~Chapter 6~
“There’s something you absolutely must see.”
What could be so important?
I followed the Duke, staring at his back and wondering why he was being so dramatic.
“This way.”
His voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
He opened a door to reveal a large, vintage-style bedroom.
“…Wow.”
The moment I stepped inside, I let out a small gasp.
The room was decorated in deep red and black velvet—rich and a bit eerie, but exactly my taste.
It looked just like something out of a haunted mansion in a gothic horror novel. Like a room where the lady of the house died with a grudge and her spirit still lingered.
‘But even objectively, this room is really well-designed.’
Dark velvet can easily look cheap if not done right, but here, it was perfectly balanced with a sense of luxury.
Even the small chandelier on the ceiling, which could’ve looked excessive, was beautifully crafted using ruby, garnet, and obsidian. It blended seamlessly with the room’s atmosphere.
“What do you think? This will be your room from now on.”
The Duke asked carefully, almost hesitantly.
“I originally planned to have a new, brighter room built with new furniture… but somehow, this one felt more fitting for you.”
“Oh, really?”
Honestly, this was perfect for me.
I’d get to sleep every night in a place that felt like a haunted mansion—just like I’ve always dreamed.
“This used to be my mother’s room, but if that bothers you, I can offer another.”
“No, I really like it.”
He paused, a little surprised by how fast I answered.
“Is that so?”
“Yes. I love velvet.”
“Alright, then use this room. If you ever want to change anything, just let me know.”
“Thank you.”
As I excitedly looked around the room, a painting near the window caught my eye.
It was a portrait of a woman sitting gracefully, very beautiful.
She wore a serious expression, her dress rich with blue fabric and adorned with jewels—clearly someone of high status.
“Is that the previous Duchess?”
“Oh, no. She lived here long before my mother.”
Her ice-cold eyes gave off an eerie vibe—she fit perfectly as the cursed lady of a haunted mansion.
‘Wait… what if the painting moves at night?’
Thump.
Just imagining it made my heart skip.
That would be amazing!
“Are you worried it’s cursed?”
“Huh? Oh—”
“If so, don’t worry. It’s just a normal painting.”
Aww… that’s a shame.
“If it makes you uncomfortable, I can cover it. Or I’ll have James take it down—”
“No!”
No way! That painting is the highlight of this room’s spooky charm!
“I actually like it. I think it adds to the atmosphere.”
The Duke stared at me for a moment, then nodded.
“Alright. This room is yours now—decorate it however you want. If you need anything, ask the head maid.”
“Got it. Thank you.”
“Now I’ll explain the layout of the mansion, and after that, we’ll go eat.”
Finally.
It was time to explore this giant haunted house.
The tour—or rather, exploration—of the mansion was fascinating.
Even during the day, some places were so dark the light barely reached. There were strange pieces of paper and rooms marked with signs that said “Do Not Enter.”
There was even a coffin in the hallway—real or fake, I couldn’t tell.
In short, this mansion was exactly like the haunted mansion of my dreams.
‘I’ll start exploring from the front gate alone tonight.’
It was so huge that even with several days, I doubted I could check out every room.
It was practically a free, 24/7 horror-themed amusement park.
“That concludes the explanation. If you have questions, you can ask me or the head butler.”
“Alright. Thank you.”
“Oh, and the promised 200 million gold has been placed in your room along with your private vault.”
“Huh? Already?”
“Yes, as agreed. And here’s a checkbook.”
The Duke pulled a thick booklet from his coat and handed it to me.
“You can issue checks in my name. There’s no limit. Use it when cash is inconvenient.”
Whoa. Not only did he give me 200 million gold, now I have unlimited checks?
It felt like too much, especially when I hadn’t even done anything yet.
“Uh, I don’t think you need to go as far as giving me a checkbook…”
I tried to refuse politely, but the white mask simply stared at me in silence.
The hand holding out the checkbook showed no sign of withdrawing.
With that silent pressure from behind the mask, I eventually accepted the checkbook.
“Thank you…”
Only then did the Duke give a small nod and turn away.
“Let’s go eat.”
I tucked the checkbook into my pocket and followed him to the dining hall.
As soon as we entered, we were greeted by a weathered chandelier and Gorgon statues with mouths wide open.
The meal began, and the head chef came out to introduce himself.
“Hello, I’m Martin, the head chef in charge of meals for the House of Maledictus.”
Despite his plump figure, his sunken eyes and lifeless voice made him seem deeply gloomy.
After a brief self-introduction, he began explaining the first dish.
“This is pâté made from ground duck liver. It tastes best when eaten with the cracker on top.”
He disappeared after explaining, only to return with the next dish and a new explanation.
The food was excellent.
The warmth and brilliance of the dishes stood in stark contrast to the somber chef and the cold, serious dining hall.
“For dessert, I’ve prepared my signature gâteau au chocolat.”
As the meal neared its end, the chef and maids brought out cake and tea.
Strangely, there was a white lump on top of my slice of cake.
“Wait!”
The Duke suddenly shouted, and the lump on my cake rolled off the plate.
‘Huh?’
Looking closer—it was an eyeball.
A bloodshot, human-like eyeball.
“Oh.”
I poked it with my fork and felt the soft, squishy texture.
Then I stuck my fork in it and took a bite. The strawberry jam inside burst with sweetness.
The chef’s “signature dish” made perfect sense now.
“That’s some amazing technique. Very detailed.”
“You flatter me, madam.”
The chef bowed deeply at my praise.
“If you eat it one-to-one with the cake, the flavor improves even more.”
His face showed a bit of life for the first time.
“Thanks. Could I have another one?”
“Of course! We always keep eyeball marshmallows in stock.”
Looking oddly excited, the chef hurried to fetch more marshmallows.
As I watched him go, I turned back to the Duke, who had gone strangely quiet.
“Your Grace?”
His mouth, partially visible beneath the mask, was hanging open.
“Your Grace?”
“Ah—yes.”
“Are you alright? You’ve seemed spaced out since earlier…”
“Yes, I’m fine. Just… a little surprised.”
“By what?”
With a rather complicated expression, he replied,
“No, it’s nothing.”
