"Damn..."
Philip was thinking deeply regarding the Mystical Academy, particularly Yuze and Lyre. Was it the right decision to leave them and not say goodbye?
There was a sense of guilt that was swelling up in his chest, where his heart was supposed to be. He already missed them, the hand holding, surprise hugs, head pats, and the constant talking and conversations
Truthfully, Philip didn't like talking too much and he occasionally just listen or nods to the other person. But when he's talking to the friends that he made in the academy, he could only slightly smile and fully listen to them. His eyes might have become shiny due to the miniscule amount of happiness that he felt
This time, he left them because of his own selfishness. He could easily forget them but he chose to at least think about them for a while
He feels that he would never meet them again in the future but deep inside him says otherwise
Anyways, his chest was heavy, even though he has no heart. He was racking his braind once again to identify how he could still live without his heart
How could he breathe? How could his blood circulate around his body? Shouldn't he be having a Multiple Organ Failure due to the absence of a heart?
He asked these questions to himself
He then stood up from the bed and walked towards the bathroom. He was excited to check the bathroom because a better looking bathrrom with cutting edge amenities is very comfortable and relaxing to have
As he opened the door, he was contented by what he saw. Blurry glass wall that divides a section from the bathtub, stone tiles that prevents slips, wooden logs that is cut horizontally into circles and built into the wall where the sink is, small potted plants, and a medium clear mirror
The sink is made from black marble and the faucet is automatic. It is clear that the bathroom is constantly maintained and cleaned
He felt a sense of bliss upon having the thought of using the bathroom everyday
He then went towards the sink and wanted to wash his hands because he felt it was dirty and dry. He placed his hands under the faucet and it turned on automatically. He also washed with liquid soap from a soap dispenser
As soon as he finished washing, he looked up and saw his reflection from the mirror
He was stunned upon seeing himself
"I was not this handsome before??? What happened to me?? Is this me?"
Philip exclaimed with surprise and confusion. He began touching his face, neck, arms, and body
From his semi-rounded chin and slightly chubby jaws, he had chiseled chin and a distinguishable jawline. His nose became sharp and his eyes also became sharp
His eyelashes became a bit longer and his eyebrows became implausibly artistic. His brown eyes became brighter and the lines on his pupils became more recognizable and apparent. His hair became straight and soft from being wavy and stiff. He could change his hairstyle to whatever he wants with ease
His arms became extra muscular. His biceps and triceps became harder and the muscles around his forearms became thicker and wider circumference. Veins were also bulging from his wrist and his hands and fingers seemed to be extra hard
His man boobs became harder and he developed a six-pack abs. His side ab muscles, particularly the Serratus and Oblique muscles, became chiseled. His thigh and leg muscles also became harder
His body did not became too muscular but it became a well toned body. If a person would ever see his physique, they would think that it's normal since they would think that he has been going to the gym everyday
But if they were ever to look at his face, they would question his existence because his apperance is one of a kind. He looked Asian with a breed of a European, American, or Caucasian races. It was different from his previous look of a true Asian
It was unbelievable that this kind of face exist in the world. No wonder the maids that lined up earlier was shaking and fidgeting while the butlers were avoiding to look at him. Is it also because Mathilda looked at him like that?
