In a silent office, a man in his forties stood still in front of a large window, gazing out into the dark and quiet night. The pale moonlight filtered through the glass, enveloping his body in a cold silver glow. His imposing silhouette appeared strong yet frozen, as if contemplating something profound.
"I have returned, Master," Dante said respectfully, his voice nearly drowned out by the stillness of the night.
"Yes," replied the man at the window tersely, his tone flat, as if devoid of emotion, still looking outside without turning.
Dante cautiously glanced at his master's desk. There, three sheets of paper lay scattered, each seemingly filled with something heavy—perhaps important orders or unwelcome news. For a moment, he could sense the weight hanging in the air, as if his superior's mind was far removed from mere words on the page.
"What do you think of the girl?" the master asked, his voice flat yet meaningful.
Dante lowered his head momentarily, contemplating before answering. "If I were to describe her in words, then the word frightening would suit Miss Eira best." He stole a glance at his master, still standing by the window, then added cautiously, "May I ask why you are asking about her, Master?"
Without turning, the master uttered three words that made Dante's blood run cold.
"Bearer of Death—Higanbana."
Dante stared in shock, unable to believe the words just spoken. His mind spun, struggling to find an explanation, yet he knew that Higanbana was not just the name of a flower. It was a curse, an inescapable symbol of death. The girl... Eira... was she connected to this curse?
"My brother found her in Stormgarde, a great city in the northern lands that was destroyed by that curse. My brother believes that she is the source of the curse."
The master finally turned to face Dante, his gaze cold and burdened.
"In this letter," he continued in a firm tone, "he provided information about the girl's identity, her development over the past seven years... and also my brother's wishes for her."
"What should we do next, Master?" Dante asked, his voice trembling with uncertainty.
"I want you to protect and watch over her starting today," the master replied, his eyes never leaving Dante's gaze.
"Very well, Master," Dante replied, feeling the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders.
"I trust you, Dante," the master continued, his tone firm yet tinged with an underlying vulnerability.
"That girl's power is both our hope and an impending threat that needs to be guarded."
***
The sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, creating a soft light that filled the room. Still wrapped in a thick blanket, I began to open my eyes.
"Umm... is it morning already?"
I turned to the side and saw a man with black hair and blue eyes standing next to my bedroom, smiling at me.
"Good morning, Miss Eira. From today, I have been assigned by Master Zaroth to serve you."
Huh?
I was startled and immediately sat up straight, forcing myself to gather my senses.
"Dante?! Since when have you been here?!"
"I've been waiting for a little while now."
I sighed, looking resigned to his behavior. And also, could you stop that fake sunny smile of yours? It's not good for my morning.
"I'm going to take a shower and get ready first, so please wait for me outside."
"In that case, I will assist you, Miss." Dante offered.
"Wait outside," I pouted and quickly went into the bathroom.
How could he be so clueless? How could he enter a woman's room and not feel guilty about it?
Well, he did say he was assigned to serve me, but still.
Hmm?
The bathtub is already filled with warm water, with flower petals scattered across the surface.
He had prepared warm water for me.
I took off my clothes and washed myself clean, then stepped into the bathtub.
"This feels so good~"
How could I not have noticed him preparing this warm water? His presence was so subtle; I could hardly feel it.
Is that his stigma?
Or maybe I'm just inexperienced.
After soaking for about 15 minutes, I got out of the tub, reached for the towel, and stepped out of the bathroom.
Tap tap
I removed the towel and saw my naked body reflected in the large mirror.
My appearance was very different from 8 years ago when I was still a skinny, ugly child, full of scars and unkempt.
Even the wounds from yesterday's fight had completely healed, leaving no scars at all.
What was reflected now was a beautiful girl with skin as white as milk with silver hair and silver eyes.
Touch
I touched my chest, resigned.
I was already 15 years old, and my chest was still this size. Haven't I eaten plenty of nutritious food?
Where did all the nutrients from that food go?!
Knock knock
"Miss Eira, are you finished?"
"Huh!? Ah, just a moment."
I looked up at the bedroom and found an outfit prepared for me there.
An off-shoulder white blouse, a black lace overall skirt, stockings, a black headband, and high boots.
I quickly put them on, brushed my hair, and then placed the headband on my head.
Well, don't I look absolutely beautiful?
"You can come in now."
"Very well."
Hearing my permission, Dante calmly opened the door and entered.
"You look perfect, Miss."
"So, what will I be doing today?"
"You have to meet Master Zaroth at 8 AM to handle the adoption papers and your official documents as a Finire, then after that, go to the church to create your insignia and pick up an artifact."
"Hmmm, that's quite a lot."
"Let's have breakfast first in the cafeteria."
"Alright."
And we both walked together down the hallway toward the cafeteria. The sound of our footsteps echoed lightly on the floor while the peaceful morning atmosphere still enveloped the place.