Island Master's Manor.
Afternoon sunlight spilled through the windowpanes, while the Air Conditioner hummed out cool air, keeping the room at a comfortable temperature.
After lunch, Wu Heng called everyone in the house over, saying he had something to discuss.
Minnie carried over a fruit platter and served everyone some after-meal snacks. "This morning, the main headquarters sent over new puppets. Master wants to introduce his wraiths to us."
"Is it Miss Beni?" Andeviel asked.
Minnie shook her head, indicating that she did not know either.
Wu Heng said, "I have three wraiths in total: Xiaoxiao, Beni, and one more. I'll introduce her to you in a moment."
"One more?" Shanala raised her brows.
The other maids also looked curiously toward Wu Heng.
"Mm. They usually stay hidden in the upstairs study." Wu Heng then called toward the stairs, "Granda, Beni, come down!"
The wooden staircase creaked.
Two figures descended from upstairs.
The first wore a classical blue gown, her hair neatly pinned behind her head beneath a pearl hairnet, with several softly curled strands hanging at either side.
She stopped on the third step and curtsied, porcelain-white fingers resting lightly on the banister. "Elder Shanala, ladies, I am Granda. I have always accompanied Wu Heng."
Her voice was gentle and magnetic. From her mannerisms alone, one could tell that she was a mature, intelligent noblewoman.
After speaking, she quickly descended the stairs and made room for the figure behind her.
She wore a floral dress, with flaxen hair tied by an orange ribbon and a round little face.
She glanced at the people in the living room, then bowed as well. "I'm Beni. Greetings, Elder Shanala, ladies..."
So it really was Beni...
The tavern waitress from that story, who had been killed by an evil cult for the sake