Episode 5
Renee's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Isaac. 'Are you kidding me?' she muttered under her breath. The idea of being bound to Vincent, or anyone for that matter, through some contract based on ''love'' was ridiculous. This wasn't some fairytale or novel.
Isaac, as if unfazed by her disbelief, replied coolly, "This is not some kind of game or whatever novel you've been reading. "
Renee's hands balled into fists, frustration evident on her face. "Well, only time will tell, " Isaac added cryptically before walking toward the door. He opened it and glanced back at her. "Think carefully. There's more to this than you think. " With that, he left, leaving her to stew in her own thoughts.
To break the contract, I will certainly not fall in love with that guy. Renee muttered in her mind, as the heavy weight of the situation began to settle on her.
---
Later that day, Renee found herself trying on several dresses. She couldn't help but focus on the details of her clothing, trying to distract herself from the unsettling events of last night. Finally, after much deliberation, she settled on a simple yet elegant dress that she felt comfortable in.
She left her room, heading toward the door. Vincent had granted her permission to go out of the mansion the previous day, but there were conditions. To ensure her safety, she needed to take a maid along with her. Isaac suggested Marie—one of the longest-serving staff members in the mansion, a woman who was well-acquainted with the ways of the house.
As Renee walked through the halls, she couldn't help but wonder about something that had been nagging her. Vincent was a vampire, and vampires, as far as she knew, didn't do well in the sun. She found Marie standing near a window, and approached her with a question.
"Vampires don't have any effect from the sun, right? But why do they prefer the night? " Renee asked, looking to clear her doubts.
Marie turned to her with a smile, nodding slightly. "That's right, my lady. Vampires don't burn or suffer from sunlight, but many of us prefer the night. It's simply a matter of habit and comfort. The night offers more freedom, less risk of being noticed. "
Renee nodded, relieved to have her question answered. She then asked if Marie had much work to do, and Marie assured her that she would be free to accompany her on the outing.
The two women walked to the front gate together, and as they passed through, Renee couldn't help but notice Vincent in the distance, watering the garden. His tall form moved with surprising grace for someone who spent most of his time in the mansion.
Marie spoke up as they walked past him. "Even though he is the young lord of the mansion, Vincent often helps out with the work here. He tends to the garden and other tasks alongside the staff, which earns him a lot of respect from the workers. "
Renee took a brief glance at him, but after the events of last night, she didn't feel like striking up a conversation. She quickly turned her attention back to the path ahead. The gate swung open, and the two women walked down the long, tree-lined driveway.
---
The town was bustling with activity, its cobbled streets alive with the sounds of merchants, children playing, and the occasional laughter from the tavern. It was a beautiful day, the sky clear and the sun shining down on the kingdom known for its wisdom and knowledge. Renee couldn't help but feel a little out of place. She had been cooped up in the mansion for so long, and the town felt like a strange new world to her.
As they walked through the town square, Renee noticed children laughing and playing a game of tag. The sound was pleasant, but it didn't stir any particular memories within her. It was as though the joy and chaos of the town had no impact on her, leaving her with a hollow feeling.
As she turned to continue walking, she realized that she had gotten separated from Marie in the crowd. Panic crept up her spine as she glanced around, trying to spot her. But the crowd was thick, and she couldn't see a thing. Her heart began to race. Where did Marie go?
Suddenly, a voice cut through the air.
"I smell a human! " The words sent a chill down her spine. Her breath hitched in her throat. This was it. Marie's warning echoed in her mind.
"Remember, my lady, humans are rare to find in the town... There is always danger lurking in the shadows, waiting to catch its prey. Stay close to me if you don't want anything bad to happen to you. "
Renee's pulse quickened. She needed to get out of the crowd, but it was no use. The people were pressing in from all sides, making it impossible to move. She tried to push her way through, but the crowd was relentless. If she stayed any longer, the person who had smelled her would find her.
Just as she was about to panic, a large hand suddenly grabbed her wrist, pulling her from the crowd. Renee was caught off guard, her body jostled as she was dragged through the bustling street. The grip on her wrist was rough and firm, and the man who held it was much stronger than her. She could feel the pressure on her wrist, and the sensation that if he squeezed any harder, her bones might snap.
