After Emi's announcement, the foyer erupted into lively conversation.
Servants appeared seemingly out of nowhere—Mara wasn't sure where they'd come from; they were simply there—carrying trays of sparkling wine and delicate appetizers that looked almost too beautiful to eat.
Mara accepted a glass more out of nerves than thirst and followed Mordred, Cecilia, Beckie, and Alice toward a quieter corner of the foyer, where they could talk without shouting over the general buzz.
"This is absolutely luxurious," Beckie said, her eyes shining as she looked around. "I knew the marchioness was rich, but this…"
"Exceeds expectations, doesn't it?" a new but familiar voice finished.
They all turned to see two girls approaching: one with jet-black hair styled in an elegant bun, sharp gray eyes, and a deep red dress that hugged her curves perfectly; the other with light brown, wavy hair falling over her shoulders, honey-colored eyes, and a golden dress that shimmered under the chandelier's light.
"Rae!" Mordred exclaimed, immediately recognizing the black-haired woman.
"Hello, Mordred," Rae replied with an elegant smile. "It's been a while." "And you must be Emi," Alice said, turning to the brown-haired girl.
Wait—Emi? But she'd just seen Emi on the balcony…
Reading her confusion, the girl laughed softly.
"No, I'm Yuna," she introduced herself. "Emi is my sister. The one who made the announcement."
"Oh," Mara said, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Sorry, I just—"
"Thought we looked alike?" Yuna finished with amusement. "Don't worry, it happens all the time. Though honestly, I don't see the resemblance."
"That's because you're blind," Rae teased, nudging Yuna lightly.
The group expanded to include the newcomers, forming a more intimate conversational circle amid the controlled chaos of the foyer.
"So," Rae began, sipping her drink, "is this everyone's first time here? Well, except Mordred and Cecilia, of course."
"It's my first time," Mara admitted. "And mine," Beckie added.
"Fascinating," Rae murmured, and there was something about the way she looked at Mara that made her feel subtly examined—not uncomfortable, exactly, but intense.
"Do you work directly for the marchioness?" Alice asked Rae.
"On certain projects, yes," Rae replied vaguely. "I have… special talents she finds useful."
Before they could ask more, another figure appeared.
This time, it was definitely Emi—now that Mara had Yuna for comparison, the differences were obvious. Emi carried a more commanding presence, an energy that demanded attention.
"There you are," Emi said with satisfaction, joining the circle. "Reiko wanted to make sure all the special girls were comfortable."
"Special girls?" Cecilia repeated, raising an eyebrow.
Emi smiled.
"Those with particularly… interesting Skills. Or unique appearances. Or both."
Her gaze lingered briefly on Mara at the last part, making Mara's
cheeks warm slightly.
"The marchioness has a weakness for the extraordinary," Emi
continued. "And tonight, they've gathered an impressive collection."
"How flattering," Mordred commented dryly, though her grin suggested she didn't truly mind.
"Where's Reiko?" Alice asked. "I'm surprised she hasn't shown up yet." "She's with the marchioness, finishing up the final details," Yuna
replied. "But don't worry—you'll see them soon. They're planning a…
memorable entrance."
The conversation flowed naturally from one topic to another—the mansion, the journey, expectations for the night. There was laughter, light teasing, and an easy camaraderie, surprising given that some of them had only just met.
Mara found herself relaxing, her initial nerves dissolving into the warmth of the group. These girls—Mordred, Cecilia, Beckie, Alice, Rae, Emi, Yuna—all so different, yet bound by something shared: acceptance of who they were, what they desired, and the pleasures they sought without shame or apology.
This feels right, Mara thought, taking another sip of sparkling wine. It
feels like… belonging.
"What are you thinking about?" Beckie asked softly, leaning closer.
Mara smiled.
"That I'm glad I'm here."
Beckie smiled back and clinked her glass gently against Mara's in a
silent toast.
Suddenly, the lights in the foyer flickered. Once.
Twice. Three times.
The conversations gradually faded as everyone noticed the change.
Then, from somewhere deeper within the mansion, music began to play.
It wasn't ordinary music—it was sensual, hypnotic, with a rhythm that seemed to sync with the heartbeat.
"That's the signal," Emi said, her eyes shining with anticipation. "The marchioness is ready."
As if choreographed, the large doors at the far end of the foyer—doors Mara hadn't even noticed before, so seamlessly integrated into the wall—began to open slowly.
They revealed a hall even larger than the foyer, bathed in soft, warm light, with luxurious carpets and cushions scattered everywhere—and at the center, on a slightly raised platform…
There she was. Marchioness Dahlia.
Even from a distance, she was impossible to ignore. Her presence filled the space like an intoxicating perfume.
"It's time," Emi announced, her smile promising wonderful and terrible things alike. "Let the party begin."