As the Jasmines led the way, the facility's grandeur unfolded before Ryo like an endless canvas. The high ceilings, adorned with intricate carvings that seemed to dance in the soft, ethereal light, stretched upwards like the vaulted sky. The air was alive with the faint scent of jasmine and the soft hum of distant activity, creating an atmosphere both calming and anticipatory.
The group trudged along, their footsteps echoing off the polished stone floors as they were divided into two paths. The males veered towards the Moonless Hall, while the females made their way to the Starshadow Hall. The separation felt almost symbolic, like the dawn and dusk of two parallel worlds.
Ryo's gaze lingered on Mei as she disappeared into the Starshadow Hall, her figure fading into the soft glow of the feminine quarters. He felt a pang of detachment, a sense of being severed from the only familiar presence in this vast, uncharted world.
As he followed the Jasmines through the Moonless Hall's entrance, Ryo's eyes adjusted to the dimmer lighting within. The corridor stretched out before him, lined with doors that seemed to whisper promises of solitude and rest. The Jasmine guide, with a courteous bow, led Ryo to his room, a door sliding open with a soft whisper.
"Room 314," the Jasmine said, his voice barely above a murmur. "Your accommodations, Ryo-san."
Ryo nodded, his expression a mask of indifference, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of curiosity. He stepped into the room, the door closing behind him with a gentle click. The space was modest yet elegant, with a single window that framed a slice of the night sky. The stars twinkled like diamonds scattered across the velvet expanse, a reminder of the world's vastness and mystery.
Ryo's gaze drifted towards the bed, his body suddenly heavy with fatigue. He let out a soft sigh, the sound almost inaudible, as he sank onto the mattress, his eyes drifting shut in anticipation of rest.
As Ryo's thoughts meandered through the events of the day, his mind became a canvas of fragmented memories. He recalled his encounter with Vallia, the enigmatic figure who had set this journey in motion. The separation from his group, the uncertainty of their fates, and Mei's reactions – all of it swirled together in a kaleidoscope of impressions.
"Something about this feels... off," Ryo murmured to himself, his voice barely audible. "Like I've been here before, but when?"
His thoughts drifted to Mei, her expressions and reactions replaying in his mind like a series of cryptic clues. "She's hiding something," he thought, "but what?"
As his introspection deepened, Ryo's senses began to betray him. The fatigue and sweat of the past few days coalesced into a pungent odor that wafted up, assaulting his nostrils. He wrinkled his nose in distaste.
"Ugh, I reek," he muttered, his voice laced with a hint of self-disgust. "Priorities, Ryo. Get cleaned up, then worry about the mysteries of the universe."
Ryo pushed himself up from the bed, the soft creak of the mattress echoing through the room. He began to methodically unstrap his leather clothing, the worn leather creaking as he carefully removed the buttons, straps, and zippers that held it together. Each piece was meticulously placed in a basket beside the bathroom, a habit born from a mixture of discipline and necessity.
As he undressed, his gaze wandered around the room, taking in the modern fixtures and amenities that seemed jarringly out of place in this mystical world. "Guess it's not just magic that keeps this place running," Ryo thought to himself, "Other worlders like me must've had a hand in designing this place."
He walked over to the mirror beside the bathroom, his reflection staring back at him like a stranger. His dark hair was disheveled, and his eyes looked tired, with dark bags underneath. Ryo's expression was a mask of indifference, his features chiseled but devoid of emotion.
He gazed at his reflection, his eyes searching for something, anything, that would confirm his own existence. "Do I really exist?" he wondered, a familiar ritual taking hold. He used his hands to drag his lips into a semblance of a smile, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards in a forced, awkward curve.
"Ah, yeah, I exist," he muttered to himself, his voice low and detached. "I'm real, and this is my reality." He slapped his cheek gently, the sting a minor shock to his system. It was a routine he'd developed back in his old world, a way to reassure himself that he was more than just a collection of thoughts and memories.
With a quiet resolve, Ryo turned away from the mirror and made his way to the shower. The warm water would wash away the fatigue and grime of the day, and perhaps, just perhaps, he'd find a glimmer of clarity in the uncertainty that lay ahead.
As he stepped under the showerhead, the water cascaded down, rinsing away the sweat and dirt. Ryo closed his eyes, letting the warmth seep into his bones, and whispered to himself, "Let's see what tomorrow brings."
After his shower, Ryo filled the bathtub with warm water, the scent of lavender wafting through the air as he sank into the tub. He let out a soft sigh, the warmth enveloping his tired muscles like a gentle hug. The water was a soothing balm, easing the tension that had built up over the past few days.
As he lay there, Ryo's mind began to wander, his thoughts drifting back to the events that had transpired. He replayed the conversations he'd had, the strange occurrences, and the people he'd met. Mei's reactions, Vallia's words, and the mysterious isle all swirled together in a jumbled mix.
