The moon hung high above the Waisz estate, casting a pale silver glow over the lakeside mansion. Three figures approached quietly. Elric at the lead, followed by Helina and a slack jawed Eugene, who had been stunned into silence for several minutes now.

“What…!” Eugene's jaw dropped so low as he was surprised not because of the villa's look.
“What…? I know that it's like a rundown villa. But trust me, there is no ghost here.”

“So you, the son of this landowner?” Eugene is still in disbelief.

“Didn’t I tell you to be this estate's exclusive magic engineer?”
Helina on the side, giggling, “Great, now we have two more brain cells,” continued laughing.

“Hey, I at least have more brain cells than this guy.” Eugene pointed his finger at Elric beside him.
Before they could knock, the door creaked open. Standing in the entryway were two women. One in a pristine white coat that looked suspiciously like a lab coat from Elric’s past life, and the other with flowing black hair shimmering under the moonlight.

“Where have you been?” Lenna, Elric’s mother, scolded first. “Do you have any idea how worried we were?”

 “Mom, we just went to the hot spring. That all. We're not doing anything funny,” Helina tries to calm the former mad alchemist who is now her mom. Kate Beatrice tries to keep her cool, wiping her glasses with the end of her white lab coat. “I told you guys to be home before midnight, right?” angry with a watery eye, as Lenna felt pity on them, but still needed to scold them, or else they would never listen.

 “Mom, today I brought a friend to sleep over. Is it okay?” Elric was blinking his eye, making a cute dog face with a tail wagging nonstop, trying to change the topic. 

“O-Of course! Welcome to our home. Please excuse our behavior just now.” Lenna's face started to flush red as she didn’t realize a guest was with them.

As the trio entered, Helina and her mother lingered at the back, walking slowly at the back, whispering to each other. “So, is that your choice?” 

Kate asked in a sly tone, glancing toward Eugene. “He’s not bad, but I still prefer Elric.”

“Mom!” Helina hissed. “He’s just a friend! We just met him!” Her face is turning red as her mom thinks that guy is her boyfriend.

“I always thought you had a thing for Elric,” Kate said with a teasing grin. “I already planned how to skim a bit of his fortune after your wedding.”

“MOM!!!” Helina’s voice rose as her face turned crimson. She puffed out her cheeks and looked away in a huff.

“Why were you even here?” Helina still puffed her cheeks, finally spoke the lingering question on his mind.

Kate chuckled. “I’m here to formally ask Lenna for your engagement.”

“W-What?!” Helina nearly choked.

“Relax. I’m joking. Actually, I’m just accompanying your father since he has something to discuss with Elric’s father.” making a sad tone while continuing, “How dare all of you leave me alone at the house?” Face lying down on her palm, faking a cry while peeking to see her daughter's reaction. 

Helina rolled her eyes back,“ Who would have thought that this once great alchemist is afraid to be home alone?” As she started to tease her mom back, both of them giggled softly at each other.

“Hey, isn't she one of the ancient relics?” Eugene asks Elric about the woman beside Helina as they walk to the eating hall.

“You know her? One of the mad alchemists in this world? That is quite rare. People in this era don’t know her existence.” Elric talks a little about Miss Kate.

“My grandfather taught them a little since they were kids. I know them because Grampa always talks about those two inspiring alchemists. I hear both are married and called the Mad Couple. But then they disappear not long after, both Kate and Biberdorf.” Eugene shared some of the memories when his grampa was alive.

“Well, that's just the history of them. Both have now become the right hand of the Waisz family. Now, they are just some friendly neighbourhood mad alchemist. But I like to call that one a crazy witch,” Elric pointed his thumb to the back, but suddenly he felt a sharp eye had been locked on him. 

Spoons and forks danced rhythmically against plates, creating a gentle melody as warm food filled the antique mansion with a noble glow.

But then…

Hel~lp…

The silence became oppressive.

The family had barely settled into their seats when a chilling howl echoed through the air.

“It’s… quite windy tonight, isn’t it?” Lenna said nervously, trying to break the tension.

Eugene trembled. “Y-Yeah… windy… I could’ve sworn someone was crying for help just now…”

Kate tried to maintain her composure. “It's just the wind howling. I mean, who would be asking for help out here this late at night?” Her voice cracked slightly.

Plea~se… hel~p…

Everyone froze.

Kate is already clinging to Eugene, who is holding the curse removal charm that seat next to her.

“I think it comes from the house next door,” Elric said

“Thank god that you were here, right, Mom?” Helina is teasing her mother.

“Well, it… It's not like I'm afraid or anything.” Kate retorted, clutching Eugene tighter. His face has started to turn purple.

“Calm down, maybe someone just… lost?” Lenna tries to calm them all while she seems to be panicking.
“Let’s go and check it out.”Elric and Helina were walking to the main door to see what it was. The other seem to be following as they don’t want to be left alone.

