Shade: Hello everyone, nice people and not so nice (?) I have an unexpected and very special surprise. What is it? It's a final testimony, from someone who suffered as much as our Lenny, and who also has other things to tell...

That's right, gentlemen, the sweet Nana Macne. The cook we saw in episodes 2 and 3. She also deserves a space of her own, beyond the brief moment we met her for Len.

Warnings: +18. Explicit violence Abuse Strong language Scenes of Satanism and invocation (refrain from imitating him) They were warned.

The Cuckoo Clock's Song

Part One: The Story of Nana

Go to sleep in the cradle;

see what the default is,

asking about the house

of the child who cries...

Oh... Hi there... I didn't expect to see you here.

It's that so much has happened... So much that I don't even remember many things, except, of course, the ones that make us suffer the most. But that is better in that way, because those who don't remember their past are condemned to repeat it, as some people say. I suppose that is true, although the process is always painful during the whole journey.

But good! You're here. Sit and make yourself comfortable. Take off your shoes and approach the fire. It must have been an extremely long trip to get here. What's more, you make me a nice company; I haven't had someone to talk to long ago... unless you're counting the ghosts around me, of course.

I ask you something: You know almost all the history of the "Servant of Venomania"... don't you?

Do you know why I say almost? No?

Because there are things that Len never got to see, but I do... I may be able to explain where all that pain came from.

Pain. That's why all this started... and it's fair to say that's how it ended.

It gives me some peace to tell this story... before it dies with me, under the sound of the cuckoo clock. Don't be alarmed if I stay silent or if I start to digress too much.

...

¡Cucú... Cucú... Cucú...!

I turn my head towards the wall where a large cuckoo clock rests. The small blue wooden bird comes out of the small window (one... two... three times) and throws that dry sound, which sounds a bit out of tune, interrupting the constant whistling of the cauldron where my master's aubergines were cooking. He always wanted me to prepare the same thing every Friday: Eggplants stuffed with mushrooms and vegetables. I opened the oven and took out the six purple containers; Yes, six: It's that my master, in spite of his good size, eats as if he had more company in front... apart from me.

I walked through the long hallway that separated the kitchen from the main living room, taking the stuffed aubergines with great care, while looking at the endless succession of oil portraits of each of the owners who, before us, had stepped on this place... I stopped for a moment, looking at the last painting in the row, that almost always when I look at it, it makes my eyes watering: Those blue eyes looking at me kindly, the long purple hair in the form of braids, that small and soft smile in her thin lips...

It was my old mistress, the Duchess of Venomania, the predecessor of the current one, Madame Gakuko Kaumi: A strong but just woman, who had taken me into her service, almost twenty years ago:

I come from the poorest part of Asmodín, from a family that had lost what little they had because of a fire. My poor father died trying to put out the flames; I will never forget its blurred silhouette entering the thick and acrid smoke that our house had become... only to see him afterwards almost unrecognizable, completely blackened... Well, it's all I can remember, and it's not because my memory is failing for my age, but because after that I had fainted.

My mother and I stayed to live in the house of relatives, whom also didn't have enough to support us, so we had to work. I saw my mother, too tired and depressed. And I realized that I should do it. The next day I entrusted the pastor of the Church to get me a job. He had promised to help me, thanks to the intense friendship my father had with him.

You could imagine my surprise when he told me that I would enter as a maid in the house of the Duchess of Venomania... I was overcome with emotion, yes, but also fear, especially when I was introduced to her a few days later.

―Very well... you don't have to be nervous... You will make me a valuable company, especially for my son. ―She had said smiling at me―, he feels very lonely and he doesn't have friends of his age with whom to play... Could you be a kind of friend for him?―The tone was said. "It seems that she's a good woman," I thought, bowing to her, smiling.―. His name is Gakupo, Gakupo Kamui... If God wants it, he will be the next Duke of Venomania...

―NANA...!

I heard he shouted at me. I gave a start, realizing that I had been standing in front of the painting longer than I thought.

―I'm coming, my lord!―I said hurrying my way to the living room.

There, sitting in a wide leather chair, rested Gakupo Kamui, the current Duke of Venomania: The purple fringe almost covered his eyes, cockeyed. The nose, crooked and aquiline, similar to that of an eagle. Face so different from the beautiful and noble of his mother... but even as... ugly as he was, he was still her son. And I had promised his mother, may she rest in peace, take care of him and obey him... And I was going to fulfill it.

I bent my knee, stretching the tray to the front, waiting for him to give me the command to straighten me... Ten seconds passed and nothing happened. Fifteen seconds, my knees were beginning to shake... Twenty seconds, oh God, my leg is going to collapse! Thirty seconds, my hands trembled uncontrollably... Oh, what a disaster: there lie the aubergines shattered on the ground, with all the filling that I tried so hard to do, scattered like old crap in front of his shoes.

―Master...―I murmured straightening and lowering my head, still looking at him―, forgive me, please. I didn't mean to...

―Shut up, please... Heavens: besides stupid, old―Duke Gakupo snapped at me without deigning to even look at me: His eyes were closed, with a smile repulsing his thin lips, but not like the sweet smiles of the Duchess... but cruel and indifferent.―Go back and make me others.