"What's the plan, then?" Ryo asked himself, his voice barely above a whisper. "Just go along with it and see what happens?"
He let the silence wash over him, the warmth of the bathwater lulling him into a state of relaxation. For a while, he simply existed, letting go of the need to analyze or understand. The water cradled him, and he let himself be carried by its gentle buoyancy.
As the warmth began to seep into his bones, Ryo slowly emerged from his reverie. He realized he'd been soaking for a while, the water starting to cool. With a quiet efficiency, he drained the tub and stepped out, the cool air a gentle contrast to the warmth he'd just left.
He dried himself off, the soft towel a comforting texture against his skin. Ryo wrapped the towel around his waist, securing it with a casual knot. As he approached the door, he heard a soft knock. "Ah, timing's perfect," he thought, wondering who it could be.
He opened the door to find a maid wearing a delicate mask, her eyes cast downward in a gesture of respect. "Sir, I've brought some clothes for you to wear tonight," she said, her voice soft and melodious. "If you could please give me your old clothes, I'll have them cleaned and returned to you."
Ryo nodded, handing over his worn leather clothing. The maid took them with a quiet bow and handed him a set of clothes in exchange. The garments were made of a soft, silken material that shimmered in the dim light, dyed a deep shade of indigo with intricate, silver-thread embroidery that resembled the patterns of the constellations.
The sleeveless tunic was loose-fitting, with a V-shaped neckline, and the matching pants were tapered at the ankle. Ryo accepted the clothes, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the mysterious benefactor who had provided them.
He dressed quickly, the soft fabric a welcome change from his worn leather. As he tied the sash around his waist, he felt a sense of temporary reprieve from the fatigue and uncertainty of the day.
The maid bowed again, her masked face expressionless. "If you need anything, sir, please don't hesitate to ask. Goodnight."
Ryo nodded, watching as she disappeared into the corridor. He closed the door, feeling a sense of wonder at the efficiency of the facility's staff. As he approached the runic contraption that served as a light source, he reached out and touched the glowing symbol. A tiny spark of Kardia Magia responded to his touch, and the light dimmed, then extinguished.
"Goodnight," Ryo murmured to himself, the darkness enveloping him like a shroud. He slipped under the covers, his body relaxed, the fatigue of the day finally catching up with him.
For a moment, he lay there, his eyes open, staring into the darkness. Then, with a soft sigh, he closed them, letting the weight of his eyelids carry him into the unknown. Sleep claimed him, its gentle darkness a respite from the mysteries and uncertainties that lay ahead.
•X• •X• •X•
Ryo's eyes slowly opened as the warm light of dawn crept into his room, casting a gentle glow over the space. He stretched, feeling the softness of the bed beneath him, and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. As he sat up, he noticed the silence of the room, broken only by the soft hum of the runic contraptions that lined the walls.
Just as he was starting to get out of bed, a knock at the door interrupted him. "Ah, right on time, I suppose," Ryo thought, getting out of bed and making his way to the door. He opened it to find the same maid who had brought him clothes the night before, her masked face a picture of serene efficiency.
"Good morning, sir," she said, her voice as soft and melodious as before. "It's time to get ready. I've brought your original clothes, freshly laundered and pressed." She held out his leather clothing, which looked almost new, the stains and wear from the previous day completely gone.
Ryo's eyes widened slightly as he took in the sight of his clothes, looking better than when he had first arrived. "Thanks," he said, taking the clothes from her. "You do good work."
The maid's expression didn't change, but her voice took on a slightly explanatory tone. "I'm your assigned maid, sir. My purpose is to attend to your needs and ensure your comfort during your stay here."
Ryo's confusion deepened. "Assigned maid?" he repeated, his brow furrowing. "What does that entail, exactly?"
The maid's response was matter-of-fact. "I'll be handling your daily needs, from laundry to meals, and accompanying you to appointments and activities. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."
Ryo's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied the maid's masked face. There was something endearing about her quiet efficiency, despite her lack of expression. "I see," he said finally, deciding to go along with it for now. "Well, I suppose I should get ready, then."
The maid nodded, her movements economical as she stepped aside to allow Ryo to exit his room. "I'll wait for you here, sir. Please, don't keep me waiting."
With that, Ryo retreated into his room to get dressed in his freshly laundered clothes, feeling a sense of familiarity and comfort as he slipped back into his worn leather gear. As he dressed, he couldn't help but wonder what the day had in store for him, and what exactly his role was in this mysterious place.
Ryo emerged from his room, dressed in his freshly laundered leather gear, and approached the maid, who stood waiting with an air of quiet efficiency. She held a stopwatch in her hand, her eyes fixed on the dial as she snapped it open.
