Redcliffe castle.
Hilma Cygnaeus found herself in a state of disbelief as she reclined on the luxurious bed, blowing smoke from her pipe. Her wavy blonde hair cascaded down, gently brushing against the soft mattress. Dressed in thin white garments, she exuded an air of both elegance and intrigue, with her striking purple mascara and lipstick adding a touch of mystery to her appearance.
Hilma's lover, Hiro Hezri, had sent her to a distant country in the northwest, far from their usual rendezvous in Orlais. She had initially believed Hiro to be a foreign big shot involved in undercover activities in Orlais, but her arrival in this unfamiliar land revealed a startling truth. Hiro was, in fact, the ruler of a newly established kingdom, having seized control of the legendary Redcliffe castle.
This revelation shook Hilma to her core. While she had been a leader of a criminal organization in Orlais, the world of political power and rulership was an entirely different realm. It surpassed anything she had ever encountered before. Hilma's criminal past had prepared her for a life of secrecy and danger, but being entangled in the affairs of a kingdom presented challenges and responsibilities she had not anticipated.
As she took another drag from her pipe, Hilma contemplated the path that lay before her. She was now intertwined with Hiro's newfound kingdom, a place where her skills as a leader could potentially be put to use in a different context. The Redcliffe castle, steeped in history and legend, held secrets waiting to be unraveled, and Hilma found herself both captivated and wary of the new role she had unwittingly stepped into.
With her blonde hair falling like a golden curtain, Hilma made a decision. She would embrace this unexpected turn of events, rising to the challenge and adapting to her new surroundings. The criminal underworld of Orlais seemed distant and inconsequential compared to the intrigues of a kingdom. Hilma would need to navigate the treacherous waters of politics, power, and the castle's hidden past if she were to carve out her place in this new realm.
As the smoke curled in the air, Hilma prepared herself mentally for the journey ahead. The once notorious leader of a criminal organization would now become a player in a game of thrones, where the stakes were higher, and the consequences more profound.
Suddenly a brown haired girl entered the room. She was the maid who served during the dinner with the noble ladies.
Hilma looked up from her contemplative state, observing the brown-haired maid named Luca as she entered the room. Unlike the typical maids Hilma had encountered in the castle, Luca's attire was unusually extravagant, catching Hilma's attention. Despite the interruption, Luca carried herself with a friendly demeanor, her presence putting Hilma at ease.
"Forgive my intrusion, madam. My name is Luca," she greeted, her voice warm and inviting. Setting a jug of water on the desk with nonchalance, Luca seemed comfortable in her role as a maid, despite the knowledge that Hilma was a guest in the castle.
Hilma offered a nod of acknowledgment, appreciating the maid's casual demeanor. "No need to apologize, Luca. Thank you for the water," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "You seem different from the other maids I've encountered here. Is there something special about you?"
Luca's eyes sparkled with a touch of mischief as she responded, her tone playful yet respectful. "Oh, madam, I assure you, I'm just a humble servant. But it seems you have stumbled upon a world full of surprises. Redcliffe castle holds secrets not only in its hidden chambers but also within the people who reside here."
Intrigued by Luca's words, Hilma leaned forward, her eyes narrowing with intrigue. "What kind of secrets are we talking about, Luca? Are they related to the castle's history, or is there something more?"
Luca's smile widened, a glimmer of mischief dancing in her eyes.
Hilma's interest was piqued. The allure of secrets and hidden motives was a familiar territory for her. She knew that if she were to navigate the treacherous waters of this newfound kingdom successfully, understanding these intricacies would be essential.
"Luca, it seems you hold more knowledge than your humble position suggests," Hilma stated, her voice laced with intrigue. "If there's anything you can share, any information that might aid me in this new role I find myself in, I would be grateful."
Luca's grin widened.
"There's a demoness in this castle." She said and chuckled after seeing Hilma frowned.
