748
When the sun rose, Ileana knocked on her brother's door.
She knocked three times and waited a moment. After a faint rustle, the wooden door, inlaid with gold trim around its corners and frame, opened inward. Her Elder Brother, Clovis Montmartre, stepped out.
The Marquis's eldest son had a disheveled collar and a poorly fastened belt. Aside from an air of haste, he exuded languor and a strange fragrance. In the second or two before the door closed, more than one piece of women's clothing could be seen scattered across the floor and carpet through the gap.
Ileana glanced inside, long accustomed to the usual way the men of her family spent banquets and pleasant nights.
After looking away, she remembered something and glanced at the now-closed door again. Only after confirming that none of the men and women inside had the spiritual colors of Beyonders did she relax.
Although Clovis had worn himself out all night, he was in good spirits. He was young, after all, and a Beyonder. Even with his sister here, he had yet to readjust after his pleasurable activities, and spoke in a somewhat casual tone:
"What is it, my dear Ileana?"
"Watch out for Demonesses," Ileana reminded him irritably.
Clovis rubbed his slightly stubbled chin and took it as a compliment. "With your Elder Brother's background and charm, it's hardly surprising if I attract a few Demonesses. Don't worry. With you here, what Beyonder with ill intentions would dare come near?"
"You're wrong. Aside from your money and connections, the only thing a Demoness wants is your Beyonder Characteristic."
After delivering that measured retort, Ileana took a gold-embossed letter from her sleeve. Its wax seal had already been broken:
"Our relatives in Loen have written back. Miss Hall has accepted our invitation and