That night, Vahn lay in bed, eyes wide open as the moonlight spilled through the small window of the servant quarters. Sleep eluded him completely. His mind raced like a wild stallion, trapped between fear and desire.
The Soul Core.
A single item that could rewrite his fate.
If he could acquire it tomorrow, everything would change. Power, freedom, a chance to challenge destiny.
But if he missed it, if he let the story slip away from his grasp, then the road ahead would be much darker. The Archon would continue to rise like a destined star, unstoppable, untouchable.
And Vahn? He would fade into the shadows. Another disposable background character in a grand tale not meant for him.
That thought twisted in his stomach like cold iron.
He feared becoming cannon fodder. A slave remembered only for dying early in someone else's story.
The weight of it all pressed down on his chest. The anxiety. The anticipation. It was suffocating.
When dawn finally broke, Vahn was still awake, lying motionless in a bed that had brought him no comfort.
His body felt heavy, eyes sunken and ringed with dark circles. But he forced himself up. The cool splash of water on his face helped only a little. His reflection in the washbasin startled him—he looked worn out, almost haunted—but there was no time to waste.
Today mattered.
He dressed in his servant uniform with mechanical motions, smoothing the wrinkles, tightening the sash. Then, before the sun had fully risen, he grabbed the mop and stepped into the wide, silent halls of the mansion.
The scent of wood polish and damp linen filled the air.
Like every morning, he wasn't alone. A few maids were already scattered across the estate, cleaning in silence, the soft swishing of rags and brushes the only sounds between them.
Sierra was polishing the banisters with gentle, efficient hands. Neko had a bucket tucked beside her as she scrubbed the marble steps, tail twitching in rhythm with her strokes. They greeted him with brief glances, perhaps noticing his tired eyes, but said nothing.
Vahn began mopping the floors near the grand dining hall, moving with slow but precise strokes. His body ached, but he welcomed the pain. It kept his mind anchored.
Every swipe of the mop reminded him: this was just the surface. Beneath it all, something far more important awaited. He only had to reach it.
Soon.
He just needed to make sure he joined the city tour today.
And once inside the Capital's Old market… the real game would begin.
After finishing his share of the cleaning duties, Vahn slipped away quietly, mopping rag still in hand as a cover. He moved with practiced stealth, blending into the mansion's shadows.
Eventually, he reached the hallway near the garden lounge—just outside the glass-paneled sitting room where the two noblewomen often held their casual conversations.
He crouched near a potted fern, heart steady despite the risk. Eavesdropping wasn't exactly new to him. In fact, information was often more powerful than strength in this world.
Inside, their voices floated gently with the breeze.
"Sister Vienna, I'm getting bored today," Noella said with a slight yawn, her tone spoiled but refined. "Do you mind giving me a tour of the City?"
"Ohh... Sure," Vienna replied, her voice smooth as silk. "I will personally take you there at noon."
"That's great to hear. I need to buy some souvenirs on the way." Noella's words carried a cheerful rhythm.
"Mm hmm... That's no problem. There's an old market for antiques and treasure. I'll take you there. They say a few merchants from the Inner Ring still stop by."
"Hehe... You never disap—"
Noella stopped mid-sentence.
The sudden silence struck Vahn like a knife. Through the small gap in the door, he saw her expression change. The relaxed cheer vanished from her face as her crimson eyes narrowed sharply, scanning the surroundings like a hawk sensing a hidden threat.
Vahn's breath caught in his throat.
She was perceptive. Far more than Vienna.
His very instincts screamed at him to retreat.
Slowly, he lowered himself behind the large ceramic pot, pressing his back to the wall and holding still. Not a breath. Not a sound.
Inside, Noella spoke again—calmly, but with an edge.
"Did you hear that just now?"
Vienna turned toward her, lifting a brow. "Hear what?"
"Hmm... must've been the wind," Noella replied, her gaze still fixed on the open corridor.
But Vahn knew better.
She wasn't convinced.
He waited in silence until the conversation resumed. Then, with a cautious shuffle and heart pounding, he retreated back into the service hallways.
So she's so sharp, huh... he thought, wiping cold sweat from his brow.
Still, he had heard what mattered. Noon. The city tour was set.
Noon arrived in the blink of an eye.
Vahn was ready, standing in the garden wearing an old yet clean tunic.
His eyes occasionally darted toward the maid door, awaiting their arrival.
Just then, coincidentally, Archon came out carrying a fresh basket of laundry. With his usual swagger and handsomeness, he started clipping the clothes to the wire.
It was exactly as the scene had been scripted.
Vahn approached him and said, "Hey, Archon, Madam Castros is calling you inside. You should go quickly."
Archon paused and raised an eyebrow.
Recently, Vahn had made a few casual conversations with Archon to get closer to him.
Now, he wanted to use that familiarity to stop Archon from joining the city tour.
As expected, upon hearing Madam's name, Archon was about to head inside, just as Vahn had planned craftily.
But—
Suddenly, Archon saw Madam Castros stepping out of the mansion, her graceful stride catching everyone's attention. Sunlight shimmered across the silk threads of her elegant dress, and beside her, Noella Castros followed in a radiant crimson gown, her parasol casting a delicate shadow over her fair skin.
A pair of elite female guards in matching armor trailed behind them, their presence exuding a suppressed authority.
Archon halted mid-step, eyes fixed on the approaching figures. A subtle frown crossed his face.
Vahn cursed internally.
'Damn it. Wrong timing!'
Vienna's eyes scanned the courtyard as if sensing the subtle tension in the air. Her gaze brushed past Vahn and then landed squarely on Archon, who still stood with a basket of laundry in his arms.
She arched a brow. "What are you doing there standing like a statue, Archon? Put those away quickly. You have come with us to carry things."
Archon blinked, caught off guard, but then gave his usual lazy grin. "Of course, Madam. I was just admiring your elegance from afar."
"You're still quiet close with slave, Sister Vienna."
Noella smiled faintly at the remark while Vienna rolled her eyes.
Meanwhile, Vahn stood rooted near the rose hedge, trying not to let disappointment show. The plan had nearly worked, if only they'd been a few seconds later.
He had no place in their group. A slave wasn't supposed to tag along, much less walk among nobles in public.
But he couldn't let this opportunity slip. If he missed today, the storyline might shift forever. The Soul Core was waiting, and if Archon claimed it, Vahn's chances of surviving the future would plummet.
As the group reached the garden gate, Vahn stepped forward, lowering his head respectfully.
"Pardon me, Madam Castros," he said in a calm voice. "May I be of assistance today? I am feeling a little concern for Archon. I can carry the burdens for you and the guest as well."
Vienna slowed her steps.
Noella tilted her head curiously.
The guards subtly reached for their weapons, out of habit more than threat.
Vienna raised a perfectly sculpted brow. "You? Volunteering? That's a first."
Vahn looked up, only slightly. "I only wish to serve properly, Madam. Besides, I believe the city is busy during this season. One more pair of hands might be useful."
A short silence followed.
Noella seemed amused. "This slave is quite polite. I like that. Is he the one you mentioned?"
"Yes," Vienna replied offhandedly, then flicked her gaze back to Vahn. "Fine. You may come. But don't speak unless spoken to. And keep your distance."
"Understood."
Vahn bowed again, inwardly hiding his smile.
He had secured his spot.
The city awaited. So did the path to change his fate.