Mary slept deeply, her body heavy with the toll of her previous exertions, as though every muscle and fiber clung to rest. But her slumber was disturbed by the sound of a door creaking open. Footsteps crossed her chamber, quiet but purposeful, before stopping by the window. A soft swish followed as the window was opened, and a cool morning breeze slipped into the room
"Mmnh…" Mary shifted, the sudden chill stirring her from her deep sleep. She groaned softly, turning onto her side to escape the draft while burrowing deeper into covers of the bedsheet, pulling them tightly around her. Every inch of her ached with fatigue, and the softness of the bed called her back into the sanctuary of sleep
The servant, paused after opening window as if they were considering something before seeing the lady's struggle and deciding that it will be best to leave her be a while longer. Guessing how exhausted she must be from the previous night, the maid quietly closed the door, leaving Mary alone in her bed
Once again, the room was silent, filled only with the gentle rhythm of her breathing under the bedsheet as she slipped back into the peace of slumber. Time passed as the sunlight gradually crept across the room, inching towards the bed before eventually brushing against her blankets in a warm glow. After a while the light reached Mary's face, warming her cheek and coaxing her from sleep. She stirred faintly, her eyelids heavy, reluctant to open against the soft, golden haze filling the room
Eventually her eyes slowly cracked open, just enough to see the muted light of her chamber, and she raised her hand slowly, blocking out the brightness. Even that small movement felt like lifting a weight, each muscle protesting. She tried to sit up, but a sharp ache in her shoulders and back reminded her of just how much her body had endured. Sighing, she sank back against the pillows. 'Just a few more minutes' she told herself, letting her eyes drift shut once more, though she knew morning still awaited her
Another good hour passed before her doors were opened once again, but this time a soft knock preceding it. Thanks to that Mary wasn't startled and her eyes were already half-open, blinking slowly as the maid entered with a tray in hand, the scent of tea and fresh bread wafting over her like a comforting lull
"Good morning, my lady" the maid greeted her warmly with a kind smile while keeping her voice soft, careful not to intrude on the delicate calm. "I've brought you some tea and breakfast. Please, take your time. I'll be just outside if you need anything"
Mary managed to return a small smile back, her expression was weary but grateful, and she nodded in thanks. Her hands wrapped around the warm cup of tea, the heat soothing her sore fingers and helping to chase away the remnants of her body's fatigue. She took a slow sip, the herbal taste grounding her senses, bringing her fully back into the present moment
Though the maid waited nearby to assist, Mary shook her head slightly, waving her off with a silent gesture. The maid nodded, understanding, and withdrew quietly, leaving her alone. Left alone in her chambers Mary sighed, savoring the quiet, as she needed just a few more moments to gather her strength for the day ahead
After lingering over the tea and finishing her breakfast, Mary felt the fog of exhaustion begin to lift, leaving her just enough energy to move around without pain. Slowly, she rose from her bed and approached the closet on the other side of the room, opening it she was greeted by all kinds of fancy and expensive looking clothes which made her click her tongue as she thought that it was a waste of money, but even then she needed to dress herself up so she looked around a little before dressing herself in a comfortable looking gown, the gown had a soft velvet texture in a dark muted shade of crimson that seemed to absorb the light around her, warming her skin. She braided her long hair loosely, letting a few strands of hair frame her face
She stepped out of her room and into the long, polished hallway of the Marquess mansion. This was her new home, yet she didn't even get the time to truly see it outside of when the other Mary had taken control of her body. So today felt different, not only because of her new home but also because of the silence. There were no future version of her to bother her, no Ethan to torture her in the name of training, and most importantly nothing that she hated and nothing that needed to be killed by her. Today, for once, she was simply Mary and it was just Mary alone
As Mary wandered around the mansion, she couldn't help but feel that the mansion was strangely familiar as she let her gaze linger on the mansion's many details, noticing things she overlooked when someone else was controling her body. Ornate tapestries hung on the walls, each telling the stories of this house's history, woven in deep reds and blacks, symbolizing the connection and importance of blood. While she gazed at all these intricate designs, sunlight seemed to filter through the high windows, casting gentle patterns across the floors, which she paused to trace with her fingers while feeling the warmth on her skin
Passing by the open doors to the library, Mary decided to step inside. The scent of aged paper and leather greeted her, a smell that reminded her of recent nightmares that she pushed down since she knew that she couldn't be haunted by something so trivial
Taking a deep breath she ran her hand along the spine of an old, worn out book, a piece of the house's history that was now hers. The library was quiet, and as she browsed the shelves filled with all kinds of magical grimoires, she found herself drawn to a large window overlooking the gardens
The gardens were spread out below in a tapestry of autumn colors—deep crimson leaves mingling with fiery oranges and burnt golds, set against a backdrop of dark evergreens. Intrigued, she left the library and made her way outside, stepping into the cool, crisp air of the garden
The path wound through beds of flowers and dense foliage, eventually leading her to a secluded stone bench beneath an ancient oak tree. She sat down, listening to the gentle rustling of leaves overhead. Here, she could truly breathe, her thoughts drifting as she absorbed the calmness around her
Looking around the peaceful and quiet garden she couldn't help but compare it to the garden of Dreams which she has seen previously. Comparing the two it was pretty obvious which one was more beautiful but to her this garden seemed more familiar. Thinking that and feeling a weird sense of familiarity Mary let her fingers drift over her arm before noticing the ring on her finger, after noticing the ring she quickly checked for other pieces of equipment that might still be present. Thankfully only the ring seems to have stayed on her body
Just as she was about to relax a sudden soft noise was caught in her now heightened senses causing her to turn her attention towards a small sparrow, hopping along the ground nearby, pecking at seeds. She looked at it with surprise before relaxing as a faint smile appeared on her face while she watched the cute little bird as its presence added a note of quiet joy to the day. As the sparrow flitted away, Mary closed her eyes for a moment, focusing on the peace that filled her
After some time, a servant approached quietly, hesitant to disturb her.
