Nefarious

When the clumping sound of the horses' hooves abruptly stopped, followed by their neighs, indicating that they had arrived. The coachman hesitatingly informed the lady inside the carriage. "M-My Lady, we-we have arrived". A dainty woman wearing a raven frock and a laced black veil that covered her entire face leisurely alighted from the carriage. With her straight back and lithe movement, anyone could tell that this woman right here came from a lofty family. She is only standing there, yet an overwhelming aura is already exuding from her. Beneath her veil, a pair of enchanting blue eyes solemnly shone, mixed with anticipation and curiosity. She stared silently at the grand manor, yonder behind the cold and dark iron gate. Although this is the place where her family has resided for so many years, it didn't give any familial atmosphere to her. It felt extremely distant, instead. It felt no different from the places she had been before. Just an unfamiliar house where she has to stay for a very long time. Perhaps the reason is that she grew up in her grandmother's care in the Sorcha Empire. She was told that her mother died after giving birth to her and her father was also unknown. Therefore, she was taken under her grandparent's wings. Although it was a bit difficult for her, growing up in a place where people criticize and discriminate against you because of your origins. Still, her grandmother gave her the care and attention she needed. They were so close to each other. On the other hand, her relationship with her grandfather, who has been unfaithful and cold towards her grandmother, is nothing like a family member, but rather a stranger to her. However, not long after she turned eighteen, her only family passed away. Right after her grandmother's burial, her grandfather cast her out of the mansion and denied her any titles or even rights. It was terrible. Yet, she did not let it affect her. Now, the only string that keeps on holding her body up and pushing it to move forward is her grandmother's dying wish. She has been bent on making it happen. Remembering her grandmother's breathless final words, which are still fresh in her mind. "To revive her family's past glory." Her grandmother's genuine concern for their family is undeniably stronger than hers. Despite the injustice that she had received from her family, tying her with loveless matrimony and sending her as a peace-bearer between the two empires, Sorcha and Ceraun. She still hopes that her bloodline won't cease to exist. As the last Nightingale bloodline, the responsibility and her grandmother's worry fall onto her shoulders. This doesn't sound too easy. She will eventually encounter numerous difficult challenges in her new journey in life which is now right in front of her. But she is not anxious at all. She is confident enough, with all those years of preparation, everything will be handled smoothly. First, she must meet the demon that dwells in the manor. According to her grandmother, it is an entity that has been attempting to harm their family in the shadows ever since it was captured by their ancestors. While she was in her deep thoughts, a man by the window caught her eye. Though it was hard for her to see the man's face due to the veil she was wearing, she could sense the animosity that the man had for her clear as day. She suspected that man was the demon she had heard about before. ' My gut is telling me that he is the demon that I must meet soon.' She faced back towards the coachman, whose hands were slightly trembling while holding the reign. His face profusely sweating, anxiously looking at her. "My Lady, are you sure that this is your destination? This ..." He was terrified but he still asked thoughtfully. From the coachman's point of view, this is not a good place for someone to visit. Although the mansion and the gate were almost covered with vines and bushes, it is still recognizable that this is the Duchy of Nightingale. He knows how frightening this manor is. Five years ago, this manor was owned by a noble family, and the horrors that surround it are much more well-known than its prestige. Some people think that the Nightingale family possesses something strange. Some even believe that the family is involved with devilry. Commoners, who are always left in the dark, only know that the Duchy is haunted. It is no surprise that they are unaware of the ins and outs of most aristocratic families. The latter would try their best to maintain a noble and uncorrupted image in the eyes of the public. However, the aristocratic circle was almost well aware of the mystery behind Nightingale's formidable influence and power in the past. The Nightingale is a necromantic family. They possess great power to conjure witchcraft and magic that could make contracts with demons. Even though they were involved in dark magic, the imperial family recognized the Nightingale as one of the foundations of the Ceraun Empire. Nightingale's ancestors assisted the Imperial family and founded the Empire today. They had been fighting against the Empire's enemies and even against the demons that lurk outside the boundaries of the kingdom. Their contribution to the victories of the Empire had given them great influence, wealth, and title. Yet, no matter how big its influence was in the empire, its affluence and reputation did not last long, together with its bloodline. The family was drowning in debt. They suffered from a financial crisis due to unwise negotiations. Some noble families took advantage of the Nightingale household's misfortune and made matters worse. Then, mysteriously, each family member suddenly suffered from an unknown illness and accident. Reaping them one after another by the scythe of death. Till now, the case of Nightingale remains unsolved. After hearing the coachman's anxious question, she replied to him without a faint fear and nervousness. "Yes. Without a doubt, this is the place where I should be." He dared ask her. " I don't wish to offend you, My Lady. But are you perhaps related to the Nightingale family?" She didn't reply. Sensing that she refused to answer his question, he decided to mind his own business and helplessly depart. He thought perhaps she was here just like those people in the past who tried breaking into the manor and stealing some valuable possessions inside, However, going inside this mansion is quite terrifying and difficult. Those people who went inside never came out. No one knows what happened to them and, eventually, the news about it spread throughout the Empire. And left much terror to the people and suppressed the remaining thoughts of burglary towards the Nightingale's Manor. Nevertheless, it looked like the lady was resolute on entering the gates of the manor. "Alright. I shall take my leave now. Please take care, My Lady." With one last glance, he whipped his horse with great force and trotted away without looking back. The sight of the running carriage slowly disappeared. 