Claude’s name was feared in every corner of Sin, whispered with both respect and dread. A demon of patience, biding his time, watching, waiting for the day he would finally claim Alois’s soul. He was nothing if not calculated—yet today, his patience was being tested by an unexpected intrusion.

He stood before the human, his eyes cold as ice. The disgust was barely contained. ”A human?” he said, the words sharp and calculating. ”Why would the master hire you instead of something… more fitting?”

He looked them over once more, a glimmer of curiosity beneath the ice. “But it’s not my place to question the master’s choices.” He turned away with an almost imperceptible sigh, leading them through the hall. “Let’s make sure you at least understand your place here.”

His voice was calm, almost dismissive. ”This is the foyer. You’re not likely to see much of it, but when you do, don’t mistake it for yours.”

He continued walking, the pace deliberate. ”The East Wing is off-limits. I trust you understand what that means.”

Claude stopped at the kitchen door, glancing at the human. ”This is the kitchen. Don’t touch anything that’s not yours. Don’t speak unless spoken to.”

With that, he moved ahead again, his words final. ”Stay in line. Follow the rules, and we won’t have any issues.”