*Tap-tap-tap*

Enveloped by stretching shadows, an indistinguishable figure despondently gazed through the orb-shaped glass as its puppet draped over the grand table showing the utter mess before it. The reasonable remedy to quell the ruckus in its body’s roof was being resounded in the room as restless rapping of feet. To allow such an acute situation to arise would’ve almost been comical if it wasn’t so unsettling.

Variables with unknown value are the linchpin to failure, as mother had said. A perfect plan that had been placed properly in an equation was slowly crumbling before its eyes. Before the breakdown, when variables A,B,C and X,Y or Z were all accounted for, functioning perfectly when lined up to produce the desired product, all was within its control.

The outbreak of powerful monsters under the influence of [Suscitabo Immortuos] was nothing but a means to an emancipating end. The spread of fear and chaos on such a large scale could’ve only been achieved thanks to some properly placed whispers to handpicked provincial individuals, ensuring that no support, piloted by proper gentlemen, would penetrate this city’s cage.

Like a flood during the rainy season in Chitunua; breaking its dams and laying waste to the villages in its path, the dark-spawn too broke through their barriers 6 feet under. Having proliferated enough so that a small army of castrated bodies could arise from the ground, the neophytes were led to carry out an androcide of the less amiable commercial workers in Yikensworth. Despite the meager resistance of guards and mercenaries alike, for a safe haven for humans to have been created under such circumstances was the first sign of the crumbling plan.

Because of one man’s paranoia he had created a safe house for the surviving fodder, a fort standing forefront under the siege of the undead. The castor could’ve easily won that battle but casualties to the decayed army would’ve been too great a price to pay, leaving them unprepared incase of unexpected reinforcements. Thus the clandestine figure chose to wait and bide its time as another plan was formulated, one which included the help of a certain Cheshire cat.

That formulated plan, which had been nearing it’s breakthrough to a perfectly formulated plan, also fell apart to the revelations of yet another unknown variable. The odd few mercenaries passing by had been accounted for in the grand formula, but for such a merc. to carry such dark power that it distinguished itself as a separate variable entirely, tipping the scales had not been in the castor’s constinguency plan. The appearance of two unknown variables begot a new expression to be made. Presently the only plan the figure could place in progress was one requiring direct involvement and it, due to all the distractions of commanding an army and dealing with annoying allies, could not commence without the opposite sex making the first move.

The tapping of its foot increased as the caster delved into deeper, thoughts until only the sound of the taps of a quick but heavy foot could be picked up by its ears. Its restlessness clearly showed off as even the basic function of controlling mindless brutes became a chore. Reviewing the events from the outset of the attack to the appearances of two unknown variables ultimately ruining the carefully setout plan angered the castor. Having been reduced to sharing power with another like a game of chess, when initially all actions were controlled by it, showed the castor just how far its fall from grace was. Of course it had hindsight of such situation, but for such to occur only hours after the initiation placed the caster in unfavorable side, the losing side.

Taking a break from the surrounding bickering, the caster walked towards the large windows and inspected the view of the sky in fear of dissipating clouds. The undead had the advantage in the dark, being able to see where the human couldn’t. It was precisely because of this that the caster invoked such a powerful spell. But such an advantage was like a double edged knife…with no wodden grips. Any moment the sun’s rays could breakthrough and dissolve all the neophytes if the castor did not concentrate enough on maintaining the darkness.

As the dark figure changed the beheld eyes, a small smirk began to curl up on its lips as it witnessed the counterpart performing the long awaited actions.

“Finally,” it let loose a long laugh, reveling in pleasure as the game pieces began to fall back into its hands.

*Tak-Tak-Tak…*Tap-Tap-Tap…*Tek-Tek-Tek-Tek…*

An ensemble of excited footsteps filled the house. Everyone from the hallboys and housemaids to the butler and the housekeeper were searching. His walk was brisk, echoeing in the otherwise silent hallway as he approached another room. A request from Lady von Solus was issued and when the masters wanted something, everyone moved to fullfil their need, lest the duke spoke otherwise. After being disappointed by yet another guest room the man leaned over the railing and observed the jogging housemaids and hallboys make quick work of scouring every room or chamber on the ground floor, all except the meeting room. They knew better than to disturb their Lord.

