Scrubbing and scrubbing...
Continuously...
[Lior: Uff..]
Lior wiped the sweat from his forehead with the sleeve of his uniform.
[Lior: It's exactly how I imagined it—hard, even if it doesn't look like it]
Cleaning the floor was a simple task, but it depended on how long the area to be cleaned was. If the space stretched too far, then at some point it would turn into exhausting and tedious work.
[Lior: It's not nyice having to clean such a long floor, this is already starting to feel like forced labor, nya]
The corridor was very, very long, stretching from one end of the mansion all the way to its center.
[Lior: Soak… and scrub]
It was a simple but torturous combination.
[Lior: It's getting late… I need to hurry, because on top of this, I still have to clean the windows]
Lior was starting to feel pressed for time, since his order clearly said, "Finish before nightfall."
[Lior: Now that I think about it… what year is this world even in? The Middle Ages lasted about a thousand years, I think. So where does all this fall?]
The Middle Ages lasted from the 5th century to the end of the 15th century, and from what he could tell…
[Lior: In this world I can assume the Romans never existed, and there are several nyew languages I don't understand]
It was safe to say that in this new world there were many changes compared to his original one.
[Lior: And on top of that… considering magic, they might have developed faster than humans did in my world]
That would change many things, making everything far more confusing, since Lior knew almost nothing about magic.
[Lior: Ahg… it's so awful being ignorant, nya]
"I need to learn more about this world if I want to survive."
The foundations could be the same as in his world, since Lior had clearly seen that slaves existed, nobles existed, hierarchies existed—everything basic. It would be correct to say they were still fully in a medieval era, albeit a more fantastical and different one.
[Lior: All I can do is wait and see what happens. I have no choice but to follow the young master's orders]
"I'm his slave, after all."
Who was he, really? No idea—Lior only knew that he was a noble and that he had lost his parents.
[Lior: I don't understand the purpose for which he bought me, so for now I won't question it—it's not in my best interest]
Submitting was the only peaceful way Lior had to survive, and even better if it was under a rich noble who could easily provide him with food. The quality of the food mattered the least; just having a place to live and sleep was enough.
[Lior: I'm lucky I didn't end up kyon some rotten noble]
The master he had now had some strange fetishes, along with a serious obsession with his maids.
[Lior: I hope he doesn't do anything barbaric. Well… I'm a man, so he shouldn't do anything to me, nya]
By his logic, being a man meant he shouldn't suffer sexual abuse, so in that regard he felt slightly at ease.
[Lior: Although… you never know what the future holds]
Yeah… that was true.
[Lior: Well, I can't get distracted anymore. I have to finish this task quickly. I really don't want to be punished—just thinking about it scares me]
Whippings… gods, they must hurt so much.
[Lior: Huh?]
"…"
While Lior was thinking about that, two maids walked past the cat boy. He was so absorbed in his inner monologue that he didn't hear anyone approaching.
[Lior: Mhm…]
The two maids passed by whispering things into each other's ears. One had brown hair, and the other had black hair.
[Lior: I suppose it can't be helped that I'll be made fun of. After all, I'm a man dressed as a woman, and that looks very bad in these times]
"I'll have to get used to it," was what he kept telling himself.
The women, upon noticing him, gave Lior a faint, mocking smile and slowly walked away, until they finally stopped and entered a room.
[Lior: What are they going to do? Well, I guess it's none of my inkusiness]
Lior's only mission was to scrub the floor until it shone. He didn't have to care about what others were doing—except for his master. That was the one thing he always had to pay attention to.
[Lior: My life right now depends on my master, since he decides things for me]
At this moment, his young master was something like a god to him—though just thinking of it that way made Lior feel deeply disgusted.
[Lior: Ah… I'm almost done… I just have to finish cleaning this floor, and the floor on the other side, and the windows, and the windows on the other side…]
"…"
[Lior: Hah… I still have a long way to go… I need to hurry, I have to finish before nightfall, nya]
Lior began scrubbing the floor faster, since his time was very limited.
[Lior: Scrub… clean…]
Clean… the floor…
Scrub… scrub…
"…"
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The passage of time is something many humans fear; it tells you how close you are to dying, and what people want least is to lose their lives.
Time passes very quickly when you're not paying attention to it, which is why it should be used and optimized to the fullest—although many people waste their lives doing stupid things.
Some use that time to cook, others to eat, others to harvest, others to work, others to play, and so on. If there were a list that named every activity you could do, it would be practically infinite.
"…"
Nightfall was about to arrive, and Lior was still cleaning.
[Lior: Hah… this is really wearing me out… the good thing is that I only have this window left, nya]
Lior was already finishing cleaning his last window.