"Milady, lunch has been prepared. It's in the dining hall, should you wish to join"
Mary nodded, rising from the bench. She walked back into the mansion, her steps slow, feeling grounded with each step. The dining hall was prepared pretty simply—a light meal of warm soup, fresh bread, and sliced fruit, something light that she can enjoy which just so happened to be exactly what her body needed. She ate slowly, savoring each bite, feeling her strength gradually return even though she would've liked something with more nutrition, but she didn't mind nice simple meals like this she thought
The rest of her day passed by in a similar quietness. She visited the art gallery, and appreciated the beauty of each painting even though she didn't really understand much about them despite feeling like she has seen them somewhere before. After that she wandered through the grand hall, where ancient suits of armor and heirlooms lined the walls. Each of these items seems to have their own unique power that they emitted as she shuddered just by looking at them
So as the day waned and the sun began to set, Mary found herself standing on the balcony overlooking the estate, watching as the evening shadows lengthened over the grounds. The world was bathed in a soft, amber glow, and she felt her spirit settle, rejuvenated and peaceful
As the evening shadows deepened, Mary lingered on the balcony, the calm of the day grounding her. But she wasn't alone for long though, as a familiar presence stepped onto the stone terrace nearby
"Good evening, Mary" Ethan's voice came from behind, cold but gentle
Mary turned to see him standing there, his golden eyes catching the fading sunlight, casting an almost ethereal glow that held her in place. Yet something was wrong. Terribly, irrevocably wrong. Her instincts screamed it before her mind even caught up. The air around him was different; it was heavier, thicker, pressing down on her like a suffocating weight. A primal fear clawed at her chest, and her breath hitched as she felt the urge to run—to flee from the abomination that now stood before her. This was not the calm and curious Ethan that she had interacted with before
As she shuddered still absorbing the change in his presence a sudden sound of hurried footsteps sounded behind her, each one rushed and labored. Finally a servant appeared, breathing heavily, his expression flustered as he reached her
"Milady" he began, urgency etched into his face "Master Ethan has arrived—"
But he stopped short, his eyes falling on Ethan. The servant's face paled as he quickly composed himself, dropping into a deep salute while suppressing his body's rejection
"I-I greet the Brightest Star of the Empire!" he stammered, his voice tinged with a respectful awe, barely concealing the tremor beneath
Ethan's voice, calm and steady, cut through the air as he dismissed the servant. "No need for a fuss. I am only here for a short rest"
The servant bowed once more, murmuring a hasty "Yes, Master Ethan" before retreating, leaving Mary and Ethan alone in the soft sunlight that settled over the balcony
Mary glanced up at Ethan, still adjusting to the subtle, yet undeniable change in his presence. If his current presence could be described it felt as though she were standing before a wound in reality itself—a tear in existence that refused to heal, that no force in the universe could mend or erase. She could feel it in the marrow of her bones, the unshakable certainty that whatever stood before her was something that should not exist, a presence that defied all reason and left nothing but cold dread in its wake. The being before her was a monstrous being that instilled fear upon the very fabric of reality just by simply existing
Ethan's gaze softened as he turned back to her, the intensity of his presence from before dissapearing like a dream. "You look well-rested, Mary" he remarked, his voice carrying a quiet warmth beneath its natural momentum. "Good. Because starting today, our training will take on a more… rigorous path as we move on"
Mary calmed herself before raising an eyebrow with a slight smirk to hide her nervousness as she crossed her arms. "Rigorous, huh? Haven't we already been through enough of that? Or does death not count as rigorous to you?"
