After finishing breakfast, I made my way to the library.
According to Father, their trip would take around two days: the first leg by carriage, then the rest by rail and another carriage. I had read about the Annual Vamp Festival before.
As I opened the library door, I was met with a loud thud, causing the floor to vibrate under my feet. Alarmed, I rushed in to see what had caused the noise. To my surprise, I found one of the maids sitting on the floor, surrounded by scattered books, her face pale and eyes wide with shock.
Viktor: "Are you alright?"
Maid: "Huh?"
I offered her a hand, but she quickly pulled away and immediately bowed.
Viktor: "?"
Maid: "My apologies, Lord Viktor, for allowing you to see me in such a state. I'll clean up this mess immediately."
Viktor: "It's alright, no need to apologize…"
As I glanced to my right, I noticed the bookshelf ladder tipping backward. The real problem, though, was that it was directly over her.
"Look out!" I shouted, running toward her. She looked up, realizing the danger, but it was too late for her to react. I lunged forward and shoved her out of the way, hearing the metallic clank as it hit the ground.
...
I came to, hearing soft sobbing nearby. I opened my eyes, tried to sit up, but a sudden wave of pain forced me to stay put. "Is…is someone there?" I asked. The crying grew quiet, and then a timid voice responded, "Lord Viktor?"
Recognizing her voice, I managed to sit up despite the pain and looked at her. Tears streaked her cheeks, and she stared at me with worry.
"I don't blame her," I thought. "She looks to be around my age, so it's natural for her to be so concerned."
As for her appearance, she stood petite at 43 inches tall, her frame small but not fragile. Short, fiery red hair framed her gentle face, where large hazel eyes shone with curiosity and quiet resilience.
I patted her head, assuring her I was fine, though it was far from true. In this world, plebian vampires were often treated terribly: some were sold by their families for money, others worked to the bone with barely enough food. Many were treated as slaves. Some, however, were lucky enough to work under kinder nobles.
Viktor: "By the way, I don't think I know your name?"
Maid: "It's Sophia."
She wiped her tears, then took a step back and bowed.
Viktor: "?"
Sophia: "Um, I'm waiting for my punishment, sir."
I observed the slight tremor in her hands and her shallow, quick breaths, as if she were struggling to contain her fear.
Viktor: "In this world, any slave who misbehaves, disobeys, or causes trouble usually faces terrible punishments from their masters." I paused, then said, "Alright, then."
"Your punishment is that from now on, you'll be my personal maid."
Sophia: "?! Lord Viktor, excuse me for questioning you, but…are you sure you want that?"
Viktor: "Mhmm."
Sophia: "As you wish."