Chapter 7: A Stewards Cry.

Chapter 7: A Stewards Cry.

Eri Onee-san's steps echoed through the grand halls of the manor as she made her way toward the front entrance. Her sharp eyes, usually filled with coldness and maturity, now held a glint of longing.

 The faint scent of aged wood and lingering incense mingled in the air, barely masking the underlying gloom of the ancient estate. The ghoulish lanterns mounted along the dim corridor walls painted ghostly shadows that further enhanced the manors eerie nature. One could only imagine how frightening it would be if they had to walk through these corridors at the stroke of midnight, feeling as if countless monster's were watching them from the depths of the shadows scattered all around.

But to Eri Onee-san, This touch of eerie gloom was a bit soothing, she couldn't help feeling comfortable and at home, walking through these spooky halls as if their spine chilling vibes had a relaxing feel to it.

Finally, After walking for awhile more, she eventually arrived before the tall double doors of the main entrance, she calmly pushed open the huge doors which let out a spooky groan as she then walked outside. Now standing on the porch, the first thing her eyes saw was a composed figure seemingly awaiting her arrival.

The figure in question was known as Takumi Masaru, the Aoi family's steward, who stood silently, his black hair slicked back with impeccable precision. His pale, chiseled features bore an aura of dignity and splendor, befitting his vampiric nature.

Just like Eri, His Crimson pupils gleamed under the faint moonlight as he surveyed the estate before his eyes with a calm yet emphatic gaze, The instant Eri Onee-san walked through the manors front doors he turned around to meet her, his gaze respectful as if addressing a fellow colleague. 

Staring at her in silence to admire her stunning beauty as the moon's radiant glow enshrouded her, causing her pale yet milky soft skin to seemingly shimmer beneath the night sky and when coupled with her remarkable figure and brilliant visage, even he who had seen her countless times was still a bit breathless by her rare beauty. 

Noticing her silent gaze, he revealed a light smile and offered her a respectful nod.

"Headmaid," he greeted with a voice as smooth as polished stone, bowing slightly.

"Steward Takumi," Eri returned, dipping into a curt bow. "Is the news true?"

"It is," Takumi confirmed with a solemn nod, though still retaining his light smile. "It seems that the Countess will be arriving shortly."

Eri straightened up on hearing his words, composing herself. Despite her normally playful demeanor, moments like these demanded unwavering decorum, even Takumi was no exception as he retained his poised stance as well.

 Together, she and Takumi stood in silent anticipation, their postures rigid as minutes stretched into nearly an hour yet neither of them voiced any complaints, seemingly waiting in silence for their beloved Madame to arrive.

After a long fruitful wait, There in the distance, they finally spotted something passing through the estates gates, a grand Aoi family carriage, its polished black frame gleaming under the pale light of the crescent moon, but unlike the one Eri rode after having bought Hitoshi, This one was more grandeur in appearance.

From the distance they both saw The family sigil flowing in the wind atop the carriage, an image of a black rose embroidered on a crimson flag, fluttered ominously in the breeze.

 Two fearsome Death Knights controlled the carriage, but unlike the kind coachman Hitoshi would've recalled, these two Death Knights had fearsome spiked armour which gave them a menacing vibe, their hollow eye sockets faintly glowing with eerie red light. 

The carriage itself was pulled by six towering Death Steeds, spectral beasts with hollow eyes and flames flickering from their hooves, When placed beside the skeleton horses Hitoshi recalled, they were far more marvelous in comparison.

As Eri and Takumi waited in silence, The carriage soon rumbled to a halt before the manor. One of the Death Knights dismounted with unsettling grace one wouldn't expect from a creature of such stature and disposition, moving like a shadow as he opened the carriage door with a bow. From within, a figure of striking elegance emerged, commanding attention with every step. The instant the carriage doors where open, it felt as if a second moon was making an appearance.

Countess Hana Aoi descended from the carriage, Silky like silver hair cascading down her back like threads of moonlight. Her crimson eyes sparkled with a predatory allure, framed by sharp, regal features that softened only slightly under the faint curve of a confident smile.

 Draped in a flowing black dress lined with crimson, her pale, flawless skin glowed like porcelain under the moon's gaze, while two wonderful mounds rested atop her chest like soft marshmallows, her dresses v neck design exposing her deep yet enticing cleavage that caused even the steward to avert his gaze out of fear of threading upon a deadly path he didn't dare to take, he unconsciously glanced at Eri Onee-san beside him and felt like crying but no tears came out. Feeling breathless around Eri Onee-san was something he'd trained himself to handle yet no matter what, he still couldn't get used to witnessing the countesses splendor even after serving her for so many decades!!!.

To anyone who saw her, her figure was simply too ravishing for most men, even an undead like Takumi wasn't fit to face such devilish temptations head on!.

When recalling the late Count, Takumi couldn't help revering him for facing such a formidable Devil head one for so many decades!, Though anytime he recalled the late Counts constant slim figure no matter the occasion, a hint of dread would wash down Takumi's spine.

 His countess really was as frightening as her appearance, even till this very day, never once had he had any thoughts nor intentions towards her, instead he feared her to the bottom of his heart!.

No matter what, there was nothing he would ever do to try and get close to this "dangerous moon goddess" of his. Even if his life was on the line, he wouldn't give it a second thought, best to die with dignity than to be manhandled and sucked dry beyond recovery by such a formidable woman.

Anytime he saw some of the Servants ranking below him having such thoughts towards the Countess he would always pity them, in his eyes they were all lost souls who had no idea about the abyss they were threading towards!.

