Glancing at the area around me, I place my hands on my waist. Surprised by my hand touching cloth, I realize I’m wearing a shirt.

When did that get there? Albeit a tattered and old one, it’s still something. It’s similar to what you’d see a peasant in a fantasy story wearing.

At least I get that commodity.

I’m used to cleaning, so this isn’t really all too different, just larger in scale right?

All I need is:

• A broom
  
  

• A dustpan
  
  

• A couple of rags
  
  

• Buckets, sponges
  
  

• Maybe a scrub brush.

Question is, I have no idea on where to get those, so that’s going to be fun. It seems that I must leave this place in order to find those tools.

Though before I leave, I should open these windows.

After doing just that, I push open the barn door, exciting the area, and meeting the bright sun. It shines down on my eyes, something I need to cover.

Wait, they left me unattended. I can take advantage of this opportunity.

Glancing for any kind of leeway, I come across a large metal gate spanning across the entire premises.

Ah, it’s barbed.

Sighing, I accept my situation. I lazily search for my earlier objective once again.

A dirt path lays in front of me, leading to…

Scratch that. It’s absoultely massive. Easily 30 meters wide, maybe more. The water glistens under the morning sun, shimmering and swaying with a strange calm. Behind it stands another tall iron gate, stretching high into the sky. No way out there, either.

To my right, I catch the towering rear of the mansion, rising like some grand cathedral. And down the trail, a small door built into the base of the structure which is most probably an employee entrance. Or a servant’s.

Well, if they catch my looking around, I can just say I needed to find some tools right? That’s an excuse I can take advantage of.

I begin walking down the path, pretending to take in the scenery like it’s some peaceful morning stroll.

The sky is bright blue. Almost too cheerful for a place like this.

My feet hit against the sandy path, kicking up little clouds of dust.

“Clang!”

The sounds of metal rings out across the landscape. Turning to my right once again, I continue to hear the sounds of metal striking against metal. I’m in a safe environment, so I assume it can’t be anything dangerous.

I’m close to entering the mansion, however…

The curse of curiosity strikes again.

Spinning on my heel, I take a sharp right, heading towards the area behind the pool. As I walk the sounds grow louder and louder, and more of the area is revealed to me.

Behind the pool, the landscape unfolds. The area levels out, revealing two long white stripes running parallel down a rectangular field. A wide circle in the center. Looks like a training ground, a sort of sports field turned war zone.

Ah, it’s a training arena.

That’s when I see a figure standing in the sole middle, it’s form twisting and turning, parrying what I assume to be swords. The object in their hand is enormous, almost the size of their body. How are they handling it so well?

Given the curves in their body, I’m assuming it’s a woman.

Another figure is swinging at her, yet its body does not move.

It moves like a machine, keeping the four swords it holds swinging at her. To my shock she’s partying all of them.

She doesn’t just defend.

She flows.

I now find myself standing about 5 meters away from her.

Suddenly her head snaps towards me, and with a swift “Off.” the machine halts instantly, blades still mid-swing.

She sheaths her katana with one smooth motion, the hilt clicking home as she begins walking towards me, seemingly particularly angry some stranger interrupted her session.

I begin to back away, now realizing I shouldn’t have showed up in the first place.

As she steps into view, I can make out her general details. She wears a large coat yet it’s not outfitted on her, simply swaying behind her form. Her long blue hair is tied in a ponytail, a few strands free to frame her face.

I try not to stare, but...

Let’s just say the way her body’s built probably puts some serious strain on her shoulders.

Honestly, I feel kind of bad for women like that. Must be hell on the spine—

Clink.

A chill creeps up my neck.

I glance down.

The edge of a katana rests just below my chin, angled in a backhand grip, fast and deadly.

“Who are you?”

I feel a bead of sweat trickle down my face.

Well, it’s not like she can pierce through the collar.

A portion of the blade enters the collar area like butter.

…I spoke too soon.

“A-ah, I was just exploring this area but it seems I got lost and can’t seem to find my way out.”

She eases the tension in her arm, allowing me to rest briefly.

Yes. Fall for it. Show me the way out so I can run through the meadows and laugh at the memory of this nightmare. I’d feel bad taking advantage of someone clueless—but I doubt I’ll feel much guilt with the wind in my hair and freedom at my back.

Sadly, she glares once again.

Unfortunately, her glare returns with renewed sharpness.

“You’re no ‘explorer’. The homunculi don’t allow anyone onto the premises. Not even guests.”

Damn.

“O-oh! Aha, yeah, you caught me. I’m actually a worker! I was sent to check the mansion’s structural integrity. I got a bit lost, and my shift’s about to end, so I was just—uh—trying to find the exit…”

She suddenly sheaths her katana with a click, exhaling like I’ve somehow wasted her time

“Hmph, so you’re the slave Navi was talking about.”

Don’t say it so casually!! And how’d you figure it out so quickly!!

“Normally, I’d cut off that tongue for lying to me, but you’re a slave, so that’s going to be an issue.”

The look on my face probably resembles a child who just got caught sneaking snacks before dinner.

I stand there, speechless.

“Well, since you’re clearly not busy-”

“Ah actually, I have to-”

“Go ahead and clean that shrapnel.” She says, waving her hand as she starts to walk away.