I lowered my eyes and nodded. I had become accustomed to his insults and insolence... besides, I was no one to scold him, I was only his servant. Nothing more, nothing less.

I leaned over and retreated to the kitchen, ready to make more stuffed aubergines. I sat in a small chair, taking a few moments to rest my aching knees... I looked up and looked at the small tin mirror that hung in front of me...

Old. Old... I'm old.

My pale green hair ("Greenie Apple" as my old mistress used to called me) has become even paler than before. The dark circles have overshadowed my green eyes, as well as my pale skin, in short, all this hard work, for a single maid, has aged me suddenly...

Before, when Mrs. Gakuko was the Duchess, I shared my work with numerous servants and maidens, who were happy to serve her... But when she died and her son Gakupo inherited his title of Duke, my friends left the house, either because they got tired of attending to that rude and insolent child... either because he threw them out of the castle himself. And that's how it went until I was left alone...

Yes, I am the only servant left.

Why have not I left? You must be asking that... Well, my colleagues also asked me. And I gave them all the same answer: "In part, it's something I promised to his mother... and in part, that man gives me pity"

That's right, he gives me pity.

...

―Master, your dinner is ready―I muttered, sliding the chair back so that the young Gakupo would sit down to eat... He didn't move from where he was sitting: In front of the window with his back to me, watching the snowflakes fall slowly. He didn't seem to have realized that I had entered the room―.Master...―I said clearing my throat... He didn't answer.

"What is happening to him today?" I asked myself somewhat impatiently, thinking of my marzipan cookies in the oven... However, my sense of duty must precede what happens to me, so I went a little closer, placing myself next to him in the window. The silver afternoon light made his face pale (more than it already was) and also... it made the tears that hung from his huge nose shine.

―Master, you're crying!―I said worried―. Have you been afflicted?

The young Gakupo blew his nose―Go away.

Despite his order, I didn't move from my place― Master, if you tell me what or who has made you sad, I... I could help you.

― I don't need your help!―He shouted at me looking at me for a second: The crossed eyes were reddened, giving him a terrifying expression. I took a step back. ―. Neither you nor anyone can help me. I don't need help.. much less from a filthy and dirty servant like you.

― You're right, my lord― I answered, lowering my eyes and clutching my white apron― , but if you don't tell me what happened, you'll only feel worse―I smiled sadly― . Sometimes, it is better to let yourself be helped, when the burden is too great, no matter how strong and noble we may be...

The boy turned to look at me, but this time without shouting at me. His face was contracted and lean: He looked like a small child about to cry... For a moment, I was overcome with the desire to hug him... but I can't do that. A maid can't do that.

―Why...? Why am I so ugly, Nana?―My young master whispered at me, letting his gaze fall―. There was... there was a party in the town today, and I wanted to go... But they all looked strange to me, like I was a... a kind of fair monster.―He sank deeper into his chair―, suddenly , someone spilled something and I slipped, falling to the ground...―Gakupo turned his head: he had a cardinal on his temple―. Nobody wanted to help me, Nana: Everyone laughed at me: "Look, the monster child" "Hey, monster child, why are you so red in the face?" "Oh, the monster child cries calling his mom..."

I felt very bad for him. Yes, he may be a cruel person and this could be a kind of punishment for how he treats others... but my master was still a person, right? Those people had no right to do that to him; not because he was the heir of the Duchess, but because NO ONE deserves to be treated like that, as if he were a monster...

I retired a moment, to bring a basin full of water and bandages. I moistened a piece and slowly, I placed it on his bruise. He shuddered, but he didn't push my hand away with a swipe or a shove.―They shouldn't have done that to you.―I said softly, sliding the damp cloth across his face.―; People are bad, love, but they do it without wanting to. They don't realize how much damage they do to others... until it's too late. They missed the opportunity to meet a strong, gentlemanly, noble and...―He looked me in the eye and I smiled at him―, ...and attractive boy as you are.

Gakupo blinked in surprise. ―Do you believe that, Nana?

―Absolutely, my lord. What you have to do is show those people what... great things you can do when you will become the Duke; so much so that they will overlook your appearance and beg for your attention... Imagine that: You will be Duke of Venomania... If I may add: the great Duke of Venomania.

I kept silent, remaining expectant and at the same time excited: I had never seen my master like that; he always looked so arrogant, so cruel and indifferent... To see him so sad and dejected. So... so vulnerable. I never thought of seeing him that way. "He's such a simple person and at the same time so complex," I told myself, "he can be turbulent in his ways, but he's not bad"

―Yes, you're right...―he muttered getting up and taking her mother's favorite mirror, which was on a small table, looking at himself for a long time... And then, he threw it against the wall... almost near me. I stifled a scream and backed away from the explosion of fragments of glass and jewels scattered on the floor.―. The people are evil, Nana. And they don't realize the damage they do to others... until it's too late.―He came up to me, as he pressed me against the wall, trembling with fear at his sudden act.―. Thanks for your advice, it was the most useful thing you gave to me.

