The corridors of Death Castle were mostly steeped in ink-black darkness. The only light came from the few Magic Crystals hanging along the walls, their glow so dim it seemed a gust of wind could snuff it out.
Now and then, flashes of lightning pierced through the windows and scattered the darkness, yet they did nothing to change the atmosphere of dead silence.
"Ow!"
Along with a crisp impact, a cry of pain shattered the castle's silence. It sounded like a girl's voice.
"Didn't I tell you to be careful when walking here? Part of the floor is broken. Are you all right?"
Another girl's voice rang out, filled with concern. It seemed the two of them got along rather well.
"Mmm, that hurt... It's so dark, I can't see anything."
"Sigh, there's nothing we can do. Recently, the Duke said he wanted to give the castle a gloomier theme, saying it suited our identities better."
"What does that have to do with not repairing the floor?"
"Of course it does. Isn't it perfectly reasonable for broken flooring to serve as a trap and give people a fright?"
"Mm... That does sound reasonable. But would any living people even come here...?"
The drifting voices gradually faded away. Amid the dull rumble of thunder, a bright flash instantly lit the corridor, faintly revealing two translucent figures in white maid uniforms floating in midair.
At the same time, in a room deep within the castle.
Bright, gentle light drove away the darkness, leaving not the slightest trace of gloom or oppression. The crystal-paved floor was spotless, while the metal walls gave off a piercingly cold gleam.
On one side of the room, the wall was transparent, like some special crystal, or perhaps a barrier condensed entirely from pure energy.
Through the partition,