This window, like the others, was quite large. Because of that, and because of the floors he had cleaned beforehand, it took Lior several hours to finish everything he had been ordered to do. Still, the timing worked out well—by the time he finished cleaning, night was already falling. The time limit was coming to an end, and the fruits of his labor would finally be inspected.
[Lior: So… uh… okay… mhm… There, I'm done]
Lior finally finished.
[Lior: Auhh… Uff… What a shitty job. I knew I was going to get tired, but not this much]
At last, Lior had finished cleaning the floors of both corridors and every one of their windows.
[Lior: Now I just have to wait for Chi—]
[Chiyo: Hello, you're finished already, right?]
[Lior: KYA! Uff… cof-cof… um… y-yes, Miss]
Lior had just finished his work when, out of nowhere, Chiyo appeared. She stood in her usual maid posture, looking at Lior, who was standing on a small wooden platform.
[Chiyo: I already checked the other corridor, so I just need to inspect this one—though from here I can see you did it well]
[Lior: …]
[Chiyo: You must be hungry, right? You haven't eaten anything all day]
[Lior: Ah… y-yes… I am a little hungry]
[Chiyo: Then take this, it's a small reward for your first job]
Chiyo stepped closer to Lior and took out a piece of bread from a small cloth she was carrying in her hand. She didn't smile, nor did she show any sign of pity toward him; it seemed she was simply following orders.
Seeing the bread, Lior climbed down from his little wooden stool and received it from Chiyo.
[Lior: Th-thank you very much… Miss Chiyo]
[Chiyo: Thank the young master. I'm only following his orders. It seems he has a special fondness for you]
[Lior: Nyam… mhm… Nh-hm?]
A special fondness? What did she mean by that?
[Chiyo: It's quite strange for the young master to treat a new maid so well. You should be grateful for his mercy toward you]
[Lior: Mhm…]
"How strange."
Why would his master treat him differently? Perhaps it was because of his odd fetish of dressing him like a woman.
"That explains some things, but I don't want to overthink it."
Yeah, it was better not to think about it and just follow orders.
Then Chiyo cast a glance from head to toe over the beast boy, who was eating his bread in small bites.
"My mouth isn't as big as it used to be. I can barely take proper bites."
His mouth really was small now that he actually noticed it, but well—at least it helped make his figure look more proper and prettier.
"Thanks to this body, I have a place to live."
His body had been chosen by the master—for whatever reason. That wasn't his concern, and he wasn't going to question it either. It wasn't worth wasting time thinking about the stupid things his master might be into.
[Lior: Nyam… mhm…]
[Chiyo: Now, you have to come with me. We need to prepare the main dining hall. There are already several maids helping, but it will be good for you to learn]
[Lior: Mhm… Ah? Ah… ahem… y-yes, Miss, nya]
"…"
The main dining hall was presumably for the master's dinner, so it was quite normal for special food to be prepared for him.
[Lior: Nyam…]
[Chiyo: …]
[Lior: Mhm… I'm finished eating, Miss]
[Chiyo: Huh? Ah… alright, then follow me]
Chiyo began to move, and Lior followed her—though it seemed fate was lending a hand.
[Chiyo: We're going to the kitchen. You have to take the plate with the food to the dining hall, along with the cutlery and everything important in general]
[Lior: …]
[Chiyo: You'll transport it on a service cart. I assume you're not stupid enough to fail at this, right?]
[Lior: N-nyo, Miss]
"…"
Then, before they reached the kitchen, a white-haired maid came out with the cart already prepared.
[Lior: Ah…]
[Chiyo: This is the cart you have to take. When you get there, there will be several other maids arranging the place. You just need to put each item where it belongs. It's a very easy task—perfect for someone useless—so I doubt you'll mess it up]
[Lior: …]
"We just met today and you're already calling me useless, even though I did everything you told me."
Chiyo's way of thinking was quite unfair, since Lior was a novice, and even though he was doing his best to do things right, he could still screw up at any moment.
[Lior: …]
[Chiyo: I don't need to explain anything else. The dining hall is to the right of the staircase—two large doors. Now go and do everything I told you]
[Lior: …]
"…"
[Lior: Yes, Miss]
Lior walked to the back of the cart, gripped it firmly, and began to walk forward, elegantly carrying everything toward the dining hall.
The cat boy walked and walked, moving farther away from Chiyo and the other maid.
Then, upon reaching the end of the corridor, he turned the corner and headed toward the side of the main hall, next to the staircase.
There, he saw two large doors which, according to Chiyo, connected to the dining hall—his destination.