―You're welcome, my lord.―I murmured, looking down.

Since then, the cruelty of my master has intensified. But I continued to serve him, because deep down, I knew that his cruel attitude was nothing more than a way to mask all his feelings of hatred and resentment against society that didn't want to give him another opportunity to get to know him better... It's true: The evil comes from all of us and is what makes us evil.

Even so... That expression of a lost child, scared and alone would never be erased from my memory. I would always keep it, as a reminder of the small and very brief moment, that I could see the true interior of the soul of the Duke of Venomania.

―Nana! Have you finished my aubergines, lazy old woman?

―Almost!―I jump from my chair. Oh dear, I think I stayed dreaming again... It's the age, I tell you, mi little friend. The old ones like me go back to those past times more and more. That can not be like that with me, I have a lot of work to do.

Sometimes, too much work for a single maid.

I had begged him hundreds of times to hire someone else to help me with household chores; but as much as Duke Gakupo told me he was in it, someone never came...

Well... Until that day, that I met him.

. . .

It was the year of 1379. A year has passed.

I was in the kitchen, humming a song while I waited for the carrot cake with hot waffles to finish baking. I decided to cut some eggplant to make some medallions served with wads of salted meat in the meantime, when I heard a door open, causing two voices to float in the air. One was my master's, unmistakable, and the other was sharp, melodious... and it sounded childish.

I froze for a moment, sharpening my hearing. Had I listened well? The child's voice was louder and louder... Then a pungent smell came to my nose. Oh, Jesus, the cake is burning, how silly I am! I opened the oven and pulled it out as fast as I could. Ugh, thank God... luckily it did not burn completely... Silly Nana, so old and so silly...

―Good... good morning.

I looked down, where that sound had come from and I was surprised: It was a little boy. How could he have entered without me hearing him? I looked at him better: He was short and apparently weak, the revolted hair almost reached my elbow. His hair was yellow, collected in a little ponytail... I kept waiting, waiting for him to say something... He only played with his hands and looked at the ground. He seemed shy.

―Good morning―I replied leaning a little―. I'm Nana Macne, Duke Gakupo's cook... What's your name?―I asked him softly, trying not to scare him. The boy twisted his hands tighter and I saw his forehead begin to flush―. Come on, do not be shy...

The boy nodded and slowly raised his head: Under the curious tuft of disheveled strands that fell on his forehead, a clear face with delicate features, thin lips and pale blue eyes appeared... I had never seen eyes like his, even though there were many blond people in the village.

―My... my name is Len. Len Kagamine, Mrs. Macne―The boy murmured, making a curt bow, still looking at me shyly. Two seconds later, I let out a small laugh.―, what is so funny?―He asked me with a frown.

―Hahaha... Centuries ago that no one call me "Mrs. Macne"―I said smiling―. You don't have to call me like that, Len; You can call me Nana, okay?―Len nodded. ―. Well, you must be the new... Duke Gakupo's acquisition, right? Then let me tell you a couple of things... But first, try one of my waffles. Do you like waffles, Len?

―No, ma'am... I mean, Nana.―Len muttered, flushing―. I've never tasted them before.

―It's your lucky day, because I made them of banana with walnut.

―Really?! I love bananas!―I smiled at the face of happiness that he put... I haven't seen a smile coming from a child for a long time, which, as they said in the mass, is the most beautiful and innocent thing in the world.

I took a couple of hot waffles from the plate and gave them to him... Apparently he liked them a lot, because he timidly asked me if I had more.

We spent a lot of time talking for the rest of the afternoon. Len told me that he had lost his parents because of smallpox; and then his sister and he were separated, because she was accepted in a kind of music academy (When he told me about her, his eyes got wet, so I couldn't resist hugging him) I told him that I understood him: that I had lost my father in the fire and how my mother had died of sadness and fatigue a few years ago... Then, the name of Duke Gakupo entered our little conversation. Len told me that my master had chosen him from among hundreds of children in the orphanage, and as he said: "To make him a valuable company."

―He told me he was going to make me his son, he was going to make me someone, Nana... And I want to be a knight.

―And why do you want to be a knight? ―I asked him as I kept the silver cups in their boxes. Len made a small smile and his gaze became firm and determined.

― Because knights do not fear anything. They always protect those they love the most... ―And he waved his hand, as if raising a kind of imaginary sword.―. And I will protect my little sister. She is my princess and I am her knight. And I will face whatever would try to hurt her , even if I die in the attempt!

―I have no doubt that you will, Len―I said, caressing the disheveled hair, making him blush―. Surely you will be a great chevalier when you grow up, whose acts will make everyone speak. Brave, noble and good: That's how you will be... Now, I have an important mission for you: Can you help me put stuffing in these eggplants? Do it carefully, do not let it fall.

―Don't worry, I... I know how to cook, a little― Len said blushing.

―Perfect. So, come with me to give him his aubergines.

We finished making stuffed aubergines and we both presented ourselves before the Duke Gakupo. He was standing, looking at the window, when he turned at the sound of our footsteps. I carried the tray of food and Len the tea tray. He didn't say anything, but made a gesture with his hand so that Len would approach him. Nervous, the boy approached and made a small bow.

