Lina's Trust: The Crimson Realm

"Lina's Trust, The Crimson Domain"

In the examination room, Rose Countess's voice echoed like the soft chime of jade beads, sweet and melodious, with an elegant smile playing at her lips. Yet, her blood-red eyes locked onto Lina, and the unspoken pressure she exerted made Lina's already pale face grow even more ashen.

The difference between the Red Ghost and the Blood Ghost was stark—a mere letter, yet worlds apart.

But Lina stood her ground, refusing to relent, even as she felt the weight of immense pressure. She gripped Luca's arm tightly, the cold touch of her skin oddly comforting. In a world where trust and human emotions were fragile commodities, a creature from the horror realm extending such loyalty was not something to be taken lightly. It warmed Luca's heart, and his previous anxiety seemed to dissipate in an instant.

Luca's other hand gently rested over Lina's delicate one, offering a soft reassuring squeeze. The small gesture drew her gaze to his face. He smiled gently, a confident expression that seemed to convey a silent understanding between them.

Lina's cheeks flushed slightly, and without a word, she pulled her hand back, quietly stepping to the side.

"Interesting," Rose Countess mused, her beautiful eyes glinting with curiosity as she watched them. Luca's ability to form bonds with the denizens of this terrifying world was, in her experience, unprecedented. Most humans were weak, fearful of spirits—viewing them as food, not allies. But here was Luca, forging a bond with creatures of this world and earning their trust. It was truly a rare thing.

"Human, aren't you afraid of me?" she asked, her gaze sharp and filled with curiosity.

Luca remained calm, his response clear and sincere. "I am afraid."

"Oh?" Rose Countess' eyes narrowed. "But I don't see any fear in your gaze."

"That's because I know a true noble will always maintain their grace and poise, even in anger. And you, Lady, I'm certain, would never lose your composure. Besides... I still have to diagnose you, don't I?"

Luca's words, spoken with a touch of charm, weren't entirely without risk, but they carried the weight of survival. Flattery, if done well, was sometimes a necessary tool in such dire circumstances.

A smile spread across Rose Countess's face, as she leaned back with evident pleasure. "Ah, you do have a way with words. I'm beginning to like you."

"It's my honor to be appreciated by such a distinguished lady," Luca replied, showing true respect.

In the blink of an eye, however, Rose Countess's demeanor shifted. Her smile vanished, and her eyes grew cold, her aristocratic aura returning in full force. She was a noble of unimaginable power—an expert in the art of mask-wearing.

"While I enjoy your compliments, young man, if you fail to cure my illness..." Her eyes, dark with dangerous intent, sparkled with a deadly gleam.

The words hung in the air, but the threat was palpable. Even with Lina's presence, Luca knew the horrors of this world had no room for pride. Survival was the only law that mattered.

"If we're discussing other matters, I may not be of help. But when it comes to medicine..." Luca's eyes gleamed with unwavering confidence, "I may only be a guest physician, but I can guarantee no one in this hospital is more skilled than I am!"

At this declaration, Lina's eyes lit up, and even Rose Countess's gaze became inscrutable.

"Confidence is good, but too much can be dangerous," Rose Countess warned, her tone curious, almost amused.

"If calling it arrogance, then so be it," Luca replied with a steady gaze, "But the truth is, the other doctors here are nothing compared to me."

His earlier caution was now gone, replaced by raw, unbridled confidence. It was time for him to solidify his reputation as a master of the healing arts—and secure his survival.

Rose Countess's lips curved into a smile, unbothered by Luca's boldness. "Well, I like your confidence. Let's see if it matches your skill."

"Please extend your hand," Luca requested, no longer hesitating.

With a graceful gesture, Rose Countess removed her long gloves and extended her perfectly manicured hand to him. Luca placed his fingers upon hers, careful to conceal his surprise at the softness and faint warmth of her skin. Her pulse was as fine as a thread—delicate, yet strong.

Luca's mind raced. He knew how to read people, but he hadn't expected this. He closed his eyes briefly, drawing on his ability to observe.

"Your condition... you've been suffering from it for quite some time, haven't you?" Luca began, offering his diagnosis with calm precision.

Rose Countess's eyes flickered with a growing urgency. "You really can tell what's wrong with me?"

"Anorexia," Luca stated plainly, the words like a needle piercing the air.

The moment he spoke, an overwhelming sense of death filled the room. The crimson glow from her eyes cast an eerie hue over the space, and the room itself seemed to shrink under her power.

Her domain, the power of a Blood Ghost, was suffocating, and in an instant, the examination room was sealed in blood-red light.

Luca felt the weight of the world on his shoulders as the suffocating energy from Rose Countess bore down upon him.