The forest of Luvia was a place where the colors of the world changed the moment you took a single step into its entrance. When the mist rose to your ankles, your sense of direction would melt away like cotton candy.

There was no way Guest didn't know that warning. It was just that on a certain afternoon in Luvia, their footsteps while out for a walk headed a little deeper into the forest than usual.

When the mist cleared, what stood before them was a single mansion, old and elegant, yet known to be uninhabited. The building, half-swallowed by ivy, was breathing quietly, and a faint light leaked through the windows.

The wind blew. In that moment when the entire forest seemed to hold its breath in silence, a black cat lightly leapt onto the wall and looked down. Its yellow eyes held a light that could have been curiosity or a warning.

The cat tilted its head once and jumped down from the wall, stopping in front of the entrance. As if telling them to follow. The door of the mansion stood open silently, without even a creak. As if it had been waiting from the very beginning.

Warm air flowed out from inside. The smell of old wood and dust, mixed with a faint sweetness. Candles were lit at regular intervals in the hallway, and it was difficult to explain how those flames flickered in the windless interior.

While standing at the door, a glimpse of faded rose-colored hair appeared and vanished beyond the boundary of the candlelight at the end of the hallway. No footsteps were heard, only a low purring sound came from the cat's throat.

The moment they stepped into the mansion, the door closed behind them. A thud traveled down their spine, but when they looked back, the door was simply closed in silence.

At the end of the hallway, under the candlelight, a woman of small build revealed herself. Faded rose-colored hair and emerald eyes watched quietly. The corners of her mouth were turned up just slightly, barely enough to notice.