There were several other questions Irene wanted to ask Vanitas Astrea, however, refrained from doing so.
Only time would tell the reason why her stigmata couldn’t assess his true value.
“I still don’t understand what you find so interesting in him, Lady Irene,” Zia muttered, gripping the steering wheel as she puffed her cheeks in frustration. “You already have me.”
Irene glanced at her.
“Connections, Zia,” she replied simply. “The underworld is just as important as the political circle. Perhaps, even more important going forward.”
Zia frowned slightly, her eyes briefly flickering to Irene through the rearview mirror.
“Going forward?”
Irene exhaled, crossing one leg over the other. Her gaze drifted toward the city lights passing by.
“With the recent attack in Zyphran, all eyes are shifting. The balance of power is beginning to waver. The underworld in Zyphran will no doubt make a move. Thus, expanding my connections there is necessary.”
While Irene already held considerable influence in the underworld, there was one key group that incessantly avoided her.
The mafia.
She had attempted to reach out to several mafia families. Yet, each attempt ultimately ended in failure.
Thus, she saw Vanitas Astrea as a golden opportunity. And to her surprise, he had accepted being the intermediary. Perhaps he was the open door for Irene to enter within those circles.
“Is that so?” Zia said, glancing at Irene over the rearview mirror. “Still, what do you think he plans on using with those items?”
“Who knows?” Irene mused, leaning back slightly. “To be honest, Vanitas Astrea seems to have been operating in the shadows this whole time. It’s not so surprising he’d ask for those items.”
Vanitas had asked for an antitoxin and a sleep-inducing drug, along with the rights to export his winery brand under her commercial network.
For Irene, it was a small price to pay.
She had no idea of what had become of the boy she once played with in her younger years.
However, given the questionable rumors surrounding the Astrea Family in the underworld, it was hardly surprising that his life had taken a different path.
She tapped her fingers against the armrest. “He seems friendly with Franz, but it looks more like he’s just using him.”
“And if that’s the case?”
Irene smirked. “Then he’ll benefit more from aligning with me.”
Beyond that, it also provided her with the perfect vantage point to monitor him closely to ensure that Astrid remained unharmed. After all, Vanitas Astrea was still a dignified professor, regardless of his underlying motives.
Irene chuckled softly, her gaze hovering toward the passing city lights.
“We’ll use each other.”
* * *
Alea and Candice, two of the newly employed maids brought in by Heidi, sat in the stifling silence of the living room.
Tick. Tock.
The clock’s steady ticking filled the space as she remained seated, awaiting her masters’ return.
Originally, Heidi, exhausted from the day’s work, had planned to wait instead. However, Alea had volunteered instead to greet them properly.
She had only been with the Astrea household for five days, having joined after the recent hiring selection.
Along with her, seven other maids had been employed, but Alea stood out after Charlotte took a liking to her, securing Heidi’s approval to bring her along.
Her skills spoke for themselves.
Despite being new, Alea had already proven herself competent, earning Heidi’s trust to handle more demanding tasks that the other newly trained maids had yet to be entrusted with.
To put it simply, being brought to the Theocracy was a test for both Alea and Candice, under the watchful and strict eye of the head maid, Heidi.
The fact that Alea had volunteered had earned her merit points from the Head Maid.
Candice, however, had been dragged along unwillingly.
She sighed dramatically. “I don’t even know why I’m here.”
Alea frowned. “Why even work if you don’t want to work at all?”
Candice shrugged. “I need the money. I’ve got two siblings. one’s in high school, the other just started elementary.”
“Ah.”
To put things in perspective, the two were competing. Candice had shown stellar performance, and the perfect attitude befitting of a maid.
But internally, things were different.
Alea had only just noticed it. The exhaustion in Candice’s posture, the way her demeanor switched instantly whenever the masters, Evan, or Heidi were nearby, acting as a perfectly composed maid.
But the moment she thought no one was watching, she would turn into a different person entirely.
It was baffling, to say the least. But Alea wasn’t one to judge.
