Villa of Ariad, South Thread City, South Ariad Marquisate.
In one of the fifteen rooms of tranquility that met the criterion of being a spacious one, every maid in duty under the service of the Mistress of the Branch House seated on a fine chair surrounding a long mottled table.
Everyone in the house was already informed of what had transpired, as each of them discussed the treacherous acts of the two Guardians, whom they believed to be from the Patriarch's side.
Myriad expressions such as terror with the horrifying possibility of massacre if Zero Ariad failed to bring judgment to the two traitorous Guardians overlapped in most of the maids' countenance. But a tinge of doubt was something that couldn't be ruled out. After all, Zero Ariad, an Irregular based on the standard of the Seven Churches, had just woken up from his awakening.
"Miss Olivia, isn't it true that Young Master Zero killed the two Guardians?"
A maid donning an intricate black dress, fine white apron, and headwear, asked with curiosity. She was among the four maids who were tasked to tend to Masha Ariad's needs, causing her not to witness the crimson sight of the ruined dining hall.
Another maid donning the standard uniform befitting such an exhausting yet fulfilling position within the Ariad Household, one of those who witnessed the battle's result, a bloody scene, addressed the other with a firm voice:
"Don't doubt the Young Master. If you have seen the scene some of us saw earlier, you would definitely retract that skepticism of yours. Let's just be grateful that those two were taken care of. Who knows what they would have done to all of us if the Young Master failed in subjugating them? Ah– I don't even want to imagine!"
Listening to the speculations surrounding the case of their Young Master and the two deceased Guardians, Olivia interjected, garnering everyone's attention:
"It was true. Even though all of us were previously active Explorers or at least experienced raiding a labyrinth once, we've lost our touch to even defend ourselves against those two.
"My point is — it's safe to say that we owe him our lives, so let's express our gratitude to the Young Master when he arrives, okay!?"
The temporary head maid said, receiving nods of affirmation at such a simple yet priceless fact that they were inadvertently saved by their Young Master.
With a serene smile, Olivia continued, "On the other hand, whatever happened, if the Young Master plans to tell us, then we should also bear some of his burden. We don't know how he feels about this incident but he just opened his eyes. His mental state may be suffering because of killing someone.
"You know very well that killing another sentient life... is totally different than subjugating labyrinth monsters.
"On a different note, if some of you still doubt the Young Master, I can vouch for the fact that a Riftstone was found in each Guardian's grasp. You know what that implies, right?"
The numerous maids who hadn't witnessed the crimson spectacle that had unfolded, similar to a painting borne from inhumanity, nodded at Olivia's words as any shroud of doubt in their minds and hearts was now subdued.
Everything was questionable. But the not-so-surprising root cause of the treachery was the easiest to pertain to, as the eleven maids present only guessed the sole culprit — the first wife of the Patriarch, Icaria Ariad.
"We do not know complicated details about 'Irregulars' aside from the fact that's what they are called by the Seven Churches when someone is considered abandoned by the Seven Deities.
"But everyone... Do you remember the 'single rule' we have vowed in the Name of the Great Labyrinth before officially becoming a part of this household?"
Olivia laid the final card in sealing the mysterious circumstances surrounding their Young Master, who by this world's standard was labeled as 'Irregular' — a subject of Divine Abandonment.
Making a vow in the Name of the Great Labyrinth, although not as grave as swearing in the Name of the Seven Deities, was something that mustn't be taken with ease as it marked one's surrender of something in exchange for something.
Failing to fulfill such a vow would result in the rejection of every labyrinth-related in existence. It was synonymous with becoming something lower than being a commoner or even a legal slave.
A complete outcast, making death desirable than to continue to exist.
Hearing the temporary head maid, the ten maids exchanged glances of tacit understanding. A second or two later, their voices echoed with conviction:
"In the Name of the Great Labyrinth, we have sworn to be of service to the Patriarch's second wife and her direct bloodline... and NOT to pry onto something we could not possibly comprehend!"
It was an oath. To know more was to become closer to death.
Knock. Knock—
Several moments later, gentle knocks entered everyone's ears, prompting them to straighten their seats.
Click—
The intricately crafted brown wooden door opened, revealing Zero Ariad's somewhat frail yet domineering figure, accompanied by a maid that everyone could not recognize.
Under the murmurs of curiosity, with the change of expressions evident to every maid in the room, Zero Ariad addressed everyone:
"Let's begin."
***
"Everyone, she will be a new maid in this house. Her name's Mai.
"To make matters clear, I awakened as a Summoner under the Magic Category, and she, whom I named Mai is my first summon."
Eyes of wonder and puzzlement were painted at every maid's expression, having a single collective thought appearing in their minds as they scrutinized the gorgeous maid with lithe body, snow-white skin, amethyst eyes, and long black hair.
In other words, they arrived at the conclusion that this maid was:
'A doppelganger summon!'
But instead of voicing their curiosity, each of them listened to their Young Master's casual tone:
"Mai will be assigned to protect my Mother, little Masha, and my Nanny. But it doesn't mean your determined mundane jobs will be filled by her. Those who cook for them, do laundry for them, will remain the same."
All eyes were focused on Mai. But the new recruit didn't lower her head. After all, reverence should only be shown to her Master and her Master's Light.
