A new day rose, its gaze cast into the distance.
A new day was what mattered—every day mattered—but what mattered most was that this new day could be seen.
A new sunny day after a day of rain; the contrast and the lingering dampness could still be felt on the bodies of the maids in front of the mansion. They were tending the garden that had been watered earlier, placing small stakes to support thin branches or planting more herbs in other areas. Each maid was focused on her work.
The day felt splendid, and the feeling it brought was one of good tidings. The maids inside the mansion were in charge of cleaning the floors, preparing the food, helping the master get dressed, among other things. Each of them wore a stern look, yet remained focused on her task, fulfilling everything their master imposed.
Everything seemed like a normal day, like any other. It was a sunny and very beautiful day; the flowers showed their vivid colors, and the herbs had a stronger, more exquisite scent. It was a day like any other—one could say there was no variation.
Yesterday, a party had been held at the house's event hall. The entire day before yesterday had been spent preparing the plans and decorating the venue. From time to time, the master would come by to see how the preparations were progressing. The dishes were planned, and everything was perfectly laid out.
The main course was to be a pot-roasted meat, seared over embers, accompanied by a special pebre sauce. The dish was to be decorated with small green vegetables, such as finely cut lettuce and asparagus.
This party was always held once every year; it was where the greatest figures and nobles of the era gathered to discuss various matters. It was the most important annual meeting after the passive council between the nobles and the Emperor.
Everything was going well. The guests arrived at the appointed time, and every employee carried out their errands. There were also several maids present who came on behalf of the guests; these focused solely on specific masters, which helped maintain order more easily.
Everything was going as planned, everything was going well, but…
An accident occurred. The pot of meat for the main dish ended up spilled across the floor.
A certain maid had dropped the pot.
"..."
A certain maid…
"..."
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
There is darkness…
I can't see anything; my eyes see no light. The floor is cold, and the air is damp. The place is enclosed, and the air does not flow.
My body feels strange; I can't move properly. My hands move a little, and my legs remain still. I try to do something, but even so, my body doesn't respond. My lungs don't take in air correctly; it's hard to breathe, and it hurts a little when I do. My back hurts a lot, but right now I'm sitting, leaning against it. I want to move to relieve this pain a bit, but I can't. My body won't move—I can't manage it.
My abdomen has multiple wounds, along with my legs and my wrists. My face has no lacerations; it seems they avoided my face. I don't know the reasons, but I can make some guesses as to why. The strength I had—the energy—is gone. I don't want to stay here, but I can't do anything to end this. My left hand is chained to a nearby wall. And the hunger won't let me think clearly.
How many days have I spent here?
The unbearable stench—I can endure it now. The cold and the hunger—I can endure them now. But if this continues, I might die. There is nothing around me, only cold stone walls. I asked for help, but my voice can't be heard. My throat is dry, and it hurts even with the flow of air. I can't think clearly; I can't feel clearly—my body is already losing that kind of reception.
The pain might be mental. My back, which was broken, might be healed now; the blows to my abdomen have already healed; my tendons might be healed and—
[???: Ghga… Ahghgghg…!]
The pain returned—my pain returns. There's no point in trying to move; I just have to stay still in this place. I am an inanimate doll. I think I have to think like that, right? If I hadn't done that…
This problem was mine. I made the mistake back then; now I'm receiving this punishment. My clothes are torn across the entire front; my chest is exposed, and I have multiple bite marks around it. My underwear is torn, and the harness is lying somewhere around here, in this semi-claustrophobic room. I feel like there's nothing left to do. For some reason, I want to rest. I'm cold, and the headache still hasn't gone away. Maybe I have a fever or something like that.
I try to place myself in this place, but I simply don't know where I am. Maybe I'm dead… Maybe I'm alive… Who knows? I could be in limbo right now—just me and my consciousness wandering, waiting for an answer. My family is no longer there. I did many things to try to return, but my magic simply isn't strong enough. Maybe I need more training; maybe I need more mana—but there's no turning back now.
I'm lost… something like this doesn't surprise me anymore…
I have been lost all these days; this mansion has been my home for… how long? I've already lost track of time. I simply don't want to think about those things. There's nothing I can do that would solve some of my problems. Avoiding them is best, but the weight of guilt always eats me from the inside. That's why I keep screaming even though no one hears me, that's why I keep screaming even when I can't. I'm simply dead.