As long as Candice performed her job flawlessly, that was all that mattered. But in the first place, Alea didn’t plan on staying for long. There were much better opportunities outside serving the Astrea Marquess Family.
At least, Alea knew she had those opportunities, given her skills as a maid.
“Haaa… When are they coming home? God, I’m so sleepy already,” Candice muttered, rubbing her eyes.
Alea shot her a sideways glance. “You volunteered to wait too, you know.”
“If I had known we’d be sitting here for this long, I would’ve just gone to bed.”
Alea sighed, crossing her arms. “Well, too late now.”
Just as Candice was about to complain again, the sound of the front door unlocking echoed through the silent living room.
“…!”
“…!”
Both of them immediately straightened, shaking off their fatigue as the door creaked open.
A figure stepped inside. It was him, Vanitas Astrea. Behind him, was none other than Charlotte.
The two maids instinctively swallowed under his stern gaze.
“Lord and Lady Astrea,” they spoke in unison, bowing. “Welcome home.”
Vanitas barely acknowledged the greeting as he handed off his coat to Alea.
“Where’s Heidi?” he asked.
“Lady Heidi retired for the night an hour ago,” Alea informed. “She mentioned she would be up early to oversee tomorrow’s preparations.”
“Is that so?”
Charlotte, standing beside him, yawned quietly, rubbing her eyes.
Noticing this, Candice stepped forward. “Shall I prepare warm tea for Lady Charlotte before she rests?”
Vanitas’s gaze flicked toward his younger sister, who was already half-drifting off on her feet.
“No need,” he said, placing a hand on her back to guide her forward. “She’s exhausted. I’ll take her up myself.”
“Understood.”
Just as he turned to leave, he paused.
“That being said,” he added, glancing back at the two maids, “can either of you prepare my coffee?”
Candice immediately volunteered. “I can, Lord Vanitas.”
Alea, however, took a step forward. “With all due respect, my Lord, I’d like to prepare it instead.”
Vanitas raised a brow. “Oh?”
Alea nodded. “I noticed you prefer a precise ratio. Low acidity, a slightly bitter aftertaste. If I may, I’d like to prepare it exactly to your preference.”
Vanitas let out a tired sigh. “It doesn’t matter who does it.”
A brief silence followed.
“….”
“….”
Alea and Candice glanced at each other.
And just like that, they both turned on their heels and rushed toward the kitchen.
Vanitas blinked. “What the hell…?”
Deciding it wasn’t worth questioning, he turned his attention back to Charlotte, who was half-asleep.
Leading her up the stairs, he glanced down at her, his voice softening. “Sorry for doing this. But don’t worry. You won’t notice anything by morning. I’ll deal with the trash.”
“Hmm~?”
Charlotte, caught in the haze between sleep and wakefulness, let out a drowsy hum.
Vanitas exhaled, adjusting his grip on her as they reached her room. “Sleep well, my little sister.”
He gently pushed open the door, stepping inside.
Charlotte barely reacted as he led her toward the bed, settling her down beneath the warm covers.
As he pulled the blanket over her, he hesitated for a brief moment. Then, carefully, brushed a stray lock of hair away from her face.
Despite not inheriting her eyes, she looked so much like the Clarice he had seen in his visions.
A soft sigh left him. He pushed the thought aside and quietly stepped away.
After ensuring the room was secure, he silently exited, closing the door behind him.
Vanitas made his way to his room, stepping inside and sitting on the edge of his bed.
For a moment, he simply sat there, lost in thought as he replayed the events of the night.
“Hm.”
His gaze drifted toward the ceiling as he leaned back slightly, letting out a slow breath.
It was then.
To— Tok.
A soft knock at the door.
Vanitas straightened. “Enter.”
The door creaked open, and Candice stepped inside, carrying a steaming cup of coffee on a polished silver tray.
She moved gracefully, befitting that of a maid as she approached his bedside before lowering the tray onto the nearby table.
“Your coffee, Lord Vanitas.”