'Is he that scared? There's no need to be terrified about the place. It may seem to be imposing and dreadful due to the thick miasma that surrounds it, but other than that, it's not that scary.' She muttered. Putting her attention back on the cold iron gates, she decided to carry on. With a keen look, she added and whispered in the air. 'Let's see what's waiting beyond for me.' She eagerly swung the chains that were connected to a bell that was just beside the stone pillar of the gate. "Ting ting ting~" Not long after the bell rang, the gate opened. A man and a woman were waiting behind it. A ginger-haired man who was obviously in his 50's wearing a tailcoat and a monocle approached and greeted her respectfully. "Welcome, My Lady, we've been waiting for your arrival." She gave him an inquisitive look. 'Based on his behavior and physical appearance, he looks like a butler.' "This humble servant's name is Rowan. I am the chief male servant of the house. Behind me is Lydia, she will be your maid, My Lady." Rowan's brief introduction. He then gestured towards the maid with ashen hair behind him, wearing a neat uniform and a white apron, and let her proffer her salutation in front of her master. "It's a blessing to finally meet you, My Lady. My name is Lydia. I shall serve you with my utmost capability," Lydia said, after giving her a deep bow. Evellyn instinctively examined both of them. At first glance, they appeared like average servants, but the truth is they weren't. Mere human eyes won't be able to see through their guise. However, with her eyes, it's like seeing pass through a clear glass. Nothing could deceive her. It's one of her inherited peculiar abilities. Her eyes, which can see through Illusions, particularly those created by Demons, are just one of her abilities. In her vision, she can see that both of them are wearing human faces with traces of thread sewn on them to stick firmly to their heads. However, she was surprised that the rest of their bodies were composed of condensed and solidified miasma. With such power, she could imagine how formidable their true master was, who could solidify miasma and create an entity using it. Evellyn suddenly remembered the man who had peered through the window earlier. She looked towards the window again and found out that his presence was no longer there. "I'm glad to meet you both. My name is Evellyn Clairene Nightingale. I'll be in your care from now on." She calmly replied. "Let me take your luggage, My Lady." Lydia went beside her and took her luggage from her hands. She slightly smiled because of her personal maid's heedfulness. She did not expect them to be completely respectful and attentive to her. Because she is not their true master and it was their first meeting. "My Lady, let me lead you inside the manor," Rowan told her. Her head nodded and agreed. Evellyn followed him toward the enormous mansion. Unhurriedly, Rowan pushed open the double-lacquered doors and all of them went inside. ---- In front of a wooden door carved with blooming roses and vines, Rowan pointed to the door with his palm open. "This has always been the personal quarter of the Heiress. It is yours now. We recently renovated its interior and provided most of your necessities. If you have something you require or are unsatisfied with, please do not hesitate to let us know, My Lady." Rowan explained. "Thank you Rowan. I will not hesitate in telling you and Lydia what I need". After informing her, Rowan opened the door of her quarter. She enthusiastically went inside and was amazed at how it looked. The room feels comfortable yet extravagant. She also noticed a significant characteristic of the room compared to the rest of the manor. It has quite the opposite atmosphere. Mostly, the mansion is shrouded with heaviness and darkness. But, this is like an oasis in the middle of a perilous desert. A haven. 'This is nice.' She complimented. The white velvet duvet and bed look comfy. Curtains hanging on the large window were dyed red with golden roses embroidered meticulously. A big vanity table with a few cosmetics on it and a comfortable chair were located on the opposite side of the bed. It was subtly inlaid with rubies that imitated a bunch of blooming roses and carvings of intertwining vines with pure gold. The rest of the furnishings are simple but were also decorated with carvings of birds and flower vines. The room shows simplicity and elegance. She liked the room. Lydia busied herself by unpacking her stuff from her baggage and organizing it properly in the closets. While Evellyn was occupied marveling at the interior of the room. Lydia went silently to stand by the corner after sorting all of her things. Noticing the satisfied face of Evellyn, Rowan was relieved. It was worth the trouble of repairing and recycling all this furniture from the storage room. Since they can't get out of the mansion's impregnable magical wall without the permission of the head of the mansion. They could only make do with what is available inside. He then informed her about the dinner later. "My Master will be joining you for dinner. I shall inform you when it is ready, My Lady. Take your time and rest for a while." Evellyn's focus went back to him and he nodded. "You may leave." She waved her hand, letting him leave and do his duty. After receiving her permission to leave, he saluted and walked towards the door, and closed it. Anastasia sat on the chair in front of the decorated vanity table. She gestured for Lydia to come forward. "Help me take off my veil and accessories." Lydia helped take her accessories and veil off her head. The thought of her master's face made her curious. Thus, she took a glimpse at the mirror. Her hands froze in the air and her face showed astonishment. 