A distant grumble of thunder can be heard as I approach the mansion. Night is coming, and the rain has become an outright downpour. The mist from the lake seems to be increased by the rain, and has become even thicker.
Standing out against the shadow of the storm is the Scarlet Devil Mansion. It's not too much further now.
"Scarlet Devil Mansion huh? Looks more like a fortress to me."
The building and grounds combined make it almost as large as any castle. The structure is made of finely chiseled crimson stone, and is topped with high slanted roofs and elaborate spires. However, the lack of windows makes it look more like a fortress than anything else. Standing high above the smaller towers is an old English clock tower, currently marking the time as just before eight o' clock.
Protecting the estate is a relatively tall wall which is also crafted from stained red stone. The walls are completely smooth and have no weaknesses that someone could use to climb over. The only way through the wall is a heavy iron gate.
Hmm… it doesn't look like anyone's around… maybe the gate itself is supposed to keep people out? Do I just pass through if I want to go in then?
I approach the gate, which is standing quietly by itself. I glance in between the bars of the gate, but it doesn't look like anyone's around.
Do I just… open it? I grab the hefty iron handle and give it a tug.
It does not give. I push instead, but it won't budge that way either.
Damn. Is it locked? I don't see any kind of lock on it. Maybe it got rusty from the rain?
This petty barrier can not withstand your might. Break it.
The gate doesn't look too intimidating, but I don't want to break it down.
No, I can't do that. I need these people's help and I won't be able to get that if I piss them off by breaking their gate down. Maybe there's something I missed…
I look around and examine the gate, but I find nothing.
Ugh… come on, do something!
I take a few steps back so I can examine the gate as a whole. There doesn't appear to be anything unusual about it. It seems like I'm stuck. Frustrated, I grab the handle and slam it against the gate, creating a loud clash.
Then, there is a breeze. Like a chilly breath creeping on the side of my neck. I suddenly catch the combined fragrance of roses and blood.
"We've all been expecting you. Please, do come in."
I shudder and spin around to face the voice, but no one is there.
Who-
Then without warning, the heavy iron gate opens on it's own. The bars creak and groan as they slide along the ground. It takes nearly a half minute for the gates to completely open.
I stand there staring at the now open gate.
Does this mean I'm invited?
This bodes ill.
Huh? How? This is perfect! I can get right in with no problem at all now. I was afraid I was going to have try and sneak my way in or something.
…
I disregard Arcane's warning and walk through the gate and down the walkway. Strangely enough, the walls repel the majority of the fog, and I can see the grounds surround the building. There is a rather impressive garden on either side of the walkway, and a large courtyard leading up to the front door.
Man, this place is huge. I wonder what kind of person lives here. Reimu said the librarian I need to talk to is friends with a powerful person, but this isn't what I thought she meant by 'power'.
The front of the mansion towers over me as I walk towards the wooden doors. I begin to reach out with a hand to push the door, but it automatically opens like the gate; swinging inward to reveal the shadowy halls inside. I feel another fragrant breeze flow out from the interior and wrap all around me, almost as if it's trying to draw me in.
Well… I'm expected right? I guess I just go on in.
I step inside the mansion and out of the rain. Once inside, the doors behind me close on their own.
Whew. Glad to be out of that rain. I think to myself as I wipe the moisture off my face and clothes.
I look around at the grand entry hall. The tall roof and walls are made from elegant architecture. Aside from a few candles on the wall, there is only a little light. The shadows are unnaturally thick here, and the few tufts of mist that have made their way in from the lake have taken on an eerie scarlet hue.
I'm beginning to have second thoughts about coming here. This place looks like an evil villain's lair.
Geez, what is with this place? Talk about creepy! Maybe I shouldn't have been so ready to jump in to a place that has 'Devil' in it's name.
The air is thick with oppressive power and cruel energies. Be on you guard.
I agree, and hesitantly walk forward through the grand hall. My wet footsteps and the flickering of the candles are the only noise around. The occasional wave of scarlet mist floats past me while I walk, bringing a strong scent of blood along with it. The whole place has an oppressive feel to it, like someone is watching me.
Once I exit the entry hall, I enter a large round chamber with a chandelier. There is more light here than in the previous rooms, but that's the only difference. There are six halls spreading out in each different direction. Each hall is similar to the others, and I'm not sure which one to take.
Maybe I wait here… or trying calling for someone?
"Hello? Is anyone here?" I call out to the halls.
For a while, there is no response. But soon there is the sound of fluttering wings.
