Chapter Text
Clack, Clack…
Clack, Clack…
Clack, clack…
Clack, Clack.
The young man didn’t take a step further, he was forced to because of this new obstacle. Tall black gates, forged of wrought iron stood in front of him. He looked to his left, then to his right. The gates kept going, as if they didn’t have an end.
The white haired had no other choice but to observe them. They looked like spears all sticked together, protecting something important. The tip of one of these was thin and pointy, while some were twisted, almost resembling a rose. The body of the spears had what looked like thorns of a certain crimson flower.
The young one had a feeling that the long fence was old, yet not a single scratch on it. They stood still, not backing up from their mission of protecting the manor far behind them.
His eyes widened slightly as he took in the sight of the bigger building, he hadn’t noticed it since it was late. The sun had left to welcome the moon and the darkness filled the sky. The manor had only dark colours, and since the light couldn’t find it, it looked like a big black shadow. Slowly rotting away.
The boy, no older than 17, confusingly approached the barrier between him and the manor, hoping to get a better look of it. How was he supposed to enter? He took out his thin hand from his pockets, the cold November breeze hitting his skin immediately. He hesitantly laid a finger, then two, then three, then his whole hand onto the iron.
Then suddenly, the gates moved, the spears finally opening themselves. The surprised youth backed up quickly so he wouldn’t get hurt. He looked around, hoping to find an answer of to why they suddenly opened. And that’s when he spotted something, or someone.
A young girl, around the age of 10, blond braided hair that was dirtied by the dust and what looked like dirt, appeared. Though her face was hidden by the shadows of the trees in forest. An orphan, is what the white haired thought. He pitied her. Though his pity was rather familiar than distant.
His lips turned into a small smile, his eyes softened while he took a few steps forward, finally entering the manor’s terrain. His soft smirk was directed at the small child, who didn’t show her face, but still grinned back. He walked past her as his now nervous eyes moved to the manor. His lips returned back into a line, his fear now catching up to him as his steps slowed down.
His shoes stepped onto the stairs, in which they creaked under his weight. The old wood must’ve been there for many years now.
The young one stopped once again at the large double doors that belonged to the wooden building. The anxiety boiled inside him and his instincts all told him to run away and abandon the manor. To abandon the letter…
He couldn’t. He cannot. He mustn’t. Running away wasn’t an option for the poor boy, he had to follow the director’s instructions. It’s not like he had any other place to go than that horrid orphanage he dreads. So with the same hand, he clenched it and brought it to the hard wood. He braced himself for any possible situation.
Knock, knock, knock….
His knuckles immediately left the doors as he felt it open by someone else. The light coming from the manor shined through his eyes as he was met with what seemed like the butler of this mysterious place. The older man wore a formal black suit with a waistcoat, his white shirt was beneath it along with a tie.
His hair was already silver, signifying how he has worked here for years. The wise one also had a white cloth draped over his left arm, as if it cleaned every sin in the past. The young one spotted a pocket watch wrapped by his gloved fingers.
“Welcome to the Harrowgate Manor, Mister…?”
The elder calmly asked, putting away the watch into his right pocket, his gaze now fixing the white haired boy. He was almost intimidating, if you could say that.
“A-atsushi Nakajima…”
“…Mister Nakajima, welcome sir. May I take your coat?”
“Ah—yes, thank you.”
Atsushi politely said, taking off his warm coat and giving it to the senior with shaky hands. Now that he didn’t have his vest, the light finally revealed his clothing. His dark pants made out of wool including his high-collared shirt. The only accessories left were his tie, which wasn’t as perfect as you would think.
His clothes didn’t look brand new, even if his orphanage was wealthy. It was like as if those pieces were handed off to him. Some of the children at his ‘home’ would mock him for being the eldest and getting the worst treatment, but none of the other gentlemen and ladies in the large foyer seemed to mind that.
Many different people were in the same situation as him, or so he thought. Some sat on the elegant velvet sofas close to the wall, some stood while discussing with each other and finally, some seemed to be observing their surroundings. Atsushi immediately felt as if he didn’t belong.
The Foyer was pretty large, the walls were dark and highly decorated with ancient paintings from thousands of years ago. Lamps, bookshelves and even long red rugs on the floor, this place was highly decorated. The 17 year old could name more wealthy items but his attention was caught at the stairs in the back, they led to the second floor and maybe even more floors. He found himself wanting to explore that place.
Yet the young one was snapped out of his thoughts when someone older spoke up, surprising everyone. His voice was slightly loud and commanding.
“You there! You’re late and kept us all waiting.”
