Chapter 5: There Are No Humans Left in the Manor
Head Maid Sylvia silently observed Eve for several seconds.
Under the moonlight, the newly arrived maid stood upright, her appearance outstanding, her gaze clear, her attitude respectful and humble.
She remembered that Eve had been personally recommended by the master about a week ago. It was said that her background was clean and her evaluation results excellent—especially in matters of bearing and attention to detail.
Though her demeanor was somewhat cool, every task assigned to her was completed flawlessly.
Having served at Morninglight Manor for over ten years, rising from an ordinary maid to a managerial position, Sylvia had seen all kinds of servants.
Yet there was something special about Eve—not merely beauty. It made her particularly conspicuous among the newcomers and unconsciously earned her extra attention.
At times, Sylvia even felt that Eve did not seem to come from an ordinary background. She appeared more like someone who had undergone rigorous training.
Setting etiquette aside… she could scale walls.
But who did not have secrets?
As long as one followed the rules of Morninglight Manor, fulfilled one’s duties, and caused no trouble, Sylvia was more than willing to see promising newcomers grow.
“It is good that you are not hurt. Lost items can be bought again. Just remember to keep them safe next time,” Sylvia’s tone softened, though it still carried gentle reproach. “Coming back so late—have you had dinner? There should be some bread left in the warming cabinet in the kitchen. Shall I fetch some for you?”
“No need to trouble yourself, Head Maid. I… am not very hungry,” Eve declined.
What she needed most at the moment was to return to her private space as soon as possible. She could feel the scent of blood on her growing stronger. She could not remain here any longer.
Besides… Eve was not used to receiving such excessive concern. It made her uncomfortable.
“Are you sure?” Sylvia confirmed seriously.
“I am sure. Thank you,” Eve nodded.
“Very well. Can you walk? Shall I help you back to the annex dormitory?”
“It is fine. It already feels much better,” Eve said, demonstrating by walking a few steps.
Sylvia nodded and did not insist further. She habitually adjusted her cuffs, then suddenly remembered something and seized the opportunity to bring it up.
“By the way, Eve. After observing you recently, I find you very impressive…”
“Hmm… calm, meticulous, quick to learn. Many places where new maids tend to be careless, you handle extremely well.”
Eve folded her hands over her lower abdomen. “It is due to your guidance, Head Maid. The manor’s rules are also very clear.”
“No need to be modest.” Sylvia smiled lightly. She raised her hand, then lowered it again, restraining the urge to pat Eve’s head. “What I value is your potential. In the manor, especially at the young lady’s side, we may need someone as reliable as you.”
Eve’s brow lifted slightly. She remained silent, unsure of the implication.
Sylvia paused, choosing her words carefully before looking directly into Eve’s eyes. “Starting tomorrow, I would like to adjust your daily assignments.”
“After completing your basic tasks, you may come to my study and tea room. I will teach you more advanced service skills—mainly how to attend to the young lady.”
“Could you be more specific, Head Maid?”
“It means… I would like to promote you to be the young lady’s personal maid.”
Eve felt little emotional fluctuation. The organization’s task was simply for her to remain within the Hatherin family as an “eye.”
She had not expected this—becoming the personal maid of the young lady whom she had barely met. It was not within her calculations.
After thinking briefly, she replied, “Even though my seniority is still shallow?”
“I trust my judgment, and I trust your ability,” Sylvia’s meaning was unmistakable. Refusal or doubt was not encouraged. “The young lady’s personality is somewhat unique, but she is not difficult to serve. She simply needs someone with discretion at her side.”
“You carry a reassuring aura. I believe you are suitable. We can proceed gradually.”
Eve was puzzled again. She had not realized she possessed such a sleep-inducing aura. In physical terms… that might indeed be true.
Putting someone to sleep was simple. A single firm click on the temple would suffice. She was quite adept at that.
“Are you listening? I am serious. Consider it a personal request of mine. Eve, could you help me?”
The head maid wore a gentle, almost pleading expression. Eve did not focus on that. She only registered the word “request,” as though it had triggered some underlying code.
Moreover… during this week, she had indeed received “special treatment” from the head maid—small privileges other maids did not have.
One did not strike a smiling face.
After a moment’s thought, Eve lowered her head slightly in compliance. “Understood. I accept the Head Maid’s request.”
Sylvia’s expression brightened, a hint of pleasant surprise in her eyes. Was she agreeing out of regard for her?
She nodded with satisfaction. “Then it is settled. It is late—return and rest. And remember, no matter how late it is, use the main gate in the future. Safety first.”
“I understand. Thank you for the reminder, Head Maid.”
“Hmm? I am not satisfied with that farewell.”
Eve hesitated briefly before correcting herself. “Good night, Sister Sylvia.”
“That is better. Sweet dreams,” Sylvia replied with a smile.
They turned simultaneously—Sylvia continuing her final patrol of the manor’s corners, while Eve walked along the cobblestone path toward the main residence.
To reach the servants’ dormitory, one had to pass through the rear corridor of the main house. Yet Eve could not wait until she reached her quarters.
She rubbed her tightly furrowed brow, her right hand covering the right side of her neck, quickening her pace and changing direction, heading straight for the main house restroom.
At this hour, almost no one was active. Eve did not bother to minimize her movements. After entering, she did not even close the door.
Whether she forgot in haste or deemed it unnecessary—it was not because she worried about privacy.
Rather—
Rrip—
The sound of fabric being forcibly torn echoed in the space as Eve ripped open the collar covering her neck.
Her breathing grew heavy. Supporting herself against the sink with one hand, she stared at her reflection. Those blood-red eyes were now even more vivid than before.
Such a sight was clearly inhuman. Strictly speaking, Eve was not “normal.”
In fact, she was not human at all.
Her gloves had already been discarded on the floor. Slowly, she removed the hand covering her neck, revealing the concealed source of abnormality.
It was a glaring bite mark, stark against her pale skin. Among the two rows of teeth impressions, four punctures were noticeably deeper.
“Ha… ha…” Eve drew several deep breaths.
As if it were not enough, she seized a clean towel from the rack, soaked it in cold water, and pressed it firmly against the bite mark.