Philip stared at himself, he was stunned and surprised at first but it was for a moment. He was unmoved, but he couldn't help but swiper his hair with his hand. The hair followed the motion of his hand and he could style it
After a few minutes, he was contented with a typical hairstyle of a back swept hair with a few bangs hanging in front of his eyes
He then went out of the bathroom, feeling like a new man. Perhaps he was 50% the same as he was before his body changed
He didn't know what to do at the moment but wait for Mathilda to call him for dinner. He walked around the room but he immediately noticed the stone-like suitcase and a wooden sword
He picked up the sword in an elegant manner with his right hand on the hilt and his left hand on the blade
He lifted it and slid his left hand along the blade and into the hilt. He held the handle with two hands and pointed it front of him in a stance
He closed his eyes and tried to feel the sword and its essence. The energy around Philip condensed and the miniscule dust on the floor swirled around him
~~~
At the large dining area behind the lobby of the mansion, Jude subconsciously looked up while holding a platter of large plates, spoons, forks, and knives with several white large napkins hanged on his left arm
"Is there something wrong, Jude?" A butler in his mid 20's asked Jude with respect and concern
Jude was knocked from his illusion and turned to the butler, "No, it was nothing"
Jude smiled and walked towards the long rectangular dining table and began to set up the plates and utensils with the other maids after the table cloth was set up
~~~
Philip opened his eyes after trying to connect to the sword. He placed the wooden sword back down in an elegant manner, the same way how he picked it up
The reason Philip tried to feel or connect with the sword is that he has an obsession with swords. He believed from what he read in manga and novels that one should consider a sword as an extension of their body so that they could use the full potential of the sword
It did not work though since he was not practicing nor he is in combat. Perhaps he will try later in his free time and connect with the sword in a deeper level
He then looked toward the suitcase and opened it. There were six different colored Cores and a purple geode
His eyes light up upon seeing the mystical objects. He was extremely intrigued by the existence of these objects
The Cores in and on itself was amazing but the purple geode was strange. If even the Old Man, who lived for one billion years, didn't know what this purple geode was, then he has more of the reason to get motivated to research this geode
He reach out his finger and poked the top of the geode repeatedly. It was an instinct that was too common to do when dealing with unknown objects
He then wanted to pick up the geode and inspect it closer but he refused to do it. He decided to inspect it after the dinner was over, or when the Old Man had given him the place where he could do his works
He closed the suitcase and sat on the chair as he waited for Mathilda to call him for dinner
"That reminds me... Why does Mathilda seemed so wary and cautious of me? Like she did not want me to be in this mansion?"
Philip talked to himself and wondered about Mathilda's behavior. That was one of his suits, the Body Language Translator and a little bit of his empathic senses
Little did Philip know, he will know the reason about several minutes from now
~~~
Mathilda came in front of a door at the third floor of the right wing with another experienced maid. She knocked quietly and opened the door gently
"Mister, dinner is ready. Master calls for us and we have a guest to welcome." Mathilda said in a respectful manner
The man that was standing in front of a large open window and staring at the moon, turned around and looked at Mathilda
The moonlight that was shining upon his head illuminates his silver-white hair and emphasizes his pale white skin
The white tuxedo and white long sleeve polo under it stretched as he turned. It accentuated his physique and he was skinny but a bit muscular. He also wears white slacks and white opera shoes
His front bangs flutter from the breeze coming from the open window and his red eyes penetrates Mathilda's being
Mathilda only had her head down, waiting for the man's reply
"I'll be there." A stoic and masculine voice resounded in the room. This shook Mathilda's soul and the maid that is with her
Mathilda bowed and turned around. She went to another room while leaving the other maid to escort the man
~~~
Jude came in front of a door with another butler and knocked gently. He spoke before opening the door
"Miss Camille, may I come in?"
"Yes, you may." A seductive yet melancholy voice came from the door
Jude gently opened the door and looked around the room to look for Camille
Camille was standing with her back against the wall next to a large window
Camille wears a long one-piece red dress and a black scarf wrapped around her neck and shoulders
On her hand is a wine glass, half full on red wine. The red wine seemed to be more viscous than regular and Camille took her time to savor every sip
Camille stared at Jude with her red eyes that seemed to read his soul. Her long white hair was being illuminated by the moonlight, along with the blood rose that is pinned on the right side of her head
Jude entered with a white napkin wrapped arund his left arm while the arm is lifted on his stomach, like a true experienced butler
He slightly bowed his head and spoke, "Miss Camille, dinner is prepared and the Old Man expects all of us to be present because he'll be making an announcement"
Camille lowered the wine glass on her hand
"Does it have to do with the new person that came in?" Camille asked in an interesting and menacing tone
"That, I do not know." Jude replied with a tone of honesty, but he was lying if a living lie detector inspected him