―I hope you're not going to make me regret my decision, Len―Gakupo said, taking one of the cups that Len held out to him and taking a long sip.―. If I chose you for dozens of children, it's for something. Don't disappoint me.

―I... I will never stop thanking this great gesture of kindness towards me, sir―Len stuttered, grinning broadly―, I promise you I will never disappoint you. I hope to be like you when I grow up... I will work hard to be a great knight like you...

―Wait―My master interrupted him raising a hand―, did you say... knight?

Len looked at me for a moment and then at my master. He seemed confused―Ehm... yes, sir. Didn't you tell me that I would become... someone?

―Exactly, I said that―Gakupo replied frowning―, ...but I never said I was going to make you a knight.

―But, you said...

―Be quiet!―He snapped, making Len mute―, But what insolence is in this brat! Putting words in my mouth! Don't you know that this is a serious affront and that it can be punished? It's more... I should punish you.

―But, but sir...

―M-Master Gakupo, it doesn't have to be that way―I mumbled, taking a step forward.―; May... maybe Len made a mistake, but that's no reason to...

―Shut up Nana, if you don't want me to punish you as well for bringing me such stuffed eggplant crap―And violently he threw the tray I was carrying on the floor, scattering them all over the carpet. ―Now... Do you want to be a knight, Lenny?―And he pulled out a small broom and tossed it on top of him―. Here is your sword!

Len, con la escoba entre las manos, me miró con desconcierto. Yo no sabía que decirle, ni se me ocurría algo para consolarle... Gakupo nos lanzó una mirada sombría y supimos que debíamos hacer lo que nos ordenaba. El niño asintió y se puso a barrer los pedazos de berenjenas despedazados del suelo. Yo me retiré a la cocina, sintiéndome muy mal por Len.

It didn't seem very difficult to guess the truth of all this, dear friend: Gakupo picked him up from the orphanage, and made the nuns believe that he was going to take him as his son, just as he made him believe that he would become a knight... Only to reveal him later that he would be a servant.

In the end, Duke Gakupo fulfilled his promise: That he would bring more servitude to help me.

Duke Gakupo informed me of his orders the next day. He was sitting on his chair, and while Len was combing his long purple hair, he told me about my new responsibilities as a sénior servant:

―You will teach him everything that a servant needs to learn: cleaning, cooking and care; He has to be attentive and quick to carry out my orders; he has to learn what his rightful place; he has to understand that this is his mission in life and if he doesn't fulfill it...―And he gave me a cold and cruel look that made us both tremble―. ...Both of you will pay very dearly. Understood?

―Yes... yes, master― I murmured, bowing.

―Very good. You can retire... Auch! Stupid child, don't pull my hair so hard...! ―And then I heard the unmistakable dry blow of a nudge.

Thus began his life as a servant in the castle of Venomania. A hard and difficult life, full of fear and darkness.

A life where the slightest fault, Duke Gakupo punished us harshly, as if we had committed a serious sin... In his face he always saw those opaque eyes and that cruel smile to punish us, as well as his grimaces of disgust when he finished and it left us lying down, sometimes on the floor...

...

This happened when, one afternoon in the kitchen while preparing dinner... I heard screams, agonized moans and one dry blow after another:

―...You're a complete useless! Spill your lord's tea on top! And after that, tried to escape! Are you really stupid, Len?―I gasped in horror at hearing the dry sounds of something hard discharging forcefully against someone.―. Of what are you good for me, huh? Of what?! I should throw you to the street right now...!

―Ma-master! Master! It was an accident! Forgive me!―I heard Len cry almost shouting, with such agony that it ruffled my hair. What was Gakupo doing to him? What was he doing to him?!

I dropped the tray and ran to the lobby, but stopped at the end of this, staying behind a wall, watching everything in dismay: Gakupo was on his back, waving and raising again and again a black object that seemed to drip something red... My little Len was curled up against a corner, his cheeks were bloody and rivers of tears were flooding him, giving him the appearance of crying blood... I covered my eyes for a moment, horrified by such a terrible image. My eyes filled with tears, while I covered my mouth to drown my cries... "Stop it!, Stop it!" I screamed from the depths of my mind.

The terrible scene lasted almost two minutes. I felt so... so helpless. So powerless to see Len cry and groan when he was mistreated in such a savage way by my master... and only because he apparently had thrown his tea on top of him. It was an accident, it can happen to anyone...! But no: Duke Gakupo didn't lend himself to hear excuses; He wasn't like my old mistress, who always listened to us. Gakupo is "Do it right or I punish you", applying the "punishment" with terrible viciousness on us...

I didn't understand why. Why he was doing this to us... Why he took such a stand with us.

Are we to blame for what he feels? Are Len and I responsible for people treating him as they treat him? We go out of our way to serve him as best we can, only receiving punishments and mistreatment, like Len at this moment... That's when I realized that Gakupo had finally retired. I waited until he had gone completely to get out of my hiding place and run to Len.