Something… Someone…
Hope is the last thing to be lost, right? If someone came and saved me, I'd marry them even if they were a man or a woman—their gender no longer matters to me. I don't even know what I am anymore. I'm diluted in a strange mixture; I'm used for something of the opposite sex, and now I just have to accept it. Being a man might mean the same as being a woman; maybe my body was always meant to be a woman and I was the one born wrong. I don't understand those things anymore. I don't want to think, because doing so hurts too much. I just want to be lost here, with nothing but darkness.
Not seeing gives me peace; not hearing anything keeps me calm. I'll just stay here and try to live whatever little I have left. My end feels close, and there are other things I can no longer understand. Being locked up without reason might be driving me mad. Time is something horrible—it never stops—and while I'm down here wandering in the black, up above there are people living their lives normally. Perhaps I'm no longer fit to live. My mistake was proof of that. Now I'm receiving that punishment, and maybe they're selling me right now.
Who knows?
I'll live, I'll die—it doesn't matter anymore. I'm dead even though I'm still alive. My heart no longer beats with the passion it once had; my pain has spread through every limb of my body. Life has no meaning. Nothing has meaning. Living to fulfill something impossible—that reason for existing makes no sense. So maybe I have to die. I'll never achieve that goal. I'll never be able to fulfill that goal. It's just me, and the darkness, and the fear, and the abyss, and the end, and death, and—
Chink!
"..."
A light…
"..."
[???: Hey, you! The master wants to see you. Behave yourself and let yourself be touched.]
[???: …]
"..."
...
"No… not again…"
...
"..."
Step after step, followed by more steps. They spread through the echo of the empty place. Outside there is a place with nothing, very simple—I haven't been able to see it for a long time, but I know what it's like. The footsteps can be heard and they resonate through the echo; my head picks up that vibration and I manage to understand what it means. I think my time has already come. I'll be able to die, even if it's in a bad and filthy way. That's all I want now. If I don't die at this moment, I'll go mad for all eternity. Now I could say I'm saved, but saying it like that isn't the best way to put it. Each step of the shoe touching the floor is one more step toward my fall—nothing more. I am nothing but fear and darkness.
"..."
The footsteps stopped in front of where I think that door is. The slit that had been open is now covered again. I didn't hear the sound of it closing because my ears no longer pick up unnecessary things—or maybe I just don't know. I simply don't understand what's happening now, but I do understand something important about it. It's a sensation I haven't felt in a long time.
"..."
Crank!
That door is opening. The door is opening and everything is being lit by a faint glow. Something is becoming visible—something like fire is probably lighting up the area. My eyes are seeing the light.
"..."
A man, formal-looking, wearing a white shirt and black trousers. He is approaching; he is approaching me—I can see him. He has just crossed the doorway. I am very small compared to him. His footsteps—he is in front of me. His shoe is placed right in front of me. He is looking at me. I don't know with what expression, but he is looking at me.
"..."
[???: Lior...]
[Lior: Ah...]
"..."
My master—he is standing in front of me. His shoes are right in front of me.
My master…
My master…
My master…
He—Akuma…
Akuma Eidoriku…
"..."
[Akuma: What happened, Lior? Why aren't you greeting me?]
[Lior: ...]
[Akuma: You seem to be a bit unwell, don't you? I didn't want you this broken either—yesterday at least you could still move.]
[Lior: ...]
His shoe turned slightly…
[Akuma: Liumen! I told you not to leave him crippled!]
[Liumen: But… Lord Akuma… he's tired. He doesn't have any mortal wounds.]
[Akuma: Huh?]
Akuma turned his gaze back to the cat boy.
[Akuma: Yes? Ah… well then… you've done quite well.]
[Liumen: Ah… th-thank you, Lord Eidoriku…]
[Akuma: ...]
[Lior: ...]
Akuma crouched down to look closely at Lior. He stared at him and grabbed his head—more precisely, both cheeks with one hand. Akuma looked Lior in the eyes.
A smile…
[Akuma: Lior… my little kitty…]
[Lior: Ah… hah…]
[Akuma: Don't look at me with fear. This is for your own good. If I hadn't done this, how could you learn, how could you make up for your mistake? Remember that you learn from mistakes, right, Lior?]
[Lior: Nyah…]
[Akuma: You don't have to feel bad. I'm just giving you a light lesson. Next time you won't do it, right? Although, I think there won't be another time.]
