Chereads / Pretty Kitty / Chapter 3 - -The Strange Mansion-

Chapter 3 - -The Strange Mansion-

Yuki awoke early in the morning, her mind still on schedule with her early morning job. Her brain was telling her to get up and get ready, but after a moment of ignoring her internal signals, Yuki got out of bed. She no longer had a job to go to. Or, really, her job was where she was already. The demon that had slept beside her, Hisui, was still sound asleep. Her thoughts pricked the tip of her mind. Why was he being so nice to her? It made no sense. He was a demon, so his cultivation wouldn't increase unless she fulfilled a carnal desire. He was not taking out any anger on her. Her wasn't trying to take things from her. He wasn't hoarding tons of women, or anything really. He didn't appear lazy, and he didn't seem to take more than necessary. He was lavished, yes, but not spoiled rotten. Most demons ended up being consumed by their carnal desires, becoming very powerful for a period of time, before losing their minds from cultivating too fast, and dying off soon after they became powerful enough to be a threat. Only those that cultivate slowly can retain their headspace. That's how the system keeps power in balance. The only way to advance was to cultivate over a slow period of time. So, most people were stronger than an average human, but only a select few were strong enough to be considered powerful. The most beneficial is a long term relationship between 2 contrasting factions. It was slow cultivating enough that insanity was impossible, but, the constant cultivation from the partners allowed them to hone their skills in a short period of time. With the increased cultivation, came increased vitality. The system brought new meaning to the term "Power couple" but very few people click from different factions, and most also have barriers of race in the way. For the last 200 years, the lead power couple has been caring for the factions. They're essentially the king and queen of this land, a strong bond between a psychic leader and the phantom queen. They say that the phantom queen showers her lover in gifts and praises during the day, only to strip them to slavery during that night. A luxoriously long life, with the cultivating benefits for both of them. It's a good thing that they're peaceful rulers, instead of maniacal. 

Yuki yawns, debating her next action of the day. If her predictions was right, then he wants to form a long term bond, and, fill cultivation through it. Yami isn't of a faction, so she can't bring him anything, other than possible the sin of sloth. That would only work if she did everything to the point of exhaustion while he sat and lazed about. His and Yami's relationship indicates none of that. Plus, he appears to be very strong. Yuki turned around to look at him. Mostly pale skin, stubble along his jaw. Even through the blanket, he did appear quite muscular. Black wings wrapped around his shoulder blades, and thin spikes protrude from his head. If she was to serve this man for the rest of her life, at least he wasn't a sore sight for her eyes. Yuki blinked, sighing slightly. Her parents had sold her, for a hefty sum. Even if she worked for a millenials, she couldn't pay back the money. She wasn't strong enough to evade the authorities. If she was cold towards Hisui, the kind treatment likely wouldn't last for much longer. As much as Yuki disliked admitting it, she was actually excited. Yuki had always been a submissive, and had a Dom at one point, but that took a rough turn fast. Now, she would be somewhat submissive at least. So, Yuki set out to find her chore board, opening her stats menu and hoping for some instruction. Even this early in the morning, Yuki had a task list set out for her. Apparently, Hisui, or perhaps Yami, was very organized. Yuki followed her map, orienting herself with the structure of the house as she memorized the hallways. As soon as she entered the servants quarters, however, Yami woke from her bed, and turned to look at Yuki.

"Oh, hello dear! I said to ring the bell if you needed anything, didn't I?" Her voice was soft, and confused. 

Yuki nodded. "Yes, you did. I came down here to take a bath. That didn't require help."

"Oh, your bath is upstairs dear, let me start some water for you."

"N..no need! I can do it!" Yuki gulped, surprised by this. She wasn't used to such treatment, and certainly didn't expect permission from Hisui.

"Oh, don't worry your pretty little head about it. That's my job, and I get payed very well for it. I'd love to start one for you. I'll finally get to put those flowery bubbles to use!" Yami grinned, pulling a hair tie from her nightstand and pinning her long black hair up. "Now run along, Lord Hisui will be up in about 45 minutes to take his bath. If you're not done by then, I have no doubt he'll join you."

Yuki nodded, and headed upstairs to retrieve her clothes, and give Yami some privacy. She once again stepped into the closet, and picking out a comfortable skirt, stockings, and a patterned shirt. During this time, she heard bathwater start, presumably by Yami. After picking out some of her hygiene items, Yuki headed to the bathroom. 

Yami greeted her with a warm smile. "Good morning Lady Yuki! Your bath should be filled in a moment. Is there anything specific you would like for breakfast?" Yami poured a vial into the water, turning it pink and filling the room with a pleasant cherry blossom scent. 

"Oh...that's okay... If you have to make something, whatever you want to make would be wonderful...." Yuki stared at the ground. Yami was so sweet. It'd be a shame to cause any extra work for her. Yami nodded, and curtsyied towards Yuki, before leaving the room. Due to the pressing time, Yuki stripped down and dunked herself in the tub. Upon contact, she squeaked in surprise. The water was pleasantly warm, instead of the room temp or cold baths she was used to. The scenes filling the room, combined with the warm water, caused Yuki to melt into the water. Her liquidized form pushed some of the water out of the bath, as she dipped lower into the warm water. After a few moments, Yuki returned back to her humanoid state, and set amount cleaning herself. Thankfully, at least for her, Yuki made it out of the bath, and into proper clothing before Hisui came in. 

She crept carefully down the stairs, and made her way to the Dining area marked on her map. She was still relaxed, and felt a bit dreamy as she sat down at a table. Yami grinned a knowing smirk, and set down a fluffy crepe with whipped cream and strawberries. "Thank you!" Yuki gave a blissful smile, before taking a bite of the appetizing meal. 

"I'm glad that you're enjoying it, I hope I can continue to make food for you!" Yami spoke happily, but her tone implied something less than happy. Yuki's mood dampened. She had to do something to keep her new standing. It was not free. And so, Yuki enjoyed her meal, and made a silent promise to do whatever was necessary to not end up a slave. 

After her meal, Yuki checked her task list, and was surprised to find some comfortable tasks. Write down 3 favorite meals, choose 3 favorite outfits, and 3 favorite books. While it wasn't in the least bit hard for her, she suspected that it was a trap of some sort. A test, from Hisui. At first, Yuki considered observing Hisui to decide the best fit, but, thought that having a phony personality would just ruin any meaningful bond. So, she went with her preference. She looked through all the clothes and books, and chose the ones she liked best, barely hesitating. In less than 30 minutes, Hisui completed all 3 tasks, and gained exp. points from it as well. When she reported her progress, Hisui's file revealed his preferences as well. This quest cycle continued, as Yuki learned as much as she could about Hisui. This continued for the entire week. She woke up, bathed, dressed, ate, did quests, ate, relaxed, ate, and slept. The only contact she had with Hisui was during the night, and the messages he sent to her for quests. On the 7th day, she completed his profile, and received an invite to dine with him.