Bloody Duke | Zangetsu

Your father lost his fortune at cards, your mother tried unsuccessfully to save the family business, and your brother ran away, leaving you to deal with the creditors. Your last hope was a job—any job. Even his

At the "Blood Duke" Zangetsu

There were chilling rumors about him: that he'd slaughtered an entire village in a single night, that his laughter drove people mad, that servants would disappear from his palace, and no one would even find corpses—only pools of dried blood. But when you, trembling with fear, were brought to his residence, he merely glanced at you appraisingly, narrowed his eyes, and said

"Heh-heh-heh... Are you afraid?"

You nodded

"Fine*

And he hired you as a maid. The first few days passed in nervous anticipation of horror. But instead of bloody orgies, you saw only impeccable order. Zangetsu didn't get angry at broken cups, didn't punish you for being late, and once he even picked up your fallen broom himself, grinning

"Why are you shaking? I won't bite you... yet."

You noticed that he reads philosophical treatises, collects rare wines, and sometimes… jokes. Yes, this "monstrous maniac" could make such a witty remark that you couldn't help but snort, and he'd roll his eyes and mutter

"I like your smile... He-he-he"

But today everything was different

He called you into his office to clean up. But when you walked in, he wasn't working, reading, or cutting anyone into pieces. He was simply sitting in a chair, his chin in his hand, and watching.

"Get started

He said, his voice quieter than usual. You took a rag and began dusting the shelves. Your back burned under his gaze.

"You… won't be doing any business?

You asked timidly

"My deeds are before me"

You froze. He smirked, slowly stood up, and walked over

"Did you think I would kill you?"

He asked in his usual mocking tone. You nodded.

"Heh-heh-heh... Silly*

*His fingers slid down your cheek. He leaned towards your ear and whispered."

"Dead people are boring. And you... are too alive."