Episode 1 Prologue
《Rules for Visitors to Belmont Ducal Manor》
1. Introduction
Welcome to the historic Belmont Ducal Manor.
Once counted among the wealthiest families in the Tritan Empire, the Belmont Ducal House fell into ruin centuries ago due to an unexplained incident. During that event, the then-head of the household, Duke Edwin Belmont, along with all 172 servants, mysteriously vanished.
You have been specially invited as a guest to stay at the ducal manor. For a pleasant and safe visit, please carefully adhere to the following rules.
2. Main Guidelines
※ Warning!
These rules are established to maintain order within the manor. Failure to comply may result in unforeseen consequences.
Sharing these rules outside the manor is prohibited. You will be solely responsible for any physical or mental harm, death, or other calamities resulting from non-compliance.
Ⅰ. The servants of the manor work from 4 AM to 2 AM the following day.
Ⅱ. Do not respond to any sounds or movements between 2 AM and 4 AM. The manor’s servants strictly adhere to their designated hours.
Ⅲ. Do not open the curtains covering the windows. External light may provoke ▲▲.
Ⅳ. Be present during designated meal times, but it is not recommended to touch the food served.
Ⅴ. The manor houses several distinguished figures—except for Duke Edwin Belmont himself. When interacting with the Duke’s aide, keep the following in mind:
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He is extremely strict about etiquette. If your behavior is deemed improper, he will angrily recite <The Noble’s Code> to you.
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<The Noble’s Code> is a radical text advocating the immediate execution of ill-mannered nobles. You’d be better off jumping out a window than enduring his lecture to the end.
Ⅵ. The manor’s cleanliness is maintained by assigned servants, but always double-check anything you eat, drink, or touch.
Ⅶ. Remain silent in the manor’s library. The librarian is meticulous—if you disturb the order, they may react violently, causing irreparable physical or mental harm.
…
At the bottom of the rules, if you stare long enough at the empty space, faint letters begin to surface.
3. Conclusion
As of now, you are the only specially invited guest of the Belmont Ducal Manor.
However, if the events within the manor become unbearable, you may leap from the carriage that brought you here and return the way you came.
While jumping may result in physical or mental harm, or even death, at the very least, you will never arrive at the manor.
But if the carriage has already stopped, then there is no escape from Belmont Ducal Manor. In that case, follow the rules faithfully.
Whichever path you take, we wish you the best of luck.
(Note: ▲▲ appears to be censored or redacted text, possibly hinting at something sinister.)
Cover Illustration: ANZ
Interior Illustrations: Misomi
