Realm of Monsters

The servants had rushed ahead of Loh the moment they had spotted her walking through the manor’s gate. A few of the troupe’s minstrels and actors followed behind her while carrying Vayu on a stretcher. The Noir guards went to stop them but quickly stepped out of their way as they recognized Loh leading them.

The rooms blurred by as Loh quickly strode through the manor, almost breaking into a run. She kicked open the hardwood door at the end of a long corridor and stepped into her grandfather’s study.

Elzri Noir was at his desk as usual. Even when he wasn’t working at the magic academy as its principal, he worked at home as lord of a Great House and Ruling Family of Hollow Shade.

Her grandfather hadn’t changed since the last time she had seen him. His long white hair was immaculate as usual, without a single stray strand. The black orichalcum mage necklace hung between his shoulders, lustrous and pristine for all to see.

Lily, his vampiress secretary, leaned over next to him, holding an open ledger in front of him while muttering in a low voice.

“Ah, there you are. Good,” Elzri looked up at his granddaughter’s appearance and waved Lily away.

The vampiress bowed to them both and left the room silently.

Loh waited until the vampiress was out of earshot before she turned on Elzri with a scowl, “Is that all you have to say to me? You have heard what happened at Undergrowth, yes? Weren’t you at least a bit worried? Would it kill you to show at least an ounce of concern for your family’s well-being?”

Elzri took a deep, almost tedious breath. He clasped his hands together in front of him and looked her in the eyes. “Ismene arrived a few days before you and she explained to me the situation. Yes, I was worried about your well-being, but you’re a high-master who excels in shadow magic, I assumed you would be fine. And when Lily came in a few moments before you, informing me of your arrival, my assumptions were confirmed. So forgive me if I am not completely dumbfounded to see you alive and well.”