Seeing her cross her arms Ethan smiled in a way that mirrored her own. "What we've done so far has only been the groundwork. For the next few days, we build on it—with proper training"
He then gestured towards the garden, where, to her surprise, an array of weapons had already been neatly laid out on a rack by the side. Swords, spears, daggers, greatswords, staffs, axes and ...whips? Anyway all kinds of weapons gleamed under the fading sunlight, each crafted with meticulous precision which helped calm her down
Mary's eyes lingered on the weapons, her fingers itching to pick one up before she gets attacked. "So, we're starting with swords?" so she asked while taking a deep breath to calm her heart
"Not quite" he replied, picking up a spear with practiced ease. "Today, you'll learn the basics of combat and weapons—edged weapons, clubs and spears etc. Each weapon has a unique strength, and understanding how to wield each one will make you adaptable in battle. And ultimately all of these will help you find your own weapon style"
Then Ethan tossed the spear lightly towards her, and Mary caught it midair with relative ease, feeling the polished shaft settle smoothly in her grip. It felt balanced, natural, almost like an extension of her own arm. The cool metal was firm yet surprisingly light, as though crafted specifically for her. She took a testing stance, instinctively falling into a poised, ready posture, her body intuitively adjusting to the weapon's length and weight
Ethan observed her for a moment, his sharp gaze assessing her form, before he began to speak, his tone measured and calm. "In combat, there are only three things that truly matter: movement, commitment, and perception. Everything else can be compensated by your understanding and mastery of these. Or just by your general strength"
Mary tilted her head slightly, considering his words. "Commitment?" she asked, confused and intrigued
Ethan nodded. "Commitment is about controlling the effort behind each move—understanding precisely how much force to use with every strike. If you overcommit, you'll be left wide open, vulnerable to counterattacks. Too little effort, and your strikes lack power, making them ineffective" He raised his hand to emphasize his point, demonstrating the weight shift in a precise yet restrained motion. "Finding that balance between too much and too little is crucial, and you must know when to withdraw and when to push forward without hesitation"
He paused, giving her a moment to absorb the concept, before moving on. "Then there's movement. Someone who's mastered his own footwork can navigate the battlefield effortlessly, controlling the flow of the battle. Good flexiable movement techniques allows you to constantly reposition, stay grounded controlling and maintaining your distance. With the right timing and movement, you can evade attacks, close the distance, and counterattack with precision. Proper movement is what keeps you from being an easy target; it gives you the power to dictate the pace of any encounter"
Ethan took a step and reappeared somewhere else almost as if teleporting. "Repositioning is a skill that can save you against stronger or faster opponents, and it's essential for keeping yourself and your opponent in control. It doesn't matter if you are a knight or a magician being able to outmaneuver your opponent is essantial"
Mary nodded, understanding why movement was important as she tried moving her body at different speeds in differant ways relying purely on instincts and her body. She could feel the subtle difference, a growing awareness of her movements
"And finally, perception" he continued, his voice dropping to a more serious tone. "This is where most people make their mistakes. Perception is not just about choosing what to focus on or what parts of the opponent you study during combat. Some look at their opponent's feet, hoping to predict their next move. Others focus on the hands, watching for the shift of a weapon. Some prefer the face or even the eyes, thinking they can read their opponent's intent" He paused, letting her consider each option, before shaking his head slightly. "Unfortunately, there's no perfect answer to perception"
Mary raised an eyebrow, clearly confused. "Why not? Isn't it important to keep track of all those movements?"
"Yes, but if you focus too closely on one part, you'll miss something vital elsewhere. If you're watching the feet, you might miss an attack coming from above. The hands move too quickly to track at close range, and they're easily deceptive. The face and eyes can be misleading; an experienced opponent will use it to feign intent or mislead you"
Then he stepped back, pointing to his own collarbone. "So, if you want to get a better sense of your opponent's movements, focus here—on their collarbone. The collarbone is like the center of a compass. From this vantage point, you can observe the shoulders, arms, and even the subtle shifts in their torso, which indicate changes in balance or a shift in their center of gravity. Watch here, and you'll be able to read the movements of the upper body and predict the path of their strikes more effectively"
Mary's gaze followed his hand, her eyes locking onto the point he indicated. She could already see the value in this approach, the stability of observing that central point instead of darting her focus from place to place. It made sense; from there, she could see the flow of motion across the body as a whole, not just one isolated piece
"Remember perception is not just about observing your opponent rather it is about being aware of all general movement and surroundings. You need to be aware of the space between yourself and your opponent but you also need to be aware of any object or obstacle that can give you the edge on the battlefield" Ethan continued, "combat isn't about reacting to each part individually. It's about seeing the whole flow and understanding the rhythm and flow of the battle. Once you learn to sense opponents intentions through their stance, their breathing, their smallest movements, you'll begin to anticipate them"
She took a slow, steady breath, feeling her stance settle and the weight of the spear becoming more familiar. She adjusted her grip, her eyes focusing just below his collarbone, and nodded. "Understood. I'm ready"
Ethan's lips curved in a faint smile. "Good. Now, let's put it to the test, shall we?" He stepped back, assuming his own stance and raising his spear. "Remember what I told you. Focus on your footwork, commit only when you're sure, and let your perception guide you. Now then let's start the weapon training"
