An old man in a full black suit came sprinting toward the grand gates of the Ludwig household castle, his face flustered and his breath coming in rapid bursts. It was Randolph, the butler of the household, a man known for his composure, now visibly shaken. The urgency of his mission was evident in his disheveled appearance.
His neatly tailored suit, which normally exuded elegance and refinement, now clung to him awkwardly, a testament to the haste with which he had hurried to reach his destination.
As he approached the ornate gates, Randolph nearly collided with Shindred Ludwig. The young master stood tall and imposing, a dark scowl etched onto his face, only adding to the intensity of his presence.
His piercing eyes radiated an air of entitlement and authority, leaving no room for defiance.
Randolph stumbled back slightly, regaining his footing just in time to bow deeply in respect. "Young Master Shin," he began, his voice trembling slightly as he struggled to catch his breath.
"I heard... I heard someone struck you in the market. I deeply regret failing to position adequate soldiers to protect you. This is entirely my fault."
Shindred's expression darkened further, his scowl deepening as his lips curled in disdain. He let out a long, frustrated sigh, the sound heavy with suppressed anger.
"Sir Randolph, I will report this to Father," he declared coldly, his tone sharp and cutting, like a blade slicing through the tension.
Randolph's eyes widened in alarm, his pale complexion growing even paler. "I—I understand, sir," he stammered, the weight of the young master's fury bearing down on him.
Shin brushed past him with a dismissive wave, storming into the castle with an air of indignation. His steps echoed through the grand halls, a thunderous reminder of his rising temper.
The servants, busy with their daily tasks, froze at the sight of him, their movements halting as if time itself had paused. They exchanged furtive glances, their faces pale with worry, for they knew all too well the wrath that the young master was capable of unleashing.
As Shin passed, whispers began to ripple through the castle like an ominous wave. "Looks like someone's about to lose their job today," one servant murmured under their breath, the words barely audible but laden with dread.
The air was thick with unease, a shared tension that weighed heavily on everyone present. It was a silent understanding among the staff that even the smallest misstep could draw the young master's ire.
Shin ascended the grand staircase, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. Each step seemed heavier than the last, his anger building with every moment. He reached his room and slammed the door behind him with such force that it reverberated through the castle, sending shivers down the spines of those outside. The sound was a stark warning, a harbinger of the storm brewing within.
Inside, Shin paced the room with furious strides, his mind racing with thoughts of revenge and retribution. The humiliation he had suffered gnawed at him, feeding the fire of his rage.
He clapped his hands sharply, the sound cutting through the heavy silence like a whip. When no one responded, he clapped again, louder and more impatient. "Is someone there?" he shouted, his voice echoing through the empty space.
The oppressive silence lingered, thick and suffocating. His frustration boiled over as he stormed toward the door, flinging it open with a force that rattled the hinges. Standing there was a servant, her wide eyes reflecting a mix of fear and shock. She froze, her body rigid as if rooted to the spot.
"I-I am sorry, sir! I took some time to come," she stammered, her voice trembling as she struggled to meet his fierce gaze.
Shin's anger erupted like a storm. Without hesitation, he slapped her across the face—once, twice, three times in rapid succession. Each strike echoed in the hallway, the sound sharp and jarring, but the servant stood still. She did not flinch, did not blink, her face a blank mask of resignation.
"Do not let that happen again," Shin growled, his voice low and menacing, each word dripping with venom. "Or I will kill you." His eyes bore into hers, cold and unyielding, the weight of his threat heavy in the air.
The servant nodded quickly, her expression a mixture of fear and submission, as Shin turned away, his anger still simmering beneath the surface. The tension outside the room lingered, a suffocating reminder of the power he wielded and the consequences of incurring his wrath.
"Bring me food in ten minutes," Shin ordered, his tone sharp and commanding. "And don't you dare take longer than that!" His voice rang out like a clap of thunder, reverberating through the hall.
The servant hesitated, fear flickering across her face as she replied cautiously, "But, sir, the amount of food you usually eat cannot be prepared in just ten minutes—"
Shin spun around, his fury igniting anew. He struck her again, the sharp slap resonating in the air. "Do not make me repeat myself!" he snarled, his voice a dangerous growl. Without another word, he slammed the door shut with a resounding bang.
The servant stood there for a moment, her hands trembling as she wiped the tears that had begun to streak down her cheeks. She hurried to the kitchen, her footsteps quick and urgent. Inside, the kitchen was already a hive of activity, the chefs and staff scrambling to prepare the young master's feast.
"Everyone, listen up!" the servant called out, her voice shaky but resolute. "Young Master Shin demands his meal in ten minutes! We cannot afford to delay—move faster!"
The chefs exchanged anxious glances before diving into their tasks. The kitchen erupted into a frenzy of motion—pots clanged, knives sliced through vegetables with rapid precision, and the air filled with the rich aromas of meats and spices.
Every second felt like a ticking time bomb, the pressure mounting as the deadline loomed.
After what felt like an eternity of frantic preparation, the food was ready. The servants carried the dishes on ornate trays, their hands trembling as they approached Shin's room.
One of them knocked gently. "Young Master Shin, we've brought your food," she announced softly, her voice barely audible.
The door creaked open, and the servant stepped inside, carefully setting the lavish spread on the table. She stood back, her heart racing as she waited for his reaction.
"Is there anything else you need, Young Master?" she asked hesitantly.
"No! Leave!" he snapped, his tone sharp and dismissive.
Relief washed over her as she hastily exited the room, closing the door behind her. Outside, the tension began to lift, but Shin remained oblivious. He tore into the feast with a ferocity that mirrored his earlier rage, devouring the lavish spread with unrestrained hunger.
As he finished, leaning back with a satisfied sigh, he muttered darkly, "I can't wait to punish that fool who hit me tomorrow." With that, he drifted into restless sleep, his dreams consumed by thoughts of vengeance.