and massaged her temple the next moment.
With that little girls personality, I'm sure she won't be too thrilled if she learns about this, His talent in the Arcane should serve as insurance to his survival.. though I might not know how long that would be.
You know what.... I'll just take my own advice and watch as things unfold.
She sighed again before glancing back down at the pages before her, returning to her book.
The fire crackled, And the night continued on.