Lior stopped in front of the doors, left the cart to the side, and approached one of the two large doors. Taking the handle of the right one, the cat boy opened it delicately.
He then went back for the cart, grabbed it, and entered through the dining hall door.
"…"
Just as Chiyo had said, inside there were several maids arranging the area.
Some were lighting the decorative candles around the room, others were setting the table, and others were decorating it.
Now it was Lior's turn to work—his task was to place the cutlery in its proper place.
It was quite a spacious hall, truth be told, with a large table surrounded by many seats.
The table was covered with a large white tablecloth, and over it ran another red cloth that covered the entire center from one end to the other. The edges at each end were triangular in shape.
The red cloth looked extremely expensive; the fabric was fine and had golden details along the edges. It was a tablecloth worthy of someone like his master.
At the center there was a vase with several lit candles, giving the room a unique aura. There was also a bottle of wine, most likely very expensive.
Everything looked beautiful and well prepared—it was clear that the maids were experienced with this.
"…"
The women, upon seeing Lior enter, began murmuring once again. It was going to be difficult to get used to this kind of thing.
Lior, who was crossing the hall to reach his destination, felt quite uncomfortable. The mockery from the female maids toward him was certainly normal for the time, but it still bothered him, as it made him feel looked down upon.
"I have to get used to it."
That was the only way to live here, he kept repeating to himself over and over.
"…"
When Lior reached his master's seat, he stopped the cart and quickly positioned himself on the opposite side.
Like a maid, Lior first took the main dish. It consisted of a fine cut of pork, still steaming, accompanied by a white sauce that decoratively covered the fillet.
Lior placed the dish at the center and covered it with a metal lid so the heat wouldn't escape. Then, politely, the cat boy moved back elegantly toward the service cart, now taking the cutlery.
He placed each piece of cutlery with care, setting the fork on the left side of the plate and then placing the knife on the right. He also took a cloth napkin and placed it on the left side, next to the fork.
Then, once again, he returned to the cart, this time taking a small plate with bread.
Lior set the plate at the upper left of the main dish, then went back to the cart and took a metal goblet, placing it at the upper right of the main plate.
Once the table was ready, Lior made sure every object looked properly positioned, slightly adjusting the cutlery and the plates so they appeared more centered.
"Watching those videos on YouTube actually paid off," Lior thought.
He used to watch videos often—usually about video games or series, though he also watched tutorials.
It was a hobby that didn't really matter. Who would have thought he'd be saved by one of those tutorials?
"Knowing how to arrange plates and tableware on a table is pretty important. Thank goodness I watched those kinds of videos, or I'd be a laughingstock."
Well… in fact, he already was a laughingstock—but thanks to this, the mockery wouldn't go beyond what was normal.
"Now I just have to take the cart back to—"
CLANK!
[Lior: Eh?]
A loud yet light sound echoed from the other side of the hall.
[Lior: Nyah?]
Lior turned his head to see the cause of the noise, looking back toward the entrance doors.
There, he saw both doors opening, and from them emerged Chiyo, along with the red-haired maid he had seen earlier.
[Lior: Ah… th-they arrived… mhm…]
But…
Between the two maids who were opening the doors, the silhouette of a man could be seen.
[Lior: M-master…]
As the man walked into the hall, his figure was revealed completely. That man was Akuma Eidoriku—the master of Lior and of the entire mansion.
"…"
The man walked toward the table, followed by the two maids behind him.
Lior was petrified. He was so nervous that his body refused to move.
"I have to leave now."
Lior decided to get out of the place, but…
[Akuma: …]
Akuma was already standing in front of him.
[Lior: Ah…]
[Akuma: …]
[Lior: Ah… um… th-this way, sir. Your seat is ready, p-please]
[Akuma: …]
Lior was met with a cold, freezing, paralyzing gaze. His body reacted on its own, moving the cart aside so his master could pass.
Akuma walked toward his seat, carrying a dark presence that would make anyone nearby shudder.
Then he sat down and positioned himself in front of his plate.
[Lior: …]
"I guess… I have to remove the metal lid, right?"
[Lior: P-please allow me, y-young master]
Seeing that his master was looking at him with interest, Lior stepped closer to the lid, grabbed it, and lifted it, revealing the main dish.
[Lior: Enjoy your meal, y-young master]
[Akuma: Thank you very much]
[Lior: …]
"He thanked me… ah… that doesn't matter now, I need to leave."
Lior was shaken. All he wanted was to escape from that place—his master caused him constant torment.
[Lior: Ah… young master… I will take my leave now. Enjoy your mea—]
[Akuma: —Stay. I want you to serve me the wine]
[Lior: Ah?]
