Blood In Rose

Chapter 9

"Ugh!"

Everything turns white before my eyes in a flash.
A vision of a woman emerges far away.
She looks into a man laying himself down on the ground.
After they exchange a few words, their lips slowly meet.
(What...did I just...saw...)

As soon as the vision fades away, everything turns completely black.
I try to plant my staggered feet firmly on the floor, not to let myself break down.

"What's the matter?"
"Nothing..."

I managed to squeeze out the brief reply, but the vision I just saw stayed in my head.
(The couple I just saw.... That was Alfred...and I...)

(Why on earth would I kiss Alfred...)
"Mina, are you sick?"
"No, I'm fine..."
I answer as though to persuade myself, then I start to walk behind Raymond.
( I should just try not to think about it.)
The more I try not to, the more I think about the kissing scene with Alfred.
I become absent-minded and Raymond's instructions go into one ear and out from the other for a while.

"Obviously, this is the kitchen. Humans have to eat, correct?"
"It sounds like you don't."
"We vampire don't have a habit of eating like humans."
"Sucking blood once a year would be enough for us. Although there are some who would hold a banquet to flaunt their wealth in public."
"Tell a cook when you are hungry. He would fix you something. Hey, is Jack there?"

Raymond calls out to the back of the kitchen.

"Did someone call me?"
Somehow, I have a feeling that I've met him before.
"She is a new worker here, Mina."
"Woo hoo! Your name is Mina. I'm Jack the cook☆ Nice to meet ya! Let's shake hands."
Jack delightedly shakes my hand.
(He is...)

"I was standing behind you, so I couldn't see you well in the dark last night..."
"You are a knockout beauty! I thought you smelled like a flower. Aww... You are so hot!"
"Yesterday...in the dark...? You must be..."
"Oh, you got it? You remember this feeling on your neck, doncha?"
With those words, Jack shows me a knife.
"That is.."
(...the cold blade laid on my neck yesterday.)
(I knew it was a knife.)

Remembering the cold touch and the terror in the dark sends a chill down my spine.

"Whoa.. Are you trembling? What? Are you scared of me?"
"Don't be! I won't eat ya right away. I told you yesterday."
"Er... But, having just a little bite won't hurt, will it?"
Jack smiles gleefully.
Looking at his overly joyed look, I start to lose fear towards him.

"Stay away from me."
I glared at Jack.
I'll slay you with a knife if you come closer to me!"
I'd be lying if I said I'm not afraid of him, but I must not let him puff up.
"Phew, you are strong-willed for a cute girl. Oooh, what should I go, you are my type!"
"You going to stab me with my knife, right?"
"That sounds exciting actually..."

"... Cut it out already, idiot."
"Aieee. Mr. Manager is frightening. I'm so sorry, that was just a joke. See ya Mina!"
Jack dodges Raymond's fist brought down towards him and run away.
"... Don't deal with him more than necessary."
"Let's call it a day. Start your work tomorrow. I'll have someone take you back to your room."
"Okay. Thank you."
As Raymond calls out, a human figure appears in front of me quietly.
It's a beautiful woman, but she has strings tied to her limbs just like a puppet.
"Um... Who are you...?"
I talk to her, but there is no response.
She just walks on in silence. I follow.
(She can't talk...?)

As soon as we got to my room, she is already on the way to leave.
"Thank you for taking me here."
I thank her hurriedly, but she just nods without saying anything back.
Seeing her off from behind, I find two small bite piece marks on her neck.
(That can't be true...)

The bite marks, her unclear, absent-minded eyes...
(She must've been bitten by the brothers... At this rate, I'm going to be...)
I deny my very though right away as its too horrifying.
(I'm going to find the Rose Garden within ten day and leave here as a human.)
I renew my vow firmly.