He was kneeling, cleaning the spilled tea with a rag. His whole little body was shaking, while muffled sobs were heard... With the tears coming out without me noticing, I took a rag from my apron and knelt quietly in front of him, I began to clean. The blond lifted his head in surprise, showing me the traces of his beating intact on his face.

―Nana...

―It's faster if we do it together―I said smiling sadly.

When we finished, I took my handkerchief from my apron and slowly I ran it down his cheeks, cleaning the blood, being very careful not to hurt him more than he already was... Len remained still, while clenching his fists on his knees, struggling to avoid more tears... When he was clean, I stroked his head.

―I'm so sorry... This shouldn't have happened―Len nodded and without being able to avoid it, he threw himself into my arms, drowning a small sob. My arms tightened around him, squeezing him hard against me.

It was as if... as if we wanted to protect each other, protect ourselves from Gakupo, from all the bad things in this world... As if in that small warm cocoon that were our arms intertwined nothing would happen to us...

―Everything will be fine, my little one...― I mumbled closing my eyes, still stroking his hair. Honestly, we would have stayed like this, no matter what, if it weren't for the smell of biscuits burning up and the voice of Gakupo growing stronger and stronger―. Receive him... And when he go to sleep, we'll make marzipan cookies. I'll show you how to do them, okay?

―It's okay. Thank you, Nana― Len muttered, curled up in my chest.

―There's no need... Now go, hurry.―And I quickly got up and ran to the kitchen, just in time to save the biscuits.

Duke Gakupo had told me later that he seriously regretted having punished Len like that, but that he had no other choice... according to him: "You have to teach him to harden him, Nana. It won't do him good to be so soft and gentle with him." he would tell me while absentmindedly playing with his favorite winged eggplant. He told me that it was the best thing for him and I had to help him in those "hardening" days

The days that Gakupo imposed on him in order to "harden" were getting longer. Tougher. And why not say it, more and more humiliating... Gakupo had warned me to not intervene when he subjected him to those "days" because otherwise I would pay dearly... But I didn't care: When Gakupo left him trembling with cold from the showers by icy water, I quietly placed a blanket nearby, without him noticing. I forced the entrance to the shed where Gakupo locked him in total darkness to give him a big hug with kisses, as long as Gakupo didn't see us... or almost, because when he did, he pushed me away to bend the punishments to my little Len... It broke my heart to see him, because I simply didn't understand all that.

―Didn't I command you to NOT intervene? Are you daring to challenge me?

―I'm not challenge you, sir; it's just... it doesn't seem fair that Len has to suffer so much with ypur "hardening days". I think...

―"I think?" Since when can the servants make opinions? Servants obey and shut up!―Gakupo snapped―. I just want to do what is the best for Len... This will make him a strong and resilient man. Not a weeping and sissy little boy with your cheesy ways... You'll see that it will be much more beneficial for him, he has to learn his place in this world, that he should lie down at the command voice of his owner, hide his nails and only with gaze of his master serve as bars.

―But sir...―Gakupo turned abruptly before my small objection, pinning at me his implacable cold eyes... I blushed, but continued without hesitation:― . But sir, Len is a child... not a dog.

For a second, I thought my master would raise his hand and hit me for daring to contradict him... And finally he gave a loud laugh, as if I just had said a joke.―. You still have a sense of humor, Nana. Hahaha ... ―And still laughing, he retired.

It might have seemed funny to him, but that didn't give me a hint of laughter.

Sometimes I have come to ask (always with a shivering sensation): how much Gakupo came to see me and Len as... working animals?

. . .

―Drink this, it will help you to lower the fever.―Len nodded as he took the steaming cup that I held out to him, thanking me with a slight smile. He took a few sips, pausing to sneeze.

A soft but cold drizzle fell over the town, the kind that came when autumn fell on the town, that plucked the leaves from the trees and came to form piles of bright colors. Len had gone to the river on orders from Gakupo, since he wanted a fresh sturgeon for dinner. In fact, Len had managed to get the elusive fish out (It was already finishing roasting in the oven) but he had to get completely into the water and had caught a cold. Luckily, we had some free time for Len to take my herbal tea I had learned from my mother.

Duke Gakupo had left for the village for a few hours, because supposedly there was a party to celebrate the birthday of Gumi Megpoid, a young woman of a noble family. Oh... My master always talked about her, and every time he did, his eyes shone like never before and a faint smile lit his rough features... And that was after he shouted at me "old ass" for having stared at him... Decidedly, my master was a very, very strange person.

―Do you think he had any luck with that young lady?―Len asked me in a nasal voice. Immediately we looked at my cuckoo clock: It was almost seven o'clock. ―, maybe, he always talks about her and how she makes him feel. Maybe that will... soften him, don't you think?

―Oh, may God hear you, little one!―I sighed, getting up to wash the cups. Len was going to lend himself to prepare Gakupo's table, when he put his hand to his mouth to contain a great yawn that didn't escape to me.―. Why don't go to bed? I will take care of Gakupo.

―Are you sure? It's already late.

―Sure―I said smiling―; You are sick and work at this time won't be good for you. Leave it to me.

―Thanks, Nana―Len whispered, getting up without making himself begged, giving me a brief hug,―, thank you for everything. Goodnight.