"I see... Very well then, I'll come." Camille walked outside of the room while the other butler escorted her
Jude went onto another door
~~~
Mathilda was walking in a hallway until she saw the door, that she was supposed to go open
A woman with the brunette hair came out of the door wjile wearing a red-violet slip dress. She looked very seductive while most of her skin were exposed
"Vanessa." Mathilda exclaimed after meeting the woman
"Dinner's ready, I presume?" Vanessa speaked with no interest in her voice yet her eyes show otherwise
"Yes." Mathilda did not explain further
"Alright, I'm going." Vanessa walked downstairs without batting too much of an eye towarfs Mathilda
Mathilda did not care and ignored the cold treatment of Vanessa. She understood though as this was Vanessa's personality
She continued to walk further to her next destination
~~~
One minute later, Jude arrived at the next door and knocked it gently
"Kyouko-chan?" Jude asked in an honorific
"Yes?" A voice of a girl came inside the door. The girl seemed to be behind the door the moment Jude called for her
"Dinner's ready! The Old Man expects us to come together"
"Really? I'll be right there!" Kyouko said before she went away from the door and fixed herself inside of the room
A few moments later, the door opened and a girl dressed in a light blue strap dress with white t-shirt under it came out
Kyouko had a long black hair, that reached to her waist, with a blue hue and a dark blue clip on both sides of her head
She holds a small book around her arms, in front of her chest. She looked at Jude with expecting eyes
Seeing Kyouko's demeanor, Jude understood what he's supposed to do
"You look great, Kyouko-chan." Jude said with a slight smile
Kyouko also slightly smiled and took a step forward
"Let's go, let's fetch the siblings." Jude said as he turned around and began to walk. Kyouko followed him from behind while still holding the book in front of her chest
~~~
Meanwhile, Mathilda came to the garden at the back of the mansion. She opened the door and entered the sunroom
She looked around and saw the variety of flowers present inside the garden and the sunroom
The flowers differ from a rose, blood lily, dandelion, a glowing blue chrysanthemum, an ever wilting black rose, a spinning sunflower, a floating yellow lily, pulsating orchids, dancing jasmine flowers, chirping birds of paradise, a rafflesia, and many more
The flowers and plants are also swaying along the breeze that was circulating around the mansion
All of the flowers were beautiful to the eyes, despite the others looking mysterious and mystical. There were flowers that never existed that are here and flowers that defied the laws of physics and biology
All of this is the work of one person
"Mei'er?" Mathilda called out for a name
A few seconds later, a small girl went out of shade created by the moonlight
The girl carried a boquet of assorted flowers. Some are glowing and illuminating and the othets are slowly spinning
The girl reached the boquet towards Mathilda, "Mu"
"Thank you!" Mathilda said with a smile on her face. She accepted the boquet of flowers and held it around her arm
"Mei'er, come and let's eat dinner together! There's a guest joining us today!" Mathilda said with excitement
Mei'er tilted her head in confusion from the fakeness of Mathilda's excitement. Nonetheless, the little girl decided to ignore it and nod
Mathilda reached for Mei'er's hand and escort her back in the mansion
Mei'er felt the breeze to be soothing on her skin. She narrowed her eyes and smiled as she felt bliss
As they entered the mansion, a maid was waiting for them. Mathilda lent Mei'er to the maid to escort her directly to the dinner table
She would directly escort Mei'er herself, if only she doesn't have another person to call and escort to the dinner table
She also lent the boquet to another maid and made her keep the boquet in her room
She then unwillingly headed to her final destination with cold eyes
~~~
Meanwhile, Jude arrived at the door to the room of the siblings. Kyouko was waiting at the hallway next to the wall and began reading the small book that she brought
Jude knocked in a rythmic pattern and the door opened
"What's up?!" A girl with yellow hair tied in a twin tails showed herself in front of Jude and asked with crudeness
"Dinner?" Jude followed the girl's lead and matched her personality
"Is it already that time, Nee-san?" A smaller girl with short yellow hair peeked out from behind the twin tail girl
"Hello there, Natsume-tan! We have a guest today and the Old Man decided for everyone to have dinner!" Jude explained the situatiom to the small girl rather than the twin tailed girl
"I see... Couldn't be helped then, Natsume, let's go eat, are you hungry?"
"Yes! Nee-san!" Natsume brightly smiled as she was excited for dinner and meet everyone for the first time in a long time. Plus, there was even a special guest
"Alright then! Natsuki-san, let's go together." Jude motioned to Natsuki and Natsume to follow him
Kyouko closed her book and followed beside Jude. Kyouko and Natsuki stared at each others eyes for a split second before avooding each other's gazes
Natsume, on the other hand, looked at Kyouko with respect. Kyouko was her ideal self, shy, smart, cute, graceful, and elegant. She couldn't become her so she only looked at her with respec
As Jude walked through the corridor leading to the large dining room while Kyouko was beside him and Natsuki and Natsume was following him from behind, they met another person that was living in the mansion
It was a small girl with long luscious hair standing in the middle of the corridor. The girl wore a red and pink dress with a small crown on her head
The girl faced the group with uninterested eyes. Her deep blue eyes seemed to be examining them but in reality, the girl was trying to tell them something
"Uhm, Bea?"
