Welcome to the Rose Mansion - Chapter 16
[8. For our new members, Bertrand provides a map of the mansion. As indicated on the map, there are a total of five gardens within the mansion. You are free to explore them, but do not approach the fifth garden surrounded by a red brick wall.
It is currently under construction. Therefore, do not be alarmed by any noises that might come from inside.
9. Do not touch the roses carelessly. Also, do not keep roses in your bedroom. While the mansion is filled with roses, your assigned bedroom is an exception. If you find roses in your bedroom, please follow the instructions below.
If the rose is more white than red, it is still safe. Immediately wrap the rose in a white cloth without anyone noticing, quietly take it outside the mansion entrance, burn it with your back to the mansion, and return to your bedroom without being detected. This must be emphasized again—you must not be caught by anyone during this process.
If the rose is more red than white, leave it beside your bed. We can no longer assist you. If forced to give one piece of advice, remember rule number 4. If lucky, you might not be lost to us.
10. Pay no heed to the eldest of the Otis family. If he speaks or makes requests of you, ignore him completely. Everything for the eldest is managed by his tutor.
11. Since the mansion does not frequently welcome new servants, the long-standing servants always wish to tease the new members of their family.
If you find yourself alone with someone who speaks strangely or acts inexplicably, act as if you have seen and heard nothing, and leave the area immediately. Curiosity is not a good thing to have in this mansion.
12. Please doubt everything you see, even this letter.
13. Always greet others with a smile. Do not ignore greetings extended to you. They consider this basic etiquette, something to be expected. Please do not offend them.
The only way to safely complete your contract period is to act as if you do not hear when you hear, do not see when you see, and to serve diligently and obediently without question or curiosity.
Lastly, if you have fully understood the contents of this letter, please burn it as soon as possible. Fire is the surest way to turn everything to nothing. Do not transcribe or keep the contents of the letter elsewhere. You have only one day to avoid detection.
This letter, in principle, does not exist. Never speak of this letter to anyone. Also, speaking carelessly about things experienced within the mansion is strictly forbidden. This must be emphasized once more—it is a very reckless action.
We sincerely hope you have a safe and enjoyable year. Let’s have fun together.
(Please disregard rule number 12 as it was a mistake by the writer.)]
“…”
The letter had ended. Richelle placed the paper, still heavy with the scent of roses, on the desk.
…What exactly was this?
The content was nothing short of a joke from start to finish. Richelle’s green eyes narrowed as she stared at the letter.
Just a mean prank?
But then, who would do it?
Even as she tried to ignore it, her gaze would be drawn back to the letter.
Richelle had an excellent memory. Having read it over and over, those bizarre rules were already etched in her mind.
“…No. Let’s not worry too much about it.”
It could be a prank by the previous tutor, or perhaps a hazing ritual for new staff at the mansion. Maybe the young lord and young lady had mimicked a scene from a horror novel.
Richelle put the letter back in the drawer and headed to the dressing room. With dinner approaching, it was time to change into something appropriate for the meal.
Her solemn gray dress was the finest she owned. Richelle added a faux pearl brooch to the plain bodice for a finishing touch. What started as careful grooming soon quickened in pace.
As soon as she finished with her hair, Richelle practically ran back to the desk. She opened the drawer and hastily grabbed the letter.
‘What are you doing, Richelle Howard? Do you really believe this joke of a letter? This absurd letter filled with unknown content, saying you can’t leave the mansion for a year?’
Someone inside her asked. Richelle bit her lip.
She knew it was nonsense. Laughable even.
But.
What if it’s true?
In the novels Meg read, those who ignored such rules were usually the first to die…
Thump, thump, thump.
“Ah!”
Startled by the sudden knock, Richelle dropped the letter. It slid under the desk.