That sounds like… fairies?
From one of the halls emerges a small floating figure. A fairy approaches me dressed in a classic maid outfit; compete with headdress.
What the heck? Why a maid outfit?
Some useless employee here.
"Uh, Hello?" I hesitantly greet the strange fairy.
She makes a polite bow, but says nothing. She points to the hall she came from and beckons for me to follow.
"Alright, lead the way." I hope this isn't a mistake.
The fairy moves down the hall and I follow. She flies quickly and I almost have to jog to keep up. During our travel we pass several doors and intersecting hallways.
This place is massive! I would hate to get lost in here. Especially with all of this creepy mist. And this blood smell… just who is this person anyways?
I continue to follow the fairy until we finally reach a large double door that is different from the rest. The fairy pushes it open and motions for me to go inside.
There doesn't appear to be anything special about this room. It's a very large, empty room with a pair of fancy chairs facing another one on the opposite end of the room. There is red carpet instead of stone, and a pair of chandeliers offer good lighting here.
"What is this? A meeting room?" I ask.
The fairy still does not talk. Instead, she leads me the lone chair and has me sit in it.
"Ok…" I take a seat in the chair. "Now what?"
The fairy turns away from me and whistles loudly to the door. Almost instantly, another fairy enters.
The two whisper to each other. I realize that one of them is pointing at the wound on my arm.
The gash is still bleeding a little, but the rain had cleaned it up pretty well. It just needs to be closed.
"Oh, this. Ah… Do you have any bandages or something?" I ask.
One of the fairies pulls out a bottle of syrupy liquid and floats over to my arm.
"You must not show blood in front of the mistress. It is disrespectful to tempt her." The fairy whispers as she pours the stinging liquid on the wound.
Ah! Ow! Yeowch! That stings!
Cease your complaining. I do not wish to hear it.
I keep my arm still and let the fairy finish pouring the liquid. Right when she finishes, the wound suddenly closes and the skin reverts to normal. I test my shoulder, and it seems to be fully healed.
I'm glad to be relieved of the soreness. "Whew, thanks."
She bows and the two fairies leave.
But… what did she mean by tempt? Just what kind of person lives here?
I sigh and sink back into the chair. This place is beginning to give me a headache.
Then, the door opens again. I sit up so I can see who it is.
Entering first is a young girl. She has a pinkish cap and dress; both tied with red ribbons and trimmed with expensive looking silk. More noticeably, is the wings on her back. The leathery bat wings on her back are almost as long as she is tall. A familiar fragrance coming from her hints that she is the one who invited me in at the gate.
Overall, she has a dark and imposing presence. She regards me with her demonic red eyes and a conservative smile, sending a chill down my spine.
This must be the owner. Best keep my cool here; I still need the help of her friend.
Right behind her is a much taller figure. A young woman dressed like a maid, and has bright silver hair. She has a calm demeanor, and maintains the elegance of her master in front of her. She does not acknowledge me.
And this must be the master's servant… she looks normal enough… but who's that she has with her?
The maid has her hand on another young girl. A short blond dressed much more casually than anyone else; wearing a red shirt and skirt lacking any frills or silk, and a cap matching the first girl's. She has a rather impressive display on her back: a pair of gnarled rods jutting out like wings are decorated with large crystal prisms of various colors.
She is being guided by the maid's hand, and is looking downward as if uncomfortable.
The two young girls each take the two seats facing mine. The maid politely stands at her master's side. The two girls stare at me from the opposite end of the room; the maid seems to stare off into nothing. Nothing is said, and no introductions are given.
Servant, you must be cautious before these creatures. They are vampires. I also believe the human may be some breed of magician.
Vampires? Like… blood-sucking monster vampires?
I do not know the extent of that… but yes, they are. I know this kind of power all too well.
Suddenly, being stared at has become very scary.
They're just staring… did I do something wrong? Are they going to try and take my blood?
Silence continues for several minutes. The blond girl begins to kick at her chair impatiently, and the older-looking girl begins to fiddle with her blue hair.
"Hm… boring. Impossibly boring. I honestly don't know what that girl was talking about." The pink vampire suddenly speaks up. She speaks with a surprising maturity for her given appearance.
Boring? What?
"I'm sorry? Look, my name is Knight I'm here because-"
The vampire hushes me with a wave of her hand. "I know why you're here. You're here because I let you in, and meeting with Patchouli to ask for help with your powers is what you are trying to accomplish by coming here."
How did she know that? "Er… right. So, is there any problem?"