‘Yet they can’t even show a small decorum of class? Well, given the circumstances they can be forgiven this once,’ the butler thought, rubbing his frown away.

While the novices searched the halls and chambers the more adroit servants checked the more private lodgings. The butler and the housekeeper searched on the second floor; the lord and lady’s rooms, the baths, and few other non-descript guestrooms. But after searching half of the second floor the butler’s worry for his partner’s well being was wearing his professionality thin. They were on their way to the other half of second floor when the slight huffing from the housekeeper caught his attention.

“Mathilda dear,” the butler stopped mid-step. Whatever he was about to say was lost on the train tracks when he saw her twinkling eyes under the candle light.

‘She doesn’t need me to remind her, she’s sure to think herself a burden I do.’ The butler clenched his hands behind his back, forcing himself to look astute as he continued; “You go ahead; I shall check the attic first.”

They were in a hallway directly above the one which Fliss and Luvrit travelled through not long ago. In front of them stood the large railings above the main hall and behind them was the small stairway spiraling to another level above. The floor was furnished with a long patterned carper that stretched to both poles and joined to another where the railing stood.

“Why would she be in that stuffy place?” Mathilda placed a hand on her chest as she tried to control her breathing, not used to such exercise. She was a tall woman with pale white complexion and a figure so thin it seemed medical. She had shiny black hair neatly kept in a bun and wore a tightly fitting black dress more common for a widow than a housekeeper.

“Reminiscing again, perhaps?” he suggested. He judged his counterpart with concern before stepping forward and wrapping his hands around the woman’s shoulders, pulling her in so she could lean on him for support. Though he was shorter than Mathilda, he had more of a sturdier build than her and where she was sickly thin, the butler showed more of a lean figure.

*Sigh*“Thank you Bertrand,” Mathilda smiled pulling back. She stared at his well kempt beard for a moment before placing a small kiss on his balding head. “I feel much better.”

“Good, while I search the attic why don’t you use one of the rooms for rest until I return?” The butler smiled at her.

“But I still have to find-”

“Slow and steady my dear, you need your rest for the upcoming tasks as well. Do not worry though; I shall be quick with my search.”

“…” Mathilda wanted to argue but seeing the look upon his face must’ve changed her mind. Finally relenting she said; “You’ll be quick?”

“I’ll be back in three winks.”

Bertrand reached up to his toes and placed a reassuring kiss on the housekeeper’s forehead before leaving for the spiral stair case at the back end of the hallway. There were two types of entrances to the attic; the stair case which was meant for people and a large trapdoor meant for moving storage and old goods. Choosing the faster root he soon found himself adjusting to the darkness upstairs.

“She sure loves her toys,” Bertrand mumbled to himself as he stared at the back of Lidia’s blue and silver figure sitting on an old blue trunk. The attic permeated with trunks, boxes and old trinkets piled atop of one another leaving only small dusty passages for the butler. As he approached closer he frowned to see the young miss stare rather excitedly at the small object in her hands. Suddenly her expression morphed into one of sorrow and sadness as the creaking of a wooden plank echoed in the attic. Sure that he had broken her concentration on something important Bertrand stood a few feet away and waited for the lady to pass judgement on his mistake.

“Recall this bauble?” Lidia said sadly. She held up a spherical object with a right-angled triangle jutting out from the top.

“Of course, it was your partner outside of lessons and public events.”

“Amongst my confreres in nobility I was the first to learn it’s secrest and display its proper function,” despite the little light that shone through the fog, a ray had caught Lidia’s brilliant smile through the window.

“A noble achievement indeed,” Bertrand smiled as he bowed in deterrence.

“The trick was tilting the sphere just slightly, like so,” Lidia proceeded to demonstrate. “Till the triangle angled at exactly a quarter of a circle, and spin.”

Lidia spun the ball from the sides, careful to not touch the triangle while it gained momentum on the crate beside her, but her demonstration quickly failed as the triangle became stuck between the plank splinters. Frowning, she mulled the ball between her hands before placing it down with a sigh.

