As Lucius turned the corner, his mind still heavy pondering his actions, he found himself abruptly colliding with a pink-haired maid. Though she was an adult in figure, Her eyes sparkled with an unfamiliar innocence. His eyes widened in surprise as he took in her striking appearance - claw-like nails, silver eyes, and a pair of cat ears perched atop her head, shifting position subtly in response to her emotions.
Startled, Lucius stepped back briefly, staring hostilely at the maid. He expected her to shrink away; bowing like the other maids under the weight of his glare, but to his astonishment, she stood unaffected.
He started again, walking on by. The maid immediately grabbed his arm, and tightened her grip.
She spoke in a high pitch voice, "Where are you going?"
A flicker of annoyance crossed his face.
"I'm sorry, Master," she murmured. "I just haven't seen you in a while. Please forgive me." She spoke softly.
Lucius nodded solemnly.
Continuing on his path, Lucius paused momentarily, turning back to the maid. A name escaped his lips, "Kina?" The maid turned to him. " Show me the way out," he demanded .
Without hesitation, the maid complied, accompanying him to the entrance of the mansion. However, just as they reached the threshold, she stepped in front of him, blocking the path.
Her voice, gentle yet firm, cautioned him. "You are still unwell, please don't go outside the estate. Your affliction may be far worse than just simply becoming human."
Lucius eyes narrowed slightly. He drew nearer, a soft scarlet flashed in his eyes as he reached out his hand, his touch as light as a feather, he gently begun patting Kina on the head. A soft purr escaped her lips, the sound barely audible.
The maid's heart fluttered with a mixture of excitement and embarrassment, as she felt a cold warmth rest on her head.
As Lucius withdrew his hand, a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. Kina slowly begun stepping aside, her lips parted, but void of speech.
As Lucius entered out, he planted himself on the mansion's steps, staring off into the scenery before him. The rays of sunlight piercing his skin, with a gentle breeze following, carrying the scent of newborn roses.
The sun, the sun does not harm me?
In this moment of solitude, his mind was filled with a flurry of thoughts and emotions. The weight of his responsibilities, the darkness that lingered within him, and the unyielding thirst that threatened to consume those around him. But there he sat quietly, responding neither to sun nor wind, but only the internal world; that is his mind.