The Maid and the Mansion

I was looking down upon a corpse.

My own corpse.

I was afflicted with great despair at the sight of it being dragged to the place of my crucifixion.

My soul crumbled, and I was wholly extinguished.

Indeed, I did once lose everything.

However… as I faded into darkness everlasting.

I heard a voice calling out to me.

And so, I vowed once more that no matter how long it may take, how great the obstacles that stand in my way, or what form you may assume, I shall come back for you.

That I must return to that house. 

So I ask of you, please wait until this mutilated body arrives there once more.

——

Your consciousness, wavering like a ship at sea, was slowly drawn back to the surface.

…ter.

With each new breath, feeling gradually returned to Your fingers.

Master.

You could hear the pattering of rain from somewhere.

Master?

And the sound of a crackling fire.

Wake up, Master.

Creak, creak, creak.

Wake up.

When You came to, You were rocking back and forth in a rocking chair.

The room was dimly lit; aside from the flickering of the fireplace, there was no other illumination.

No light shone through the closed windows; there was only the pitter-patter of rain on the glass. It was as though the whole mansion had been enveloped in darkness.

???: Oh, splendid.. You have finally awoken.

Someone called out to You. You were about to search the room, but that turned out to be unnecessary.

The source of the voice was crouching beside the chair, looking up at You with emerald eyes.

???: ……….

???: Good morning, Master.

???: Hehe, what is the matter? Are you still waking up? You seem rather drowsy.

???: Come now, you must gather yourself. Though I am glad to hear your voice.

???: I have simply been waiting so long for this moment.

???: Tending to the mansion all by my lonesome, ensuring it was ready for your return— whenever that time may be.

???: When I caught sight of you through the window, my heart fluttered. The time had finally arrived.

You were perplexed.

This woman, who looked like a maid, seemed to know You, but You had no memory of her.

???: What kind of herbal tea would you like to start your day with? I have some wonderful chamomile leaves, if you would like.

???: Or perhaps your tastes have changed since last we met. Tell me, Master, what would you like?

???: Hehehe... I beg your pardon. I allowed myself to get too excited.

???: But I hope you will be sympathetic, Master. I am just utterly elated that I could see you again.

The woman appeared to be genuinely delighted that You had awoken, but she seemed to lack the energy typical of her age.

Or perhaps "life" was a more appropriate word than "energy."

But the gloom extended beyond the Maid—it seemed to encompass the entire mansion.

The plaster walls illuminated by the fireplace and the rose engravings in the ebony pillars felt vaguely familiar.

But a crushing sense of claustrophobia overpowered that familiarity.

It seemed as though the house wasn't interested in accepting You just yet.

???: Oh my, you do not know who I am?

???: Do you not know who you are, either?

???: That is quite the predicament.

???: If you cannot remember who you are, then who am I to serve?

The woman's face was pale, almost as though she...

A faint chill ran down Your spine.

???: You are the master of this house. Though it would seem you have no memories of such. Quite the dilemma...

???: If you know not who you are,

???: then you are no different than a stranger to me, no?

???: Indeed, you have returned. But from where? That, I cannot say.

???: Then how about this?

???: I am a servant of this mansion, and as such, I am familiar with the many incidents that have taken place here. I shall show you the history of this house, Master.

???: That will surely allow you to recall who you are.

The freshly awakened gears in Your head began to turn as You mulled things over. The Maid had called You the "master" of this house.

But without a single mirror in the room, You had no way of seeing what You looked like.

Unable to decide, You reflexively nodded.

???: Let us be off, then. And fear not—I merely entreat you not to let go of my hand.

???: Should you hold it tightly, you need not worry about being washed away by the waves of history.

???: No matter what happens, you mustn't let go of my hand.

——

Your hand in hers, You followed the Maid's lead through the hall.

The air within the mansion was oppressive, as though a black miasma hovered within. The house was bleak and barren-hardly a trace of color to be found.

You came across an open window. Beyond it lay nothing but darkness—neither sunlight nor moonlight could be seen.

There were no chirping birds, no rustling grass, no signs of life at all Everything that would normally give color to the world had vanished entirely.

The only other presence was that of the Maid.

Following her lead, You proceeded through the mansion.

After some time, You arrived at a double door, the glass within shattered. The door, once pure-white, had long since faded into a dull gray.

It appeared to lead to the back garden.

You could hear children laughing on the other side.

???: Though it is in the state you now see it, a beautiful, beautiful garden once lay beyond these doors.

???: The owner of the time enjoyed gathering rare species of rose from all across the world. At its grandest, it seemed every flower was in constant competition for the most majestic bloom.

???: Would you like to see this wonderful era of splendor and prosperity?

???: Hehehe...

???: I very much hope it is to your liking, Master.

The Maid opened the doors to the back garden.

A sudden gust of wind brushed across Your face, forcing You to close Your eyes as You followed the Maid out the doors.

When You next opened Your eyes, the world was no longer blanketed in shadows.