After finishing his preparations, Alaric stepped out from his room and made his way through the manor's familiar corridors.
The morning light streamed through tall windows, casting patterns across the polished floors.
As he rounded a corner, he spotted a familiar figure near one of the decorative alcoves.
Up ahead, Iris was once again busying herself with the vases, carefully dusting their curved surfaces. Her silver hair was neatly pinned back.
She didn't seem to notice him at first, her focus entirely on her task.
Tap! Tap!
Then at the sound of his approaching footsteps, she paused the work and turned.
She froze for the briefest moment as her eyes took in his form, then turned her head away quickly, resuming her work as though nothing had happened.
"Good morning, my ever-diligent maid," Alaric said standing few arms' length from her with faint smirk curling his lips as gave her a slow, exaggerated bow dripped with mockery.
