"Grab the rope tightly."
Logen's deep voice cut through the air.
"Okay."
Leo's tone was calm, but her grip on the rope was firm.
Logen pulled the reins, and the horse started moving forward, its hooves clattering against the stone road. A sharp neigh echoed as they rode.
"So… what's your name, miss?" Logen asked, glancing sideways at her.
"I… uh… I'm Mion." Leo's voice trembled slightly despite her attempt at composure.
At her words, Logen's eyes narrowed. Suspicion flickered across his face, subtle yet undeniable, as if he sensed a lie hidden beneath her calm exterior.
Minutes later, they arrived at a grand estate. Logen tugged the rope, and the horse came to a halt in front of a massive gate painted in crisp white with red stripes.
"This is my house," Logen said, eyes sweeping over the estate.
He dismounted first, and Leo followed. She couldn't help but gape at the surroundings.
"So this is… your house? It's huge," she breathed, impressed.
Logen chuckled, a soft and gentle sound. "Haha, thanks. Come with me."
Crossing the gate, Leo's eyes widened at the sight of a lush, vibrant flower garden. Servants moved gracefully among the blooms, carefully watering them under the afternoon sun.
Captain Logen's house… it's beautiful, Leo thought, her gaze narrowing slightly as she glanced at him.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
The door swung open to reveal an elderly man dressed in a black-and-white servant uniform with a blue tie. His hair, streaked white and black, framed his calm, dignified face.
"Welcome home, sir," the old man said with deep respect.
Then his gaze fell upon Leo. His eyes widened in curiosity.
"My… sir, she is…?" Karl's voice carried a mixture of surprise and polite questioning.
"Oh, her?" Logen's voice softened as he turned toward Leo. "Yes. She is our guest. Show her to her quarters, and give her anything she needs."
"Yes, my sir. As you wish," Karl replied with reverence.
"You can come with me. I will show you the way," Karl added, his tone gentle, his expression softening toward Leo.
"Y… yes!" Leo nodded, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.
Man, why am I feeling this nervous… I need to calm down, she thought, stepping forward.
"Once you're refreshed, I need to talk with you," Logen said calmly, his face composed yet thoughtful.
"O… okay." Leo's heart thudded in her chest.
Talk? Is he… suspicious of me?
She followed Karl through the garden, her mind racing.
At the doorway stood a young maid, her uniform black and white, hair a flowing golden cascade, eyes a curious green—she looked about twenty-two.
"Sir, do you know her?" the maid asked politely, her soft voice tinged with curiosity.
Logen's gaze drifted to the flowers, avoiding the question. "No. I don't know her either."
"Oh, I see… I thought you might know her. Sorry for asking," she said gently, a hint of unease in her tone.
"No, it's alright," Logen replied with a warm smile. "But she did tell me her name is Mion. And it seems she's in some trouble."
The maid's lips curved into a small, amused smile. "Oh… I was a little shocked. That girl… wearing men's sleeping pajamas?"
Logen's smile deepened, gentle yet knowing. "Heh… yes, that's why I wanted to help her. To care for her… and give her the clothes she needs."
"As you wish, sir. I will take care of her," the maid said with a soft, respectful nod.
The evening sky burned red as the sun sank halfway behind the horizon. Doves circled in the air, their wings brushing against the fading light, while streaks of white clouds drifted lazily overhead.
Inside Leo's mansion, the head maid, Dalia, hummed softly as she tidied her master's bed. A gentle smile played on her lips, her movements calm and precise.
"Miss, Master Leo is missing. Did you see him anywhere?"
Another maid, Ryu, stepped into the room. Her skin was a warm brown tone, her blue hair tied neatly under her maid's cap, her matching eyes filled with unease.
"Ohh~ I haven't seen him," Dalia replied softly, her gaze shifting toward Ryu with serene confidence. Then, with a knowing smirk, she added, "But don't worry… He's on a mission—one we've all been waiting for."
With that, Dalia pulled away the white bedsheets.
Seeing her calm expression, Ryu's worry melted into relief. She let out a small smile.
