The Otherworld Antique Bookstore is a Life-Risk Chapter 7

 

Chapter 7: The Darkness of Bergana's Mansion

 

By the time we returned to the mansion, night had fallen, and we were greeted by all the servants. I was glad to see the maids who had been burned earlier were back to normal.

As I rested in my room, Yuke, the middle-aged butler, came to visit.

"Lady Yuki, how would you like your meal?" he asked.

Considering the day's events, I didn't have much appetite. But I decided to eat. I needed to lift my spirits and move forward tomorrow. Anything that could help with that was welcome.

Yuke looked surprised by my answer, so I asked why. He explained that undead creatures like us don't need sleep, food, or drink to sustain their life activities. Food is treated more like a luxury item, usually only consumed to recover from injuries or replenish magical power.

Indeed, I had been fine without eating since coming to this world. I don't feel like a monster. It seems my memories and habits from my previous life are influencing me, like going to sleep at night.

But I intend to continue living as I did in my human life in this world. I also have a secret ambition to try the cuisine of this other world.

I was told it would take some time to prepare, so I lounged on the bed waiting. Before I knew it, I had fallen asleep.

It seems I was the only one eating. A small mobile table for one person was brought to my room by a maid, carrying a steak, soup, bread, and a glass of water.

I took a sip of water. As expected, it was lukewarm. I took out a snowball, scooped some with a spoon, and stirred it into the glass. I tasted it again, but it still wasn't cold.

I wanted the refreshing sensation of cold water, but being a Snow Ghoul who can't feel cold is troublesome.

The maid standing by was staring intently at my snowball, so I casually handed her the rest. She took a bite and her face lit up with joy.

It may not have a taste, but cold things are nice. They make you happy.

"Thank you for the meal," I said, clasping my hands before picking up the knife and fork. It seems this maid intends to stay by my side until I finish eating.

This aristocratic dining environment is stressful for a commoner like me.

"Mmm, it's delicious," I said. The seasoning was simple, just salt and spices, but it was good.

"What kind of meat is this?" I asked the maid, but she just smiled and said, "It's a secret."

Well, I suppose if she told me I was eating orc meat, for example, it might ruin my appetite since I'm not yet accustomed to other-world cuisine. The maid is being considerate. Good job, I guess.

Is it just my imagination, or is the maid in an exceptionally good mood today? I can even hear her humming.

"Did something good happen?" I asked.

"Hehe, is it that obvious? Lady Bergana has recognized our hard work and is rewarding us today. We'll get to enjoy the same feast as you later," she replied cheerfully.

"I see. This is indeed delicious," I said.

"Isn't it? We're looking forward to it~" she beamed.

After finishing the meal, I lay back on the bed. Although I thought I had eaten a lot, I didn't feel full.

Today was a very sad day. But I can't keep dwelling on it. Tomorrow I'll start working at the main store, so I need to change my mindset.

If I stay awake, I might start thinking about various things again, so I decide to go to sleep now.

 

* * *

 

In the basement of Bergana's mansion.

Nine servants in butler and maid uniforms stood attending to the vampire Bergana. Their gaze was fixed on four men chained and suspended from the ceiling.

If Yuki had seen these men, she would have immediately recognized them as the killers of Al's group from earlier that day.

One of the men had his leg severed at the thigh, and he watched with a pale face as what appeared to be a cook skillfully dissected his leg on a table in front of him.

"What the hell do you plan to do with us?" one man, seemingly the leader of the four, demanded of Bergana and her group.

"It seems you've been up to quite a bit of mischief. I thought some punishment was in order," Bergana replied calmly.

"We haven't done anything! This is a misunderstanding. You don't have any evidence, do you?" the man protested.

"Ah, yes. It's because there's no evidence that you've been able to live so comfortably until now," Bergana said.

"Then why are we being treated like this?" the man asked.

Bergana walked straight up to the man and gently placed her hand on his face.

"Let me tell you. The crimes you've committed up until now don't really matter. The four of you have displeased Lady Yuki. For us, that's reason enough to kill you," she explained.

"What the hell is that? What do you mean?" the man shouted.

Ignoring the man's words, Bergana turned her back on him and spread her arms wide, addressing her servants cheerfully:

"Now then, everyone. It's time for the feast. Please enjoy yourselves to the fullest."

As soon as she finished speaking, the servants, their eyes glowing red and fangs bared, rushed at the men.

The basement echoed with the men's dying screams.

"Oh, you've come too?" Bergana crouched down as three Dire Wolves approached her, nuzzling her.

"I see, you'll take care of the final cleanup. Everyone, make sure to eat everything, down to the bones. No leftovers allowed," Bergana said, gently petting the Dire Wolves and flashing a sweet smile.

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