Mary nodded, adjusting her stance, her fingers tightening around the spear as she prepared herself for his approach. Ethan moved in closer, his gaze sharp and assessing, watching her posture, her balance, the readiness in her eyes. With a calculated precision, he began to circle her slowly, testing her stance and her reaction to his movement
While Mary focused on him, he moved beside her, showing her the ideal stance and grip, and corrected her hand placement. "The spear's range is its greatest asset" he explained, demonstrating with a swift, fluid movement that extended his reach effortlessly which Mary blocked. "Learn to control that distance, and you'll control the battlefield"
Then Mary imitated his motion, feeling her arms stretch out as the spear's tip cut through the air. She practiced a few more movements under his watchful eye, each correction helping her hone the weapon's natural flow. Soon, her movements grew more confident, each strike stronger and more precise
"Good" he said, his voice low but encouraging. "But remember—when it comes to the spear precision is as important as strength and speed. A spear demands distance and timing. Every inch between you and your opponent can either be your advantage or your downfall"
He demonstrated, pivoting his spear in a smooth arc. "If you strike too soon, you expose yourself. Too late, and you allow the opponent to close the distance. The key is in your reach and timing. With the spear, you want to control that space, never allowing them to get close"
Mary mirrored his movements, adjusting the distance between them as she followed his lead. Her body could instinctively feel the importance of that distance, the way it dictated the rhythm of the encounter. Each time she stepped forward, Ethan subtly adjusted, maintaining his own control over the range, never letting her close in too quickly or fall too far back
He gestured for her to hold the spear lower and guided her arms into a better grip by showing her how to shift her weight forward just enough to give her striking power without overextending. "Here" he murmured while demonstrating. "It's about balance. Not just how you hold it, but how you shift your center of gravity with each move. Try to find a rhythm in your steps"
They continued like this, his corrections swift but precise, showing her the importance of balance and the constant awareness needed to handle a weapon as dynamic as a spear. With each pass, she grew more attuned to its weight, her motions becoming more fluid, her balance steadier
After a while, Ethan paused, stepping back with a nod of approval. "Now let's move on to something more close-range" he said, setting the spear aside and picking up a longswords from the nearby rack. "The sword requires both strength and dexterity since all swords could be considered a finesse weapon but even then the principles remain the same, but the approach changes. Swords are more adaptable but demand closer engagement so you must be prepared for close-range combat and quick changes in direction"
He handed her a longsword, its weight lighter than the spear yet equally balanced. Mary adjusted her stance, and Ethan guided her through a few basic cuts and parries, focusing on precision and control. "With shorter weapons, your footwork becomes even more important. Here you need to feel the weapon's weight as an extension of yourself because every move has to be deliberate, precise, because here—" he tapped the flat of the sword against hers, forcing her to brace herself "—a single mistake in your structure can cost you a lot more than you can give. A good swordsman reads their opponent and adapts mid-motion. So you need to feel the weapon's weight as an extension of yourself"
Recovering from the impact Mary moved with careful precision, adjusting as he instructed. The sword's range was less forgiving than the spear's, but as she grew accustomed to it, she found a rhythm, each strike growing smoother. Finally, she took a step back, the faintest trace of sweat forming on her brow as she caught her breath
As he took a step back, he watched her practice a series of strikes, her form growing more assured. Finally, he set the swords aside, reaching for a pair of daggers. "Now, for the closest range. Daggers require speed and instinct; you have less room to correct mistakes, so your perception and reflexes need to be sharp. It's for the moments when your opponent gets too close or when stealth and speed are your only options. It's not about power with the dagger—it's about the precision and speed you can achieve with it"
Handing her one of the daggers, he closed in, demonstrating a quick series of jabs and counters. Mary matched his movements as best she could, adjusting her footwork and angling her blade to intercept his strikes. Every move felt faster, each decision more immediate than the last, pushing her to react with precision
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting the garden into the deepening shadows of night, Ethan stepped back, a faint gleam of satisfaction in his eye. "You've adapted well. Each weapon has its own rhythm and demands, and you're learning to find that rhythm with each form. Now remember when advancing forward always remember to bring your weapon with you. It is your means of attack and also your means of defense. But a warrior should always know how to adjust to their surroundings and their weapon. In a real battle, you won't always have the luxury of choosing one over the other"
But then Ethan paused to look at her before giving her his own advice "This is my personal advice for you, i think you should follow your instinct more. And just wield the wield the weapon following what your heart says and what your body thinks is right"
Mary accepted his advice but wasn't too focused on it as her chest rose and fell with exertion, her breathing was heavy but it was steadying as she stood opposite Ethan. She held a lingering sense of accomplishment mixed with a spark of curiosity that had been building over the past few hours. Now seemed as good a moment as any to ask. She wiped a stray lock of silver hair from her face, meeting Ethan's gaze with an unfiltered sincerity
"Ethan, i couldn't help but notice why don't we focus more on stances and traditional swordsmanship? I mean stances and stuff are important right? Also what do you mean follow my instinct?"