Jude was confused by Bea's behavior. Out of all the residents of this mansion, it was Bea who he can't read or understand the most, and since Bea can't express too much of herself, she had a hard time to communicate with others
After trying to tell the group something, Bea turned around and walked away. She was headed straight to the large dining room without anyone telling her
Jude shrugged his shoulders and continued forward. Now, it seemed like Jude was the one who is following Bea
After several seconds, they arrived at the large dining room
~~~
After a few seconds, Mathilda arrived in front of the only double doored room on the second floor of the left wing
She then unwillingly knocked at the door. The knocking pattern was a little bit loud
Philip was slouching on he chair while staring at the ceiling. He had his right hand in the air as he moved his fingers in a random patterns, but to Philip, the patterns has meaning behind itself
The breeze around the mansion became smooth and blissful. The winds were very calm that it suited the clear night sky and full moon. The breeze was soothing to the skin
He then heard the knock and he could feel the uninviting tone and pitch of the sound
Usually, the person that knocked was supposed to be the first one to speak, unless the person inside the room opened the door for themselves and meet the visitor
But Mathilda always open the door by herself without the permission of the owner of the room, like how she did to the man earlier. She showed utmost respect but she did not showed respect at first
This time, Mathilda did not speak nor opened the door for herself. She waited in front of the door and she refused to speak. She only stares at the door with furrowed eyebrows and piercing glare
Philip also stared at the door while waiting for the person who knocked to call for him
After a few minutes later, no one from the different parties responded. In the end, Philip gave up and stood up to go towards the door
He opened the door and met Mathilda who had her eyes plastered against the door. She almost fell forward but she immediately pulled herself back
"What are you doing?" Philip couldn't help but ask in confusion. Mathilda's behavior was different from before, it was like her strict demeanor was a facade and Philip caught a glimpse of that
Mathilda was surprised that Philip suddenly opened the door. She then glared at Philip
"Dinner's ready!" Mathilda said in a grumpy tone
"Okay?" Philip returned the gesture to Mathilda. Dinner's ready, so?
Mathilda narrowed her eyes and glared harder at Philip. She began to speak albeit she's holding hersef back
"Fllow me to the dining table" Mathilda said with annoyance in her eyes while her fist and arms were trembling
Philip was contented and came out of the room. He already changed his ripped and bloody clothes to the same usual clothing of gray hoodie, black jeans, and red undershirt
Philip closed the door behind him and walked forward while leaving Mathilda behind. He didn't have the mood to stay with someone who he knows that didn't like him. Plus, he already has an idea at where the dining area is located
His swept back hair fluttered from the slight breeze coming from the half-opened windows as he walked through the corridor
Mathilda just followed behind Philip with heavy steps. She is also biting her teeth against each other. She was clearly very annoyed and angry
Philip knew what Mathilda was feeling due to her body language. He couldn't do anything though since he believed that she deserved this treatment
Since Mathilda was unwelcoming to strangers and new guests, Philip had a bad first impression. He was just returning the favor
If he was treated badly at first encounter, then he should return the treatment
Clearly Mathilda didn't caught up by her wrong behavior and her mind is clouded by her own ego
In reality, there is a background behind Mathilda's behavior, but that's a story for another time
~~~
At the same time, Jude and the others arrived at the large dining table
The maids and butlers has already lined up next to the walls, waiting for the people who were eating to request for assistance or request
There are also a few people already sitting on the dining table
The silver-white haired man was already sitting on the left side front chair of the large rectangular dining table
The silver-white haired man slightly opened his eyes and turned to looked at Jude with melancholic deep red eyes
Jude noticed the man looking at him and greeted him, "I greet Alucard"
Jude slightly bowed with his right hand on his chest
The man named Alucard closed his eyes and straightened his head back to how it was used to. He recognized Jude and accepted his greeting. He was patiently waiting for everyone to arrive and he was waiting for someone in particular
On the opposite side of Alucard, Camille is sitting in front of him. It seemed like Alucard and Camille were a couple by how similar looking they are
Camille also has her eyes closed while her arms are crossed above her chest. Her black short cape hangs on top of the backrest
Camille did not gave attention to the ones that were arriving but her senses were on Jude
Meanwhile, Vanessa has also been sitting beside the dining table. She sits at the right side of Alucard and her head is resting on her right hand as her right elbow is on the table
