Welcome to the Rose Mansion - Chapter 30
There must have been a nanny when they were younger. Given that this was the Otis family, there wouldn’t have been just one or two governesses.
Where did they all go? And the children mentioned they used to be loved by their mother. How did Madam Otis come to hate her children like this?
And…
‘Alan Otis, too…’
The vivid bruise on his cheek. Scars covering his body. The scent of disinfectant etched into his skin.
Richelle remembered the sporadic encounters with Alan Otis over the past month. Today was the first time they had a proper conversation, but his somber expression hinted at some deep troubles.
And today’s events confirmed it.
Alan Otis was being abused.
And the only person who could dare to inflict such wounds on him, the heir of the Otis family, was his mother, Madam Otis.
Sitting back down, Richelle tapped her fingers on the desk.
The twins and Alan Otis.
Three children being abused by their parents.
Something must be done about it. But the thought was overwhelmingly strong…
“…What can I possibly do?”
She had run away, even abandoned her own mother. What could she do against an employer?
A sigh dissipated into the air.
It was then.
Screech, screech.
The sound of someone scraping the door with their fingernails suddenly penetrated her ears.
“Who’s there?”
The noise of the chair she pushed back in haste was unwelcome. And then.
Bang bang bang!
Someone, pounding on the door forcefully.
At this time, well past midnight, when leaving is forbidden.
“Who could it possibly…”
Bang, bang, BANG!
The knocking, even more intense than before, resonated throughout the room. Richelle barely managed to moisten her parched mouth, her limbs cold as if dipped in ice water.
Who could it be at this hour?
The decision to step towards the door was instinctual. With each cautious step closer, her heart raced uncontrollably.
Holding her breath for as much as she could, Richelle quietly listened towards the outside. After waiting for a while, the knocking sound did not come again. There was no sign of anyone outside the door.
Though unsure who it was, they might have left.
Staring at the door, Richelle placed her hand on it. It was a medium-sized brown door, neither too large nor too small.
As the room’s occupant, Richelle knew well that this door was quite heavy and sturdy. Moreover, she had carefully locked it. Unless she opened it herself, no one could just enter.
“…It’s okay. It’s okay.”
She had become too sensitive due to the events of the day. Yes, that must be it.
It would be best to go to bed now. Rubbing her shoulders, Richelle turned towards the bed. She would sleep and then think of a way to help the children with a clearer mind.
She snuggled into the blanket, enjoying the cozy warmth, confident that the day had ended without further incident.
Until then.
BANG―!
“What!”
She sprung up as if jolted by the sound that seemed strong enough to break the door. What greeted her next was the sound of numerous calls from outside.
Bang bang! Bang bang bang! Thud!
Thudthudthudthudthudthudthudthudthud―
Thudthudthudthudthudthudthudthudthudthudthudthudthudthudthud―
The sound of something hitting the door, not just with fists but with the whole body. The sound of nails scratching against the door as if they would come off. Alternating, or rather simultaneously, as if multiple people were pressing against it.
Growing louder, then softer, then so close it seemed to scrape the eardrums, then far away again. As if demanding her to come out, calling for her, endlessly, relentlessly.
Her hands trembled. The noise was mixed with the eerie moans of beasts. Nausea rose.
Please, please stop. Enough already.
She wanted to beg, but she knew she shouldn’t. She shouldn’t respond to those sounds. Richelle clamped her wet hands over her mouth.
[Starting at sunset, ensure that all tasks are completed, then return to your bedroom by midnight. The door must be locked. Do not leave your room until the sun rises again.
You might occasionally hear strange sounds outside your door, but under no circumstances should you open it or respond. From midnight until sunrise, it is their time. Remember, you will be fully accountable for any incidents that occur as a result of violating this provision.
Should an unavoidable situation arise that necessitates leaving your room after midnight, seek out light. If possible, return to your room with the light. Forget everything you may see or hear during this time.]
Remember the rules. Endure. Do what you do best. Act as if you can’t see, as if you can’t hear.
Running away may be cowardly, but it’s the safest option.
Richelle covered herself with the blanket, curling up tightly, hiding in the comfortable darkness she created for herself.
A long, tumultuous, and lonely night seemed to stretch on endlessly.