She sighs. "Yes. The problem is that the reason that I let you in appears completely unfounded. I was told by that magician that you were an interesting person, but I have no idea how she got such a notion. You're uninteresting, you talk in an uninteresting manner, you have an uninteresting appearance, and you have a dark and uninteresting fate. You are no more interesting than anyone else I know."
How the hell did she pull fate out of all that? And who told her about me? What does she mean by uninteresting? This girl is being way too mysterious! I need to cut to the chase and get on with this.
I reply more forcefully this time. "Well I'm sorry to disappoint, but I really need to speak with Patchouli. So if you don't mind?"
She chuckles. "Ah, but I do mind. You see, I have this problem you've given me now. How can I repay your kindness before you've helped me?"
What does this girl expect me to do for her then? I'm not an entertainer. "What do you have in miss… um…"
"Ah? Did I not introduce myself? How careless of me. I am Remilia Scarlet, the head of the Scarlet Devil Mansion." She proudly introduces herself.
She then gestures to the red clad vampire next to her. "This sweet girl next to me is Flandre Scarlet, my younger sister. Flandre, say hello to our guest. Be polite, just like I taught you."
"U-um… Good evening s-sir… You can call… I mean… I am… Flan… um… Flandre Scarlet. It's a…um… pleasure to meet you sir." Her manners are forced, but she manages to finish with a straight face.
Remilia nods and then motions to her maid. "And this is my beloved servant, Sakuya Izayoi. If it were not for my dear maid, I don't know where I would be."
She gives an elegant curtsey. "Good evening sir." She is polite, and mimics her master's sophisticated attitude.
She then points to me. "And you, Knight… since you aren't interesting to me, you'll have to entertain me instead."
The way she said 'entertain' makes me think she has something else in mind.
"Ok… what is it then?" I ask.
She grins. "I have a lovely idea I'd like to try. But first, there is one other person I'd like to introduce you to."
Remilia leans forward and shouts to the door.
"Meiling. Please come in."
The door bursts open and reveals a tall, shapely woman in a dark green Chinese-style dress. The gold star and beret on her long red hair makes her look like some kind of officer, even if the dress is more revealing than it should be for a soldier.
My officer theory is further supported when she jogs into the room and makes a soldierly salute to Remilia.
"Yes Mistress! Hong Meiling is here reporting for duty, Mistress!" She tries to sound serious, but her ditzy attitude and voice makes it hard for me to take her seriously.
Remilia sighs. "This… is Meiling… my dearest gate guard. She would be the one who would greet you if I had not invited you."
I ignore her and try to press my point again. "Ok, so now that all of us are introduced. Let's get this thing done. You said you had some kind of idea?"
Remilia chuckles. "Ohoho! So eager to start. I think we are going to get along just fine tonight. Now then…"
Here we go…
Prepare yourself. Nothing good will come of this.
"You see, thanks to a recent, and rather absurd, incident-"
"Taisui Xingjun was a very serious incident, Mistress! I have never done anything absurd, Mistress!" Meiling proclaims in her defense.
Remilia looks towards her. "Meiling, please… You see, my dear woman here was seen fighting a very strange opponent recently. Now, Meiling herself is seen as a bit strange…"
"I am not strange, Mistress! I do everything on the name of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, Mistress!"
"Hong Meiling!"
It is Sakuya who responds. Her cold glare pierces Meiling like a knife, causing the enthusiastic guard to quiet down.
Remilia continues again. "And now, no one will take her seriously anymore. I used to enjoy watching her fights against those who tried to intrude on my mansion, but without that… I fear I have grown rather bored. Thus, I'm left with two people who need to entertain me. But I have come up with an idea."
She then holds up a small book. A manga book at that. It looks manufactured, so it's probably from Kourindou.
"You see, there is this oddity I've heard about from the outside recently. I believed it is called a… what was it… a 'game show' I believe?"
Game show? No… no way… you have got to be kidding me!
Remilia grins when she sees my look of horror. "Ah, so you know of this then. Good. Then I will be brief. I want you to compete against Meiling in a little game I've set up. It's nothing complicated I assure you."
Like hell it is… there's no telling what she's come up with.
I grit my teeth, but remain silent.
Everyone is waiting for Remilia to continue, but she leaves a dramatic silence. She appears to be enjoying the suspense.