"When you start swinging your weapon your body will adjust and align itself for you" Ethan said before suddenly going silent as his eyes narrowed
Then, without a word, he moved. In a heartbeat, the world seeming to blur as he stepped forward in a single fluid motion. The air crackled with his mere presence, his eyes narrowed and intense, as the glint of a dagger flashed up toward her face. Her instincts kicked in; she tilted her head back just in time, feeling the cold sting of the blade graze her cheek, leaving a faint cut
Her body hadn't even caught up with that realization when she felt a second dagger at the nape of her neck, the steel cold and precise. The pressure was feather-light, stopping just shy of her skin, yet in that brief heartbeat, she understood: she had nowhere to go, no time to react, let alone fight back
Mary's heart pounded in her chest, her pulse echoing in her ears as she tried to suppress a shiver. Ethan's voice, quiet but firm, broke the silence, reverberating in the air between them
"In a world where beings can vanish at will, reappearing anywhere they wish in an instant…" His voice carried a calm authority that brooked no argument. "…and where speed makes them nearly invisible to the human eye—stances mean nothing"
Mary's mind raced, recalling the sudden burst of speed shown by Ethan. His sudden display was faster than anything she'd ever witnessed, and it left her shocked as she started to question just how fast the other version of her was to not only percieve his form but also keep up with him in close combat. She held her breath as he pulled back, taking back the daggers with a calm voice
"And as for swordsmanship…" He trailed off, glancing up to the sky only to spot a cloud drifting lazily across the sky, casting fleeting shadows over the garden. Ethan lifted his dagger, its blade catching the moonlight as he closed his eyes, summoning a luminous silver aura that pulsed along its edge. The air around them grew charged, a faint hum vibrating through the ground
Without warning, he swung the dagger in a wide, fluid arc. A streak of silver light followed the blade's path, stretching outwards and up before taking on a crescent shape. In an instant, the cloud overhead split in two, its fragments drifting apart and fading as the moonlight poured down over them. The night seemed sharper, clearer in the wake of his strike, the stars above gleaming brighter than before
Ethan turned back to Mary, his expression calm and unbothered as if what he had done was nothing special as he spoke. "What need is there for swordsmanship when a single swing from the strong can accomplish that?"
Hearing his question Mary could only stare at him blankly. The display had been nothing short of magical to say the least. And yet… that was no magic. No mana flunctuations, no casting—just a swing, a streak of silver aura that had sliced through the clouds as if it were the simplest thing in the world
She tried to rationalize it, her mind grasping for explanations. Back on Earth, such feats existed only on screens—effects crafted with painstaking precision to create the illusion of power. Here, though, there was no illusion. There was only Ethan, the knife, and that silver streak of aura that had cleaved the sky
Her thoughts whirled, trying to make sense of it all, but they coalesced around a single, blazing thought that cut through her confusion: 'I can learn that'
The certainty of it anchored her, sent a surge of determination through her veins. She lifted her gaze to Ethan, meeting his calm, steady eyes as she spoke, her voice clear and unwavering. "Can you teach me that?"
As Mary's question lingered in the air Ethan studied her up close noting her expectant gaze as he eventually opened his mouth to give her the answer that she wanted "Not now, but it is possible. It's late right now, we should call it a day and you should rest"
At his words Mary's heart skipped, her breath quickening as excitement surged through her. She had her answer. It wasn't an ability she couldn't learn. And it was definitely something he could teach her. But before she let her mind race too far ahead, a pressing question rose in her mind, and she looked at him with renewed focus
"What's the name?" she asked, unable to resist
*********************
Caught off guard by her sudden question Ethan tried to understand the purpose behind such question as he asked for explanation
"Could you elaborate?" Ethan asked only to be caught off guard by her logic
"You know cool moves like this should have a corresponding name to go along with it, so... what's the name?"
Trying to follow her logic Ethan was lost in thought as he didn't understand why just a simple swing would need a name. But it seemed his silence has been misinterpreted
"Did you seriously not name it?" Mary asked exasperated
Seeing her surprise Ethan found the need to clarify as he gave an answer "I never found the need for a name"
"Can you atleast think of something cool?" Mary sighed increasingly exasperated as she shook her head
Ethan didn't understand why Mary was getting frustrated over nothing but quickly determined that it was her soul being unstable as he decided to play along "Crescent Moon?"
"No. That's too basic" Mary rejected instantly as she crossed her hands
Seeing her cross her arms Ethan felt a sudden sense of urgency caused by the abnormality as he quickly thought of an answer "Moonlight saber"
"No" Mary rejected once again her gaze turning colder as she narrowed her eyes
Watching her narrow her eyes Ethan looked up and gave his last answer "Cutting the Moonlight?"
"Still too obvious" Mary swiftly replied, now seemingly troubled with Ethan's naming convention as she asked him a question "Did someone teach you this? Or did you create it yourself?"
At the change of topic Ethan quickly answered happy to move on "I didn't create it. And no one taught me"
At the odd answer Mary blinked in confusion trying to determine what he meant by it "What do you even mean by that?"
Seeing her confusion Ethan recalled his memories as he spoke altering the details just enough for it to be more acceptable and normal by human standards "When I was young, I was interested in almost everything, and the sword was one of them. My mother showed me how to swing a blade properly. And this was what she showed me"
Mary, however, didn't seem to think of it as normal as she just stared at him silently with her mouth open as if she was looking at something absurd
Ethan didn't understand why she was looking at him like that either as he had changed and toned down the story just enough for it to be normal
"Anyway can you come up with a proper name?" Suddenly Mary spoke still hoping for a name for some reason
Ethan didn't know why they were back on this topic but thought that maybe having a name would help her manifest it later as he recalled old memories. "If you need a name, I believe… 'Crescent Moon Blade' was what my people and servants were calling it"
"Uhh, alright we'll go with that i guess"
Mary didn't really seem satisfied for some reason as she let out a soft sigh before turning around to leave the garden, which was the wrong direction. Ethan however didn't feel the need to correct her as he thought that she would realize it on her own eventually so he just decided to follow her as walked besides her while making sure to match her stride
The path ahead was dark as the moon was once again shrouded in clouds. Ethan didn't mind this however but he was not alone so he had to illuminate the path ahead. Left with no choice he channeled mana into his eyes letting it glow as he looked somewhere else not wanting to waste too much time here
So for a while, they walked in silence, the only sound being the crunch of leaves beneath their feet and the distant calls of night creatures echoing through the night. And Mary found the silence almost too heavy, the quiet pressing in on her with an odd unease. She searched for something—anything—to talk about
"Hey, Ethan" Eventually she opened her mouth having found a topic to discuss. "What's tomorrow's schedule?"