Vanitas glanced at the cup, then at her. “Who made it?”
Candice stood tall, meeting his gaze. “It was Alea, my Lord.”
“Is that so?”
He reached for the cup and brought it to his lips. The aroma was rich, exactly how he liked it. Then, he took a slow sip.
The bitterness hit first, followed by a smooth, lingering aftertaste which was exactly to his preference.
It was then.
——— 「Debuff」 ———
「Hemovore Toxin」
◆ Risk Level: High.
◆ A slow-acting, corrosive poison that gradually deteriorates blood cells.
———
The interface flashed across his spectacle.
Vanitas took another sip, letting the flavor settle on his tongue before nodding slightly.
“It’s good,” he murmured.
Candice inclined her head slightly. “Yes.”
She turned to leave, but before she could step away, Vanitas spoke again. “Are these the beans we brought from home?”
Candice paused, glancing back at him.
“These were not the beans from home. Miss Heidi noticed our stock was running low, so she ordered replacements from a local supplier in the Theocracy. They’re of similar quality, but I suppose there’s still a slight distinction.”
Vanitas hummed, setting the cup down. “I see.”
Candice bowed. “Shall I ensure we restock with your preferred beans once we return?”
He waved a hand. “Do as you see fit.”
“Understood, Lord Vanitas.”
With that, she turned to leave once more. But just as her hand reached for the door handle, Vanitas spoke again.
“One last thing.”
She paused, glancing back at him.
“Your name?” he asked.
Candice blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Then, a composed smile graced her lips. “Candice, my Lord.”
“I see.”
“Will that be all, my Lord?”
He remained silent for a moment, as if contemplating something. Then, reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a 200,000 Rend note and extended it toward her.
“Here, a tip.”
“….”
Candice’s eyes widened slightly before her posture immediately stiffened. After a moment of hesitation, she took a step back and lowered her head quickly.
“I a-appreciate the g-gesture… my Lord, but I m-must decline,” she said, stammering.
Vanitas raised a brow, clearly unamused. “Is that so?”
Candice nodded nervously. “I–It’s an e-extravagant amount. B-But I am already being paid for my services…. There is no need for extra compensation.”
He studied her for a long moment, his fingers still holding the bill between them. A brief silence passed before Vanitas let out a quiet hum.
“Very well.” He set the bill aside, shifting the conversation. “Then, could you call for that other maid to come to my chambers?”
“A-Ah?” She blinked. “You mean Alea?”
“Yes, her.”
For a brief second, Candice seemed to hesitate. But just as quickly, she lowered her head.
“Understood, Lord Vanitas. I shall send for her immediately,” she said.
With that, she bowed, turned on her heel, and exited the room.
Vanitas leaned back, exhaling softly as he swirled the remnants of his coffee in the cup.
Moments later, another knock echoed at the door. To— Tok.
“Enter.”
The door creaked open, and Alea stepped inside with a slightly stiff posture.
“You called for me, Lord Vanitas?”
Vanitas set his cup down, steepling his fingers together as he regarded her.
“Yes,” he said. “Could you help me change?”
“P-Pardon?” Alea stammered, a hint of nervousness breaking through her otherwise composed expression.
“My shoulders are stiff,” he said. “Don’t worry. I’ll pay you appropriately.”
“….”
Without another word, he extended his hand, holding out a 200,000 Rend note toward her.
Alea hesitated only for a moment before lowering her head slightly in acknowledgment.
“Understood, my Lord.”
She stepped forward, accepting the bill between her fingers before tucking it neatly away.
Alea turned toward the wardrobe, retrieving his nightwear before stepping forward again and unfolding the fabric.
“Come,” Vanitas said as he began to slowly unbutton his suit.
As she approached, she hesitated for just a fraction of a second—then froze.
“….”
One by one, each button of his suit came undone, revealing the sharp contours of his lean torso.
“….”
He reached for his belt.
Alea’s grip on the nightwear tightened slightly as she realized what was happening.
