Servants

The two ghosts that had possessed the candlestick and clock slowly revealed their phantom forms in midair.

"Wouldn't letting that human live in the castle be... overstepping, Duke? The Duke has always hated humans."

Fuk's voice was still filled with fear and unease.

These two ghosts had served the Bone Duke for centuries and were utterly loyal to him.

Over the past few centuries, they had seen far too many ignorant humans trespass into the Bone Duke's territory, only to be instantly devoured by a swarm of Soul Eaters until not even scraps remained. Even the few fortunate ones were eventually transformed into undead creatures, condemned to a fate worse than death.

Every human who dared approach the Bone Duke's domain met a miserable end, yet that old woman, who could barely even be called a mage, had not only entered the castle but also enjoyed a wonderful dinner within it!

This was something the two of them could never have imagined before. Or rather, even thinking about it would have been an outrageous offense.

Yet the truth stood before them: the Bone Duke had "warmly" entertained this human.

"This is His Highness's decree. Haven't you noticed that ever since the prince arrived, the Duke has been so happy he can barely contain himself? His Soul Fire is practically taking the shape of musical notes."

Hua Luo was a violinist in the Bone Duke's orchestra. The knowledge he had learned in life had not been forgotten even after he became one of the Bone Duke's burial objects.

"Besides, His Highness's 'Canon' truly is a masterpiece that could shake the world. If I were still alive, I would dearly love to visit that great composer in some distant nation."

As they spoke, soft piano music suddenly rose within the castle again. These notes were far gentler than the gloomy chill that had once echoed through the castle.

"Don't you think the Duke has become a little more like his old self these past few days?"

Listening to the melody, Hua Luo realized that the Bone Duke had changed greatly since Joshua arrived.

In the Demon Realm, the Bone Duke had always been an absolute fanatic. He would never allow any living creature to step into his domain, and unless absolutely necessary, he would never leave it himself. He had remained in the castle like that for an endlessly long time.

"His old self? That's true. At least the Duke smiles now. I hadn't seen that for decades."

Fuk glanced at his old friend. After being friends for so long, he naturally understood what Hua Luo meant by "his old self."

"Damn it! If not for that cursed Revolutionary Army, I'm sure His Highness would have fallen for the Duke by now."

"Ahem... Hua Luo." Fuk cleared his throat, warning him. Although Hua Luo was a ghost, he still felt a chill rise down his back.

"If the Duke heard what you just said, it would be enough for him to serve you as dog food."

A slightly childish voice sounded behind them. They immediately turned and bowed to the young phantom.

"Steward."

Joshua followed the ghost into the hall. This ghost who had led the way held a position second only to the Bone Duke within the castle. He was also the castle's steward.

He was the ghost who had played the teacup earlier.

"Thank you all for your cooperation. There are still many unfinished parts of this film that need everyone's help."

Joshua was not particularly good at formal pleasantries. Creatures like programmers always did more than they said, so he could only briefly explain the work that lay ahead to the ghosts living in the ancient castle.

There were twenty-one ghosts in the castle with the right to serve the Bone Duke. They were clearly different from those ghosts who had only maintained their ghostly forms for a year or two. Several of the ghosts in the castle could trace their ages back to an era before the current human age.

All twenty-one ghosts had the ability to attach themselves to objects and use those objects as bodies. This also solved another major attraction in Joshua's film Beauty and the Beast: the living furniture.

"As long as it is what Your Highness desires, please command us as you wish."

The three ghosts bowed to Joshua in a manner from some unknown country.

"The current tasks have reached a stopping point. You may go rest for now."

Joshua was merely an outsider to this castle, an outsider with no right to command them. Yet strangely, he could not sense the slightest dissatisfaction from the three ghosts.

Could it be because of his identity as the Third Prince?

Joshua had no time to think about that now. After watching the three ghosts vanish from sight, he looked at Zennas beside him.

This Sin Demon was now dressed in custom-made clothing that concealed his magma-rock-like skin, finally giving him a faint air of princely refinement.

Zennas had just finished his first scene: the Beast throwing Belle's father into a cell.

Zennas had performed very well, vividly portraying a Beast Prince who was restless, volatile, and afraid of interacting with others.

But Zennas seemed somewhat dejected now.

"The Duke's lullaby has already put that female merchant to sleep. She will be well cared for when she wakes."

Joshua knew why Zennas was feeling so low.

As a valiant and battle-hardened Sin Demon, Zennas had been able to mercilessly chop off those bandits' heads in the village and use their blood to wash the earth.

But when faced with a helpless old woman, merely roaring at her a few times and roughly throwing her into prison had made Zennas feel guilty.

Kindness?

A Sin Demon born for slaughter had no need for such feelings. This was merely the most basic dignity and cultivation expected of the strong. Zennas's flames were meant for villains and criminals who had committed evil.

"I Nuo will arrive at the castle this afternoon. Once filming is over, that human will be free. In the meantime, Zennas, you can find a few ghosts who know how to dance and learn some ballroom dancing."

Joshua was confident that he could finish filming Beauty and the Demon in a short time.

The parts of filmmaking that usually consumed time were actors needing retakes, planning camera shots, and post-production special effects...

None of these problems existed for Joshua. The actors within the castle were all servants of the Bone Duke, unlike those difficult-to-control villagers.

If progress went quickly, Joshua estimated that he could finish filming this movie in about a week.

After all, Beauty and the Demon was only a small part of Joshua's greater plan. This film would serve as his stepping stone into the human world.