In one of the mansion's most discreet underground areas stretched an austere yet immaculate corridor. The walls, made of polished black steel, dimly reflected the white light that ran in a continuous line along both sides. The floor, made of oak stained a deep jet black, cushioned each step and gave the sensation of walking on solid shadow. The air down there was cool, silent, and almost solemn.
Saiko moved down the corridor with her characteristic natural elegance. She wore blue linen trousers and a white turtleneck sweater that contrasted sharply with the darkness of the place. Her expression was calm, calculating, yet full of purpose: it wasn't common for her to descend to this part of the mansion, the most hidden of all, a place few were allowed to access.
Reaching the end of the passage, she paused unhurriedly and looked up. Before her stood an enormous reinforced steel door, solid as a wall, guarding whatever lay beyond. It was a structure designed not only to block access, but to be an impenetrable obstacle for most people.
– It's strange coming around here – Saiko commented calmly as she knocked on the door in a perfect pattern – But Miss Olivia wants the plans to start working before the party, and it's my duty, as the person in charge of this area, to follow her orders."
The iron door opened just as Saiko's "special touch" ended, revealing the interior: a simple living room with white furniture, a compact kitchen, and a common area equipped to accommodate up to eight people, decorated with gray furniture.
On the sofa, the only inhabitant of the place rested with an almost unnatural serenity. She was a girl with purplish-black hair, short on the sides and longer in the back, always adorned with a white ribbon decorated with wing details. Her large, round eyes shone with an intense violet hue, and her skin was so pale it seemed to emit its own light.
She wore an elegant ensemble consisting of a short black dress with a longer, second layer in the back, over which she wore a white apron with purple trim and geometric patterns inspired by butterflies. Her outfit was completed with a small, matching cap adorned with stiff wings at the sides, as well as black stockings and lightweight shoes designed for silent movement.
– It's a pleasure to see you again, Suiren – Saiko greeted her with a kind smile as she walked over and sat down beside her. The girl didn't take her eyes off her for a second – How have you been since we last saw each other?
– It's a pleasure to see you again, Saiko – Suiren replied with a flawless smile, as still and perfect as it had been the moment Saiko entered – What do you need from me today?
– Well… Miss Olivia wanted to know how things are going with the spies – Saiko said, a slight tremor in her smile noticeable due to Suiren's frankness – She mentioned needing to know if she can count on them before the UA entrance exam, for some specific situations.
– And what situations would those be? – Suiren asked, fixing her with a concentrated gaze, as if analyzing every micro-expression – The arrangement the family is orchestrating behind Lefki's back… or the plan the young master does know about?
– A bit of both – Saiko replied, adopting a more serious tone – They want you to gather information about the students who will be in the same year as the whole family.
– Purpose? I need to know what approach I should take – Suiren asked, tilting her head slightly to one side, though her expression remained as impassive as ever – Are you looking for just basic information… or something more specific in certain areas?
– Basic information on each student, some photos of their appearance, and a psychological profile would be sufficient – Saiko explained, feeling a little uncomfortable under the maid's impassive face, though she maintained a perfect facade of seriousness – Do you think your spy network can handle it?
– I'll see what I can get of what you're asking for – Suiren replied with effortless ease – The basic information will be easy to obtain through one of the channels, and I can gather the photos later online. The only drawback would be the psychological profile… but I'm sure I can have it before the Alepou enroll at UA.
– I'm glad to hear that – Saiko said, forcing a slight smile – How about I come by next week to pick up what you've managed to get?
– No problem – Suiren replied in her usual tone: mildly cheerful, but devoid of any real emotion – I'll expect your visit next week, then.
– In that case, I'll let you get on with your work – Saiko added as she turned and headed for the door – Have a good day.
Saiko walked with a certain unease, feeling the maid's fixed gaze on her back until she finally reached the exit. She didn't regain her composure until the heavy steel door closed behind her. Only then did she let out a long sigh of relief.
– Every encounter with her is awkward – Saiko murmured, trying to regain her usual composure as she felt the discomfort rising from her chest, to the point of making her sweat despite the extreme cold of the corridor – She's the only maid who makes me feel this way... and to think that Master Lefki was the one who rebuilt her after her accident.
– Ever since the first time I saw her after her reconstruction, I haven't been able to avoid this feeling every time I'm in front of her – she continued, now a little calmer, although a slight tremor ran through her body – That emptiness inside her, with barely a small flame that only ignites because of Lefki... that terrifies me. Master Lefki forged a unique and beautiful bond with each servant in the mansion, one that was born and grew over time.
– But Suiren… she's different. Her bond with Lefki isn't affection, respect, or gratitude like the other servants. It's her reason for being. For her, Lefki is everything. All the other siblings or servants are nothing more than dust in his room – Saiko said, leaning against one of the cold steel walls – That's why Lefki assigned her the only task that makes him uncomfortable: the spy network. He knows that if she detects an external threat, he'll be the first to know.
– Lefki knows the family is capable of hatching plans behind his back that he would reject, like the one they're organizing right now for his own good – Saiko said, weakly sitting up, forcing her body to move – But fortunately, even though Lefki is a prodigy at reading everything around him, as long as Talia and the other siblings maintain order, the charade can hold up.
– The only real variable the family has to face is Suiren – Saiko continued, moving hesitantly down the corridor – She's the only one who neither accepts nor rejects the plan. Her ultimate, absolute, and unconditional loyalty is solely to Lefki.
– That's why it's like walking on a razor's edge… – she whispered, feeling her legs begin to tremble again – Because the instant she considers something a cause for concern, Lefki will know.
With effort, Saiko continued down the corridor until she reached the secret entrance connected to the library. She activated the mechanism, and the door opened, revealing Camie waiting for her. Seeing Saiko's condition as she emerged, pale and trembling, on the verge of collapse, Camie reacted immediately and caught her in her arms just before Saiko gave out.
– Saiko, what happened to you? – Camie asked, her concern evident, as she supported the other caregiver and gently helped her lie down – I thought you were just visiting Suiren.
– She probably poisoned the air with something debilitating – Saiko murmured, coughing as her body trembled with sheer weakness – Luckily, it was a small dose. Even so, I was able to give her the mission... and she accepted."
– That's good – Camie replied, unable to hide her relief as she lifted her into her arms – I'll inform Olivia after I take you to the infirmary. Do you know why I would do something like poison you?
– It's... a warning – Saiko whispered, her consciousness already slipping away – To remind us... to be careful that our plan doesn't end up hurting Lefki.
Her breathing became heavy, almost a sigh.
– Tell the medical ward... it's wisteria poison...
Her words trailed off as her body finally succumbed to a deep, forced sleep. Camie, frowning with a mixture of worry and indignation, tightened her grip and hurried toward the infirmary with a determined stride.