At her question Ethan stayed silent for a moment as he was still organizing a few things for tomorrow before focusing his attention on Mary
"I'll likely be busy with other matters" he finally replied. "Someone else will oversee your training. In the morning, someone will come who will make you your attire for combat and every day use, so make sure to cooperate"
At his words a flicker of curiosity lit Mary's eyes as she asked more questions. "How many people are coming?"
"Three" He answered still focused on something else
"Who are they?" She pressed further
"A knight, a butler and a maid" Ethan listed off their occupation and role without giving too much detail
Mary nodded absorbing the information "Okay"
With their short conversation wrapped up, they returned to walking in silence. And Ethan having finished organizing everything finally focused his attention on Mary only to see her frowning behind him
She was looking down at his hands seemingly searching for something only to find nothing causing her brows to furrow. Finally she got ahead of him and looked back only to be blinded by the light still being radiated from his eyes
"WHAT THE—!" Mary screamed, stumbling back as her hands flew up to shield her face while she instinctively used mana to shield herself
Meanwhile Ethan was startled by her reaction and reacted quickly as he stopped channeling mana into his eyes and approached her slowly. Kneeling down before her he reached out to her face and pulled her hands away from it while making sure to hold her in place
But as he removed the hand covering Mary's face he quickly realized something was wrong since Mary's body which has been exposed to the light was melting for some reason. Seeing this a sense of urgency seems to arise as he held her shoulder and swept his hand over her face while making sure to cast healing magic
So for a few minutes until Mary calmed down Ethan held her close clearly confused on why this was happening
After a while Mary's vision slowly began to recover as she blinked, then noticing thin tendrils of smoke rising from her freshly healed eyes. She let out a shuddering breath, then glared at him with a mix of wrath and hatred. "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!?" she burst out, her voice rising in pitch despite the rawness in her throat
Ethan looking at her was genuinely baffled and wasn't sure how to respond as he just told her the truth. "A light?"
"A light? You call that a light?" At his honest answer Mary practically shrieked, her voice cracking slightly since her throat still wasn't fully healed
"Yes, I do call that a light" Ethan replied, his tone now much calmer as he tried to calm her down
Mary groaned at his answer, clenching her fists as she gestured to the faint wisps of smoke still lingering in the air. "That light nearly fried my eyes! I mean—look! Smoke! Smoke, Ethan! Smoke isn't supposed to come out of your eyes when you look at a goddamn light, Ethan!" Her voice wavered, more out of frustration than anger, though her throat seemed to be on the verge of giving out
Ethan on the other hand was relieved as she was finally calming down but then tilted his head slightly. "Then... it wasn't light?" He was genuinely trying to follow her reasoning
At Ethan's attempt Mary threw her hands up in frustration. "Then what was it? Magic light?"
Ethan seemed to ponder this for a moment, then shrugged with a kind of matter-of-fact casualness. "It was… light emitted from my eyes"
"Hah!" Mary let out an exasperated laugh, throwing her hands in the air. "What are you going to tell me next? That you have bionic eyes?"
Ethan shook his head, his face now perfectly calm, though there was faint traces of relief in his gaze. "No, not bionic. And it isn't magical either"
Mary stared at him, caught between disbelief and a rising sense of curiosity. "If it's neither magical nor bionic, then what on earth is it?"
Ethan contemplated on how to answer before speaking "These... are eyes that i created myself"
However his answer could only be described as odd as the words settled over Mary, who blinked in stunned silence, her mind reeling. "Eyes… that you created?"
"Yes" Ethan replied simply, his tone steady and untroubled, as if creating one's own eyes was an ordinary feat anyone might or could undertake
Mary could only gaze at him, her exasperation melting into a mixture of awe and incredulity. After a long pause, she let out a tired, breathless laugh, shaking her head as if to clear away the impossible reality. "Only you could say that with a straight face" she murmured, still not entirely sure whether to be laugh or cry
With that, Mary turned around and continued down the dark path, her steps steady yet heavy with fatigue that she hadn't noticed until now. Her breath was the only thing she could now hear expect for Ethan who was walking beside her again
Meanwhile looking at Mary, Ethan was relieved to say the least. Although Mary's abnormality did confuse him
Just now Mary was clearly melting from the light emitted from his eyes but she was clearly not an undead since healing magic worked on her just fine. Also despite experiencing what could only be described as traumatic her mind was relatively intact not mentioning the fact that she doesn't even seem to remember what has happened just now
It was the same phenomenon that happened before when Mary was training in the akashic library, whenever she experiances something that she would like to forget her mind seems to immediately forget it. It is normal for humans to forget traumatic events that might scar their minds but she was different. If she forgets something even if you remind her of it she would just forget it again. It was almost as if her mind has designed itself to forget anything unpleasent or painful
Thinking of this Ethan's mind seem to slowly rid itself of the abnormality almost automatically but before he could fully get rid of it, it got stronger and multiplied itself as he looked at Mary who suddenly halted her steps and looked around before eventually looking at him
"Ethan" she began, frowning as she met Ethan's gaze "how long have we been walking?"