They ran quickly, winding through the streets, before reaching an alley. The man shoved her against the wall, his breath ragged from the running. Renee's heart pounded in her chest, but she immediately tried to push him away.
The man quickly placed his left hand over her mouth, his right finger raised to his lips in a shushing gesture.
"Quiet, " he whispered, as if warning her. Renee's eyes darted around the alley, but no one was there. After a few moments, two figures passed by, their eyes scanning the street, but they didn't seem to notice the man or Renee.
When the coast was clear, the man released her, stepping back to examine the street.
Renee could hardly breathe, her body trembling with fear. As she looked at him more closely, she realized he was cloaked in a dark robe, his hood obscuring his face. She couldn't get a good look at his features, but there was something about him that felt…dangerous.
His voice broke through her thoughts. "Need something? " he asked, raising an eyebrow. Renee didn't answer; instead, she just stared at him, trying to make sense of the situation.
"You're just a normal human, right? " the man continued, his voice rough but curious. "Even though the rule states not to attack a human in public, many choose to ignore it. Doesn't that seem odd? " He stepped back, seeming to consider something.
Renee, still wary, picked up her book and wrote a question. 'Then, what about you? '
The man's lips curled into a smile, though it was impossible to tell if he was mocking her or simply amused. "Hmm, a mute human girl? Interesting…" His voice trailed off, his gaze lingering on her. "If you're planning on thanking me for the rescue, don't. I only grabbed your hand to escape. This meeting? Pure coincidence. I had no intention of helping you. "
With that, the man turned and began to walk away. "Well, better get home, little rabbit. " He raised a hand in a casual wave before disappearing into the crowd, leaving Renee standing alone in the alley, her heart still pounding.
---
Renee stood there for a few moments, trying to catch her breath. When she finally gathered herself, she walked back toward the bustling street, looking desperately for Marie.
After a few moments of searching, she finally spotted the familiar figure in the distance. Marie was standing near a stall, scanning the crowd. Renee rushed toward her, relief flooding her chest.
"My lady, are you okay? " Marie asked, her voice filled with concern as she saw Renee's face. "I was worried when we got separated. "
Renee smiled weakly, assuring her that she was fine. But as Marie grabbed her hand, she noticed the bruise on Renee's wrist.
"Who did this to you, my lady? " Marie exclaimed, her voice sharp with concern. Renee flinched slightly, remembering the man's rough grip. But the memory faded quickly—he was gone now. It was done.
'Don't worry, Marie, ' Renee said with a forced smile. 'I'm fine. It's just a small bruise. We just need to apply some ointment.'
Marie didn't seem entirely convinced, but she nodded. The two women returned to the mansion, their steps quick as they made their way back.
---
As they neared the mansion, Renee couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. The encounter with the man lingered in her mind. She could still feel the strong mana he radiated, like a pressure in the air. Who was he? Why were those men chasing him?
Too many questions, and too many thoughts for her to process all at once. Her head throbbed with the weight of it all.
When they finally reached the mansion, Renee glanced toward the garden, hoping not to run into Vincent. But to her relief, he wasn't there.
Marie excused herself after leading Renee back to her room, leaving her to rest.
Just as Renee settled onto her bed, there was a knock at the door. She opened it, only to find Vincent standing there.
Before he could say a word, Renee slammed the door shut in his face, her frustration boiling over.
"Renee… Please let me in," Vincent's voice was soft, but persistent.
Renee hesitated for a moment, then opened the door slightly, just enough for Vincent to slip through.
'What do you want? ' Renee asked, trying to keep her cool.
Vincent's gaze softened, but his eyes quickly darted to her wrist. His face darkened. "Who did this to you?"
Renee felt a jolt of surprise. Vincent's voice was angry, protective even. It startled her to see him so emotional.
'I…' she started, her mouth try to mouthed something, but nothing come in mind. "Who did this to you?"
Renee didn't know how to answer. All she could do was stare at him, unsure of what he really wanted.