After travelling for some time, we finally arrived at the Master's house. Before me stood a beautiful minka house, it stood gracefully amidst a serene natural setting, its traditional Japanese architecture harmonizing with the surrounding landscape. The minka, a style of traditional Japanese house, exuded an aura of tranquillity and elegance.
The house was constructed with natural materials, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship that had gone into its creation. Its exterior walls, made of wooden planks with a rich, warm hue, were meticulously crafted and displayed intricate patterns, showcasing the attention to detail that defined Japanese architecture.
A thatched roof, made from carefully woven straw, provided both insulation and a rustic charm to the structure. The golden hues of the thatch blended seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
The kimono lady positioned herself in front of the entrance, her gaze fixed on me. She turned towards me and spoke with a sense of reverence in her voice. "The Master is inside, waiting for you."
My heart quickened with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The moment I had been anticipating had arrived.
Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I nodded at the kimono lady, grateful for her guidance thus far. With cautious steps, I approached the entrance of the mansion, feeling a sense of anticipation building within me. As I glanced around the exterior, my eyes landed on a banner hanging on the wall, adorned with a striking flower icon. Intrigued by its design, I approached for a closer look. The flower depicted on the banner had intricate petals and vibrant colours, exuding an aura of elegance and beauty.
Curiosity piqued, I turned to the kimono lady and asked, "What is this flower icon on this banner?"
The kimono lady smiled warmly and gestured for me to join them near the banner. She began to explain, "The flower you see is called Aconitum, commonly known as monkshood or wolfsbane. It represents the emblem of the House of Aum."
"Wolfbane, huh." I mumbled.
Sensing the kimono lady's impatience, I quickly gathered myself and nodded in understanding. I followed her, eager to continue our journey within the House of Aum.
As I reached the doors, they swung open opened to reveal a tranquil garden, meticulously designed with stone pathways, lush greenery, and carefully placed rocks, creating a soothing atmosphere that invited contemplation and reflection.
I reached my hands out to touch the flowers in the garden, but the kimono lady swiftly grabbed my wrist, her grip firm yet gentle. She said in a calm yet firm tone. "Be careful, unlike ordinary flower, these are extremely poisonous. Just one touch, and you can die from a torturous death." I quickly retracted my hand, a shiver running down my spine. I nodded and quietly followed behind the kimono lady and entered the house.
I trailed behind the kimono lady, entering the house with a sense of caution. The interior of the minka house welcomed me with a serene atmosphere, filled with a delicate interplay of light and shadow. Soft rays of sunlight filtered through the shoji screens, casting gentle patterns on the tatami mats that adorned the floor.
As we walked through the house, I observed the meticulous attention to detail that adorned every corner. Intricate woodwork adorned the walls, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistic sensibility inherent in traditional Japanese architecture. Delicate scrolls depicting scenes from nature adorned the fusuma, adding a touch of elegance and serenity to the surroundings.
We moved further into the house, eventually reaching a room with low-set tables and cushions placed on the tatami floor. The room exuded a peaceful ambience, inviting us to sit and partake in a moment of tranquillity.
The kimono lady gestured for me to take a seat, and I gratefully obliged. As I settled onto the cushion, I noticed the faint fragrance of incense, filling the air with its soothing aroma. The soft sound of a nearby water feature added to the atmosphere of serenity, creating a space where one could escape the outside world and find solace within the confines of the minka.
While I marvelled at the beauty of the surroundings, the kimono lady quietly prepared a traditional tea ceremony, displaying grace and precision in her movements. The delicate sound of a whisk against the bowl filled the room as she meticulously prepared a cup of matcha tea.
She offered the cup to me with a gentle smile, and I accepted it graciously. As I brought the cup to my lips, I could taste the rich, earthy flavour of the tea, savouring each sip as it enveloped my senses.
The kimono lady asked. "Is the tea to your liking?"
"Oh, yes. It's very aromatic." I replied.
The kimono lady nodded in acknowledgement of my response, a small smile gracing her lips. "I'm glad to hear that you find it pleasing," she said softly.
As I continued to sip the tea, the gentle fragrance wafted through the air, filling the room with a sense of tranquillity. The flavours danced on my palate, bringing a sense of comfort and warmth to my being. I couldn't help but appreciate the care and attention that had been put into preparing such a delightful brew.