The white haired boy flinched at his voice and looked at him. The blond man had his hair tied in a low ponytail, quite rare for men. His clothes reminded the 17 year old of one of his teachers back at the orphanage. He quickly responded.
“R-really?! M-my apologies, I got a bit lost…the instructions on the letter weren’t that clear.”
“Goodness, I can tell you weren’t educated, your posture says it all…”
“Huh?—“
His nervous mumble was interrupted by someone else, a woman. She seemed somewhat like a nurse. Her long dark dress along with her apron over it immediately confirmed his thoughts. Although her short dark hair was down, stopping right on top of her shoulders. Which was really unusual for women… was he living in the same year as them?
“More importantly, you mentioned a letter. Did you also receive one?”
She spoke, her tone professional and a bit commanding. Many men would have immediately reported her for being ‘rebellious’, but Atsushi found her different and independent attitude slightly refreshing.
“Yes I-i did, my guardian lend it to me since it had my name…T-though I have no idea who called me here and why.”
“Mind if i take a look?”
“O-oh, of course.”
He took a few steps forward and lend it to her with no hesitation, hoping she’d believe him. The others looked at the interaction silently, as if this happened many times before.
.
..
…
The older woman read the piece of paper, her serious expression not changing as she inspected it, as if this wasn’t new. She sighed as she folded it again. Then the strange nurse handed it back.
“It’s not that different from ours, just different bait.”
“O-ours..? Different bait..?”
The teacher finally spoke up, not liking the way she spoke over him. His eyes glared at her for a moment before he looked back at the orphan.
“Haven’t you noticed? We’ve all been lured here by the same person, at the same time yet for different reasons. Although the ‘Owner’ of this manor hasn’t shown up. Pretty irresponsible for someone who gathered such powerful figures here…”
He was right. Why didn’t Atsushi notice this sooner? All of the others looked quite rich, some of them were young and others older. Their luxurious clothes said it all.
As his mind kept wondering, he couldn’t help the fear that started to fill his body up. He felt afraid of these people, of this situation and of who’s behind of all of this. While his thoughts spiralled all over, the blond man’s voice cut through the room.
“Speaking of which, didn’t that butler say only eighteen guests would arrive tonight? We’re seventeen and the scheduled time to arrive was about fifteen minutes ago! This is unacceptable!”
His disappointment was clear in his voice, seems like this ‘teacher’ had high expectations on basically everyone. Someone else stepped up— a priest? His clothing yelled that he was. Atsushi felt even more uncomfortable with a priest in the room.
“Please, Kunikida.”
The low and grounding words of the priest seemed to reach Kunikida, since his guard went down slightly.
“Anger will not bring them sooner, patience is the path God asks of us.”
No one dared to defy the older man. If any mortal did, then they’d be a sinner. No one had the right to go against God. Or so the population thought.
“Right…Of course, Father Fukuzawa.”
Kunikida responded, fixing his seemingly perfect hair as his expression softened. The room had turned quite silent at this time. And so the others decided to sit down on the comfortable furniture the manor provided. This let Atsushi’s shining eyes have a moment to look around at the company he had.
Nothing out of the ordinary…almost. What caught him questioning was a detective lying down on the couch like an infant. Too relaxed, not at all professional. The 17 year old boy couldn’t help but ask himself if the detective should be doing something?
But his pupils moved elsewhere as he caught a ginger, slightly shorter than everyone else, wearing a black hat to ‘hide’ his frustrated expression. Though Atsushi seemed to recognize him from somewhere. A newspaper maybe?
Atsushi’s eyes lingered also on the man next to the nurse, seeming like a doctor. Same hairstyle like his assistant, just more straighter, longer, darker and no bangs. He seemed to be keeping his eye on the other two orphans. One of orphans looked as if he was ready to take everyone’s lives. While the other clung to her brother’s arm.
They must’ve been around Atsushi’s age, though they seem to have lived a poor life. Something the 17 year old had somewhat felt before. Yet his thoughts were cut out by a firm voice coming from the detective.
“He’s here.”
!!!SLAM!!!
The front doors of the large home suddenly opened by an unknown force. Everyone’s eyes moved to the entrance, confused and even frightened by the sudden intruder. Even the butler rapidly moved to the man’s side.
The intruder took a second to regain his breath, before taking off his coat, giving it to the butler— who was a bit concerned and even annoyed at that brutal act.
The brunette was a handsome looking man, had messy hair, his tie was loose yet his vest was still somewhat presentable. Much more unprofessional than everyone else. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing his bandages under them, which immediately concerned some.
A scoff could be heard in the back, made by the ginger who was leaning against the wall, with his arms crossed. A smirk was displayed on his face, he seemed to have recognized the intruder.