After a moment, she continues. "The rules are simple. I have a jewel here." She pulls out a large ruby cut in the shape of a bat. "In a moment, I will have Sakuya place this jewel in the mansion. I will then have both of you placed on opposite ends of the mansion. The both of you will race to find and retrieve this jewel, and bring it back to me here. If you win, then I'll allow you to come and go as you please, and allow you to ask for the favor of anyone here. You will be a permanent honored guest."
Flandre then speaks up against her sister. "Just a race? Aww… that's boring! Big sis, you said this would be fun!"
I thought Remilia would scold her sister's outburst, but 'boring' seems to be the word she was waiting for.
"Of course I wouldn't make it boring, my sweet Flandre. So, to make things more interesting, I have ordered all of the maids in the mansion to stop you by any means. And should you encounter each other, you are also allowed to use any means to stop the other. That shouldn't be a problem for you Knight, should it?" She finishes with a sickening sweetness.
This girl is nuts. She's going to try and kill me for fun! But… I've come all this way. I have to play along if I want to get anywhere.
"Of course not…" I weakly reply.
Remilia smiles a devilish smile. "Perfect. Then it's settled."
"B-but Mistress. Will I get a prize if I win, Mistress?" Meiling sheepishly asks.
Remilia chuckles. "Oh, but of course Meiling. I would certainly want you to do your best now wouldn't I? Would a nice two week vacation suffice? I'm sure you would like a nice reward for your valiant defense against that… thing."
Meiling nearly falls over in surprise. "M-Mistress? Are you sure? Oh Mistress! Oh, it most certainly would Mistress! I will do my best for you, Mistress!"
Bought out so easily… and she's practically on fire now. This is going to be difficult.
"Good. Now that everything is settled… Sakuya, please lead Knight to his starting point." Remilia orders.
Sakuya soundlessly walks over to me. I stand up and she leads me out the door and back down the halls. Neither of us say a word the whole time.
Soon, we reach my starting point. It takes me a second to realize that this is the entrance hall.
So I start at the front door… then all the way down there, in the back of the mansion, Meiling is not only going to be racing me, but trying to stop me as well.
Sakuya takes a glass ball out of her pocket and drops it in the air. It remains floating, and drifts over to my side.
"This is so My Lady can see you and Meiling. Please do not destroy it." She explains.
I nod. "Sure thing."
"When Meiling and the jewel are both in place, the viewing glass will glow and you may start searching for the target. Good luck." She finishes with a polite bow.
I thank her and she turns away.
But just as I think she's beginning to leave, she turns back to face me.
"Knight… I understand that you have many questions, and that you are worried about your situation. I assure you that you have not made a mistake in searching for Patchouli's aid. Unfortunately, you will also have to deal with My Lady's childish game tonight. In the interest of your success, I will give you a hint: the fairies have been ordered to guard the target jewel. Look for them and follow them back to it."
Whoa… maybe this maid is on my side after all.
"Thanks Sakuya… that means a lot to me."
She silently turns back and wanders back into the dark and misty halls, leaving me and the viewing crystal alone in the entry hall.
Well… this is just great. I get invited to play some battle game for a kid's fun. Just great, really. At least the maid is on my side though.
I warned you this would not end well. But, you seem to have earned a favorable situation. With this knowledge, you should have no problem out maneuvering that guard. For now, take these last few minutes to rest and prepare to move.
Yeah, probably should do that. I'm going to need full strength.
I take a seat on the cold ground and wait for my crystal to light up.
I've locked myself in a deadly game, and if I want to continue I'm going to have to beat her champion in a battle race through the mansion.
I don't know how I get into these situations sometimes. Still, I can't lose to some race.
I look at the silently floating orb.
If she wants a show, then I'll sure as hell give her one. I'm not losing tonight!
A/N
Thank you for reading my latest chapter. I had a lot of fun writing this one.
Initially, this chapter was going to take a completely different direction. I got this idea of having Knight get invited to some twisted party idea that Remilia has, and I thought it worked out better. I wanted to show that, even if invited, the SDM isn't the kind of place you want to go, and I thought i better displayed Remilia's manipulative/playful nature.
This chapter also showcases a lot of characters. Up to this point, Knight has only encountered one or two characters at a time while roaming the wilds. Now that he's in a more populated place, there would naturally be a lot of people he might run into. I was worried that this chapter might be too crowded. I sort of suppressed some of the character's personalities here with Remilia's presence; I didn't want to crowd the chapter with everyone's loud personalities, and realistically I think the resident's would be more reserved in the presence of their master... except Meiling, who is kind of loud-mouthed to begin with.
Thanks again, the next chapter will be ready soon. Be sure to review and let me know what you think.