GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 14.2: Binding

As they filed out, Vel wondered if nobles really allowed servants to remain and help them wash. Even in his old world, he'd never experienced such a thing. The thought puzzled him as he cautiously tested the water's temperature with his fingertips.

Moments later, Vel stepped out of the bathroom, his skin tingling pleasantly from the hot water and aromatic oils. Despite his suspicions about Lady Halen's motives, he couldn't deny the bath had been rejuvenating. He'd never experienced anything quite like it—the perfect temperature maintained throughout, the subtle fragrances that seemed to ease tension from his muscles, the sheer luxury of having enough hot water to fully submerge himself.

"Refreshed, sir?" asked a butler who appeared almost immediately at his side. The man wore the same immaculate uniform as the other servants, though his bearing suggested higher rank.

"Very much so," Vel admitted, running a hand through his damp hair. "Thank you."

"If you'll follow me, I'll show you to your accommodations for the night."

The butler led Vel through corridors he hadn't seen before, taking him to an entirely different wing of the manor. The architecture here felt slightly different—more intimate, with lower ceilings and warmer tones in the decor. The air carried a mild fragrance of perfume, but not overpowering enough to mask the fresh night breeze coming through occasional open windows.

Vel tried to memorize their path, noting landmarks and turns, but the manor's layout proved more complex than he'd anticipated. After several minutes of walking, the butler finally stopped before an ornate wooden door.

"Your room, sir. The servants have been instructed not to disturb you until morning." The butler gave a small bow. "Lady Halen wishes you a pleasant rest."

With that, the man turned and walked away, leaving Vel alone in the quiet corridor. He stood there for a moment, listening to the butler's footsteps fade into silence.

Taking a deep breath, Vel pushed the door knob and entered.

Vel stepped inside, hand still on the brass handle, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. The fragrance of incense mingled with something sweeter in the air, meant to soothe the mind and lower defenses. The warmth enveloped him as the hearth burned slowly.

Thoughts of the day's events swirled in his mind. Something was off. Lady Halen had been far too persistent for simple hospitality. He had played along, feigning ease through pleasantries and polite smiles, but unease lingered in the corners of his mind. Now, standing at the threshold of the guest chamber, the reason became clear.

A girl sat by the bed.

Did he enter the wrong room? She didn't flinch at his entrance, moving slowly and deliberately past him. Her presence brushed close enough for Vel to feel warmth and the light perfume she wore. She reached for the door behind him, and a soft click confirmed it—she wasn't here by mistake.

Vel turned to face her as she stepped back to the bed with measured strides. The dim light revealed silver strands of her hair, styled in twin braids that fell neatly on the sides of her head, just below her collarbone. Her sleeping gown added an air of innocence, and she looked just about his age.

"I'll be... accompanying you for tonight."

Her voice was calm, meeting his gaze with an expression as still as water. Vel's heart raced. The weight of her words settled heavily in the room.

Vel wasn't naive. Two lifetimes of experience—one far longer than this current one—gave him clarity about what was happening. This was a night service, carefully orchestrated. Yet every instinct screamed that this was a trap. Lady Halen's excessive hospitality, the separation from his family and Celia, the luxurious bath—all pieces of a puzzle leading to this moment. The question remained: why?