Helina peeked out the window nearby to see if anyone was outside, but only found that no one was there.

As Elric tries to open the door, the front doors suddenly bang violently.

With instant reaction, Kate jumped onto Eugene while Lenna hugged Helina with her big chest pressing behind Helina's head.
“Hello, anyone there. Hello….” came a frantic voice.

Elric opened the door.

A man stood panting in the doorway, his clothes dusted with road dirt, his eyes wild with panic.

“Please… help!” he shouted, staggering forward. “My master...she’s been cursed!” He dropped to his knees and clung to Elric’s legs.

“Whoa there, calm down,” Elric said, gently lifting the man. “Come inside. Take a breath.” He smiled warmly on the outside, but inside: “Damn it. Why’d he grab my new pants?”

Lenna beamed proudly. “My son… such a kind boy,” she whispered, eyes misty.

“Who even is this guy? It’s midnight, and now dinner’s ruined,” Elric thought bitterly. But outwardly, he remained polite. “Pardon me, sir, but may I ask who you are?”

Helina watched him struggle to stay composed and nearly burst out laughing as she knew Elric's personality.

Meanwhile, Eugene realized he was still carrying Kate like a princess and immediately dropped her with a thud.

“Ahem,” he cleared his throat, brushing himself off. “Apologies for the scene. This fine lady was simply startled.”

He offered Kate a hand with all the flair of a gentleman in which she smacked away.

The dining hall buzzed again, this time with an extra plate.

“So… your master’s cursed?” Elric asked as the guest devoured Lenna’s cooking.

“Yes,” the man replied between bites. “She’s been suffering for years. But someone told me a charm from this place might help.”

“Then, did it work?” Helina asked as she was concerned about the charm that she had made.

“For a few nights, she finally slept well. But now… It’s worse than before,” the man said, looking very worried.

“I thought I would come here and directly ask the genius alchemist herself, but it seems like no one is home. Since I saw the light here was still on, I thought that I could just leave a message and come back later the next morning.” The man paused his eating and continued what he said.

“To be honest, that my daughter works, I'm not involved in that nonsense,” Kate pointed to her daughter with a fork.

“Then, miss, can you take a look at my master…” with pleading eyes.

“I'm… I'm not sure…” Helina hesitated. She knew the charm was more placebo than magic. The charm had nothing to do with the curse at all.

“I'm willing to pay you how much you want,” The man added

“I’m willing to pay. Name your price.”

“I ACCEPT!” Helina blurted, her eyes lighting up like a chandelier.

Kaching!

“You most certainly are not,” Kate said, blocking her. “This is not something you can handle,” Kate warned her, as she knew what the charm was.

Helina stood tall. “If I want to be a great alchemist, I need to take responsibility when something goes wrong.”

Kate frowned, but before she could respond, Eugene stepped in, arms crossed.

“What’s the matter, Great Alchemist? Afraid your daughter might become greater than you?” Eugene stood proud while backing his friend as he thought Helina was a kind person who genuinely wanted to remove the curse.

The tension in the room spiked.

“Umm..guy...hey..”Lenna clutched her apron, nervous as the argument grew louder and louder.

Elric sighed, watching his poor mother panic. He cleared his throat. “How about… we make a bet?”

Everyone turned to him. Silent blend with those stares.

Kate arched a brow. “A bet? Now that's interesting.”

“I heard that you want to hire Eugene as the estate’s official magic engineer,” she said.

Elric flinched. “...Yeah.” While on his mind, Elric flinched. “Why does my asset have to be dragged into this? Dammit, got a bad feeling about this.”

Kate smirked. “If Helina and your team lift the curse, I’ll give you your workshop. Fully equipped and funded. But if you fail…”

She paused dramatically. Eugene leaves. Helina quits alchemy. And you, little Elric… owe me one favor.”

She is thinking of forcing engagement for Elric and Helina since this will be a good opportunity for both of them.

Elric’s eyes widened. He looked at Eugene.

His mind thinking, “My greatest asset…No, I mean, my friend.”

He bit his tongue but finally nodded. “Fine. We accept it. But if we win, you shall stay away from whatever we’re up to.” Thinking that this is the best opportunity to gain freedom.

“My workshop… no surveillance… I can create anything, even a boom, without this old hag having to say no to it.” Laughing like a devil… only in his mind.

Helina’s eyes welled up. She was touched beyond words by her friend, who was willing to help her make more money.

“Don't worry, I will help you accomplish your dream of becoming the best alchemist.” Eugene, with a flirty smile and a wink, tries to cheer Helina up.

“But, Mom, I think we can still consider kicking Eugene out even after we win,” Helina muttered, teasing Eugene a little.

“Agreed,” Kate laughed, watching Eugene’s pitiful expression.

Laughter and the clinking of spoons echoed through the hall, ending the night on a chaotic, heartwarming note.

TO BE CONTINUED ~