The Cruelty of Reality
Rias continued in a quiet voice.
"They were adopted by the auction house and trained to become professional maids. Loyalty was the only thing they were taught. The auction house became their entire world."
Selena's gaze slowly moved toward another maid.
The girl looked barely older than her.
Yet her eyes told a different story.
There was no innocence in them.
No curiosity.
Only exhaustion.
It was the kind of weariness that felt completely wrong on such a young face.
Selena's fingers tightened around the mask in her hand.
Rias noticed but said nothing.
After a brief silence, she continued.
"There is no light left in their hearts anymore. You can see it yourself."
Her voice grew softer.
"This isn't something that only happens here. Almost every major faction has people like them. Powerful families. Great sects. Even the royal family."
Selena remained silent.
Her eyes lingered on the maid.
The girl stood perfectly still.