“Of course, who would’ve thought. The Failure of the Century, here in front of me. What a blessing, really.”
“Apologies for being late everyone, I got a bit side tracked.”
“HEY IM SPEAKING TO YOU, YOU DAMNED FOOL!!”
The ginger yelled at the brunette’s nonchalant reply, not used to being ignored since he was quite above in the society. Though the mysterious man ignored his presence and walked to his waiting crowd.
“AHEM.”
Everyone heard the obvious cough, their eyes all looking at the butler who had caught their attention.
“I am this manor’s butler, you can call me Mr. Hirotsu. I understand your confusions, but rest assured, the owner of this castle will be with you all…tomorow.”
Some surprised and faint gasps were heard in the large foyer, along with some Scoffs and annoyed glares. Though the butler’s expression did not change.
“So what you’re saying is, our travel to here was meaningless?”
Another woman spoke up, in a luxurious gown, her orange-pinkish hair was truly a beautiful sight. She didn’t seem too pleased about wasting her precious time.
“Not quite, Master has prepared rooms for you all, to stay the night. The servants will take you there, no need to worry about clothes or food, they’re all here to fulfil your every needs.”
That said, the servants who worked at the dark building walked into the foyer, their expression calm yet eerie. With a clap coming from Hirotsu’s gloved palms, the workers walked towards their assigned person and led them into the hallways.
The white haired boy watched the guests he’s known for a few minutes walk away, not seeming as scared as he was. Since he was absolutely terrified. Though there wasn’t a threat yet, so maybe he could relax his muscles for the night. It’s not everyday the young man gets to sleep in such wealthy places.
The servant who came up to him was a man, not too old but not as young as he was. He mumbled a small “this way” as he kept a steady pace in front of Atsushi.
Though he didn’t follow just yet. His eyes stopped upon a small little argument in between one of the guests and the servants.
“I WON’T leave her alone.”
The much dirtier orphan replied, while the two servants shared a look of genuine fear. The orphans were definitely siblings, though the older brother mustn’t be so protective…
“Brother…”
The sister pleaded, though his brother who had short and weirdly cut black hair refused. Atsushi also noticed the bottom of the brother’s hair was white…how intriguing.
“Sir?”
The 17 year old looked back at whoever was guiding him, a small blush creeping onto his cheeks as he apologized and quickly walked behind his assigned servant.
His guide led him down the right hallway, a bit far from the others yet he didn’t pay attention to that. What caught his attention was the feeling of déjà-vu he felt flood his thoughts.
This quiet place, the historical paintings on the walls, the luxurious furniture, the doors with various numbers— Atsushi felt as if he’s visited it all before. Yet he couldn’t point out exactly where and when.
301
They both stopped at the door 301. The servant took out a key and unlocked it, before leaving the piece of metal in Atsushi’s hands. The young man closed his hands, the cold metal grounding him in this moment.
“Thank you.”
“It is my duty. Now, if you need of anything, don’t hesitate to demand something to any servant of the Harrogate Manor. We wish you a pleasant stay.”
With that, he nodded and turned away, about to walk away until Atsushi’s sudden and serious voice spoke up.
“Ah- and one last question.”
The older man didn’t move nor turn around. He kept his body still for any demand…or threat.
“Who else has these keys to our rooms?”
Atsushi didn’t know what possessed him to suddenly ask such a foolish question. Yet his instincts screamed at him to say it, and so he followed them and now he couldn’t back down.
His assigned servant took a few seconds before answering, his voice slightly more drier.
“Us, the servants. Though rest assured, we only use them for emergencies.”
“…”
“Goodnight.”
And with that, the eerie man walked away, his steps measured and soft. The white haired boy watched him closely until he left the hallway, almost making sure it safe.
He then turned to his room door with a new fear settled on his chest, what would be waiting for him on the other room? A normal looking bedroom? Or something else entirely?
He didn’t know what to believe anymore. This situation was completely unexpected and he felt so small, compared to the other higher ups in his building with him.
Well…except the last guest who arrived very late. The brunette who waisted everyone’s time and who was now waving at Atsushi…he seemed under the influence of alcohol. Or maybe something else. Of maybe all of it.
“Hey At-Su-Shi~!”
He spelled like bully teasing another student, he reeked of alcohol and was now really close to Atsushi, invading his personal space.
“How do…know my name—“
“Could you help me find my room? I got lost…”
He whined a bit, almost dramatically as he looked at the poor younger man with a pout. Atsushi was absolutely confused…why him?!
“D-didn’t your servant take you to your room…?”