[Lior: Ah… myho…]
Akuma held Lior's head, gripping both of his cheeks. Lior was afraid—terribly afraid inside. His gaze trembled, his pupils quivered; he was seeing something he simply didn't want to see. He couldn't escape, he couldn't move—he could only wait for the inevitable.
[Akuma: But… Lior…]
[Lior: Hagh…]
Akuma slid his thumb into Lior's mouth while holding his cheeks with both hands. He smiled at him—he was enjoying it.
[Akuma: Lior… all of this… deserves a reward, doesn't it?]
[Lior: Ahg… nh… nhyo…]
[Akuma: All your effort deserves a reward. You've surely learned this lesson already.]
[Lior: Gagh…]
[Akuma: You… you're tired, aren't you?]
[Lior: Gah… mhmm…]
Akuma watched Lior as he tried to pull away from the finger. Akuma enjoyed every movement.
[Lior: Gagh… nygh—]
Akuma pulled his thumb out of the cat's mouth.
[Lior: Ah… hah… hah…]
[Akuma: Don't you want… to enjoy yourself a little?]
[Lior: Ah…]
[Akuma: I have a need that only you can fulfill… Lior…]
[Lior: …]
Master and servant look into each other's eyes.
[Akuma: You're my little toy, aren't you? Let… all of this flow…]
[Lior: Nh… nhyog…]
Akuma moved to position himself more properly.
[Akuma: You… just enjoy… my little kitty…]
[Lior: Nyohg… nhyo… nhg… n-nyo]
[Akuma: You, just… receive… with pleasure…]
[Lior: Nyhog… p-please…]
Akuma was moving over Lior. The cat boy could only watch as Akuma moved his own body, leaving him on his back. Lior looked up at Akuma from below.
He couldn't do anything…
Only…
Endure what was coming…
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A year has passed since Lior arrived here, at this mansion. The passage of time is different—it's something strange, isn't it?
During this period, the cat boy hasn't understood many things. He still doesn't understand the world; he is only focused on serving his master.
"..."
Lior was carrying a pot of meat to the other side of the kitchen; it was time to plate everything. Just as he was walking toward his destination, he ended up colliding with a white-haired maid. The cat boy blamed himself for everything.
"..."
Now he was in the dungeon of the Eidoriku mansion. He doesn't know how many days he has been locked in there, but he only knows that he hasn't eaten for a long while. At this moment, Lior is very hungry.
"..."
The cat boy is the favorite of Master Akuma, owner of the Eidoriku house. It is the only one left and one of the most important noble houses of the entire era. That noble house is the one that always takes charge of organizing the largest noble event. That is the nobles' banquet.
Although there are many more throughout the year, that one is where the greatest percentage of important people gathers; it is the largest meeting seen every year.
But…
After the mistake of a certain maid, it seems that the usual perfection has not been fulfilled this time.
Last year something similar also happened, but it was the fault of a maid from the Helmet house.
Now it was the organizer's own fault…
"..."
[???: How… will Lior be?]
"..."
[???: …]
"..."
[???: Miss Chiyo, how do you think Lior is?]
"..."
[Chiyo: Hm? Ah… well… honestly, I don't know. Think about what happened at the party—do you think he'll be fine locked up in the dungeon?]
"..."
[???: …]
"..."
[Chiyo: Luciana, think about something else. You don't have to think about that.]
"..."
[Luciana: But… it's just that it's already been four days without seeing him… and he's a very good person… and…]
[???: That fucking cat. He ruined the entire banquet preparation. Don't you think that's the bare minimum he should get?]
"..."
[Luciana: Huh? And who asked you? I'm just worried about him.]
[???: But what is there to worry about? He's a man who acts like a whore. Who cares what they do to him?]
[Luciana: Lior isn't just a sexual slave. Lior is a very good person who cares about others. Have you really not changed at all in this past year? You used to be different, Eliza.]
[Eliza: Stop saying stupid things, Luciana.]
[Luciana: I'm not talking about stupid things—you're the unbearable one.]
[Eliza: Yeah, sure, you go on and—]
[Chiyo: Please, shut up!]
"..."
[Chiyo: Why don't you stay quiet and continue with your work? There's no need to fight or anything like that. You're grown enough to stop arguing over stupid things.]
[Luciana: …]
[Eliza: …]
"..."