She was patiently waiting yet the boredom and sorrow on her face is apparent
Meanwhile, Mei'er was also there, one sit apart from Camille because someone was already reserved to sit in between them
Mei'er was staring at Camille, particularly at the Blood Rose on the Camille's head. The Blood Rose was specially made by Mei'er as a gift to Camille and she is inspecting it at the distance about the status of the flower
Kyouko, Natsuki, and Natsume already passed Jude and sat down at their respective seats
Bea was one step ahead of them and already sat down to the left of Mei'er. Bea then stared at the empty space in front of her, uninterested in conversing with the others
Kyouko elegantly sat down in between Mei'er and Camille and placed the book down on her lap. She had her back straight against the backrest as she waited for the food to be served
Natsuki went and sat to the right of Vanessa and Natsume sat to the right of Natsuki. There are no special interaction between them
At this moment, all of the residents of the mansion is present, except for the Old Man and Mathilda. Jude took his station, not too far to the right of the dining table, where he could quickly provide assistance to the Old Man
After a few seconds, there was moment of silence between everyone. Everyone had little interaction between everyone so they had a hard time to open a conversation
Fortunately, they were saved by the arrival of several maids, butlers, and a few chefs that brought different platters upon platters of food that is covered by a cloche
The maids and butlers placed the platters on the table in an orderly manner. The platters are numerous with different shapes and sizes
The maids and butlers did not open the cloche and stood behind the ones that are sitting. They did not open the cloche because the Old Man is still not present, and also Mathilda and the guest
The atmosphere was tense. This was the first time that such a grand welcoming dinner was prepared. There were more dishes than the last time they had a guest
They waited patiently for the Old Man to arrive so at least they could feel at ease or relax
Only Alucard, Mei'er, and Bea were calm and relaxed
~~~
A few minutes later, the Old Man appeared in the large dining room in a blur. The first ones to expect the Old Man at this exact time was Alucard and Jude
The Old Man then walked without speaking and sat down on the only seat at the end of the table, in between Alucard and Camille
~~~
As soon as the Old Man appeared in the large dining room, Philip and Mathilda has already arrived in front of the door to the dining table
Philip was about to open the door by himself but Mathilda instantly reached and stopped Philip's hand. She gripped his hand with force and looked at Philip
"Allow me to open the door." It was obvious from Mathilda's tone that she was angry. Philip had no plans to let Mathilda do her job as the escort maid for him
Philip stepped back and allowed Mathilda to take the lead
Mathilda opened the door and removed the angry eyes off of her face. She entered the dining area with serene face and closed eyes. She slightly bowed and walked forward
Philip shrugged and followed Mathilda. He also entered the dining area and he was met by a grand scene of a large buffet, although the dishes are still covered by cloche and maid and butlers are waiting to for everyone to be present to open the cloche
As soon as he entered the dining area, everyone at the dining table looked at him. The butlers avoided his gaze and the maids began to fidget and shake
But the most eye-catching that happened is that the usually quiet and melancholic Alucard abruptly stood up that the chair he was sitting on fell backwards. Good thing that the butler behind him caught it
Alucard then walked towards Philip with slightly slanted eyebrows and piercing deep red eyes. His silver-white hair flutters without any wind flowing in the room
Philip did not avoid Alucard's gaze as he was intrigued by the man. Alucard had a pale white skin and red eyes. He also wears clothes that resembles a high noble from manga and novels
Alucard also lookwd extremely handsome, much more handsome than himself after his body was reformed
'A Vampire?' Philip quietly thought to himself
Alucard went closer and Mathilda did not dare block his way, so Mathilda stepped to the side, confused as to why Alucard would approach the guest
Alucard stopped a few feet in front of Philip and looked down on him. Philip did not back down and stared at Alucard's eyes
Philip felt an odd sensation as he looked at Alucard's eyes. Meanwhile, Alucard's eyes were shimmering and had a glossy sheen on it
The Old Man and Jude's eyes widened after nothing happened to Philip and the surrounding
Everyone then gasped after Alucard suddenly knelt his right knee down in front of Philip and bowed down with his right hand on his chest and his left hand on the ground
"I greet the Master"
Philip narrowed his eyes as he was became extremely confused by what the pale man said
Meanwhile, Alucard spoke loudly that his voice reverberated in the large dining room and shook the souls of everyone inside, except for the Old Man and Philip. The mansion also slightly shook