Enter the mansion

"By the way, how did you groom that donkey?" Master Sheffield asked without turning. 

*"It's clean, but your crazy daughter burned its ass hair off,"* Houshao'nao thought, but said smoothly: "He's spotless, Master. No disgrace to your stables, I promise." 

"Good. Let's go home." Sheffield nodded, satisfied. 

As they neared the tavern exit, Houshao'nao saw Dier bustling behind the bar. "Master, may I speak to a friend for a moment?" 

Sheffield eyed him curiously. "A friend already? You work fast." 

"Yes, Master. She helped me deliver letters this afternoon." 

"Go ahead—be quick." Sheffield agreed, curious to see this friend. 

Houshao'nao rushed to the bar. "Dier, can't treat you to dinner tonight—I must go with the Master. Tomorrow noon?" 

"Sure, but later, okay?" Dier smiled softly. 

"Deal." He dashed back to Sheffield. 

Though he couldn't hear their conversation, Sheffield noticed Dier's smile. "That elf is your friend?" 

"Yes, we met two days ago." 

"Hmm, you seem close." 

"She's kind and helpful—a worthy friend," Houshao'nao said. 

"Sheffield smirked. "A word of advice: keep your distance. She bears ancient seal marks—potential danger, understand?" 

"Ancient seals? What are those?" Houshao'nao feigned shock, though he knew the truth: his magic, sealed by Durade the donkey, couldn't sense such auras. 

"A terrible curse—it could turn her into a monster! Haha!" Sheffield joked, (unwilling) to explain further. 

Houshao'nao played along, pretending terror. "R-really? I'll stay away, Master!" 

"Relax, I'm teasing. Let's go." Sheffield laughed, enjoying the act. 

At the stables, Houshao'nao hesitated before Sheffield's imposing horse. "Brother Horse, I'm the Master's attendant—let's be friends?" 

The horse, sensing his approach, kicked out, sending Houshao'nao flying into Sheffield's path. "Sorry, Master. I'll try again." 

"Ha! My horse isn't for everyone. I'll handle it." Sheffield entered the stable, where the horse nuzzled him affectionately. Houshao'nao, jealous, turned to the donkey. 

"Hey, I saw you fly—funny?" the donkey snickered, eyeing his hoof-shaped bruises. 

"Shut up. You're no better," Houshao'nao snapped, slapping its. 

"OW! Boss, my ass still burns from earlier—" 

"Poor memory? You'll have to remind me often," Houshao'nao grinned, mounting the donkey as Sheffield called from horseback. 

Sheffield's estate rivaled the grandest in town, with lush gardens and a tranquil pond. "Impressive, Master! So beautiful," Houshao'nao praised, though sincerity laced his flattery. 

"Mediocre. See that (shed) by the stables? That's yours. The steward will fetch your things." 

"Thank you, Master." 

"Stable the horse." Sheffield handed him the reins. 

Houshao'nao flinched, but the horse obeyed this time, perhaps sensing its master's command. He tied it carefully, then followed Sheffield to the grand hall, where servants awaited. 

"Master, I gathered the staff to welcome your new attendant," the steward bowed. 

"Good. Everyone, meet my new aide. Assist each other," Sheffield ordered, then frowned. "Where's my wife and daughter?" 

"Madam is in the inner chambers, Miss Anna hasn't returned." 

"Fetch her—she's grown unruly. Steward, show him his quarters." Sheffield retreated, leaving the steward in charge. 

The steward turned to Houshao'nao, icy at first. "Call me Steward." 

"Yes, Steward *Uncle*," Houshao'nao corrected, using a respectful title that (softened) the man's demeanor. 

The steward warmed, impressed by his tact. "Follow me. A good servant must remember: humility, diligence, and silence unless spoken to." 

Houshao'nao nodded eagerly, slipping into his role—smiling, agreeing, already learning the estate's rhythms. Outside, the donkey brayed softly, watching as his cursed companion vanished into the opulent home, both trapped in roles they hadn't chosen: one a servant, the other a beast, bound by a secret that could destroy them both.