Just as I was lost in admiration, the kimono lady stood up, her graceful movements catching my attention. "I shall announce your arrival to the Master. Please wait for a moment," she said before leaving the room.
I took another sip of the tea, allowing its soothing flavour to calm my nerves. The anticipation of meeting the Master grew within me, and I wondered what kind of person they would be.
Before long, the sliding doors opened, and the Master entered the room. My breath caught in my throat as I beheld her presence. 'She's my Master? So pretty!'
The Master was dressed in a stunning kimono adorned with intricate flower patterns. The vibrant colours and delicate details of the fabric spoke of elegance and grace. Each petal and blossom seemed to come alive, as if capturing the essence of nature itself.
As I gazed upon the Master's attire, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the artistry and craftsmanship that had gone into creating such a beautiful garment.
The Master sat gracefully across from me, her eyes sparkling with a glimmer of wisdom. Her delicately lifted the teacup, taking a small sip of the aromatic brew. A serene smile graced her lips as they savoured the flavors that danced upon her palate.
With a sense of anticipation, I observed the Master, waiting for her response. Her smile widened, and she placed the teacup back on the saucer with a gentle clink.
Feeling a familiar gaze upon me, I turned my head to find Lady Nozomi staring at me intently. 'Why is she staring at me? Did I do something wrong?' Uncertainty and panic gripped me as I questioned whether I had made a mistake or forgotten an important gesture. It suddenly dawned on me. 'I forgot to greet the Master!' Causing my anxiety to escalate.
"Welcome to the House of Aum, Llyne. You may call me Master Sylph." Master Sylph said, her voice calm and measured. "Lady Nozomi will be your guide and caretaker during your time here. She will assist you with your daily needs and ensure your comfort."
I nodded, still feeling a bit overwhelmed by the grandeur of the place and the presence of Master Sylph and Lady Nozomi. "O... Oh...Hey."
Lady Nozomi bowed once more, her movements graceful and precise. "It's my pleasure to support you on your journey within the House of Aum, young lady Llyne."
I felt a wave of confusion wash over me. 'Why is she calling me young lady Llyne?' I wondered, trying to make sense of her words.
Master Sylph sensed my confusion. "You must be confused at the moment since it is your first day. But not to worry, if you have any questions, feel free to ask. We will try to satisfy your curiosity and doubts."
I nodded appreciatively and decided to voice my primary question. "Where are my friends? Are they safe?" I asked timidly. Master Sylph smiled warmly at my question. "Ah, the other 2. They're safe at their Master's house."
Feeling a sense of relief, I gathered the courage to ask another question that had been weighing on my mind. "Then... why did you choose me? I don't have any medical or poison knowledge."
Master Sylph chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, it's quite simple."
Intrigued, I leaned forward, eager to hear her explanation.
Master Sylph said, her voice calm and composed. "I needed an experiment subject and a slave."
Fear gripped me as I heard those words, and I felt a chill run down my spine.
But then, Master Sylph covered her mouth and let out a gentle chuckle. "Oh, I'm just joking. I apologize for the jest. What I truly desire is a sweet and innocent little daughter."
Relief washed over me, and I couldn't help but drop to the ground, my heart still pounding from the momentary shock. "That's a huge difference," I managed to utter, my voice trembling.
Master Sylph looked at me, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Why does that matter to you?"
I felt a surge of indignation rising within me. "Of course it does! It's my body, my life!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my emotions.
Master Sylph shrugged, seemingly indifferent. "Whatever. Only if you can pass the trials, then I'll consider your role here."
I tilted my head in confusion. "Trials?"
Master Sylph proceeded to explain, her tone matter-of-fact. "There are 444 test, each designed to test your resistance to different poisons and serve a specific purpose. If you fail a test, well... let's just say the consequences won't be pleasant. So, do your best—for your own sake and mine."
Overwhelmed by the information, I suddenly felt dizzy and collapsed, fainting on the spot.
Unaware of my unconscious state, Master Sylph continued. "Is there anything else you wish to know, my dear?"
Lady Nozomi's voice carried concern as she responded, "Master, it appears that young lady Llyne has fainted."
Master Sylph's expression changed to one of worry. "Oh dear. Please bring The Doctor here to check if she has any underlying health issues."
Lady Nozomi nodded and quickly left the room to fetch The Doctor.