“Those were simpler times, do you not agree?” She turned to look at Bertrand, who nodded in response. “Back then, matters of the dukedom were of little consequence, freedom actually meant something. Now, even if this disaster is dealt with and we recover a little of what is lost there is still the matter of the marriage that mother incessantly brings up. Do you think I would be suited to follow such traditions?”

“…” Bertrand licked his lips. “With your discipline and liveliness I believe you will make a wonderful wife, young miss.”

“I am not averse to the idea of marriage, Bertrand. It is its supplements that I find myself loathing.” Lidia once again picked up the ball and began moving it between her hands. “Often I find myself lost in thought, thinking about life with an equal and deserving partner. That I find tolerable, but when I imagine the men mother have picked out, this tradition becomes repulsive. With those men, surely, my only hobby will be stripped from me and soon mother and father will follow, leaving me all alone in a different household. I have researched on them Bertrand, for example did you know that young lord Willus spends a good amount of time in the taverns and inns drinking himself silly amongst the common. Once he had even killed one of the commen ladies when she refused his invitations, sure he was under influence of wine or mead but I just know that if I were to marry that man he would be abusive and even more repulsive than he already is. If the price of conjoining powerful families and mother’s happiness would be my freedom, bartering this life for a caged one…”

Lidia caught herself from practically yelling at him and played it off with a small series of coughs. Accepting his handkerchief she wiped away any traces of her excitement off her face before staring out the only circular window in the attic, observing the lights of small torches through the thick fog that lay over Yikensworth.

“I would rather burn with those fires than let my freedom be up for sale. I trust you Bertrand, so I trust that what I’ve said won’t leave this room,” Lidia said turning to the butler.

“I serve Lord and Lady von Solus; thus their wish must be my command.” Bertrand cleared his throat, realizing her confusion; “I won’t tell unless they ask, with specificity.”

“Thank you,” Bertrand smiled lovingly as Lidia stored the round trinket in the folds of her dress. “What did you require from me?”

“You’re mother requests you’re presence,” Bertrand said with hesitance.

“Do you suspect she would have spied on us?” Lidia skeptically asked.

“She is able to, but I doubt her duties in such a situation would allow her the distraction to spy on her only child,” Bertrand replied as he led her down the steps he came from.

“Mother possesses the prowess of a Tier 3 witch, she is capable of multitasking.”

Bertrand led in silence, down the hallway and towards the stairs. The scrambling staff on the ground took note of Lidia’s presence and bowed in succession. While Bertrand kept his pace, he gave a reverberating grumble to which the staff quickly dispersed.

“Isn’t mother downstairs?” Lidia asked confusedly.

“Yes my lady-” *Cough* *Cough*

Bertrand was interrupted by a sudden outburst of a racking cough nearby. Fearing the worst he took a large stride, turning the corner to see Mathilda’s hunched over visage leaning at the end of the hallway as she was embroiled in a coughing fit. In a few quick strides he had quickly closed the gap and substituted with the wall as support.

“I-I’m fine,” Mathilda said, annoyed. As she tried to get her breathing under control she turned around and came to face Lidia’s concerned gaze. “Ah, young miss, *cough* you’re mother was requesting your presence.”

“You forgot to mention this was urgent,” Lidia accused Bertrand. Bertrand gazed at Mathila with worry when her eyes caught his and he saw them morph in understanding. He abruptly broke off the stare and chided himself for getting careless.

‘I hope she doesn’t blame herself,’ he thought as sweat broke on his brows.

“It wasn’t, Miss Lidia,” Mathilda said hurriedly. “Bertrand and I had split the work; he would check the attic while I the rest of the first floor, I am not used much exercise you see-.” *Cough*

“I am aware of your weak constitution Mathilda so do not be sorry about such matters,” Lidia comforted Mathilda before turning her attention to Bertrand. Her caring expression suddenly changed to one of disappointment. “However I was not aware of how careless Bertrand could be.”

It was as if a small arrow had pierced his lungs, whether he was feeling embarrassed or afraid it did not matter for he couldn’t speak, he knew he’d done wrong. He knew as a servant he could not speak outright, nor could he entirely blame his wife. Bertrand kept his face expressionless as he bowed slightly in apology.

