Chapter 2 - Into the Beast’s Lair (1) (2/2)
“We’ve arrived.”
Heish’s breath hitched for a moment. The manor was far more majestic and luxurious than he’d expected. The walls were covered with sensuous roses and even the flag waving with the heavy winds looked dignified. To him, who’d assumed the manor would look like a normal country lord’s house, it felt like he was a frog who’d come face to face with a snake.
“Heish…”
“I know, I know. Don’t rush me!”
There were no gatekeepers around, as if everyone was welcomed. Heish gently knocked on the door but it creaked open. Her puzzled brother stepped in first and Rei followed him, looking around the manor.
The siblings had entered on a moment’s whim. The ground was still wet with rain, they wandered aimlessly through a flower garden. The neatly cut grass showed someone’s gentle care, but the manor itself looked gloomy and abandoned. It was still afternoon, so the servants should’ve been busy preparing for their master’s meal. All in all, this time of the day should be bustling with activity.
However, this whole place was shrouded in an eerie silence, neither flesh nor fowl in sight.
“Is… anyone here?”
The siblings slowly grew anxious. Doubt started to creep in.
Soon, they found themselves before a huge, closed door. Two candelabrums, sitting taut on the stone wall, adorned its either side. But they were not lit, despite it being cloudy and a tad dark. An intricately carved lion head served as a doorknob…
… but would anyone open the door?
Heish took a deep breath, grabbed the lion, shaking it in desperation as if attempting to break in. Gone was his arrogance and haughtiness. He clung to the knocker like his life depended on it, rattling it with all his might. He was ready to faint just to get in but refused to return… not like this! At the very least, he wanted to see the owner’s face.
“Heck, is there no one here?” His tone displayed his unease.
“Heish… Do you think we came to the wrong place?”
Looking at the situation, it was quite possible.
“Open up! This can’t be! I spent our entire fortune to come here…!” He cried in anguish.
Right then, a sound of rotten wood scratching against the floor resonated throughout the manor. The firmly shut doors finally opened and an old man with a nasty expression stuck his head out.
“Who is it?”
A cold voice that made people shut their mouths, raised eyebrows that seemed unsatisfied with everything, dark, sharp menacing eyes, and a face teeming with viciousness… In just one glance, one could tell that the old man wasn’t exactly welcoming towards strangers.
“I am Heish of the Lisburns. I came to visit the lord here, and this letter is…”
“I haven’t heard about any guest with that name visiting us from my lord. Go back.” He barked.