What?
[Akuma: Please, have another maid come and take the cart away. I want you here. It's your first time, isn't it?]
[Lior: Y-young master… I don't think it's a good idea for me to do it… Miss Chiyo has much more experie—]
[Akuma: —Do not contradict me. An order is an order. Now… have a maid come and take the cart away, please!]
Lior didn't understand—why him? He was a novice maid. What did the young master want from him?
While Lior was once again lost in his thoughts, a black-haired maid approached. She took the cart that was beside Lior and headed for the exit, while the cat watched her go.
[Lior: Khg…]
"I'll have to do it…"
Lior approached the wine placed at the center of the table and grabbed the bottle. Then he returned to his master's seat and uncorked it.
Akuma watched him with a strange, passive gaze, as if he were in a state of ecstasy. The master took the metal goblet and held it out for Lior to fill with wine.
The cat boy, making an elegant gesture, proceeded to pour the wine into the cup. The color of the wine was blood-red, yet it looked remarkably smooth. Akuma slightly tilted the goblet with the wine and tested it, swirling it in circles to observe its texture, then bringing it to his nose. The wine had a strong yet sweet aroma, suggesting it was in perfect condition and well fermented.
Then Akuma tilted the goblet back and swiftly brought it to his mouth.
[Akuma: Mhm… ah…]
[Lior: …]
[Akuma: This wine will always taste exquisite to me. Its texture is fascinating, and drinking it feels like falling into a world full of lust. And its color… it's so beautiful, it reminds me of the purest liquid that exists. Its fermentation represents everything glorious in humanity—that humans live long enough to bring this kind of delight to the table. Everything this wine offers is worthy of me. Everything I am and everything I've created is as beautiful as this wine. Blood… lust… everything is embodied in this drink. That's why I'm the only one who truly grasps the sophisticated essence of this wine]
[Lior: …]
[Akuma: And you… Lior, you have been able to please me with your beauty and gentleness…]
[Lior: …]
[Akuma: You will have your reward later. I will decide when]
"I don't want to know. I just want to leave, please," Lior thought.
[Akuma: You may go]
[Lior: Ah?]
[Akuma: You have fulfilled your duties for today]
[Lior: …]
"Ah… y-yes… yes!"
[Lior: Ah…]
[Akuma: Go wash yourself. You come from a dungeon. Tomorrow, I expect you to smell good]
[Lior: Uh… y-yes, young master. I'll… I'll take my leave now]
Lior bowed and hurried out of the hall.
"..."
Akuma remained staring at the door through which Lior had left.
[Akuma: Chiyo, follow him and show him where the bath is]
"..."
[Akuma: ...]
[Chiyo: Mmm…]
"..."
[Akuma: Chiyo?]
"..."
Akuma looked at Chiyo.
[Chiyo: Ah… uh… y-yes, young master]
[Akuma: What's wrong? You look pale]
"..."
[Chiyo: Ah… um… master… if you allow me to ask… what kind of reward are you going to give the cat?]
"…"
[Akuma: …]
[Chiyo: …]
Master and servant locked eyes. Akuma formed a smile.
[Akuma: You know that reward very well. I don't need to tell you, do I?]
[Chiyo: Ah… no…]
[Akuma: He'll have to get used to it. I'll let him be today, so prepare him]
Chiyo froze. She knew what was going to happen, but she could do nothing—her master had decided.
"He… he's just… gods… he can't subject him to this. It's simply horrible."
The fear of knowing overtook her. She didn't want to know. She wanted to forget. Her suffering—since she arrived at this mansion—had been her greatest source of pain.
And now… to pass it on to a poor, frail slave…
[Akuma: What's wrong? You used to enjoy it a lot, didn't you? That was your role… until I promoted you to personal maid]
[Chiyo: Ah…]
[Akuma: Lior is different, isn't he? He's a man… that makes it more interesting and safer]
[Chiyo: No… no]
Chiyo shook her head. She didn't want to be part of that—of that torture.
[Akuma: Now go… and show him the bath, Chiyo]
[Chiyo: Ahh…]
[Akuma: Go… now, Chiyo]
[Chiyo: …]
[Akuma: Go and show him the damn bath!]
[Chiyo: Ah! Y-yes, young master]
Chiyo gave a quick bow and withdrew from the room.
"…"
There… Akuma remained, alone, together with his red-haired maid.
All the other maids had withdrawn in silence. They didn't want to provoke their master's displeasure.
[Akuma: Lior… you will be mine…]
He formed a smile…
A smile…
A wretched…
A miserable smile…
Of…
"..."