"Yes, Miss."
Meanwhile, in Logen's estate—
The guest room sparkled in the golden evening light. The chamber was vast, its polished floor covered with a blue carpet patterned in gold trim.
Standing in front of a tall mirror was Leo. She now wore a shirtwaist dress—its bodice cut like a crisp button-up shirt with a collar and neat front buttons. Full-length sleeves draped modestly over her arms, cinched at the waist by a pale belt. The skirt flared outward gently, creating an elegant A-line silhouette.
"Wow! This suits you perfectly, Miss Mion!" the maid exclaimed, her eyes glittering with admiration.
"Uh… th-thanks…" Leo forced a smile, but it quickly faded, her golden eyes wavering as she stared at her reflection.
Man… what is this? What am I even doing…?
Her face paled, and her chest tightened with unease.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
Leo jolted at the sound. Someone rapped firmly on the door.
"Yes?" she asked, rising quickly from the bed and stepping closer.
"It's me. Logen Bon Arnold. May I have a word with you?"
The calm voice carried through the wood.
"O-Of course!" Leo stammered, fumbling with the handle before pulling the door open.
Logen stood there, now dressed in a formal tailcoat. Decorative fabric buttons lined the front in neat rows, while a mandarin-style high collar framed his composed face. Wide cuffs with button detailing wrapped around his wrists, and flap pockets decorated the waist. A silken brown-gold lining peeked faintly from within the coat's folds.
His eyes widened the moment he saw Leo.
"Wow… You look perfect now."
Leo laughed awkwardly, sweat beading on her forehead.
"Haha… thanks."
Damn it! What the hell is going on here?!
Her teeth clenched, rage simmering inside, but she forced her expression calm under Logen's gaze.
"Come with me," Logen said simply, turning on his heel.
"O-Okay!" Leo followed, nervousness plain on her face.
Trailing behind him, she studied the captain's back, her golden eyes narrowing.
What does he want from me? Does he suspect something…?
As if sensing her stare, Logen glanced back.
"Do you want to tell me something?" His tone was calm, even.
Leo jerked her head, forcing a smile.
"Uhh, no… nothing."
Moments later, they arrived at the library. The scent of old parchment filled the air as Logen paused at the threshold.
"Actually, I've been reading here today. If you don't mind, shall we talk in this place?" He smiled gently, gesturing inside.
"Hmm, sure," Leo replied.
They stepped into the vast room, its walls lined with towering bookshelves crammed with countless volumes. A rich blue-and-white carpet stretched across the floor, muffling their steps.
"Wow… it's huge. Did you read all of these?" Leo asked, her eyes widening as she turned in awe.
"Haha, impossible. No human could read everything," Logen replied with a low, elegant laugh. "But… I've read quite a lot."
The library glowed softly under the warm light of the lamps, their golden haze spilling across shelves crammed with ancient tomes. Shadows stretched long between the rows, painting the quiet chamber with a solemn stillness.
At the center, a polished table stood. On one side sat Logen, his posture upright, his presence heavy. Across from him, Leo rested uneasily, her hands folded on her lap, the faint tremor in her shoulders betraying her calm mask.
"So, miss…" Logen's voice rumbled low, each word carrying weight. "I have something I must ask you."
His eyes locked on her—piercing, unwavering—like a man searching for cracks in armor.
Leo swallowed, lowering her gaze. "Sure… I also need help from you, Sir Logen." Her voice wavered despite her effort, and the sadness etched in her expression made her words tremble all the more.
Logen studied her carefully. His gaze lingered a moment longer before he turned slightly, eyes drifting toward the endless rows of books towering above them.
"…I never invite strangers into my home," he said at last, his tone measured, deliberate. Then his head turned back, sharply—those stern eyes catching Leo's again, trapping her like a blade's edge.
"The only reason I invited you…" His words cut through the silence.
Leo froze. Her nervous expression, the flicker of fear in her golden eyes—it all reflected in the depths of Logen's stare.
"You are cursed, aren't you?"