[Chiyo: Lior is a slave, and unfortunately he failed to fulfill his duty. Sadly, it happened in an environment where a mistake cannot be forgiven, but what can be done? Lior is receiving his punishment right now.]
"..."
[Chiyo: So… if you don't want to suffer what Lior is going through, then work in silence and carry out your tasks. Leave the arguments for later. You look stupid.]
"..."
[Chiyo: …]
[Luciana: …]
[Eliza: …]
"..."
The three maids fell silent after all the commotion. All three were in the same area carrying out their tasks.
Luciana is a domestic servant of the Eidoriku house. She has peach-colored skin and an average height. Her hair is a light brown that covers part of her neck, and both of her eyes are hidden by her curved bangs that reach down to her nose.
Eliza is also a domestic maid of the Eidoriku house. Her skin is dark-toned, and her height is only slightly shorter than Luciana's. Her hair is a dark purple, and from her forehead down to her left eye is covered by a large lock of hair. Her gaze is a deep, jet-black color.
Each of them has their attributes clearly defined, so there's no point in teasing each other over that. They're good at fighting among themselves, but they don't run into each other very often.
Luciana has a great fondness for Lior, since he always helps her with her tasks. She's somewhat clumsy, so the cat boy makes up for her clumsiness.
Eliza always avoids Lior and throws murderous looks at him, so he never approaches her out of fear.
[Luciana: Um… Miss Chiyo… I've finished washing the floor.]
"..."
[Chiyo: Huh? Ah, alright. Now, um… go put the mop and the bucket upstairs and then go see Leslie. She wanted you in the garden to help with a few things.]
"..."
[Luciana: Ah… alright, understood, Miss Chiyo.]
Luciana made a small bow as a sign of respect and glanced sideways at Eliza when her bangs briefly revealed her golden, mocking gaze. Now it was her turn to go to the garden, where the work was usually simpler.
Eliza looked at her with disdain while she scrubbed the windows together with Chiyo.
Then Luciana straightened up and picked up the bucket from the floor along with the mop she already had in hand. With that, she headed toward the second floor, where the small cleaning room was located.
She crossed the great hallway of the mansion and then carefully went up the stairs with the delicacy expected of a maid. She turned toward the side where the room was and finally left everything there. She closed the door of the small room and turned around to head back toward the garden.
She went to the stairs and began to go down, until…
She saw her master come out of the door that connected to the descent to the dungeon.
Akuma stepped out of the room with a satisfied smile, adjusting his pants neatly.
Luciana looked him up and down and decided to do something.
"..."
[Luciana: Good afternoon, young master. May I help you with anything?]
[Akuma: Huh? Ah… It's you, Luciana…]
Akuma looked at Luciana with a bit of disdain, but she was already used to it.
[Akuma: No, honestly, I don't need anything. I've just finished taking care of everything.]
[Luciana: …]
[Akuma: But… well, Lior is down there. I've now ordered them to set him free, so the cell door is open.]
[Luciana: …]
Her eyes opened wide.
[Akuma: But… I don't know what's wrong with him, he doesn't want to move. He's just lying there for no apparent reason. If you want, you can bring him back, since he has to work.]
[Luciana: …]
[Akuma: You understand, right, Luciana?]
[Luciana: Ah… y-yes, young master.]
[Akuma: Perfect.]
When he finished speaking, Akuma pushed Luciana aside and went straight to his study.
Luciana watched him as he walked away, seeing how he took each step with an enchanting grace. She cast him a look of disdain. Then she turned to look at the door, preparing to enter. She took the knob and turned it delicately so as not to make any noise.
She entered the underground room, where everything was covered in stone. It was a prison within a mansion. A strange, strong smell dominated the air.
Luciana walked downward along the stairs. She passed through the hallway that connected to the cell and finally stopped beside it. Liumen was not there; it seemed he had left earlier. The small stool where he usually sat was still there, but there was no trace of him. The maid steeled herself before entering the cell—she knew she was about to encounter something unpleasant.
Her body trembled slightly and her eyes closed as she swallowed. Her hands were clasped over her abdomen, and her legs were pressed tightly together. She stood beside the metal door, which was open in front of her. Lior's body would have to be right there, just after stepping into the confinement.
Luciana was literally only a few steps away from him.
Her body waited for the order to enter.
She took a step—
And as she turned—
She saw him.
The body of the demi-human cat, damaged and collapsed on the ground.
"..."