Chaotic House

Chapter 5: Chaotic House

Levasti Mansion

When one envisions a mansion, they often imagine a vast expanse of land with a grand, luxurious house. However, in the case of the Levasti Mansion, which had undergone countless renovation over the centuries, it resembled more of a castle, spanning the size of a small city. This grandeur was a testament to the immense power held by the Levasti family, an influential force within the region.

The mansion comprised five main buildings, each with its own significance. The Main House stood proudly in the center, surrounded by the House of Sera to the North, House of Vier to the East, House of Talia to the West, and lastly, the House of Sari.

These distinct houses represented the names of the wives of the Founder, Xyrus Levasti, each playing a vital role in the family's heritage and traditions.

Inside the House of Talia, a mysterious figure cloaked in darkness stood. His form shifted and twisted, making it nearly impossible to discern his true appearance. The figure concluded his report, the words hanging in the air, awaiting a response.

"How intriguing. So, there is another descendant of that bloodline," a woman's voice sounded, captivating and alluring like that of a siren. Her gaze fixated on a tower visible in the distance, her interest piqued.

The woman possessed long, flowing black hair cascading down her back. Her complexion was pale, resembling that of a ghostly apparition. Clad in a black dress with a tear on the side, exposing her right leg, she exuded a seductive allure with every movement she made, effortlessly capturing the attention of those around her.

"Still no information about Wyman?" she inquired, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and concern.

The mysterious figure responded, his tone tinged with regret. "I'm afraid not. If he fails to arrive before the next gathering, he will be officially declared deceased. The other houses are already eyeing the Vier Household."

The woman's expression remained stoic as she contemplated the situation. "You are dismissed," she commanded, gesturing for the figure to depart.

With a respectful bow, the figure vanished into the shadows, blending seamlessly with the darkness.

Alone once more, the woman called upon a servant. "Bring Camila here immediately."

"Yes, madam," the servant acknowledged, swiftly attending to the request.

***

House of Vier

Within the storage room, two maids were present. One maid had her head bowed low, while the other observed the interaction with a curious gaze.

Lamy pleaded with desperation in her eyes, tears welling up as she implored Camila for assistance. "Please, Camila, I beg you to help me, just this once. I'll take care of your work for an entire week," she pleaded, her voice trembling.

Camila remained unmoved, showing no signs of yielding. "You know that if the lord finds out about what you're planning, we'll both be dismissed," she stated matter-of-factly.

"I-I know, but this is the only solution I can think of. Even if it costs me my future, I am willing to take that risk. Please, I promise to shoulder the consequences myself," Lamy insisted, her determination shining through.

Camila couldn't help but be impressed by Lamy's unwavering resolve, although she concealed her admiration behind a neutral expression. After a brief pause, she finally relented. "Fine, but on one condition," she added, her voice soft yet resonant.

Lamy's eyes lit up with hope and relief. "What is it?" she eagerly inquired.

"Serve me," Camila stated, her voice carrying a depth that made Lamy pause momentarily, sensing a hidden meaning behind her words.

"Huh?" Lamy blinked, momentarily confused. She rubbed her eyes, and for an instant, she thought she saw a silhouette of a woman resembling a witch lurking in the background.

"Ah, apologies, it was a slip of the tongue. What I meant was, let's be friends," Camila quickly corrected herself, covering her mouth as if she had misspoken. She extended her other hand toward Lamy in a friendly gesture.

Lamy's face lit up with joy, and she eagerly accepted the offer. "Yes, of course! Thank you, Camila!" She took Camila's hand and shook it fervently, feeling a surge of gratitude and warmth. In her elation, she pulled Camila into a tight embrace.

Startled by the sudden action, Camila was taken aback. She couldn't understand why she felt such a deep connection and concern for someone she wasn't even related to. As she tried to make sense of her own emotions, she noticed a flicker of movement in the shadows.

"Let go for now. I still have work to do. Let's continue this conversation tomorrow," Camila suggested, gently disengaging from the embrace.

"Okay, see you," Lamy replied, her enthusiasm undiminished. Realizing she had yet to deliver the food, she hurriedly bid farewell to Camila and left the room.

As Lamy departed, a figure emerged from the shadows. "Young lady, the 'Head' has summoned you," the figure informed her before retreating back into the darkness without waiting for a response.

***

Main House

Within the office, papers were strewn haphazardly across the room, a chaotic scene mirroring the heated argument unfolding between a man and a woman. The woman, engrossed in her work, grew increasingly irritated by the persistent interruptions.

"This is the third time, Oliver! Shut up and stick to your tea-serving duties!" she snapped, her frustration palpable.

The woman had snow-white hair and wore glasses, and despite her haggard appearance, there was an undeniable allure to her. Even when tired, she maintained a stunning presence that captivated those around her.

"Tea-serving!? Well, at least I'm not constantly misplacing important documents like you. It's a wonder anything gets done around here!" Oliver retorted, his eyes scanning the disarrayed room, emphasizing his point.

A flash of anger crossed the woman's face, her restraint barely holding her back from unleashing her fury. "Get... out," she seethed, her voice laced with a barely contained rage as she gestured towards the door.

Oliver hesitated for a moment, sensing the intensity of the situation. However, his resolve remained firm as he locked eyes with the woman. "Weiss, you know what's inside that 'tower,' right?" he asked, his tone shifting to one of seriousness.

Weiss's hand instinctively rose to her head, a mix of frustration and fatigue crossing her features. The mention of the tower stirred a deep unease within her, triggering a flood of memories and a sense of trepidation.

She took a deep breath, her voice tinged with weariness. "Oliver, it's a complicated matter. One that I'd rather not discuss right now," she replied, her tone indicating a desire to leave the topic untouched.

Oliver studied Weiss's expression, recognizing the weight of her unspoken emotions. Relenting, he nodded and turned to leave the office, his footsteps fading as he exited.

Weiss, the Chamberlain, found herself left alone with her thoughts, the weight of the tower's secrets bearing down upon her. As the one entrusted with the administration of the Levasti household, she was well aware of what lay hidden within its depths.

The tower held a significant place in the intricate web of the Levasti family's troubles, its mysteries deeply intertwined with the very essence of their lineage. However, exploring its depths meant facing the lord of the house himself, a prospect that made Weiss hesitant to entertain.

Preferring to focus on the tasks and responsibilities that came with her position, Weiss immersed herself in the countless duties that demanded her attention. As the Chamberlain, she shouldered the weight of managing the household's affairs, ensuring the smooth functioning of the mansion while also governing the city in the lord's absence.

The responsibilities were endless, from overseeing the household staff to managing the estate's finances, and even attending to the needs of the residents of the city.

Despite the outward appearance of elegance and opulence, those who were privy to the inner workings of the Levasti mansion knew all too well the hidden battles that raged behind closed doors. Each day brought with it a relentless struggle for power, with the children of the noble houses constantly under threat of assassination from rival factions.