"Twenty minutes, sir," she said, her voice neutral. "You've made good time."
Ryo raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Twenty minutes for what?"
The maid's gaze flicked up to meet his, her expression serene. "For getting ready, sir. Unfortunately, we don't have much time to spare. Your schedule is already quite... packed."
She produced a small, intricately bound booklet from her apron pocket and opened it, revealing a densely packed schedule that made Ryo's eyes widen in dismay.
"What is this?" he asked, his voice laced with incredulity as he scanned the page. His expression grew weak and slightly annoyed. "I barely get any breathing time before I'm supposed to be back here to rest?"
The maid's voice was calm and matter-of-fact. "This is the most effective way to prepare you for the trials ahead, sir. Every moment counts if you're to be ready in five months."
Ryo's eyes narrowed, his voice taking on a slurry tone as he sighed. "Fine, I'll follow the schedule. Let's get this over with."
The maid's masked face betrayed no emotion, but her voice was polite. "Very well, sir. Shall we proceed?"
With a quiet gesture, she beckoned Ryo to follow her. He trailed behind her, his eyes fixed on the schedule in her hand, his mind racing with thoughts about the grueling schedule that lay ahead.
As they walked, the maid's footsteps were light and efficient, while Ryo's were slightly heavier, his movements betraying a sense of reluctance.
"Let's move, sir," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "We don't want to be late."
As Ryo followed the maid, he noticed the way her light brown hair fell in soft waves down her back, and the way her maid attire fit her slender build. He observed her with a detached interest, his eyes taking in the details of her appearance without much emotional investment.
But his observation came to an abrupt end when he failed to notice she'd stopped walking, and he bumped into her back with a soft "Ouch!"
The maid turned to him, her masked face a picture of calm. "Be careful, sir," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "We've already arrived."
Ryo rubbed his nose, feeling a bit embarrassed, and followed her gaze to a large hall filled with rows of tables and chairs. The room was bustling with people, all of whom seemed to be accompanied by their own maids. The atmosphere was one of quiet bustle, with the maids standing attentively behind their charges as they ate and chatted.
Ryo's eyes scanned the room, taking in the scene with a sense of detachment. He spotted a few people who looked roughly his age, but most seemed to be young adults or older. The maids, on the other hand, all seemed to be dressed in similar attire, their faces masked and their eyes cast downward in a gesture of respect.
As he looked around, Ryo's instincts kicked in, and he began to search for an empty space to sit, preferably one that was a little removed from the crowd. He didn't do well in settings like this, where everyone seemed to be watching everyone else. It reminded him too much of school, and the judging gazes of his classmates.
The maid seemed to sense his hesitation, and she nodded discreetly towards a table in the corner of the room. "Shall we sit there, sir?" she asked, her voice low and polite.
Ryo nodded, feeling a sense of mild relief. "Yeah, that sounds good," he said, following her to the table.
Ryo nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her. "Yeah, that sounds good," he said, following her to the table. As they sat down, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at being slightly removed from the crowd. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.
As Ryo sat down, the maid stood beside him, her masked face a picture of serene attention. "What would you like to eat, sir?" she asked, her voice polite and neutral.
Ryo hesitated, unsure of the culinary options available in this world. "To be honest, I'm not familiar with the local delicacies," he admitted. "But there is one dish that comes to mind... Aurora's Kiss. I had it once in the city, and it was exceptional."
The maid's expression didn't change, but her voice took on a hint of recognition. "Oh, that dish," she said, her tone flat. She nodded and turned to leave, disappearing into the crowd of maids and servants.
Ryo waited, his stomach growling in anticipation. A few minutes later, the maid returned with a tray, expertly balancing a steaming dish and several smaller plates. She placed the tray in front of Ryo, and the aroma of Aurora's Kiss wafted up, tantalizing his senses.
The dish looked even more exquisite than he remembered, with tender, rose-petal-infused meat, crispy, fermented vegetables, and a subtle, shimmering sauce that seemed to dance on the plate. Ryo's eyes widened as he took his first bite, and the flavors exploded on his palate. It tasted even better than it smelled.
"Mmm..." he murmured, his eyes closing in appreciation.
The maid stood beside him, her face still emotionless. "Is it to your liking, sir?" she asked, her voice neutral.
Ryo nodded, his mouth full. "It's... excellent," he praised, trying to convey his gratitude without gushing.
The maid nodded, her voice flat. "It is my duty to ensure that you are satisfied, sir." She stood attentively, watching as Ryo continued to savor the dish.
As Ryo savored the exquisite flavors of Aurora's Kiss, he became increasingly aware of the maid's gaze on him. Her eyes, though masked, seemed to bore into his very being, making him feel like a specimen under observation. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes flicking up to meet hers. "Hey, would you mind sitting down?" he asked, his tone neutral. "Your standing there is making me a bit uneasy."