“I said I got lost..!!”
The 17 year old man could tell this was going nowhere. He wanted to help this alcoholic yet he didn’t have the slightest idea on how. And he was a bit timid to ask one of the workers here. So he did what any ordinary person would say.
“Umm well… I didn’t see m-many people come in this hallway…a-and there’s many other rooms so I think they wouldn’t mind if you…picked one of them…?”
“ . . . “
“………..”
Atsushi internally cursed himself, he thought he really had a brilliant idea there. The awkward silence kept on for what seemed like hours for the boy- until the brunette spoke up, with a cheery expression.
“Alright! Thank you~!”
With that, he went to the door 303, a door away from Atsushi’s. And took out a key, similars to Atsushi’s yet with the number 1 instead of 3. It easily opened the door, which left him confused.
Wouldn’t it only open doors starting with 100? Why can it also open other doors here? That’s what Atsushi’s thoughts were filled with, meanwhile the mysterious man seemed ecstatic. He hummed an unknown tune before entering the room 303 and harshly slamming it shut.
The white haired boy was left with his mouth slightly open in awe, or maybe in anxiety. He shook his head and quickly entered his own assigned room, not even bothering locking his door as he shut it.
The room was very neat and clean, very wealthy too. The bed seemed enormous, the dressers made with fine wood and a tall door which led to the washing room. The decor was even better, though Atsushi didn’t care to admire it, his heart beating loudly in his chest because of this surprising day that will change his life.
He felt a panic flooding his brain, so he decided to get dressed for the night. He removed his clothes and neatly folded them into the drawers, his shoes laid still at the end of the bed, on the floor.
The second his bottom touched the fluffy sheets, he never wanted to leave ever again. The white haired boy pulled the blankets onto his cold body, using one of the many pillow to rest his head.
The boy felt almost happy at this new warm feeling, he never had this back at his orphanage, no matter how much he begged.
“It’s a dream…it’s all a dream…it’s a…”
He kept repeating those same words like a prayer, hoping for them to come true. He needed a sign— any sign that this was an illusion. He wanted to go back to his home. His abusive and cruel home. Or maybe not.
It didn’t matter. Nothing mattered as he fell asleep, the consciousness leaving his body as his eyes closed. He was letting his guard down in an unknown place, but the comfort of the soft bed was enough for him.
Now he couldn’t hear anything. Not the faint moans in a far away room, not the sounds of alcohol bottles opening and definitely not the sounds of footsteps in the hallway. At the middle of this terrifying night.
.
..
…
A scream. A high pitched woman like scream came from a far away hallway and tore through the calm silence of the manor. A metal tray that held some tea crashed onto the floor since the servant’s trembling hands couldn’t hold it anymore.
Her eyes wide and her face pale, she took a few steps back and reached for her necklace— the one who had a cross attached. She wrapped her cold and shaking hands around it as she mumbled.
“God forgive us…blood has been spilled…”
Quick footsteps interrupted her shaky prayers as more servants and even Hirotsu came after hearing that agonizing cry.
“What has happened?!”
The butler rapidly asked, though the distressed woman only pointed at the opened door in front of her, still holding onto the cross with her other hand.
They all looked into the room, and some servants gasped, cried, screamed, one of them even fainted. It was truly a terrifying sight to the human eye.
Atsushi was awake due to the many screams happening in a near hallway, his eyes going wide and his heart beating rapidly. He jumped off the bed and nearly tripped as he ran out of his room, still in his nightwear and socks.
The mysterious brunette also seemed to have heard the unsettling noises coming from afar, since he also went out of his dorm. He looked less cheery and almost…hung over.
They both made brief eye contact before rushing to the scene, almost running in the hallways to get to door 105. Where most of the people they’ve met were all gathered. Some looked away, others mumbled a prayer, while some stood in shock. Atsushi was one of them, he couldn’t believe his eyes. He was surprised, but not scared. Not disgusted, but almost mesmerized by the scene.
The dead person was very still on the now bloody and messy sheets, they weren’t even wearing their nightwear. The candle that usually stood on the dresser was now lit out, melted on the floor.
Some newspapers of a new murder that occurred a few days ago laid on the bed beside the victim. It had a few drops of blood. The now lifeless man had his square glasses on his right hand, as if he attempted to put them on, before being murdered.
The murder weapon was nowhere to be seen, though there was a thick line of dark red across the victim’s neck. As if his throat was slit with something sharp. His lifeless green eyes were still widened with the shock, yet they showed no light this time. His spiky black hair now smelled of blood.
Ranpo Edogawa, the only detective was killed. On this November day, in 1854.
Who’s the culprit?