"Crimson Garden" is not merely a garden—it is a single, cohesive entity.
Only two resided within its bounds: Suran and Lyasis.
Beyond its walls, the vast "Thornwood Forest" served as the dwelling of the Nightmare Queen’s retainers. As the garden’s Barrier, their duty was to repel invaders.
Now that the Nightmare Queen was gone and the young mistress still grew, Suran—granted the Queen’s power—became Crimson Garden’s de facto authority, by Lyasis’s own wish.
In earlier years, Suran had worried the Thornwood retainers might resist her. But after their first meeting, she found them profoundly reverent.
As if each had been "slain" by her a thousand times before.
"As you command, Lady Suran. Please convey my respects to the young mistress."
The raven messenger bowed again. Jet-black wings unfurled from its back, and it soared toward the Thornwood.
Suran closed the gate and returned to Lyasis’s side.
"Suran, is something the matter?" Lyasis asked nonchalantly. She wasn’t truly curious—this was merely a routine check on her maid’s duties.
"Another expedition force has arrived," Suran replied. "No need for concern, young mistress. I will handle it."
Logically, the Thornwood Barrier alone should have sufficed. Yet Suran had ordered the retainers to stand aside, letting the intruders pass straight to Crimson Garden.
Her reason had been stated before: to preserve the Thornwood’s strength.
Lyasis dreamed of leaving Crimson Garden to explore the world beyond. To fulfill this, she trained tirelessly to overcome daylight’s limits. Once she mastered the sun, Suran would accompany her outward.
But the Night Demons ruled the night absolutely. All other races moved freely only by day, growing wary after dusk, ever fearful of Night Demon eyes.
Thus, though the Night Demons remained neutral, both the demon clans of the "Duskmire Legion" and their rivals, the "Solflare Legion," still saw Crimson Garden as the gravest threat—sending forces time and again.
Should Suran and Lyasis venture out, the Thornwood alone would guard the garden. So for years, it had never fought, conserving strength, lying in wait.
"You are thoughtful," Lyasis said with a coquettish laugh, curled on the high-backed chair, knees hugged tight.
"Her Majesty spent her life within these walls, facing reckless invaders daily. I will not let that be your fate, young mistress."
Amethyst eyes gleaming with quiet resolve, Suran spoke each word with weight:
"I will fulfill every one of your wishes."
Lyasis’s smile deepened.
"Your words bring me joy, Suran."
She hopped down, walked gracefully to Suran, took her hand, rose on her toes, and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Tonight," she murmured, "I shall surely have sweet dreams."
With that, she skipped away, twin tails swaying rhythmically, drawing Suran’s gaze.
The maid watched the petite, adorable figure retreat, a faint blush warming her cheeks.
Time for the nightly attendant duties…
...
Dawn broke.
Suran rose early. She slipped white thigh-high stockings over shapely legs, fastened her maid uniform’s large bow, secured her hair ribbon, and stepped into black Mary Janes.
Lyasis still slept, now hugging a stuffed bear instead of Suran. Her cherry lips parted softly with each steady breath. Her serene face, sweet as an unguarded kitten, stirred a fleeting urge to "devour" her.
"Young mistress… so adorable."
Suran’s heart fluttered, recalling moments she’d "teased" Lyasis.
"No, no. It was only a 'game.' How could I harbor such thoughts?"
She shook her head firmly, tucked the blanket, kissed Lyasis’s cheek, drew the curtains, and left.
The moment the door clicked shut behind her, Lyasis opened her eyes.
She tossed the bear aside, stared at the ceiling, and murmured, "Why haven’t you completely 'submitted' yet…"
...
The Solflare expedition force marched through the Thornwood and halted before Crimson Garden’s gates.
Composed of humans, dwarves, elves, and more, they followed a rider astride a warhorse. Helmeted, clad in gleaming gold armor, greatsword on her back, battle standard raised—she radiated command.
Plamia, Holyflame Knight of Auster Kingdom, bearer of the title "Great Hero."
"Nightmare Queen Lyasis! Today is your reckoning! Face judgment!!"
Plamia’s voice rang out. The Solflare Legion emblem at her waist blazed in the sun.
"For the Solflare Legion!"
"For the Solflare Legion!!"
Morale surged—then the garden gates let out a long *creak—* and swung open untouched.
Soldiers tensed. A figure stood on the path to the manor.
The black-haired maid awaited them, posture dignified, as if she had always been there.
"A human?" Plamia blinked in surprise.
"Welcome to Crimson Garden. I am the maid of House Virellete."
Suran gave a slight bow. As a Nightmare Maid, she upheld her master’s honor—even before enemies.
"Crimson Garden does not receive guests. Please return."
"Laughable! Such polite words—because the Nightmare Queen fears daylight?"
"Face judgment!!"
How could they heed a mere maid? Their fury roared like a tidal wave, intent on vanquishing the Queen before dusk.
Suran sighed softly.
"Maid Code, Article Seven: Impolite guests who ignore warnings may be expelled by necessary means."
Her gaze sharpened. Black hair bleached white in an instant; amethyst eyes blazed crimson.
Daylight vanished. The sky turned pitch black. A blood-red moon rose, staining the world in scarlet.
The white-haired, red-eyed maid hitched her skirt, revealing slender thighs. Fingers spread—a massive black-and-crimson scythe materialized into her grip.
"Next," she murmured, rising slowly into the air, gazing down at the stunned army, "is cleaning time."
