"You made quite a bit of money from the play, my lady," Sebastian said to Lily the next day.

"That's wonderful. This will help immensely."

Lily seemed distracted. "Mistress, you're not pleased with how the play turned out?" Sebastian asked as he set a cup of tea on the desk in the study.

She looked at the butler. "It didn't go as expected, but the important thing is that there were a lot of ticket sales. The money will help a lot of homeless people. I am not thinking about that now, though. I'm being plunged into the present and my mission."

Sebastian nodded. "What did you find out from Grell and the Viscount?"

Lily looked at him with tired, sad eyes. "My parents are still alive, and the same person who was involved in my uncle's murder was also involved in my aunt's murder."

"Aren't you happy to know your parents are still living?"

"I always believed they were. I have no more information than I did before. All trails are cold."

"If I may, perhaps I can find more information. I would use any means necessary."

Lily looked at him and burst into tears. Sebastian had a worried expression on his face. "My lady, what is the matter?"

"Any means? That means you would kill or have sex with someone to get clues?"

"Well-"

"I forbid it! I forbid you to have sexual intercourse with anyone except…except me."

The butler looked perplexed. "Mistress?"

"That is an order!"

The room became quiet. Lily was breathing heavily from working herself up. She felt sick to her stomach. Then she looked at him with frightened eyes. Her face went white when she realized what she had said.

Sebastian's expression was calm, as usual. "As you wish, my lady."

Lily got up and left the study. She went through the rooms, just looking around. This is where she grew up. She could almost see her parents, laughing and loving. The manor wasn't the same without them. It was a dark and gloomy place, as was life. Everything had changed, or was it she who had changed? It made sense that she saw the world differently than she had only over a year ago. It was as if the shadows of the world gradually crept up on her. Now, she was being devoured by them. They had names: Despair, Hopelessness, Defeat, and Fear. They intertwined and slipped their way into her soul. Lily was not the same person that she was; the shadows had changed her.

Their hold of her was strong, and she saw a bit of them seep out and spread throughout the manor. She screamed. The other servants ran to her. Lily cried out, "Leave quickly! You're all in danger!"

Bard asked, "What's wrong, mistress?"

"They're taking over the manor!"

"Who?" Finny asked.

"Don't you see them?! They're covering everything! Leave and save yourselves!"

Mey-Rin whispered, "Something is wrong with Lady Lillith, yes there is. Probably another fever."

Sebastian said, "I will take care of Lady Lillith. You three get back to work."

The other three looked worried but went their separate ways.

Sebastian picked Lily up, who was now on her knees, holding her head. She looked at him, frightened. "There, now. You're safe," he said.

"The shadows….they'll consume everything. It's too late for me. Please leave with the others. Save yourselves."

Sebastian carried Lily to her room and laid her on the bed. "The shadows can't harm us. We're safe, and you'll be safe, as well. Now, rest. You've been under too much stress. How about I plan a holiday? Some time away from home might help."

"A…holiday?"

"Yes. Perhaps a place near a beach would be best. Somewhere relaxing." He sat on the bed by her and took her temperature. "No fever, but your muscles are tense. I advise against doing any sort of work or stressful activities. Stay in bed, and when you feel a bit better, we shall leave."

Lily wanted to protest, but she was too exhausted, and she immediately fell asleep.

Later, Lily got out of bed and went downstairs. "Ah, Mistress, you're awake," she heard Sebastian say. "Mey-Rin, please bring Lady Lillith her tea and cake."

The maid clumsily gave a cup and plate to Lily. "Oh my, Mistress, you look pale, yes you do."

"It's from stress. I need to go on a holiday. I haven't taken one since…since before Mother and Father disappeared."

"A holiday sounds exciting, yes it does!"

"All of you are welcome to come along."

Mey-Rin became so excited that Lily thought the maid would faint. "That's so generous of you, Lady Lillith, yes it is!"

Lily smiled a little. "I'll tell the other two later."

Sebastian said, "My lady, it would also benefit you to ask Lord Walter to join."

Lily sighed. "I suppose. I was looking forward to a fun holiday."

"I can assure you, it will be. If I can't make my mistress's holiday enjoyable, then what kind of butler would I be?"