“Do not bow Bertrand, explain yourself.”

“I had told my wife that she may rest in the rooms if she pleases while I searched the attic. I did not think the matter too urgent and had not anticipated that she may not have shared my sentiments on the matter.”

“Obviously she thought otherwise,” Lidia sighed. “Anyway, why not tell me outright instead of waiting?” Lidia asked.

“Miss Lidia, a servant must only respond to the nobility’s requests, never be rude and speak outright,” Bertrand explained with a level tone.

Lidia stared at the two as her excitement slowly dissipated. She turned around and leading them down the hallway and then stairs.

“You two deserve better than to be treated like mindless workers,” She murmured. “Come on.”

Lidia turned towards the middle door, right of the stairs but before she could reach it Bertrand stepped shuffled around Mathilda and Lidia to hold open the door the ladies. The chamber was a waiting room of sorts; near the walls laid a few Roman Lectus providing an inviting atmosphere as green curtains draped on either side. A small shelve stood opposite containing a few small books for reading pleasure, beside the stand was another door but unlike the previous it contained an eloquent letter above a placard with ‘Von Solus’ writer in similar style. However the insignificant room was not Lidia’s desire, as she directed her attention to the ornate door Bertrand shuffled once more and ushered her inside.

The room was larger than what the waiting room suggested and seemed to be an office of sorts, complete with a central desk, a few chairs and an entire wall dedicated to books. Ornamental figures spanned the entire room concentrating to the book shelves rights being the desk, naturally drawing attention of the servants. However Lidia gave little attention to the ornaments or the designs spanning the walls, instead focusing on the woman perched at the edge of her desk.

The woman wore a tight-fitting velvet dress with her hair neatly kept in an ornate bun and smoked through a church warden pipe. Taking her time in the pleasure, she slowly set the pipe in a tray and turned to face the trio. The woman had beautiful features; a thin arched nose, high cheek-bones and captivating green eyes. Although the woman depended heavily on makeup it didn’t hide her slightly wrinkled skin beneath all the white powder. She smiled in content as she stepped around and leaned in front of her desk, observing the trio.

“Thank you Bertrand, Mathilda. You may vacate,” She ordered. The two bowed low before stiffly leaving out the room closing the door behind them. “Where were you holed up, young lady? I called for your presence ten minutes ago.”

“Why not use some [visum inveniet], I know you favor it.”

“Oh Lidia, why do you still cling to the past? T’was a mere nudge in the right direction, if I had known your weak constitution I would have simply taken care of it myself without your knowledge.”

“They are affiliated with Volvo, if you hurt them mother-”

“There will be no consequences,” the woman coldly said. “Mr. Inkerton would not retaliate, lest he has deceived us about his intelligence all this time. We gave him the power he so relishes in everyday and we can take it away just as easily. He has been overstepping his station for quite some time; asking for more than what we gave, protecting those criminal villagers and bringing those filthy brats in my home. He knows that anymore intolerable behavior will end with his execution, so he will do nothing but sit by.”

“More than what you gave? Criminal villagers?” Lidia murmured. “What do mean by that? What did you do?”

*Tch* Lidia’s mother grimaced at her loose tongue before sighing. “They are events before your time, ones which do not concern you child. However, you should be more concerned about your actions as of late.”

“What do you mean?”

“Did you learn nothing from your lessons the last time those brats invaded our home.”

“Invaded?” Lidia scowled. “They were accompanying Volvo and they only stayed out in the courtyard with me, not like you would know that seeing how you rarely leave the house.”

“Is that the opinion of a future duchess or the rambling of a flirtatious girl?” The woman crossed her arms in expectation.

“I never flirted with them.”

“Oh really?” She said sarcastically. “Hmmm, we never had that conversation so I guess this makes it a first. If you did not flirt with that commoner then how could it have escalated to him placing his hands on you, unless you wanted it? That bourgeois was fortunate I was preoccupied with matters of our dukedom to order his execution.”

“Apparently not preoccupied enough to carry out the ‘lessons’,” Lidia said coldly.

“Correcting the misguided values of my child always comes first,” the mother strolled forward. “But t’is not why I had you summoned, we have more pressing matters at hand as you can see from the situation outside.”