―There's no need, sweetie―I said, separating myself from him―. Goodnight.

Len withdrew while I pulled the plates and trays from the kitchen. As he set foot on the stairs, he turned around once more and smiled at me and said "Goodbye" with his hand. I only gave it back to him and I resumed my work... When I turned around, Len had already left.

God is merciful by not giving us the ability to see the future. It would madden us... That image, of Len saying goodbye to me with a smile, would haunt me until this day. Did I know that I returned the goodbye to him knowing...?

...Knowing that it would be almost the last time I would see my little Len in years?

...

―Please enter quickly, my lord; you're soaking and...

But Duke Gakupo threw me his wet cloak almost violently, as he strode through the lobby, leaving large patches of mud. Disconcerted, I put his cloak on the rack and followed him to the foyer, where he was leaning against the window―Sir? Ehm... Everything is fine, sir?

He didn't answer me right away. He lowered his head, revealing in the candlelight the wet strands of purple hair if they were serpentine snakes... He didn't say anything to me, he didn't make any movement, I almost didn't even hear him breathe... My God, he was starting to scare me... I decided to try again:

―Si-sir, did... did you have a good time at Miss Gumi's party?―It seemed as if I had punctured him: Gakupo turned abruptly, looking like a hungry hawk locates a small rabbit... I backed up.

―Did I have a good time? A good time?―He seemed to be speechless for a moment, until he started to swell and flush―. She made fun of me... That damn bitch made fun of me! She is a lustful harpy who claimed to be my friend... She made me look ridiculous in front of everyone!

―But sir, who made fun of you?―I whispered, clutching my apron.

―Are you so stupid, Nana? It was Gumi!―Gakupo shouted as if that was being torn out by force of him. I had never seen him like this: His crossed eyes were fixed on me with absolute hatred and resentment, his mouth was moving in small frightening grimaces, his hands were clenched, as if he wanted to strangle someone... I backed up once more. ―. I told her that I love her... That I love her since we were children... That I could never love any other woman than her... The bitch rejected me laughing... and then all her guests started to laugh at me ... ―He began to make circles the room, completely unhinged. ―. Of course, since I'm fucking ugly, they think they can make fun of me! It's a bullshit that I'm the Duke of Venomania! Oh, look at me: I am the clown of everyone here in this damn town!

―That's not true, sir, it's not true! ―I whispered, wringing my hands, still looking at him―, you are a noble and good person... You really are. Remember, sir, what I said long ago? "People are bad, and they do bad things without wanting to..." remember that? ", and when they want to regret it's too late..." Ahhhh!

Gakupo had pushed me against the wall, squeezing my shoulders tightly with his hands, almost hurting me... Scared, I looked into his eyes: Gakupo's gaze was... cloudy, dark and almost... assassin. I wanted to scream, to ask for help... But I couldn't: Len was asleep under the influence of the infusion and I doubted he would get up, no matter how much affection he had for me... Besides, Gakupo could cruelly punish him for trying to defend me. No, I couldn't do him that, Gakupo had already punished him enough these days... I'd have to face it alone.

―Sure, I remember that very well, Nana...

―Master, you're... you're hurting me...

―...I know that people do bad things... very bad things―And squeezed me harder―, and those imbeciles always ask for forgiveness... Oh, I'll never forgive them, never... never... ―And he went back to squeeze me more, feeling the pressure of the wall and his hands against my shoulders, about to break under his strength...―. They will regret it, all of you... Everyone will pay ...

―Sir, you're hurt me!―I groaned amid the tears that ran down my face. Duke Gakupo released me, moving away, sliding to the ground, hugging myself by the shoulders. My master, throwing me a look of disgust, retreated towards the stairs. I stood still, hearing the footsteps echoing farther and farther away from me. I leaned my head back, breathing deeply, trying to recover... Everything in the room was completely silent, even the rain that was crashing on the windows.

He must have suffered at that party. They had laughed and mocked him, as the townspeople used to do. For a moment, the face of that Gumi, crossed by disdain, crossed my mind, while her lips curled into a cruel smile as she rejected my master so cruelly... How people, imitating the honoree, they took turns teasing and laughing at him... Now he was angry, angry at that woman and the rest of the world. And who would be the ones who would pay for the broken dishes at the end? We, the servants.

I let out one more sigh before getting up and collecting all the plates and glasses to return them to their place. Now I would have to throw away the sturgeon that Len fished so hard to get a cold, because Gakupo hated food that wasn't fresh. Then I turned off all the lights and retired to my room... but I didn't fall asleep, but I went around and around the bed, unable to fall asleep.

A noise brought me out of my lethargy.

For a moment, I thought that it would have been the wind of the storm that didn't give way, or maybe a rat that was looking for something to eat (Although this last thing I put in doubt, because under my years of "government" in the kitchen, I never saw a rat or similar rodent) I settled in better, hoping I could sleep a good time to wake up early... When the same noise was heard again. It was heard outside. I hesitated a moment to get out of my bed to investigate the origin of that noise, but curiosity was more. I wrapped myself well in my pink shawl (it was getting quite cold when I got out of the blankets) and just as I put my hand on the doorknob, a last sensation of hesitation invaded me: "Don't go"... Until the day of today, I regret (and I don't regret) not having paid attention to that tought.

