After being appointed as Damian's personal advisor, Seraphine found herself immersed in a whirlwind of learning and new responsibilities. Her days were filled with acquiring knowledge and skills that would enable her to serve the young master efficiently.
In her new role, Seraphine had to undergo a rigorous training regimen directly under Marcus, the head butler who oversaw most of the estate's affairs.
Marcus, a seasoned and experienced servant, spared no effort in imparting his wisdom and expertise to Seraphine. From etiquette and protocol to estate management and decision-making, she absorbed everything with eagerness and diligence.
Several days had passed since Seraphine had moved into her new quarters and assumed her position as advisor. She still had much to learn, but she was making progress under Marcus' guidance. Meanwhile, Damian was engrossed in his daily duties, handling the affairs of the estate and ensuring that the newfound treasures from the dungeon were utilized wisely.
On one particular afternoon, Damian found himself engrossed in his work, poring over documents and attending to various matters. As the evening approached, hunger gnawed at his stomach, signaling the need for sustenance.
"I suppose it's time to eat something," Damian mumbled to himself, his focus momentarily shifting from his tasks. He reached out and rang a small bell on his table, a signal to summon a servant to his room.
Within a short span of time, a maid with black hair, older in age than Seraphine, arrived at Damian's door. Her appearance was quite different from Seraphine's, both in terms of physical attributes and maturity. Seraphine, currently occupied with her training under Marcus, was unable to attend to the young master's needs at that moment.
Damian briefly conveyed his desire for a meal, specifying his preferences, before allowing the maid to attend to the task at hand.
The maid now comes back to the room with a courteous bow, her smile masking hidden intentions. Although she carried a tray of food and refreshments, Damian's attention remained fixated on the documents in front of him. It was clear that his work had consumed most of his thoughts.
"Young master, I have delivered the meal you requested," the maid spoke with a polite tone and a friendly smile. However, Damian hardly spared her a glance, his focus unwavering.
"Just leave it on the table. I will attend to it myself," Damian responded dismissively, causing a subtle pang of hurt to flicker across the maid's face. Nevertheless, she maintained her persistence, determined to proceed with her plans.
"Young master, perhaps you should take a break. Allow me to help alleviate your burdens in the best way I can," the maid suggested, her voice tinged with a hint of seduction. As she placed the food tray on the table, her words caught Damian's attention, prompting him to look in her direction, though not with anticipation.
"Are you suggesting that you can assist me with the paperwork?" Damian inquired, curiosity lacing his words. He held little expectation for any servant aside from Seraphine to handle such responsibilities competently.
The maid's seductive tone shifted, revealing her true intentions. "No, young master. I didn't mean it in that way. I can offer you a different kind of relief from your stress," she murmured, her voice dripping with allure as she slowly advanced toward Damian.
Damian's expression hardened, his disappointment and annoyance transforming into a mix of anger and disbelief. He couldn't fathom why this maid had the audacity to attempt to seduce him in such a manner.
"How exactly do you believe you can assist me in your own way?" Damian questioned the maid, his tone firm but not overtly aggressive, wanting to hear her response.
The maid, emboldened by her misplaced confidence, replied, "Well, my skills may not be perfect, but I assure you, I am far superior to Seraphine, young master." She prepared to undo her shirt, intending to reveal more of herself to Damian. However, before she could proceed, Damian swiftly grabbed her hand, his grip strong enough to startle her.
"What do you mean you're better than Seraphine?" Damian's voice underwent a drastic change, filled with anger and disbelief as he glared at the maid.
Trembling with fear, the maid immediately dropped to her knees, realizing the gravity of her mistake. "I apologize, young master. I understand now that Seraphine is devoted to serving you faithfully each night, and I merely wanted to prove that I could surpass her."
It became apparent that rumors had been circulating among the servants, insinuating that Seraphine had seduced Damian and gained favor by engaging in sexual activities with him. The words ignited a fierce anger within Damian, causing the demonic energy within him to surge.
The crimson aura radiating from Damian began to exert its impact on the maid, causing her to struggle for breath and experience intense pain, tears streaming down her face.
"What kind of nonsensical talk is this? Not only do you disrespect Seraphine, but you also insult me!" Damian's voice boomed with fury, his eyes blazing with an intensity that sent shivers down the maid's spine.
"Do you truly believe I would stoop so low as to engage in relations with a servant like you?" Damian's words were laced with a mixture of anger, indignation, and a profound sense of betrayal. The maid trembled uncontrollably, her own realization of the magnitude of her mistake overwhelming her.
Damian's anger reached its boiling point as he demanded the maid to reveal the source of the vile rumor that had been circulating. His patience had worn thin, and he ordered her to disclose the truth. However, the trembling maid remained silent, her fear overpowering any inclination to speak.
Realizing that his initial approach was ineffective, Damian's frustration grew, pushing him to exert force. He tightened his grip around the maid's neck, his threat of ending her life hanging in the air. Despite his menacing hold, he ensured that he didn't apply excessive pressure, allowing her to still speak.
With a trembling voice, the maid finally managed to speak, revealing that the scandalous rumors primarily originated from the knight squad, but not from Sir Henry, the knight leader. Instead, it was the actions of the knights who held a negative opinion of Seraphine due to her status as a slave. They disapproved of her frequent visits to Damian, perceiving her as nothing more than a personal slave meant for Damian's pleasure.
A surge of fury coursed through Damian's veins as he processed this information. His grip on the maid's neck tightened involuntarily, escalating the danger she faced. The maid pleaded for mercy, her voice filled with pain, as her life hung in the balance.
"You think I would show you mercy? You are better off dead than continuing to live in this estate," Damian hissed, consumed by anger. He contemplated ending her life, intending to conceal the entire incident. However, before he could carry out his dark intentions, the sound of an opening door abruptly interrupted his rage-filled state.