“Man, I’m hungry..” She mumbles to herself.

After she makes a sufficient distance away, I grin. Yeah, like I’m going to listen to her. I’m busy you b-

A shock rattles through my entire body. I collapse onto the dirt, writhing as pain floods my nerves.

“Ah—!”

My vision shakes. Muscles twitch. I can barely breathe.

“Huh, so it does work.”

Glancing up, My eyes caught onto the small stick-like remote on her hand. She has a curious expression despite inflicting so much pain on me.

“I was going to stop and tell you my name, but you’re standing idle.”

She crouches over.

“Kaelira Kaen.” Then she straightens and walks off without another word.

“Oh—cleaning supplies are in the indoor garden,” she adds.

I groan.

Placing my hand on the cold ground, I grab at my head, attempting to stabilize it. How can these people act so normally after shocking me nearly to death? The pain, it’s so strong.

What kind of world is this?

Why do I have to go through this?

Sighing, I stand up. Well again, for the 100th time, there’s nothing I can do.

Glancing around, there's an assortment of shrapnel splattered across the ground. Glancing at the ‘machine’ I notice that the swords are almost chipped off. How sharp was that katana, and how hard was she swinging it?

I walk over to the debris and start gathering the pieces. I’ve got no tools or bags, so I shove most of it into my pockets. Thankfully, none of them are sharp enough to cut skin, though I’d be lying if I said I didn’t flinch every time I grabbed one.

Sighing, I exit the training area, my fingers tingling.

Kaelira said the cleaning supplies were located around the indoor garden. I’m assuming that the giant white window filled structure located to the far left of the estate is the garden.

It’s a bit of a walk.

Well, Kaito has no choice.

I begin my journey.

________________________________

It’s been around 5 minutes, and I’ve made it in front.

The front doors are entirely see-through, showcasing the lush greenery scattered inside. The knobs are small and compact, just large enough for my hand to grip. I twist one, and the door glides open smoothly.

Inside, the flowing of water and the smell of plants I've never seen or smell enter my system. The environment is its own ecosystem with various insect-like creatures flying around.

I like this. It’s a completely different kind of nature than what’s outside. It's wild and almost artificial, but no less organic. Though sadly, my vision fails me as plants fill every crevice and corner, the only form of direction I have is the white tiles in front of me.

I walk carefully, my head swiveling left and right, drawn to every flicker of color or rustle of leaves.

It’s like every plant has a world of its own. The colors accentuate the different forms of the plants, making them stand unique from each other. They’re all plants yet different enough to be in their own league. They’re unlike anything I've ever seen. The bounds of logic don’t apply to them, yet that’s what makes them beautiful in their own right.

“Like what you see?”

I let out a girlish scream, turning around and nearly falling.

The voice belongs to a tall man, no, thing. A thing with a helmet shaped like a skull. But it’s not quite a helmet. The sockets are deep and humanlike, but the jaw is slightly off. He wears an old-fashioned suit, like something out of the pre-industrial era, and stands a head taller than me.

Then, he speaks.

“It’s fascinating, isn’t it? I’ve always loved living things.”

Which is ironic because..

His jaw is moving.

I’m talking to a skeleton man.

A skeleton man whose face defies every biological rule I know. There are no muscles, no skin, yet his jaw moves like it’s alive. Black smoke wafts from the top of his skull and curls into the air.

I’m left a stuttering mess as he takes note of my expression. He then turns his head, curious.

“You seem quite surprised, are Wights not commonplace where you come from?”

Finally gaining my composure, I sigh.

“No, not really.”

“Ah, I see then. My name is Korshak Vilhelm von Grimm. But Kors is fine.”

“Ah, it’s nice to meet you…Kors..”

The first person in this hellhole to greet me like a human… Is a skeleton. Well, it’s better than nothing.

I offer my hand up to him.

When he takes my hand to expect, I’m half expecting a bony response, yet his hand is surprisingly solid. He firmly grabs it then shakes it.

“I am the fifth member of this party, and am responsible for tending to the gardens. I am a seve—ah, forgive me. That’s not something I should reveal so casually..” He stops himself.

“I apologize Mr…”

“Uh, Kaito is fine.”

“I see, Kaito. What brings you here on this fine day?”


“Sniff..”

“...Mr. Kaito, are you alright? You seem quite emotional.”

Thank you. Thank you for referring to me as a normal human being. I’ve finally been called by my name.

Is this redemption? Will my cards finally play out right?

“It’s nothing.”

I glance away. “Mmm, Oh yeah, I’m here to search for some cleaning supplies, Kaelira told me they were here.”

“Captain Kaen gave you instructions, then I shall assist.” He gestures toward the far-right corner of the room. For a moment, I don’t even follow where he’s pointing—too distracted by the impossible way his jaw moves when he speaks.

How does he pronounce words despite lacking lips?

Shaking my head, I look towards the area.

“Ah, thanks.”

Grabbing the tools, I turn toward Kors and begin heading out. So far, I’ve got a sponge, a bucket of water, a mop, and a scrub brush. Not exactly high-end equipment, but I guess I’ll have to compromise and try using the mop for dust, too.

He nods at me and I return the gesture. It's a silent thanks. Whether it’s for calling me by my name or pointing me in the right direction, I’m not sure. But I’m grateful all the same.