"Fourteen minutes" Ethan replied without missing a beat, his expression calm and indifferent
Mary then crossed her arms, feeling her irritation grow as she asked. "Why aren't we at the mansion yet?"
"Because you were going the wrong way"
"Since when did i walk down the wrong path?"
"When you first turned around to leave the garden"
A hint of exasperation colored her tone as Mary pressed Ethan for answers "Then why didn't you say something?"
"I figured you'd realize it eventually" Ethan said, his voice now calm as ever
Mary's mouth opened in disbelief, but she quickly closed it, shaking her head. She sighed, her frustration slipping into a reluctant amusement. "Alright, fine. But can you just… take me back to the mansion?"
At her plea a soft smile appeared on Ethan's face as he extended his hand towards her as he monitored the abnormality which was getting stronger. "Of course"
Mary accepted his hand and in an instant, the world around them shifted. A gentle breeze swept through the place that they had left behind, stirring the fallen leaves
********
When Mary blinked her eyes open, they were already at the mansion. Relief and exhaustion settled over her, a tension she hadn't even realized had built within her shoulders. The mansion's towering walls was bathed in the soft glow of lanterns, their golden light reflecting off the ivy-draped stone walls and casting an ethereal halo around the estate. Against the darkened sky, it almost looked like something out of a dream, its towering silhouette both grand and hauntingly beautiful
A faint breeze stirred, rustling the ivy clinging to the stone as they approached, its leaves whispering in the night air. Mary drew in a deep breath, taking in the cool scent of earth mingled with the fragrance of the nearby forest. The calm of the gardens seeped into her, easing the tension as they stepped inside the mansion
The soft, warm glow of chandeliers overhead lit the room in a welcoming light, wrapping the vast space in a sense of warmth and intimacy that contrasted sharply with the cold night. She inhaled the scent of polished wood and the faint traces of lavender she had smelled during the day, a subtle fragrance—a reminder that this mansion, vast and imposing as it was, had somehow become her new home
They walked in silence, their footsteps muffled by the plush carpets beneath them. The quiet stretched between them and at last, as they neared her chambers, Mary spoke
"So" Mary began, her voice barely above a murmur "are these… 'created' eyes emitting light going to be a regular thing, or was tonight a one-time ordeal?"
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "That depends" he replied, his tone as calm as ever. "Do you plan on staring at them whenever they're active?"
Mary rolled her eyes. "Only if I feel like risking blindness, apparently"
Ethan bowed his head, a hint of something similar to apology was in his gaze. "I didn't mean to startle you. I didn't expect for anyone to be affected by the light emitted, as it had never happened before. No matter how much mana i channel through them, i have never seen a reaction similar to yours"
"Well, next time you decide to turn your eyes into miniature suns, maybe give me a little warning" Mary warned, scratching her head in irritation with the tension slowly fading away
Finally they stopped outside her door, the grand wooden frame casting shadows across the hallway
"Sweet dreams, Mary" he said quietly
"Goodnight, Ethan" She paused, and after a moment's hesitation, added "And thank you"
He simply nodded before turning to stride down the hall. His figure melted into the darkness, his footsteps so silent they left her feeling as if he had vanished like a wisp of smoke
Once he disappeared, Mary slipped into her room, closing the door softly behind her. The dim lighting bathed her room in a soft, golden glow, casting gentle shadows along the walls. She let out a breath, feeling the last remnants of her tension drain away, replaced by relief that seemed to settle in her bones
Walking over to the window, she gazed out at the garden below. Moonlight spilled over the pathways, bathing the flowers and bushes in a silvery sheen. Shadows crept along the stone paths, somehow both haunting and beautiful in the stillness of the night. Her thoughts drifted back to Ethan, her mind lingering on the strange ease with which he had spoken of "creating his own eyes". Only a madman like Ethan could talk about something so stupid like it's a normal thing to do. She shook her head as she drew the curtains clearly not noticing the abnormality or the red strings of fate around her hand trying to connect her to someone
As she settled onto her bed, a sense of calm washed over her. The mansion, quiet in the depth of the night, felt like a protective cocoon around her. She let her mind wander, remembering Ethan's mention of new arrivals—a knight, a butler, and a maid. She didn't know much about them, or even if they were human, but the thought of meeting new people intrigued her, adding a flicker of excitement to the coming day
With that last thought lingering, she closed her eyes, letting sleep gradually claim her, her mind drifting into dreams that danced on the edge of the strange and the familiar, wrapped in the warm glow of this place that she could now call home
*************
In the dimly lit hallway of his estate Ethan could be seen walking down the corridor while fixing his cuff after having burned the strings of fate. The corridor was quiet, steeped in shadow, with only the faint moonlight filtering through the large windows lining the walls which seemed to have been wiped clean
As he advanced, his gaze settled on a young boy, no older than ten, dressed in a maid's attire. The child was diligently polishing one of the towering windows, seemingly lost in his task. Ethan approached, his imposing presence only softened by his calm demeanor
"Pardon me" he spoke gently, his voice breaking the silence. "Where is the head maid?"
