Chapter 8: The House of Depravity

Thomas led the group through the estate, with Magdalene walking beside Shin. His natural scent, reminiscent of moonflowers in full bloom, had an almost hypnotic effect on those around him, especially on women drawn to him like moths to a flame. Magdalene was no exception. Her sultry glances lingered on him, her every movement laced with intention. Yet, Shin remained indifferent, ignoring her silent advances.

Thomas, however, was watching. Closely.

Shin was introduced to key figures within the household; the Head Butler, the Head Maid, the Guard Captain, the Beast Tamers, and others whose roles required familiarity with the new bodyguard. With each introduction, Thomas made sure they all acknowledged Shin’s position, reinforcing the idea that as a protector of House Lichtenstein, he was to be respected.

Everything about the estate was pristine, from the towering halls to the smallest details. Perfection was not just expected, it was demanded. Each corridor, each furnishing, every carefully arranged piece of decor exuded an air of meticulous control. But the more Shin observed, the more the estate felt eerily unnatural. The hairs on his arms stood on end, an instinctive reaction to something unseen yet undeniably present. Beneath all the opulence, a sickness festered within these walls.

The tour was long and exhaustive, stretching late into the evening. Shin observed servants moving with robotic efficiency, their expressions blank, their eyes hollow. It was as if they had been drained of any will beyond obedience. A few flinched when Thomas passed, their shoulders tensing at his mere presence. Magdalene, on the other hand, relished the silent power she held over them, her smirk deepening at their subdued reactions.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Thomas finally led Shin to his quarters on the second floor, near the master’s bedroom and other private chambers. The room was grandiose, with high ceilings, elaborate decor, and even a balcony overlooking the courtyard. It was far too luxurious for a mere bodyguard.

Shin turned to Thomas with a raised brow. "This is too good to be true, sir. Are you sure you want me to stay here? This is more than I deserve. It looks more like a guest suite than a guard’s quarters."

Thomas let out a hearty laugh, flashing a grin as he gave Shin a reassuring thumbs-up. "Of course! We invest in those who protect us. One day, you may very well save my life. Until then, we are under your protection, and you are under our care. Consider this a gift, Sheenrayu."

Shin nodded, offering a slight smile. "Thank you, sir. You may call me Shin. It is easier to remember, yes?"

Thomas raised an amused brow before chuckling. "Shin, it is."

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

As Shin settled into his room, voices in the hallway caught his attention. He turned just in time to see the three sons of the household, Ronald, Charles, and Gavin, swaggering down the corridor, each accompanied by a woman clinging to their arm. Something was off about the women, though. Their movements were unnatural, as if they were in a trance, mindlessly trailing after the brothers like obedient pets.

Thomas noticed them as well and gestured for them to approach. The three sons sauntered forward lazily, their expressions unreadable as they eyed Shin. Thomas clapped his hands together and gestured toward them.

"Ronald, Charles, Gavin, this is Shin, our new bodyguard. I have high hopes for him. He will also be responsible for your protection. Ronald is my eldest, Charles is my second, and Gavin is the third. And of course, there is our treasured sweet pea, Abigail."

As if on cue, Abigail entered the room. The moment her gaze landed on Shin, something flickered in her eyes, an unmistakable hunger. A slow, knowing smile curled her lips.

It seemed the women of this household all had a particular interest in him.

Shin gave them a polite nod before bowing in the manner of Eastern nobility. "Thank you for your hospitality. I will do my best to protect and serve the Lichtenstein family."

Thomas nodded in approval while Magdalene and Abigail clapped their hands lightly, amused by his formalities. The three sons, however, merely scoffed, uninterested.

Shin observed the family dynamics closely. Ronald’s gaze flickered with something between boredom and annoyance, while Charles barely spared him a glance. Gavin, the youngest, seemed mildly entertained by the situation, his smirk widening as he leaned against the doorframe, eyes gleaming with amusement. Magdalene, meanwhile, seemed far too pleased, and Abigail, well… she was already planning something. He could feel it.

Thomas then clapped his hands twice. "Alright now, let us leave Sheen be. I may need to have a word with our new bodyguard."

The family dispersed, leaving only Thomas behind. He stepped closer to Shin, extending a hand for a handshake. As Shin took it, Thomas held on, gripping tightly, his demeanor shifting. His tone dropped to something low and serious.

"You are part of the family now. But before we welcome you properly, I need you to promise me a few things."

Shin remained composed, waiting for what would come next.

Thomas’s grip tightened, his knuckles whitening as he squeezed harder. "Number one, do not, under any circumstances, seduce my wife or my daughter. Several bodyguards tried, and we had to… dismiss them immediately. Number two, whatever I say, you follow. My word is law. Cross me, and there will be hell to pay. Do you understand?"

His grip was strong enough to break bones, but Shin did not flinch. His hands remained relaxed, unaffected by the force. Thomas’s eyes narrowed slightly, noting the lack of reaction. He had expected resistance. Pain. But there was none.

Shin simply nodded. "Understood."

For the first time, Thomas looked slightly puzzled. He released Shin’s hand, his fingers flexing as if trying to make sense of what had just happened. After a brief moment of silence, he scoffed and turned on his heel, walking away without another word.

Shin remained standing, watching as Thomas disappeared down the hall. He flexed his fingers slightly, as if testing them.

What an interesting man.

And what an interesting family.

Meanwhile, hidden in the shadows beyond the corridor, Laverna listened, her heart pounding. Another bodyguard. Another doomed soul. Or was he different?

Time would tell.