The darkness of the hall enveloped me completely, as I took hesitant steps forward, guided by the sound. Honestly, I expected something to happen, anything, that would give me an excuse to return me to my bed... I passed a room that was half open: It was Len's. I stopped for a moment to observe him: He was deeply asleep and his breathing was slow and deep. I felt a deep tenderness... I should have stayed a little longer, even for just stroking his hair, even if it was once more... I went on, until I saw a faint glow at the end of that corridor. You would think something like: "Ok, that's the origin of the noise, go back to bed, Nana" You know, I thought so too...

But it was curiosity. Dear Lord, curiosity can sometimes be very bad! I just reached the end and dared to put an eye on the crack of the door...

I will never forget that vision.

I know that I will dream about that until the day of my death.

Sometimes I have come to ask myself, what would have been of my life if I had never seen that.

It was Gakupo. He was completely naked, with his back to me, facing the huge mirror in his room. His hair was completely loose and thrown forward. The whole room was lit by candles, so it was easy to see the huge red circle where Duke Gakupo was kneeling and rocking uncontrollably... Then Gakupo threw his head back, closing his eyes, and spoke with a hoarse, guttural... and inhuman voice:

"By the power of all the legions under the command of Asmodeus, I command your spirit to listen to my voice wherever you are...

I, Gakupo Kamui, order that your thoughts be mine, your will submit to my will and your body to my pleasure, your heart and your feelings I declare to me and that your happiness is to be by my side with me and for me. ..

For the glory of all the legions and of Asmodeus himself, done... it is ...! "(1)

"Oh God... Oh God!" I articulated without speaking as I clung to the rosary on my neck, while I crossed myself with the other hand. I should have run away... but my body was not responding to me, it was nailed in place, like a statue... Then, a new voice, much more terrible than Gakupo's, was heard from an unknown point in the room... My eyes were moving madly, looking for the origin of that noise, which articulated some words:

"Since dawn, your life will change forever.

You will have a unique, divine face that no mortal would be able to imitate or resist; a face more beautiful than of Kings or princes .. a face superior to that of the very Gods, that would seem carved by the angels... a face for which no woman, princess, bourgeois or even the last laundress of the kingdom , will never resist... "

Finally I saw where that noise came from: It came from Gakupo's mirror, which was completely opaque and blackened, with clouds floating around it, between two huge red eyes, torn like a cat's ...

I held back a scream... And Gakupo opened his eyes and turned around, staring at me.

There, my body finally responded: I ran, while I was descending the stairs, flying the steps, determined to escape, to escape as far as possible from that monster and that did not catch me... I crossed the lobby and pushed open the doors. I reached the garden, splashing through the mud and rain that blurred everything around me, to the garden bars... I looked for the keys, I didn't have them with me when I always carried them with me! I had no other way out, because both the garden and the backyard were flanked by walls, and my age prevented me from jumping over them... I could only run back and seize the keys...

When I opened the door, on the other side was Gakupo, fixing me with his demonic gaze.

―Master...! I... I... ―I started backing up and started screaming―. Help! Help me..! LEN, HELP ME...!

Nobody listened to me. Nobody helped me. Not Len, or anyone else.

Gakupo had violently grabbed my hair and began to shake me and drag me from side to side, as if to tear my scalp... or my head. I tried to scream as loud as I could, but he had put me a gag with his own hand. I tried to shake it off, but Gakupo was too strong to fight. When I tried to resist him, he shook me harder. The hair tugged me harder and harder on the head, provoking an unbearable pain, as if a hundred red-hot needles were buried deep in my skull...

―Mercy, my lord! Have mercy!

―What fucking mercy will I have you, damn old gossip woman?! Don't you know that the servants cannot get into the affairs of their masters?! THAT is punishable by death! I am going to kill you! I will kick your fucking head until it explodes!

―Master, please, mercy! HAVE MERCY...!

Then, incredibly, Gakupo released me. I fell hunched over the floor, in a fetal position, moaning and sobbing, holding my hands to my face, feeling the wounds that had made me. We stay static: I, shrunk like a turtle, barely feeling the cold drops of rain falling on my cheek and sliding down... Like my tears.

I turned my body upwards, observing my master's cold eyes, now completely lost, extinguished... inhuman. That image terrified me even more than the attack itself.

―Sir... Why did you do this?―Gakupo didn't change his expression; however, he knew very well what I was referring to, not the attack itself, but...― . It wasn't... it was not the way...

―Of course it was, old stupid woman―He replied in a monotone voice― , finally I can take revenge on all those who dared to make fun of me... They will pay when I take away from them what they love most... So they will know what it feels like , so they will tremble and suffer... But you... You know my secret, Nana―He whispered in my ear, making me tremble uncontrollably... at that moment, I knew he was going to kill me.

―Sir, if you're going to kill me, do it― I sobbed, closing my eyes.― . Just give me a few minutes to say goodbye to Len, I beg of you...