Hilma's brows furrowed in response to Luca's unexpected revelation. The mention of a demoness lurking within the castle only added to the mystery and complexity of her situation. She had been prepared to navigate the treacherous waters of politics and power, but supernatural elements were an entirely different matter.
"Are you telling me that there's an actual demoness here in Redcliffe castle?" Hilma asked, her voice a mixture of disbelief and curiosity.
Luca's eyes gleamed with a mix of excitement and caution as she continued.
"She is harmless, though. I myself don't meet with her often but my friend who is also a maid, spent a lot of time with her."
Hilma's curiosity deepened, and she leaned in, urging Luca to share more details. "Tell me about your friend's encounters with the demoness. What does she know? And why is the demoness here in the castle?"
Luca took a moment to collect her thoughts before responding. "My friend, Nina...."
"Sister....Lady Ivanna summoned you to her chamber!"
A maid with curly yellowish hair entered the room and pulled Luca in panic."
"Hey..Nina. I was just about at an interesting part."
"Shut up, sister!"
The two girls walked out of the room, ignoring Hilma.
Hilma watched as Luca and the curly-haired maid hurriedly left the room, their conversation abruptly cut off. She was left with a mix of intrigue and unanswered questions, longing to know more.
As the door closed behind the maids, Hilma pondered her next move. The interruption had ignited a spark of curiosity within her, and she was determined to uncover the truth behind the castle's hidden chambers and supernatural presence. She knew she couldn't rely solely on chance encounters with talkative maids for information. Hilma needed to take matters into her own hands and delve deeper into the secrets that bound Redcliffe castle.
Taking a final drag from her pipe, she extinguished it and rose from the luxurious bed, her white garments flowing around her. With a resolute expression, Hilma made her way to the door, her mind buzzing with plans and possibilities. She would seek out Marchioness Ivanna, the one who had summoned Luca, and attempt to gain access to the knowledge she sought.
Taking a final drag from her pipe, she extinguished it and rose from the luxurious bed, her white garments flowing around her. With a resolute expression, Hilma made her way to the door, her mind buzzing with plans and possibilities. She would seek out Lady Ivanna, the one who had summoned Luca, and attempt to gain access to the knowledge she sought.
As she walked down the corridors of the castle, Hilma observed the ornate tapestries adorning the walls, their rich colors depicting scenes of battles and ancient legends. Each step brought her closer to Lady Ivanna's chamber, where she hoped to uncover more about the demoness and the castle's secrets.
Entering Lady Ivanna's chamber, Hilma found herself in a lavishly decorated room. The scent of perfumed candles hung in the air, casting a soft glow on the intricately carved furniture and golden accents. Ivanna Reskina, a regal woman with long red hair and piercing blue eyes, sat at a desk, engrossed in a book. Hilma approached her with a graceful stride, ensuring her presence was noticed.
"Lady Ivanna," Hilma spoke with a tone that conveyed both respect and confidence, "I apologize for the interruption earlier. I couldn't help but overhear a mention of a demoness from Luca. It seems Redcliffe castle is full of secrets, and I am intrigued to know more."
Lady Ivanna looked up from her book, her eyes studying Hilma intently. There was a moment of silence before she spoke, her voice measured and composed. "You are not the only one seeking answers, Hilma. The demoness you speak of has a connection to a recent tragedy in Redcliffe. "
Hilma's interest grew, and she leaned in, her eyes locked with Lady Ivanna's. "I sense there is more to this story, Lady Ivanna. If you would grant me the opportunity to delve deeper into these secrets, I believe I can be of assistance. My past experiences have honed my skills in uncovering the truth, and I am not afraid to face the unknown."
A flicker of contemplation passed through Lady Ivanna's eyes as she regarded Hilma. Finally, she nodded, a subtle smile gracing her lips. "Very well, Hilma. If you are truly determined to unearth the secrets of Redcliffe castle, I shall show you. But be warned, the path you tread is treacherous, and the consequences of unveiling the truth can be dire."
Hilma nodded in acknowledgment, her resolve unwavering.
