Shalltears Obsession

[ Narrator POV ]

The grand halls of Nazarick echoed with the loud, sharp clatter of heels hitting the pristine floors. The once serene silence was shattered, the heavy sounds announcing the approach of Shalltear Bloodfallen. Her crimson eyes burned with fury, her delicate lips pressed into a thin line of annoyance. Anyone witnessing her march would have seen a strange juxtaposition—her graceful, elegant movements contrasted sharply with the tempestuous anger radiating from her.

Shalltear's annoyance was aimed at one specific issue: Capitano, her self-proclaimed beloved, had vanished from her domain. His sudden disappearance, without so much as a word, had sent her spiraling into a frenzy. She marched with purpose, her regal dress flowing behind her, her parasol clasped tightly in her hand.

"He dare vanish without informing me?!" she muttered under her breath, her voice venomous. "Does he not understand that his place is at my side? Hmph!"

Determined to uncover his whereabouts, Shalltear decided the first place to search would be Nazarick's grand library. Capitano had, on occasion, sequestered himself there in an attempt to study—though Shalltear couldn't fathom why. Last time, he had been captivated by a chess manual, of all things.

As she approached the library doors, she cast aside her growing frustration momentarily, assuming the composure befitting her status. But the moment the grand, ornate doors swung open, her decorum crumbled.

"TITUS!" she bellowed, her voice reverberating off the tall shelves of tomes and scrolls. It rang with such intensity that the air itself seemed to tremble, startling several skeletal attendants who scrambled to retreat deeper into the library.

A few moments later, a figure emerged from the shadowed aisles. Titus Annaeus Secundus, the library's chief librarian, shuffled forward with slow, deliberate steps. His form was a striking amalgamation of humanoid and beastly skeletal features, his bony frame cloaked in a rich red gown. His face, if it could be called that, was partially obscured by a silken hood. Magical trinkets adorned him from head to toe, their faint glow giving him an ethereal aura.

"Lady Shalltear," Titus greeted, his voice dripping with the melodious cadence of Shakespearean flair. He gave an exaggerated bow, the many jewels and rings on his body jingling softly. "To what dost mine ears owe the honor of such an illustrious visitation? Thou dost illuminate these halls with thy radiant ire."

Shalltear, unimpressed by his flowery greeting, tapped her parasol against the floor impatiently. "Cut the poetry, Titus. Where is Capitano? He's missing, and I demand to know if he's been here."

Titus straightened, the empty sockets of his skeletal visage giving an air of perpetual intrigue. "Ah, the noble knight Capitano? Alas, I hath not beheld his form within these sacred halls today. Though, perchance, might thy beloved have sought refuge amidst the tomes of strategy, as in bygone days?"

Shalltear crossed her arms, her scarlet eyes narrowing. "If you don't know where he is, then what good are you? I thought you were supposed to be some kind of genius!"

Titus placed a bony hand to his chest, feigning offense. "Thou dost wound me, my lady. My intellect is unmatched within these walls. If thy knight hath not graced my domain, then perhaps he wandereth elsewhere—though I shall gladly assist in his search, shouldst thou require mine aid."

"I don't need your help," Shalltear snapped, turning on her heel with a huff. "Just… make sure he's not hiding in some corner, wasting his time with more chess books. If you find him, you are to report to me immediately!"

"As thou commandest, my lady," Titus replied with a dramatic flourish. "May fortune guide thy search."

Without another word, Shalltear stormed out of the library, her steps echoing once again through the halls. As she vanished from sight, Titus allowed himself a faint chuckle, shaking his bony head.

"Ah, love's tempestuous embrace," he mused to himself, turning back to the towering shelves. "Mayhap the knight Capitano doth deserve a respite from such ardent devotion."

———————

The halls of Nazarick were a storm of crimson fury as Shalltear continued her relentless march, her parasol tapping the pristine floors in an uneven rhythm. Despite her outward determination, a flicker of doubt briefly surfaced in her mind.

Was this truly necessary? Was she going too far?

She halted mid-step, her crimson eyes narrowing as she pondered. Capitano was her beloved—her husband, as far as she was concerned. It was her duty as his wife to know his whereabouts at all times, especially now, during such a crucial moment in Nazarick's history. This was no time for leisurely vanishing acts, not when the Supreme One's grand plans were unfolding.

Shalltear nodded to herself, her resolve strengthening. 

Of course, this is necessary. A wife should always be vigilant.

Her next destination became clear: Demiurge. The Archfiend of Nazarick was notorious for his meticulous scheming and complex plans. If anyone had commandeered Capitano's attention for some obscure task, it would undoubtedly be him. However, tracking Demiurge down meant venturing into his most infamous domain: the Happy Farm. Shalltear shuddered in mild disgust at the thought of the vile place but pressed onward, determined to uncover the truth.

The air grew colder and heavier as Shalltear approached the entrance to the Happy Farm. A miasma of dread seemed to hang over the area, and a faint, sickly sweet smell assaulted her senses. The cavernous halls leading to the farm were dimly lit by eerie, greenish torches, their flickering light casting grotesque shadows on the walls.

When she finally stepped into the heart of the Happy Farm, even Shalltear—used to all manner of macabre sights—found herself pausing. The place was a grim tableau of horror and efficiency. Rows of cages stretched as far as the eye could see, each holding captives of various races. Some were sobbing quietly, others sitting in stunned silence, their minds seemingly broken by whatever atrocities they had endured.

Further ahead, large, intricate contraptions whirred and hissed, emitting soft, mechanical sounds. Shalltear could make out what appeared to be prisoners being restrained and force-fed magical substances, their bodies visibly mutating as the arcane energy coursed through them. Overhead, suspended walkways allowed Demiurge's lesser demons to oversee the operation, their piercing gazes ensuring no disobedience escaped unnoticed.

