A young girl—no older than sixteen—carried a tray.
On it rested a delicate teapot, warm steam curling upward in soft spirals, alongside two white cups adorned with intricate golden dragon engravings.
'Come on, Lilith… you can do this. It's your first day. You don't want to get fired, right? You barely got this job in the first place…'
She walked carefully down a long white corridor, her steps quiet against the red carpet beneath her feet. Above, elegant chandeliers shaped like blooming flowers cast a soft, golden glow.
The walls were lined with paintings.
Beautiful.
And strange.
She slowed for a moment, stopping in front of one.
'…That's terrifying.'
The painting depicted a stunning woman—her beauty almost unnatural. But her skin… it was cracking.
Splitting open.
And from within—
faces.
Twisted, laughing faces, pushing outward as if trying to escape.
Lilith shivered.
The tray tilted dangerously in her hands before she tightened her grip.
'Focus, Lilith. Your job. The tea—before it gets cold.'
She shook her head sharply and continued forward, quickening her pace.
The maid uniform didn't quite fit her. The sleeves were slightly too long, the fabric unfamiliar.
But she ignored it.
Money mattered more.
She stopped in front of a massive door.
Three meters tall.
Two meters wide.
Pure white—
Covered in intricate carvings of a blooming rose, from which a river of honey seemed to flow. The details shimmered faintly, traced in gold.
'…Is that real gold?'
She raised her hand to knock—
"…They say those who live long see much. Still… I didn't expect to be invited to meet you, Fenir."
Lilith froze.
The voice came from inside.
Soft.
Feminine.
Smooth as silk.
She hesitated for a second… then shook her head again.
'Not my business.'
She knocked.
A voice answered immediately.
Firm.
Male.
"Enter."
Her chest tightened.
But she suppressed it instantly.
She pushed the door open—
And blinked.
Despite its size, it moved effortlessly.
Runes, she realized.
Active ones.
Constantly working.
---
The room beyond was… breathtaking.
White.
Not ordinary white—but a pristine, almost luminous white, like it had been carved from pure stone.
The carpet beneath her feet was deep red, decorated with intricate black and violet patterns. Even through her tight leather shoes, she could almost feel its softness.
The furniture was black, cushioned with rich red fabric.
Luxurious.
Refined.
A dark desk stood nearby, etched with golden fox motifs.
Everything in the room whispered wealth.
Power.
Control.
Then—
"You. What are you staring at? Come here."
Lilith turned quickly toward the voice.
There was an open balcony.
Two elegant black chairs.
A small white table between them.
And seated there—
A woman.
Beautiful.
Her black hair was tied neatly back, with a single stray strand resting across her forehead. Her honey-colored eyes gleamed softly, her skin flawless.
She wore simple, practical clothes—a white shirt and black trousers.
Yet somehow… she dominated the space.
Across from her sat a young man.
Equally striking.
Sharp features.
Dark eyes.
Black hair like the night itself.
His noble attire was unmistakable.
He didn't just wear status—
He was it.
He looked at Lilith with clear irritation.
"Do your thoughts need oiling? I told you to come closer."
Lilith flinched slightly.
"I—I'm sorry, sir. I'm new."
She hurried forward, steadying the tray with practiced care.
One by one, she placed the cups as she had been taught.
Then she lifted the teapot—
And poured.
Golden liquid flowed smoothly from the narrow spout into the woman's cup.
The woman lifted it, inhaled softly…
And smiled.
A relaxed, satisfied smile.
"Looks like you didn't forget my favorite drink, Feni."
(A teasing nickname.)
Lilith poured the second cup for the man, then stepped back, holding the now-empty tray.
Fenir frowned slightly.
"I'm not a child, you idiot. And I serve all my guests Peak Linriak tea."
The woman's smile turned… strange.
Playful.
"Really? That's a terrible lie. Who would visit someone as unpleasant as you?"
"Shut up."
His tone snapped cold.
Then his gaze shifted to Lilith—
who was still standing there.
"Why are you still here? Leave."
Lilith hesitated.
"I—I'm sorry, sir, but I think—"
"Leave. I don't want to hear anything."
She lowered her head quickly.
"Yes, sir."
She turned and began to walk out.
Slowly.
Quietly.
But just before she stepped beyond the door—
She heard the woman speak again.
"So… why did you ask to meet me?"
Silence filled the room for a brief moment.
Then—
Fenir's voice.
Calm.
Heavy.
"Do you know the legend of Marlit…"
A pause.
"…the woman the world killed?"