Chapter 6: The House of Masks

There was a familiar lingering to the beginning to the tune. A life that was held with care, afraid of the changes. They tend to have lived in despair. They grasped to the point that if they worked hard. Their situations would change.

The wondering traveling who traveled far and wide found the woman who was a poet whom sings her songs.

Within the kingdom of flames, they had met once more and the wondering traveler spoke.

"I travel the land for all my life, and for all my plight. Might I ask, are you not uncomfortable dressing this way?"

The poet responded.

"No, the heat is warm and fierce. It keeps me alert and fills me with passion."

The warmth was different from the cold she felt all year around. Would that mean she would be passionate and alert?

Claire was soon brought out of her thoughs by the orange masked woman's words.

"The tree of Evergrand. Ever is the grand departure that rests within the roots of a seed."

Claire stared blankly at the woman's solemn expression.

"Ah, your fine right?"

She looked down at herself for a moment before looking back at the orange masked woman and nodded.

"Oh, yes. Change your clothes and come outside. I am tasked with showing you around when you awake

As they stood and exited the room, the closet was opened. A moment passed and now they were wearing a brand-new black suit with a grey handkerchief in the upper left pocket. She turned to walk to the dresser and picked up a silver mask.

Once ready, Claire walked to the door and opened it, but was blocked by a hand.

"Ah, stop right there. Mask on while you're outside your quarters."

It was an odd rule, however it wasn't something that she wouldn't comply with. Her hand rose and she equipped the mask.

Claire followed behind the orange masked woman.

"Why am I here?"

Claire asked.

"Juzi"

Was the reponse.

"Juzi?"

"Yes, that's my name. What's yours?"

Claire paused for a moment as she looked out the window as they walked.

"Claire"

They gave an open smile, however Claire remained indifferent as her gaze lowered to see a dark blue masked man cutting wood.

"Good name, however you will receive a new one. Given you were bought for a generous sum"

"Generous sum?"

Claire grew curious, however that was not something that a servant is usually given the luxury to have and quickly squashed the thought.

"But of course, though…I thought I told Kuro to stop the recruitment…."

Juzi spun around and crossed both arms behind their head. They had begun walking backwards casually.

"Though….your a special case…." She said remembering that day they came in. " You were definitely lucky."

Claire glanced back at them and read their expression.

"Kuro.."

Juzi soon remembered they were having a conversation.

"Yep you will meet him again soon enough, he is the boss around here so be sure to listen to him…or he might lock you in the cellar or hang you from a tr- "

They spoke in a spooky tone before an arm lowered and rested on their head. He was taller than the both of them. He wore a green mask and had green hair. He leaned forwards a little and soon spoke.

"Don't mind her…"

In a lofty tone?

"She was dropped as a child."

And with a hint of malice.

Juzi growled and turned to argue with him angrily while he laughed and held up his hands in defense. She stared at both of them before looking to the left. The door opened revealing the black masked man.

"I was wondering why it was so noisy. You two, scatter but remain close by and Sliver mask. Come in"

She walked into the large office and sat down on a couch. He took the one opposite to her.

"You seem to be coming along well."

"Why di-…"

Claire paused and grew silent.

"You are my new employer?"

The black masked individual nodded.

"Kuro…then I was sold…"

She paused deciding that it was better not to pry.

"Then what are my tasks?"

His gaze narrowed and a hand went to his chin. He was thinking.

"For now rest, in a few weeks you will head out with Midori, the man with the green mask"

They paused.

"As for your new name, Ginsei. We are butlers who serve directly under the goddess who blessed the first kings of the four great kingdoms."

"Therefore, yo-"

He paused. It seemed as though he noticed Claire's stoic demeanor. It was as though they were not listening.

"Please continue"

Ginsei said and Kuro spoke.

"You should use the houses insignia."

He rose up his hand and held out a symbol. Small circular metal, black in its color on the outer rim. Like vines the metal twisted forming weaves. The center being a mask at a woman's torso with her hands enclasped and a smile.

"Forever is blessed is one who basks in her smile.."

She had repeated something she heard a scholar say once while she waited outside her ladies door.

Her hand went to take the metal. The color of the entire metal then changed from black to silver which surprised her.

"I will, use this well."

She said as they stared at the metal before putting it away.

"They will allow you almost anywhere as we are known as the group called the 'The Chronicle of Butlers' "

"I believe that's all. You are now free to go."

Claire gave a nod and stood up to exit the room. Kuro would sigh and a bright ghostly figure leaned against the couch placing their hands on the top end to keep herself up. Golden hair materialized and rested along Kuro's shoulder as they spoke.

"I told you not to. A child of misfortune is usually to be killed."

She pouted.

" I know, which is why I had you bless the mask. "

Kuro stood up and walked towards the desk. He soon sat down.

"Don't worry, I will end it myself if things get too out of hand."

They paused, reading a report.

"And another helping hand will also be good."

The goddess folded her arms and frowned.

"Just an ugly spawn of my sister. She must be getting back at me for the waterfall incident."

Slowly Kuro began to tune out the goddess out as he began to remember what happened at the Le' Valro mansion.

The amount of secrecy that the head butler Dilmun of the Le'Valro family had to go through to get a hold him was astonishing. It was a favor for an old friend. However, he only understood such a scene after seeing it in person.

A servant cannot raise a hand against the master. The maid's feigned ignorance to avoid being punished and something about the third floor which the people of the house would rather die than visit. It was an ominous feeling, something to look into on a later date.

He stared at the ring on his finger and pondered in his thoughts.