'So enchanting'. Evellyn seemed to notice Lydia's surprised look and smiled at her through the mirror. Lydia's face flushed brightly. She hurriedly averted her eyes down the floor. Evellyn is somehow satisfied with her personal maid's reaction. She wondered if she could use her physical appearance to her advantage against the demon that she was going to meet later. There is only one way to know. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she thought to herself. 'What battle dress should I wear tonight? I should make a good impression on our first meeting.' -------- On the other hand, Rowan knocked thrice on the door of the study room. "Master, may I come in?" He asked. A deep magnetic voice coming from the other side of the door replied to him. "You may." After getting his master's permission, he immediately went inside the room and saluted to the man in front of him. A man's figure sitting leisurely on the chair behind the table with a glass of wine in his hand while the other hand propped on his head. Illuminated by the moonlight from the window, making his outstanding appearance visible. Exquisite handsome face just like God's most perfect work, that magnetic pair of eyes that has a tinged color of crimson red. His shiny black hair reflects the night sky. With just one glance, it could take away your soul. And his very seductive lips. They could suck away your little life. "I have already led the Lady to her room, Master." With his head still bowed, Rowan gave his report to the man. "Ohh? Is that so?" His masculine voice doused with a trace of playfulness reverberated inside the room. "What do you think about her?" he added. Rowan thought for a while and shared his assessment with his Master. "Lady Evellyn doesn't look like an average lady. She's not even affected or hasn't shown any discomfort from the miasma in the mansion. I believe she is not just a mere descendant but a very capable and gifted one." It's obvious how potent the miasma is inside the manor. No living thing could even survive for a minute when exposed. It's as if a pool of acid. Once it touches your body it rapidly erodes your flesh and muscles. Until only your white bones remain. Inherently, the first ancestor of Nightingale's family who enslaved his master was resistant towards miasma. He was indeed an extraordinary necromancer in his lifetime. His descendants would naturally inherit all his powers and abilities together with the curse that had shackled his Master. The curse prevents him from going against him and shows absolute obedience to Nightingale's bloodline. However, there is one loophole. Once their bloodline is mixed with another bloodline, their power and abilities will gradually dissolve. Five hundred years ago, the Nightingale's ancestors strictly followed their family's bylaw, which was to avoid mixing their bloodline with others. Thus, propagation within their family is only accepted. In other words, they were serious about incest. This is for the sole purpose of maintaining and binding his master eternally. Yet, they never expected that his Master would look for a way to free himself using a long-term plan. He carefully tempted the men and women in the house to procreate outside their bloodlines and eventually, it was positively progressing toward success. In addition, he enticed them to ardently chase greater power and wealth, which most of them became greedy, and it sadly led some of them to their early demise. As time flies, change is only inevitable. Their bloodlines have been mixed. Before long, his master only has to wait for a few more years for the power of their blood to vanish completely and make his long-awaited comeback into the world. Then, when the last head of the family died five years ago, his Master excitedly broke out from the iron gate. Yet, before he could even make ten steps, he was suddenly dragged back inside the manor. He was utterly confused. He strongly believed that he should be free from the chains that tied him to this family. However, the reality is, that no matter how hard he intensely used his power to break the magic wall that surrounded the manor, he could not even make a dent at all. He could not possibly have forgotten the condition behind the slave contract. 'When the bloodline of the conjurer ceases to exist, the contract will inevitably be nullified.' "Why!? I do not understand at all. Give back my freedom! You scumbag!" He screamed out with his veins popping out of his neck. He has almost lost his sanity these past few years. But one day, the biggest question that was unanswered five years ago was finally answered by the arrival of a letter a month ago. It revealed the identity of the last heiress who came from another Empire, the Sorcha Empire. She addressed herself in the letter as the only granddaughter of Mariella Eleanor Nightingale who was sent to the neighboring Empire as a symbol of peace. He did not consider that the person who was sacrificed for a peace treaty would luckily live and conceive a child. Which, at present, is his master's last hurdle to freedom. Suddenly, the man snickered with annoyance. His crimson red eyes became evident and they glowed so bright that it could stop someone's heartbeat, unable to breathe. "Show me how courageous you are, Evellyn. Because I'll show you what kind of demon your family has imprisoned and toyed with for almost a millennium. I shall assure you a merciless death." He chuckled. His voice sounded sinister and angry. Rowan remained silent, afraid that he might incur wrath from his master.