Ethan's POV
"Brother Ethan... Brother Ethan!"
"Huh? Oh, yes, Virelle."
"Don't you agree with me?"
"Um... Yes, of course."
I nodded vigorously like a chick pecking rice grains and swiftly steered the conversation to a more serious topic.
"Virelle, is your Master, Duchess Altheria currently present in the castle? I need to speak with her about my Master's whereabouts."
I inquired with a concerned expression as thoughts of Master Nyx flooded my mind. I wasn't worried about her physical well-being as nothing could harm her but it was her mental state that troubled me.
Despite the cold and tough persona that she deliberately showed to me, I knew how deeply she cared for me though she tried her best to conceal it.
Well, she certainly isn't an expert at hiding her emotions. I smiled inwardly and shook my head slightly.
"I don't know, Brother Ethan. My Master's whereabouts and actions are often a mystery to me. I'll have to check myself."
I nodded, my tone warm as I made a request.
"Let's go, Virelle. You check on the Duchess, and I'll wake Velcy."
"Ah, I completely forgot about that little girl."
Virelle gave me a curious look as if brimming with unasked questions, but she hesitated. Then she simply smiled and composed herself.
"Let's go, Brother Ethan."
I nodded and followed her through the narrow exit corridor which led to the dark spiraling staircase.
As we descended, an unsettling memory of the light night surfaced in my mind.
The sealed door with its enormous lock entwined with ominous red and black threads had planted a seed of dread inside my heart and I still remembered the fear I had felt on hearing its pounding.
I glanced at Virelle and saw her walking ahead in casual steps and she seemed totally unbothered as if nothing was amiss around our surroundings.
I remained cautious and reasoned that whatever malevolent force lingered behind that door did not react in her presence.
After all, she had never mentioned it to me even a single time in the last night.
Surely, if anything significant had occurred in the past, she would have at least given me a warning.
I was still wary, and I followed her calmly. Just as I anticipated, nothing unusual happened. But when we reached the landing, my gaze instinctively shifted toward the black door at the far end.
I froze and was utterly shocked to find that the thick threads of red and black that had once covered the enormous bronze lock were gone. The giant bronze lock now appeared ordinary and devoid of the sinister bindings that had once marked it. A cold shiver ran down my spine, but I maintained my composure.
Without letting my expression change, I turned to Virelle who had suddenly taken my hand in hers. Her delicate fingers intertwined with mine as she held my hand tightly.
I smiled at her reassuringly and asked in a casual and nonchalant tone,
"Virelle, who lives in that room with the giant lock?" I gestured toward the accursed door.
She followed my gaze and stared at the door for a long time before speaking. A shadow flickered across her face as hesitation laced her features and she seemed afraid of something.
"Virelle?"
"Yeah... Brother Ethan. Sorry, I was lost in my thoughts." she murmured.
"I just don't know how to explain this to you. I had asked Master once about who lived in that room, but she had ignored my question."
Her voice dropped to a near whisper.
"I've never seen anyone enter it, but..."
Her uncertainty was palpable, like a whisper of unease brushing against the edges of her mind, as if she were grasping for the right words but finding only silence in return.
"But what? Go on, Virelle."
She exhaled softly and glanced at the door before continuing.
"Since the first day I arrived in this castle, this room has always been locked with that giant bronze lock. And every time I look at it... I feel uneasy. It's like something inside is always watching me. It makes my heart pound in a way I can't explain."
Her voice wavered, and she held my hand a little tighter.
"That's why, Brother, it would be better if you don't try anything with it. I am a hundred percent sure that it's an ominous place. And I would know as I have been staying in front of it for so many years."
I nodded and squeezed her hand with both of mine as I attempted to assure her gently.
"Don't worry, baby. I would never do anything you ask me not to."
As my words registered in her ears, suddenly her face lit up in pure delight but something about her reaction made an ominous feeling settle in my chest as if I had unknowingly made a grave mistake.
My instincts were confirmed when she leaned in closer and spoke in a voice that was laced with a hint of teasing but mostly filled with anticipation.
"Can you promise me that, Brother?"
She closed the short distance between us and rested her golden head softly on my chest. Her fingers traced slow and feather-light patterns over my chest, each touch both hesitant and possessive as if she feared my answer yet craved for it all the same.
My heart pounded at her sudden question and I hesitated briefly but didn't want to disappoint her.
She was already deeply traumatized by that dream and the towering pressure of her family who had set up her engagement without her approval only made it more difficult for us.
I knew she was deeply concerned about our growing relationship
Well, it is just a little promise. She probably wouldn't even remember it later.
"Of course, anything for my lovely Virelle."
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Her eyes sparkled with warmth as I cupped her cheeks and leaned my head down to press my lips against hers in a gentle kiss.
I poured all my love into that moment and savored her insides.