The boy looked up, his eyes wide with a momentary hesitation, clearly trying to place whom Ethan was referring to. "Are you… talking about Mother?" he asked tilting his head in confusion
"Yes" Ethan answered simply, his tone steady
The boy's face lit up in understanding, a broad, innocent smile forming as he pointed a small finger behind Ethan. "She's right behind you"
Turning around Ethan's gaze met the familiar, serene face of Lorraine. She stood there, a small smile on her lips, her posture straight and composed
"Welcome back, Master Ethan" she greeted him kindly, dipping her head ever so slightly. "What business brings you here in the middle of the night?"
"I came here to ask you for a favor, Lorraine" Ethan began, his tone more formal now, acknowledging the importance of his request. "But before that, I need you and Robert to assist the new Lady of the Roselyn household"
Lorraine's gaze sharpened, and she gave a slight nod. Her eyes drifted to the young maid still standing nearby. With a calm yet motherly tone, she instructed, "My child, could you fetch that weird looking uncle who always brings you sweets?"
The boy blinked, his small face lighting up with understanding. Memories of Robert's odd but unique appearance seemed to flash through his mind as he nodded quickly. With an eager nod he turned around and darted down the hall, his small feet pattering against the polished floor as he vanished into the shadows
With the child gone, Lorraine returned her attention to Ethan. "And if I may ask, what exactly is the favor you require of me, My Lord?"
"I need you to make clothes for the one you'll be meeting tomorrow" he explained. "The designs are already prepared, though you're welcome to make adjustments. I'll provide all the necessary materials, and you may keep any surplus for yourself"
Lorraine raised an eyebrow, a faint spark of intrigue in her eyes as she folded her hands before her. "What sort of garments will I be crafting, if I might ask? And for what purpose will they be used for?"
"Attire from a fallen world called Earth" Ethan replied, nodding in quiet affirmation of her curiosity. "They should be comfortable, resilient, and suited for both everyday wear and tear along with moments of combat and action. The new lady will need something practical yet unrestrictive"
Lorraine absorbed his words, her gaze thoughtful as her mind sifted through the possibilities. After a few contemplative moments, she looked up at him with a gentle smile. "Very well, Master Ethan. But I would like to meet this new lady before I inform you of my final answer. I wish to understand her disposition myself—clothes are not merely stitched fabric; they must speak of their wearer's nature"
"Do as you wish. I won't stop you. This is your field of work, after all" Ethan replied with a quiet finality, a faint respect coloring his tone as he acknowledged her expertise
With a nod of mutual understanding, Lorraine watched as Ethan slipped past her, his form melding into the deep shadows of the hall. The flickering light caught his silhouette only for a moment before he vanished completely, a phantom in the quiet estate, leaving behind only the traces of his existance
Lorraine lingered there, her gaze contemplative as she considered the new task. An unknown woman from a fallen world fancied by her master, she was very interested in finding out what made her so special
Thinking that Lorraine turned her heels and moved to prepare since the other 2 would've already arrived there by now
********************
A group of assailants moved silently through a dense forest, their forms blending into the shadows as they approached the grand mansion. Their movements were meticulous, their steps calculated, ensuring not a single sound betrayed their presence. The mansion loomed ahead, its towering structure shrouded in an eerie stillness
Upon slipping inside, the intruders were met with an unsettling silence. The absence of servants, the lack of any signs of life—it was as if the mansion itself was holding its breath. As they advanced, their unease grew, until an unassuming figure stepped into view, her brilliant blonde hair and radiant golden eyes glowing faintly in the dim light
Seeing her they took up their weapons preparing for confrontation but before a single blow could be struck, one of them let out a choked gasp as his arm disappeared in an instant
Panic set in. They tried to retaliate, but one by one, their weapons—and limbs—were stripped away by something. Blood sprayed across the hall, painting the lavish décor in crimson. The attackers could do little more than gasp in horror as their numbers dwindled
Finally she arrived before them. The golden-haired figure moved with grace, her calm, unhurried steps a stark contrast to the carnage around her. She walked past the remaining assailants as if they weren't even there
At this desperation took hold of them they began to chant, summoning their mana in a last-ditch effort
But they never finished. Their bodies erupted into a red mist, leaving nothing but a grotesque spray of blood and viscera clinging to the walls. The hallway fell silent once more
The golden-haired woman paused, looking around with a faint frown as she spoke "I want you to make sure that there's not a single stain in this mansion"
In response, a shadowy goo spread across the walls, ceiling, and floor. It consumed the blood restoring the hallway to its pristine state. As the substance gathered, it took the form of a butler, who bowed deeply
With a brief nod of acknowledgement, the woman turned and continued her patrol, her movements silent, her expression calm. She moved with care, ensuring that the new lady of the house remained undisturbed as she cleaned up the house of any intruders