Even though that was the case, Mai wasn't someone who had strong animosity just because she thought that the 'Human' race was inferior. Only to the hostiles toward her Master and his every beloved would she be devoid of empathy.
Some time later, Mai sat just beside Olivia; the former donning an ambiguous, chilling smile. On the other hand, Zero Ariad remained standing in the central end of the spacious, luxurious room near the door.
This time, the atmosphere shifted, turning cold in the midst of the morning. Seeing their Young Master's serious yet subtle countenance, some of the maids couldn't help but take a deep breath or swallow their saliva as they patiently waited for his next words.
"Has any of you had any attachment to the deceased, Guardian Emric or Guardian Racan?"
His words were bound for misunderstanding as Olivia raised her hand reluctantly, "Ah, Young Master, please pardon me. I think that's quite farfetched since the two of them have a family of their own."
"I see. You know, attachment isn't only in regard to something romantic. But it won't hurt to acknowledge my mistake since I didn't make it clear so let me rephrase the question." Pausing for two seconds, he continued, "Has any of you feel indebted to either of them?"
Hearing the rephrased question, each of them denied it. Some even muttered cold remarks:
"No, Young Master! I don't know but even before their demise, I felt like there was something wrong with the two of them! Creepy Guardians I'd say."
"Sometimes they were leaving in the middle of the night. Well, we are just maids so we have no right to question them."
Listening to some grumbles, Zero Ariad was reminded of Her:
— "Even though you are in possession of knowledge, be it widely known or shrouded in mystery, far from the reach of an Explorer's mind, present yourself in a way that you can be approachable. If you think you would have a hard time, then let's start a theatre practice! Hehe."
Subconsciously, a smile found itself on his lips, albeit for less than a second.
"Is that so? That's good then. I won't have another traitor to cut down."
Zero Ariad was aware of information that pertained to each maid in this room. After all, with Her help, he occasionally witnessed every transpiration within this house during his deep slumber. It was also the reason how he was able to know the unfaithfulness and malice rooted within the two Guardians aimed at his mother.
Looking at the bewildered maids, he realized that what he just said was somewhat overbearing and chilling, which he dismissed as a natural reaction.
'It's better to draw the line and still be amicable in a sense.'
He didn't mind the gazes as he continued, "This may be personal, but who's here has no family anymore?"
Just what he had seen and was informed of through Her guidance, Zero Ariad already knew the answer to this question.
'But I can't just say something like, "You have no family, right? Work for me then." That would be disrespectful unless I'm the kind of arrogant Young Master.'
His mind was filled with nostalgia. But who wouldn't? For him, this world had become stranger than the one his soul was transported into, where he lived and learned for around ten thousand years.
— "You've been here for one thousand years. Sigh. Let's start with the lesson on how to act as a proper Young Master. Come on, Zero! I'll show you some arrogant Young Masters in your world so you know what to do when you return!
After around a thousand years, his attachment to his original world gradually flickered to dissipation. If not for Her stubbornness in times of leisure in regards to theatre practice and such, he wouldn't want to know what he would have become.
Hearing their Young Master's question, out of eleven maids excluding Mai, three raised their hands hesitantly.
"Name?"
He cast his gaze on the one seated two seats away from Olivia, on the right side of the long mottled table.
Half-lowering her head, this particular maid responded, "I am Hanna, Young Master."
After her, two introductions followed:
"I'm Skaya, Young Master."
"My name's Azel, Young Master."
After some time, the unexpected gathering ended with Zero Ariad's closing remarks, which pertained to Hanna, Skaya, and Azel, after the maids expressed their gratitude for eliminating the two Guardians and saving everyone.
"That will be all."
As everyone left for their duties, Olivia said in a low voice, "Wait, Young Master. I–I have something to tell you."
***
Exsor Tavern of Naira District, West Thread City, Southern Ariad Marquisate.
At this tavern's back alley, a man donning a gray shirt under a black tailcoat, paired with thick black pants, was sitting on an intricate wooden chair.
He glanced at the one standing by his side before addressing the latter, "Any news?"
"No, Sir. But the others are on standby, waiting to execute Boss' orders anytime."
"That's great. We don't want to get chided again. Sigh. I guess we just have to wait then. After all, if Boss means business, we surely have to gain profits."
Hearing this, the subordinate asked, "Sir, do you think it will be okay? To take the blame for the death of Marquis Ariad's concubine."
The acting leader reached for a bottle of vodka situated at the circular table and poured a glass of it as he savored its grape taste. Later on, he said, "Oh, we don't have to worry about that. Boss said that he'd take care of it. You know, like he's certain that even the Marquis wouldn't go public about this for some reason."
"Reason... What might it be? An Irregular?"
"Ha! Irregulars are basically slaves of society. But whether or not Marquis Ariad has such relation to an Irregular, it doesn't matter."
At that moment, the wooden door burst open as another subordinate arrived with a delighted expression.
"Sir Hakan, Boss has delivered a message, which we verified to be truly from him. He says to mobilize everything and reach the forest around 5:00 PM."
This particular group, to avoid being deceived by a third party, possessed a secret code when delivering letters. Hearing that it's been verified, the acting leader rejoiced:
"Hoho! Tell everyone to get ready! We have some thrashing to do."