“I know that father has already come up with a plan to defeat them,” Lidia’s hand unconsciously rested on the hip where she had kept her sword. “I plan to assist father in this conquest, fighting alongside him in the frontlines.”

“Lidia!” Lady von exclaimed, mortified. “You will do no such thing! This is a very dangerous situation and I will not have you playing soldier at such a time.”

“I will not be playing soldier, I will fight the monsters alongside father.” Lidia gritted her teeth.

“No, you will do as I say,” Lidia resisted the urge to tremble as her mother grabbed her shoulders. “I still have close ties to the Willus Family and they would surely shelter you for the remainder of this nightmare, until it is safe for you to return. All you need to do is show your uncle Baron Willus this letter and he will know what to do.”

“You expect me to be a messenger? I am a noble; I will earn my title by fighting alongside father and taking back this city. We are Yikensworth nobles, the strongest defenders of Ansdrovea, surely we can take care of an undead outbreak if the Regnum Sancti can take can of a water fly outbreak on the coast.” Lidia turned away and started for the door. “It seems I have found my faith in father wherever you lost it.”

“[Audite vocem]”The duchess shouted as she outstretched her hand which suddenly held a metal staff. “Turn around Lidia.”

Lidia obeyed.

“Walk towards me and accept the letter,” she said as she held out an envelope with a red and white wax seal bearing the insignia of the von Solus household. The smile on her face widened when her daughter walked forward and stretched her hand to accept the envelope. However her smile suddenly turned to shock as Lidia slapped the letter from her hand, causing her to stumble back to her desk. The duchess stared in surprise as her daughter lifted her head to reveal a sly grin.

“I believe mother,” Lidia said as she snatched the staff from her. “That you would find me much stronger than the last time few times you had excercised my free will.”

She held the staff to her mother’s head and pushed it, forcing the Lady to lie on her desk.

“Now then, let us share secrets, [Audite vocem]”

...

Bertrand patiently awaited the departure of the young miss as he sat on a Roman Lectus. He had recently coerced Mathilda into leaving, fearing that the fear and excitement from anticipation may be poor for her health. He shared her worries but due to her weak heart and body he couldn’t bring himself to let her wait alongside him and after hearing the sounds of struggle coming from inside the office he was glad he made the hard decision.

Despite the dangerous situation that had befallen the city Bertrand remained calm and sure of his directive. Being the butler for the von Solus Family, it was his job to oversee all functions in the house that eased the lives of his masters. He sometimes oversaw the duties of his wife when she was unable behind the noble’s backs and similarly helped Lidia with her duties. He found solace in helping her, knowing that his daughter would’ve been the same age had not the incident occurred.

A small growl suddenly escaped his mouth as he remembered in what manner his child had been taken from him. Bertrand didn’t pursure this line of thought for long because suddenly the man who was responsible suddenly came to mind and cold washed over his back as he remembered the savagery and his defeat under overwhelming power of magic. Letting go of a shiver Bertrand resumed re-thinking his priorities; his life revolved around the duty to his masters, the health of his wife and the safe future of his surrogate daughter anything more would only be a blessing.

*Slam*

The door suddenly opposite swung open and the duchess walked out with without a word. Her head was slumped down and her walk seemed crude not disimilar to the undead he’d seen Lord William create. Though, he calmed down when he noticed the still fair and soft skin the mistress still retained. He stood up and awaited her orders but she ignored his presence and continued to walk away in silence. Soon after her departure Lidia followed, murmuring to herself.

“…more practice. Ah Bertrand, is something wrong?”

“…May I inquire about the mistress’s health?” Bertrand stiffly said.

“She is alright Bertrand,” Lidia assured. “She was not feeling well thus she decided to rest in her bedchambers, alone.”

“Very well,” Bertrand bowed as she walked past him.

“Accompany me, Bertrand.”

Following the previous routine he opened the door and followed her out to the hall. Lidia made to turn, facing the main door, but tripped on her spin causing Bertrand to step in. He noticed how warm and sweat stained her face was, but decided not to comment. As he offered her a handkerchief once more she began murmuring to herself.

“Another one? But there are already two.”