The maid's expression remained impassive, her voice firm. "I'm afraid that would be improper, sir. My duty is to serve you and ensure your comfort, not to sit in your presence."
Ryo raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her adherence to protocol. "But your standing there is what's making me uncomfortable," he pointed out, a hint of amusement creeping into his voice. "It's a bit paradoxical, don't you think?"
The maid's gaze didn't waver, but her voice took on a slightly softer tone. "I apologize if my presence causes you distress, sir. However, I must adhere to my duties."
Ryo persisted, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Look, I understand about the whole 'servant-master' thing, but can't you just make an exception? I'm not exactly the type to stand on ceremony."
The maid hesitated, her eyes flicking to the side before returning to Ryo. "Very well, sir," she said finally, her voice still neutral. "I will sit across from you, but please do not think this is a sign of disrespect."
She sat down, her striking features and beautiful face now in Ryo's direct line of sight. As he ate, he glanced up at her, noticing that she hadn't touched any food. "Aren't you going to eat?" he asked.
The maid's expression didn't change. "It has nothing to do with my current duty, sir. I can eat whenever I'm not attending to you."
Ryo's eyes narrowed slightly. "So, you're telling me you'll go the whole day without eating until I retire to my room?"
The maid's silence was her response.
Ryo's face twisted in a faint expression of disapproval. "That's not necessary. Eat with me."
The maid stood up and disappeared into the crowd. She returned with a steaming dish identical to Ryo's, and sat down across from him once more. "Thank you, sir," she said, her voice still neutral, as she began to eat.
Ryo watched her, his expression neutral.
As they ate, a sudden thud echoed through the hall, followed by a sharp cry. Ryo's gaze drifted towards the commotion, his eyes settling on a figure clad in a striking red cape that seemed to blaze with an inner fire. The cape was a masterful blend of style and menace, perfectly complementing the wearer's attire. However, it was the man's actions that drew Ryo's attention - he had struck the maid beside him with enough force to send her stumbling back.
The man's voice was like a crack of thunder, his words laced with venom. "This food is disgusting!" he bellowed, his eyes blazing with anger.
Ryo's gaze flicked to the maid beside him, his interest piqued by her reaction. But to his surprise, she didn't flinch. Her expression remained serene, her eyes fixed on her plate as she continued to eat with mechanical precision. It was as if the commotion was mere background noise, irrelevant to her duties.
The hall seemed to echo with the man's rage, but the other diners barely reacted. Some continued eating, their faces impassive, while others chatted among themselves, oblivious to the scene unfolding before them. The maid who had been struck, however, was a different story. She sobbed quietly, her body shaking as she tried to compose herself. The man continued to berate her, his words dripping with contempt.
Ryo's eyes narrowed as he observed the scene, his mind working overtime to understand the dynamics at play. The man's cape seemed to be a symbol of status, and the fact that it didn't match anyone else's suggested that he was either very high or very low in the hierarchy. Given the man's behavior, Ryo suspected it was the former.
The maid beside him seemed to sense his gaze and turned to meet his eyes. For a moment, they locked gazes, and Ryo wondered if he would see some spark of emotion. But her expression remained neutral, her eyes like two polished stones.
"Is this... normal?" Ryo asked her, his voice low.
The maid's gaze didn't waver, but her voice was barely above a whisper. "It is not our place to question the actions of those above us, sir."
Ryo's eyes lingered on hers, searching for some hint of what lay beneath her mask. But there was nothing. Just a serene, impassive facade that seemed to hide nothing.
As Ryo turned to continue eating, a blond boy with deep orange eyes approached the man, his voice laced with a Kansai accent. "Ain't that enough already, bro?" he said, his tone casual.
The boy's unique leather clothes and shirt, paired with a dark greyish cape, seemed to be a perfect fit for his athletic build. His canines were visible, and his tan skin glowed with a warm, golden undertone.
The man, still enraged, turned to the boy, his face twisted in anger. "And who might you be?" he spat, his voice dripping with venom. "What kind of insolence is this, a primrose like you daring to approach me in such a way?"
The boy, unfazed by the man's anger, replied in a smooth Kansai dialect, "Ah, ya gotta calm down, ya hear me? Yer makin' a scene, an' it's gettin' on my nerves, ya know?"
The boy's name was Kaito Akatsuki, a name that seemed to fit his strong and determined personality.
Kaito's eyes locked onto the man, his gaze unwavering. "Yer treatin' that maid like dirt, an' it's not right, ya know? Maybe ya should take a step back an' think about what ya doin'."
The man's face turned red with rage, but Kaito didn't back down, his expression calm and resolute.