No matter how much he thought about it, if she were to ever emerge within the common district one day, thousands of men if not all, would've begun howling like maddened beasts from her figure alone yet, when matched with her mesmerizing facial features, visibly milky soft flesh and pale porcelain skin, it wouldn't be an overstatement to call her a lady capable of bringing down a kingdom with just her looks alone. 

It was extremely rare to find a woman who could compete with her, Even Eri Onee-san who stood before her was a bit lower in comparison. 

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Eri and Takumi immediately bent a knee the instant their gazes fell on the Countess, bowing their heads in deference like the loyal servants they were.

 in her heart, Eri Onee-san felt unimaginable fealty towards the Countess and although Takumi felt the same, his own level of fealty was similar to Eri Onee-san but with the addition of apprehension and fear of similar caliber, Though he didn't let it ever emerge on his face out of fear of attracting the countesses displeasure.

"Welcome home, Countess," they intoned in unison.

The cold formality typically etched into the Countess's face melted into a warm, ladylike smile. "its good to finally see you both, Takumi Kun, Eri chan," she greeted cheerfully.

"please, rise."

They stood as instructed.

"It's a pleasure to see you in good health, Countess," Takumi offered respectfully.

"You look as radiant as ever, Madame," Eri added, her voice unusually sincere. Like a little girl who completely adored her big sister.

The Countess let out a soft, melodic laugh. "Oh, Eri, you flatter me. Though I must admit, I could certainly use more rest." Her crimson eyes sparkled with amusement. "Come, walk with me inside. We have much to discuss."

As they moved through the grand entrance and into the manor's foreboding halls, the Countess spoke with casual grace. "How was the manor in my absence?"

Takumi who now felt a bit relieved that he could glance around the hallways while avoiding to look upon the countess from behind especially her even more ensnaring back view, decided to answer first. "There are no pressing issues to report, Countess. The estate remains well-maintained, and the household is functioning as expected."

Eri chimed in, "Its like Sir Takumi said, There have been no unusual disturbances either, Madame. Moreover The staff has been even more diligent since your absence."

The Countess nodded, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. "Excellent. But tell me," her tone softened with motherly warmth, "how has my little devil, Aiko, been doing since my departure?"

A heavy silence followed as if the Countess had touched upon a troublesome subject. Takumi hesitated, his lips parting before closing again. In the end, it was Eri who spoke up, her expression shadowed with concern.

"The young miss.....still spends most of her time confined to her room or wandering aimlessly through the halls," Eri admitted reluctantly. "She rarely speaks and has become increasingly unpredictable. Even minor issues can trigger violent outbursts."

' I thought as much...' The Countess said inwardly, her voice tinged with a hint of grief.

The Countess's steps slowed, a flicker of sorrow dimming the brightness in her eyes. Her voice lowered to a near whisper. "I see."

' Hana San....' Eri Onee-san felt like calling out to her but held back against it.

Though she said nothing more, Eri could tell the weight of the news pierced deeply. The death of Aiko's father had left wounds that refused to heal, and the Countess, despite her powerful demeanor, carried that burden silently.

They walked in silence for a few more steps before the Countess dismissed them with a graceful wave of her hand. "Thank you for your honesty. That will be all for now."

Eri and Takumi bowed respectfully before parting ways, vanishing into thin air as if they were never there to begin with.

As Eri made her way back toward her quarters, exhaustion tugged at her limbs. "Finally," she muttered under her breath, thinking of a well-deserved rest, Though she adored the Countess, it still didn't mean she wasn't pressured when standing in her presence, to her, She was like an all encompassing moon, no matter how she saw it, only someone similar to the sun's glorious radiance would stand a chance of enduring her chilling yet radiant glow.

At the thought of someone similar to a warm sun she suddenly paused, remembering something or rather, someone she had completely forgotten about.

The cute little slave boy she had brought into estate as a servant.

' Best to check if he's been able to keep up with his tasks, he's seemingly new so it wouldn't hurt to lend him some guidance if need be...' Her brow furrowed. She had assigned the boy to scullery duty, but considering it was his first day, she decided to check on his progress. Heading toward the scullery, she braced herself for what she expected to be a chaotic mess.

However, upon entering the room, Eri froze in stunned disbelief.

The once grimy and cluttered space now gleamed under the eerie green glow of lanterns. Not a single dirty dish remained in the overflowing sink nor below; even the floor had been scrubbed spotless. The metallic scent of old grime was replaced by the faint aroma of clean wood and soap.

"Im-mm-p-poss-sible..." she whispered to herself, stuttering even, eyes wide with astonishment. 

Her gaze swept the room, searching for Hitoshi seemingly thinking of asking him how he was capable of such a feat But, the boy was nowhere to be found.

A flicker of displeasure crossed her features. Did he leave without permission?.

Eri's lips curved into a mischievous yet determined smile. "So the little rabbit thinks he can scurry off, does he?" she muttered.

Despite her outward irritation, an eager glint sparkled in her eyes. For some reason, she couldn't help but feel that finding Hitoshi and teaching him a lesson sounded far more entertaining than resting.

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[AN: "Poised" means being calm, confident, and composed, especially in challenging or tense situations. It can also describe someone who is balanced and graceful in movement or demeanor.]

[Fealty is a solemn pledge of loyalty, obedience, and service, typically sworn by a vassal or knight to a lord in medieval times. It symbolized a bond of trust and duty, where the knight promised military support and allegiance in exchange for protection or land.]

[Grandeur: it means brilliant or remarkable.]