― ...No, I'll do something better than that, Nana. ―And then I felt Gakupo grab me by the arm, and getting up like a rag doll, he dragged me over the mud and the wet grass of the garden until we got back into the house; There, he pushed me over the hall, falling face down. ―. I'll let you make a decision: You can stay and serve me... or you can leave.

I was petrified. Had I heard correctly? Was he going to forgive my life? I turn to see him, breathing hard.―C-can I choose?

―Yes, you can choose, idiot―He said― . What do you choose?

The answer was obvious, wasn't it? Obvious that I wanted to leave! Go as far as possible from that monster! Take advantage and escape before he reconsider murdering me!

I looked terrified as in the nearest window, the shadows became clearer and clearer: The night was running out... I suddenly remembered the fatal anathema of that... that thing in the mirror: "Since dawn, your life will change forever... " That meant that... if I stayed until dawn... there would be no escape for me.

―I'm leaving, I'm leavng―I said hastily, getting up with difficulty.―. We are leaving.

―We?

―Yes, Len will go with me!―I exclaimed, draping my shawl―, he won't stay with you, where surely he will know nothing but suffering and cruelty! I won't let you treat him like a dog! You won't turn him into an animal!

―...He.― Gakupo gave a small, childish chuckle―. Are you the one who decides if Len will stay with you or not?―The tone with which he said it, cold and cruel, froze my blood―, in case you didn't know, Nana... Len is my son... I adopted him.

―Adopted him? You bought him rather, as if he was an animal!

―Silence, I won't allow you to talk to me like that.―he mumbled with a silky tone and that sounded much more dangerous than if he had shouted at me―. Len told me he would stay to serve me, the same day I gave him his first whip for the broken cup of tea.

―No... no...― I whispered, shaking my head―. Is a lie.

―It's not. So... it all comes down to this, right?―Gakupo looked at the window and sighed―. You already made your decision, and Len took his. You are not his mother, nor do you decide for him... I do.

―But... But...

―Oh... it seems that time is running out, Nana―Gakupo whispered with a macabre smile, pointing to the window―. You have nothing to do here anymore. I think... if you stay to say goodbye to your dearly Len, it will be too... late for you. So...―He walked away and with a wide gesture of his arm, pointed to the door―... I suggest you leave now.

I nodded and took a tentative step outside. It had stopped raining for a few moments, so the smell of damp and cold air hit me in the face. I crossed one last look at my master... or former master, who didn't remove that frightening smile from his face... At that moment, I feared for Len. "What are you doing?" I told me over and over again, "What are you doing, Nana? Don't you realize that you are condemning that child? He cannot only with that beast"

But I knew... yes, I knew that even if I stayed, I couldn't protect Len from Gakupo... much less myself. Even so... I felt so selfish and cowardly. Extremely cowardly.

When the gate opened, it is as if a cage was opened and the little bird that is inside flew out... So I did, I started to run outside the limits of the garden, while the sun's glow emerged from the darkness, illuminating the forest. My heart was beating wildly, as if I had a bird stuck in my ribs, as if something was about to happen... And so it was.

―Hey, Nana!

For a thousandth of a second... I almost turned to look at him, stupidly, staying petrified where I was. I felt from there the dark and malignant energy emanating from Duke Gakupo, wrapping his face... He had transformed... And his last act of cruelty to me was tried to making me turn back and condemened me, like Lot's wife did when they left Sodom (2)... I would almost have become his first victim.

I covered my face and ran, feeling terribly bad... for Len, for me, for Gakupo... for everyone. I ran and ran, not noticing where my tired feet were taking me. I only saw around me shadows and lights that looked like monsters and demons chasing me... An excruciating pain pierced my head, while my stomach moaned with nausea. Tears flew from my cheeks, without me noticing, while out of my mouth came sobs and moans. I reached the old iron bridge that crossed the river; When I reached the middle I slipped, twisting my ankle. Making an effort I got up and trotted limping towards the exit, from which I walked almost a kilometer of dirt roads to the town.

When I left the forest, the sun had come out completely, but I didn't feel its heat at all; I only felt a cold more terrible than the winter itself, penetrating my bones and my soul. I looked back, where was the entrance to the forest and the path that led to the castle... Maybe Len would be waking up in those moments, waiting uselessly for me, asking Gakupo for me... HA, I already imagine that cruel lie he will tell Len about my disappearance: "She left, Lenny, she won't come back, don't look for her, she told me she didn't want to see us anymore"

For a moment, I was invaded by the crazy and suicidal idea of returning, even if that meant my own condemnation, for the simple fact of accompanying Len... No, I cannot. "If I try to stay to help him, he will only suffer more," I told myself, no matter how much pain that thought caused me... I clung with all my strength to the paltry hope that Len would follow my example and flee from Gakupo and from that Hell...

A Hell that, unfortunately, was only the beginning...

TO BE CONTINUE...

...

Glossary:

(1) Invocation of Asmodeus.

(2) Genesis 19: 15-17, Lot's wife is transformed into a statue of salt by disobeying the warnings of the angels about not looking at the city be destroyed.