Cruelty

Ark reached the mansion as night fell, his steps quiet and measured. He entered his small assigned room, closed the wooden door, and without saying a word began removing his clothes. His shirt slipped off his shoulders, his boots thudded to the ground. He folded nothing, just left them near the bed.

He walked into the bathing area, steam already curling faintly in the air from the hot water stored there. Without hesitation, Ark lowered himself into the tub.

Warm water embraced his body, but his expression never changed. His sharp eyes stared at the ceiling, his face blank—like a mask that refused to break. Inside, his thoughts churned, but outside, he kept his poker face, revealing nothing.

This mansion… every corner reeks of cruelty. That girl in the sewer, those beast-humans in the cabin… and today Leon again showed his true colors. If I keep watching quietly, I’ll only drown in their filth. But if I move too early, everything collapses. Timing… timing is everything.

His fingers tightened slightly under the water, but his face did not move. Even here, in private, his poker face told no one his emotions.

After a long soak, Ark finally stood, water dripping from his lean frame. He dried himself, dressed, and threw himself onto the bed. His eyes closed, and he drifted into uneasy sleep.

Morning arrived. The faint sound of bells echoed from outside, calling the workers to rise. Ark woke at his usual time, his movements steady. He washed, brushed his teeth, tied his shirt properly, and adjusted the simple servant clothes he had been given.

He walked down the hallway, his steps falling in rhythm with dozens of other servants gathering in the mansion’s main corridor. They formed straight lines, their heads lowered, waiting for orders.

The butler, sharp-eyed and cold as ever, stepped forward. His voice rang clearly:

“In four days, the Valkart family will host a grand party here. This party is of great importance to the Valkart reputation. Every detail must be perfect. From food, to decoration, to the garden, to the halls—failure is not permitted. Our mission is simple: make this party a flawless success.”

The servants nodded, whispering among themselves. Pressure thickened the air. Everyone knew that if something went wrong, punishment would not be light.

“Return to your duties,” the butler ordered.

Workers scattered quickly. Some hurried to the kitchens, others toward the garden, others to cleaning. Ark also began walking toward his usual assignment.

But a sharp, arrogant voice stopped him.

“Oi, where are you going, servant?”

Ark turned his head slightly. Leon Valkart stood a few steps away, dressed in elegant training clothes, holding a bow in his hand. His expression was dripping with superiority, his chin tilted upward.

“You’re not doing simple chores today,” Leon continued with a smirk. “From now on, you’re coming with me. You’ll become my caring assistant while I train my archery.”

Ark didn’t argue. His face remained unreadable. “As you wish, young master.”

Leon chuckled, clearly enjoying the way Ark didn’t resist. “Good. Follow me.”

Both of them walked through the hallways, heading outside. The sunlight was bright, casting long shadows over the neatly trimmed garden. There, three human maids were tending flowers. Among them, a beast-human girl—a young cat-girl maid—was carefully trimming bushes.

Leon’s sharp eyes spotted her immediately. His lips curved into a cruel smile.

“You there. Filthy beast-human. Come here.”

The cat-girl flinched. Her ears twitched nervously as she looked up from the bush. Slowly, she stood and walked toward him, her bare feet silent against the stone. She lowered her head and asked softly, “Y-yes… what can I help you with, master Leon?”

Leon’s smirk widened. “You’re coming with me. I need a target for my practice.”

The girl stiffened, her golden eyes wide in fear. Leon reached into a bag and pulled out a metal chain. Its black surface gleamed under the sun.

“Before you step outside, put this around your neck.”

The cat-girl hesitated, trembling. But Leon’s sharp glare made refusal impossible. Her hands shook as she fastened the cold chain around her throat. The lock clicked.

Leon leaned down, his smile cruel. “If you even think about running… that chain will give you a reward for your courage. Understand?”

The girl bit her lip and nodded.

Satisfied, Leon gestured toward the cart waiting nearby. He climbed in with arrogant ease, settling into the cushioned seat. Ark followed quietly, placing himself on the floorboard of the cart like a lowly servant.

But Leon wasn’t done. He waved his hand dismissively toward the beast-human maid.

“You don’t get the privilege of sitting in the cart. You’ll follow us. Run behind while we ride. Keep up—or the chain will punish you.”

The girl froze, her bare feet pressing against the gravel. Her eyes trembled, but she bowed her head. “…Yes, master.”

The cart began to roll forward. Horses neighed, hooves striking the path. Leon leaned back, enjoying the comfort of the cushioned seat, while Ark sat cross-legged on the wooden floor. Behind them, the beast-human maid ran, her breaths already quick, her bare feet striking the stones painfully.

Ark glanced back once. His expression did not change, his poker face intact. But in his mind, sharp thoughts burned.

This… this is beyond cruelty. He doesn’t even see her as a person. Just a tool. A toy to break.

Leon, meanwhile, laughed lightly, clearly entertained. “Look at her run. Filthy beast-humans should be grateful we even let them breathe our air. Isn’t that right, servant?”

Ark turned his look forward again, his voice even, calm. “If that is what you believe, young master.”

Leon smiled, not realizing the sharpness hidden under Ark’s calm tone.

The cart rolled out of the mansion, passing through the gates and onto the dirt roads beyond. The maid stumbled once on a sharp rock, scraping her foot, but she forced herself to keep running, fear of punishment keeping her legs moving.

Ark’s eyes lowered, narrowing slightly. His poker face did not crack, but inside, he recorded every detail—the cut on her foot, the way her breaths grew ragged, the chain glinting around her neck.

The sun climbed higher as they left the paved streets behind, entering open fields. Green grass swayed under the breeze, wide and endless. Birds flew overhead, their cries piercing the air.

Finally, after a long ride, the cart slowed and stopped at the edge of a wide grassland. The area stretched like a sea of green, perfect for training.

Leon stood, stretching his arms, his bow in hand. “Here we are. My practice ground.”

Ark slowly stepped off the cart, adjusting his clothes. He looked up at the open sky, the wind brushing his face. His masklike expression remained, but deep inside, a thought whispered.

Another day in hell. But the cracks are forming. Someday… this mansion will taste revolution.

Behind them, the beast-human maid collapsed to her knees, panting, Sweat dripped from her brow, her bare feet bleeding.

Leon didn’t even look  at her. He was already drawing his bow, aiming at the targets set up in the grass.

Ark stood by his side, silent, carrying the weight of everything he had seen.

And so, the training began.