"Disgusting," Shalltear muttered, her voice laced with disdain, though she couldn't deny the efficiency of the setup. The Happy Farm was a cornerstone of Nazarick's success, as loathsome as it might appear.

From the shadows, a familiar figure emerged, his tailored suit immaculate despite the grim surroundings. Demiurge strode forward, his ever-present smile as unsettling as the farm itself. His glasses caught the dim light, momentarily obscuring the gleam of his sharp, calculating eyes.

"Lady Shalltear," he greeted, his tone smooth and deferential. "What a delightful surprise. I hadn't expected you to visit my humble establishment. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Shalltear's parasol struck the ground with a sharp clang as she stepped closer, her crimson eyes blazing. "Don't play coy with me, Demiurge. Capitano has disappeared, and I have reason to believe you are responsible. Where is he?"

Demiurge tilted his head, his smile widening. "Ah, Capitano. A fine knight, and most loyal to Nazarick. However, I regret to inform you that I have not summoned him for any tasks—though I must admit, your concern is... admirable."

"Don't mock me, Demiurge," Shalltear hissed. "I won't leave until you tell me everything you know."

Demiurge chuckled softly, clasping his hands behind his back as he began to walk, gesturing for Shalltear to follow. "Lady Shalltear, your passion is truly inspiring. Were I in possession of Capitano's location, I would gladly share it with you. However, might I suggest consulting someone more… intimately connected with his daily duties?"

Shalltear frowned, irritation flickering across her face. "Who?"

"Sebas," Demiurge replied smoothly, pausing to glance back at her. "As the chief steward of Nazarick, Sebas is most likely to know the whereabouts of any denizen under his care. I daresay he would be a more reliable source of information."

Shalltear glared at him for a long moment, her parasol gripped tightly in her hand. She hated to admit it, but Demiurge had a point. If anyone was likely to know where Capitano was, it would be Sebas.

"Fine," she snapped, turning on her heel. "But if I find out you've been hiding anything, Demiurge, you'll regret it."

Demiurge's chuckle followed her as she marched out of the Happy Farm, her irritation mounting once again. "Of course, Lady Shalltear. I would never dream of withholding information from one as illustrious as yourself."

As the doors to the Happy Farm closed behind her, Shalltear tightened her grip on her parasol, her pace quickening. Sebas would surely know where Capitano was—and if he didn't, then she was prepared to tear through every corner of Nazarick to find him.

———————

Shalltear's relentless search for Sebas led her through the vast and labyrinthine halls of Nazarick, her determination unwavering despite the growing frustration that simmered beneath her calm exterior. She swept through each floor with an imposing air, her parasol in hand, demanding answers from every subordinate she encountered.

First, she stormed through the Treasury, interrupting the Guardian Pandora's Actor in the midst of cataloging artifacts. However, his eccentric performance and overly theatrical responses tested her patience, and he ultimately had no useful information.

Then came the Colosseum, where Cocytus was training a group of insectoid minions. The towering warrior knelt respectfully upon her arrival, but his booming voice only echoed her disappointment when he revealed he hadn't seen Sebas all day.

Her march continued through the frozen halls of her own domain, where her vampiric underlings scattered to avoid her wrath. Still, there was no sign of Sebas. Floor by floor, Shalltear's search grew more desperate and more infuriating.

By the time she reached the grand dining hall on the Ninth Floor, her frustration was palpable, and she slammed her parasol against the polished floor with a sharp crack. "Where in Nazarick is that insufferably elusive butler?" she growled.

It was only when she stormed into the grand foyer near the teleportation gates that her search bore fruit. Standing near the gate, speaking to one of the maids, was Sebas Tian himself. His composed demeanor and impeccable posture contrasted sharply with Shalltear's fiery entrance.

"Sebas!" Shalltear's voice rang out, her crimson eyes narrowing as she strode toward him. "I've been searching all over Nazarick for you! Where have you been, and where is Capitano?"

Sebas turned to face her, his expression calm and polite as ever. He bowed slightly, a gloved hand resting over his chest. "Lady Shalltear, I apologize if I have caused you any undue concern. I have been fulfilling my duties as steward. As for Capitano…" He hesitated briefly before continuing.

"Yes? Where is he?" Shalltear demanded, tapping her parasol impatiently against the marble floor.

Sebas straightened, his gaze steady. "Capitano is currently accompanying Lord Momonga on an outing beyond the walls of Nazarick."

Shalltear blinked, momentarily stunned by the revelation. "An outing? Outside Nazarick?"

"Indeed," Sebas confirmed. "Lord Momonga required Capitano's assistance for a matter of great importance. I am, of course, sworn to secrecy regarding the details of the mission."

Shalltear's expression shifted from irritation to something closer to disbelief. "And no one thought to inform me? As his wife, I deserve to know his every move!"

Sebas remained calm, though a faint smile graced his lips. "I assure you, Lady Shalltear, there was no intention to exclude you. It was simply a matter of urgency and discretion. I am confident Capitano will return safely once their task is complete."

For a moment, Shalltear glared at Sebas, her parasol trembling in her grip. But then she exhaled sharply, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "Fine. But if anything happens to him, Sebas, you'll answer to me."

"Of course," Sebas replied, bowing once more. "I would expect nothing less."

With that, Shalltear turned on her heel, her parasol snapping shut with a flourish. Her irritation lingered, but at least she now had an answer. Capitano was with Momonga, and while it infuriated her that she hadn't been informed, she trusted her master's judgment. For now, she would return to her domain and wait—but only because she knew that no one in Nazarick, not even Lord Momonga himself, could keep her from Capitano for long.

———————

A/N: This is a short chapter but it was just mainly me trying to get back into my groove.

Oh how much I hated writing the lines for Titus.