Her gaze darted away as Vanitas unfastened the buckle, pulling the leather strap free.
The faint rustle of fabric followed as he shrugged off his trousers, leaving him in nothing but his undershorts.
“….”
Alea swallowed, quickly averting her gaze. She turned her focus toward the garments in her hands as if they had suddenly become the most fascinating thing in the room.
“Are you going to stand there all night?”
Alea stiffened, then exhaled. “Of course not, my Lord.”
Stepping closer, her fingers brushed against his shoulders as she adjusted the fabric. His muscles were warm and tense beneath her fingertips.
She had barely fastened the last button when Vanitas placed a hand on her cheek.
“….”
Alea froze, her body stiffening for a brief moment. But then, she swallowed hard and quickly composed herself once more.
At that moment, Vanitas leaned in, his breath warm against her ear.
“The coffee was great,” he whispered.
“….”
Alea blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected remark.
“I’m pleased it was to your liking, my Lord,” she said, lowering her gaze.
“How much?”
Alea stiffened slightly. “Y-Yes?”
His fingers brushed against her lips, his thumb gently wiping them dry.
“For a personal taste,” he murmured. “500,000 Rend? 800,000? Perhaps… 1,000,000?”
“….”
Of course. Perhaps that was the purpose of the tip.
There were stories of maids becoming sources of company for their masters throughout the night.
And unfortunately, it seemed like she had fallen into one of those scenarios as a newly hired maid.
Before she could even form an appropriate response, Vanitas leaned in once more, his breath warm against her ear.
“You know, I gave a similar offer to Candice,” he murmured. “However, she refused so firmly.”
Alea remained silent, her fingers subtly tightening at her sides.
“….”
“What about you?” he asked. “Will you refuse me too when I’ve already made a downpayment?”
“Uhm, I—”
She barely managed to utter a word before Vanitas pressed further.
“Tell me,” he said. “How much was your contract offer to begin working here?”
Alea hesitated for only a fraction of a second before answering. “250,000 Rend, my Lord.”
Vanitas raised a brow. “Was it now?”
A moment of silence.
Then, tilting his head slightly, he eyed her carefully before posing his next question.
“Tell me, were you expecting this?”
“N-Not at all… my Lord, but—”
“I just gave you half of what was offered to you just for making me coffee and helping me change.”
His gaze darkened slightly as he leaned in again.
“And you accepted the amount so simply,” he said, his voice dipping chillingly lower. “Didn’t mean a single fucking thing to you, did it?”
“….”
Alea stiffened, her breath catching in her throat.
“M-My Lord, n-not everyone sees money the same way as you do… I need the money.”
“Sure, you do.” Vanitas smirked. “But it’s not me who’s paying you.”
“….”
Vanitas could feel the slow, creeping sensation of the poison taking its effect. However, the antidote he had taken earlier was already at work.
“I’m not a man who takes no for an answer,” he whispered. “But you already knew that didn’t you?”
———!
At that moment, Alea reacted instantly, attempting to move. But Vanitas was faster. In one swift motion, he pinned her down onto the bed.
It was simple. Pay careful attention to the master’s habits.
Coffee before sleeping.
Given the circumstances, if Vanitas were to die, all attention would be focused on the events of the banquet rather than his home.
In other words, the ideal opportunity to slip the toxin was after the banquet, when suspicion would naturally fall on external factors. Alea was certain the master would ask for coffee regardless, having carefully studied his routine.
However, she wouldn’t carelessly poison him on the first or second night. In doing so, would immediately turn suspicion toward the household, including her.
Moreover, accepting his goodwill had been the perfect bait.
A newly hired maid, serving the Astrea household, wouldn’t normally accept such an outrageous tip without hesitation.
Candice had proven that point, refusing nervously after being offered such a ridiculous amount. Alea, however, seemed to have done her research.
She knew exactly what kind of master Vanitas Astrea was.
“….”
A man who wouldn’t take no for an answer.
His cold gaze bore down, locking onto her terrified eyes.
“How much did they pay you to kill me?