As I ran through the woods, following the familiar path, memories of my first arrival in Gensokyo flooded back to me.
It was my first time in this strange land, and I had no idea where to go.
I followed the path, hoping to find some answers. And then, there she was – a girl with a delicate pair of large black bat-like wings on her back.
Normal people would be scared but instead of fear, I felt a strange fascination pulling me towards her.
She seemed ethereal, bathed in the soft moonlight as she lounged atop the mansion.
Before I realized it, she had vanished.
"Human, what are you doing here?"
Her voice, like a whisper, came from behind me.
"I..."
She chuckled softly. "Fufu~ It seems you were drawn by me, didn't you? Do you know how dangerous it is around here?"
I remained silent, slowly turning to face her.
There she was, the girl I had seen atop the mansion, basking in the moonlight.
"Human, I'll let this slide because I'm in a good mood right now... Leave before you become my meal."
I didn't entirely understand her words, but...
I knelt down, my gaze fixed on the ground.
"Please, end me."
Her eyes widened, a mischievous glint in her smile."Oh?~ Why? Don't you want to live freely, like a human?"
"There's no need. I have no one left... not anymore..."
That's right. I let my mistress die, a duty I had sworn to fulfill as her butler. Yet, here I was. I should have been by her side, protecting her, but she had perished. Maybe this was better than carrying the weight of this sin.
She stared at me for a moment then smiled. "Fufufu~ I see. What an intriguing fate we have here."
Fate...?
"Human, you're interesting. So I'll give you two choices. I won't force you, as it is your decision."
Choices... Did I still have the right to make choices?
"One: Become my meal and die. or Two: Become my butler and serve me with unwavering loyalty."
Butler...
"I am not worthy of becoming your butler..."
"No... You are."
My eyes widened as I looked up at her.
"You are worthy of becoming the butler of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. So, this is your last chance... Choose carefully."
It was the first time someone had said I was "worthy" since my young lady died.
"Alright, I'll be your butler."
"Good choice, Tell me your name."
"...Ashikaga Shun, but call me Shun, Milady."
"Remilia Scarlet."
"Lady Remilia."
"Good, dear Shun... From now on, you are the butler of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Will you swear your loyalty to me?"
"Lady Remilia, from this moment forward, as the butler of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, I swear my loyalty to you and you alone."
"Fufu~ Good."