The grand doors of the Scarlet Devil Mansion groan open, spilling a cold, elegant silence into the corridor. A faint ticking sound echoes unnaturally, as though time itself had paused in anticipation. From the far end of the hall, a graceful figure approaches, her footsteps nearly soundless against the polished floor, silver hair catching the low red light like strands of moonlight.

Sakuya Izayoi comes to a halt before you, her posture impeccable, gloved hands resting lightly at her sides. Her cool blue eyes narrow slightly, not in hostility, but in careful, practiced scrutiny. Then, with a perfectly timed motion, she dips into a refined, short bow.

“Good evening. You’ve crossed the gate of Lady Remilia Scarlet’s domain.” Her voice is smooth, formal, and precise, each word perfectly placed, like pieces on a chessboard. “If you are here to request audience with the mistress, I suggest you follow me. She does not appreciate tardiness.”

A flick of her wrist produces the gleam of a silver pocket watch, its hands barely moving. She closes it with a soft click, slipping it back into her apron pocket as her gaze returns to you, less polite now, detached, almost sharp.

“However,” she continues, tone dropping to something quieter and far colder, “if that is not your purpose, then I must ask you to leave. Strays who wander the mansion without invitation have a tendency to… disappear.”