Chapter 5 - An Eerie Warning (1/2)

Chapter 5 – An Eerie Warning

Heish became busy. After the rain stopped, he went outside the manor, and only Rei remained as still as an abandoned portrait since she did not have a best friend to visit. Rei was envious of Heish at times like this. He had graduated from an elite school, knew many people and had several good friends because of his arrogant and yet open-handed personality.

On the other hand, Rei was like a lonely island. Her parents insisted on a live-in governess instead of a girl’s school and did not think anything of other people thinking they were behind the times.

The only one who felt frustrated was Rei. Governesses coming after much effort were harassed by Heish, and her hardheaded parents favored their son rather than strange governesses. Later on, because of rumors, governesses would not come even though they were offered double the market price.

Rei watched the rain falling again. This was better than mulling over an insignificant past. A manor that was silent of servant’s footsteps and a daily routine of leaning against its windows. The sofa that is placed forlornly in the lobby connected to the sitting room was not tumultuous as if it was a prepared spot. Naturally, Rei killed her time sitting there.

She was neither lonely nor sad. Actually, she had dreamed of this peace and quiet for a long time. Creditors who would suddenly enter when a candle lit in her house, a mother who whined in a pained voice to her family, harsh criticism from relatives that had a small amount of goodwill. Now everything was peaceful. Being depressed was probably a luxury.

“Lady.”

A voice she heard for the first time broke the silence. A startled Rei immediately turned back and saw an old woman with her knitting smiling with her teeth showing. Rei had never seen her before.

“Are you not cold? Do you need a blanket?”

“Not at all. I’m all right.”

She seemed to be a servant who was still strange to her. However, the old woman did not leave easily and explicitly implied that she had a different agenda.

“Do you have anything to say?”

“Lady.”

“Yes.”

“Why are you at a place like this?”

“A place like this?”

“You are still pure. Not still infected.”

“Um…are you all right?”

“You have to be careful. Everyone in the manor is after you.”

In a moment, Rei lost her voice and the old woman came as fast as a wolf. Rei felt faint. Therefore, she could not compose herself until the old woman held her wrists.

“A face that would lose her parents early. The sibling from the same womb will end badly.” The old woman, who seemed mad, touched Rei’s cheeks. Her hand felt icy.

“This is a cursed place. You should not drink even a cup of water here.”

“Please…your hand.”

“Do not look at anyone in the eyes. Do not let them get your body, but more your mind.”

Only then Rei physically tried to break free from the old woman. But she was more than strong. She looked as if she were eighty years old, but her hands felt persistent and hard as tree roots.

Her attitude that was as careful as feet stepping on the ice became rougher. Rei did not want to make a fuss and looked around for help, but the lobby was the same.

“Girl, do you want to become like me?”

“Please let go of my hand. I will call someone!”

Rei was becoming scared of the pleasant-looking old lady. Sweat was coming out of her held wrist.

“You have a face a beast would like. Do not trust him. He is grinding his teeth to devour your spirit. I can hear that dirty sound even here. Can’t you hear? Yes?”

Rei was beginning to feel irritated. She felt a dislike to the old woman who was ruining her peace that was gotten so preciously.

“Let go of me! It hurts!”