Kira set her belongings in the big black wood cupboards of the room that had intricate carvings on its doors. It looked hundreds of years old yet the surface seemed new and shining. Once she was done, she took out her map and sprawled it across the table.

In the light of the candle, which was necessary even during the daytime, she began studying it, trying to figure out what route she should take next. But it appeared that no matter where she wanted to go she would have to pass through the same town from where she was just kicked out.  

She continued to wrack her brain all afternoon trying to find a solution but in vain. This sudden derailment of her journey frustrated her a lot and she wanted to be on the move as quick as possible. However, she had to admit she was grateful to have a taste of the luxury of a mansion she never thought she'd have. She could see it being the only silver lining of this whole ordeal. 

At supper, she was surprised to find herself alone yet again. However, the food presented to her was proper for supper and she began eating it with delight. Halfway through, Gouenji strolled down the stairs and approached the dining table. Seeing this, Kira stood up abruptly,

"I didn't know you were going to join me or else I would have waited. " She said, her face flushed with embarrassment.

"Don't worry about it. " He waved his hand dismissively, " I shouldn't have interrupted you. But I thought it's rude to not accompany the guest so I'm here. " With that he sat down on the opposite end of the long dining table. He then mumbled something in the butler's ear and he hurried off. A few moments later, he returned with a single wine glass on a tray that had some red liquor in it. Gouenji picked up the glass and took a deep breath, inhaling its aroma, closing his eyes in satisfaction as he did so. 

When he finally came back to his senses, his attention was redirected at Kira, who was watching it all with extreme puzzlement.

"Is that all you're going to have?" She asked, almost instinctively.

"I'm fasting tonight so all I can have is this. " He raised the glass and chuckled, "Fasting every once in a while is good for health, they say." 

"Speak for yourself, I could never do such a thing. " She shrugged and took another bite of her food, " This food is delicious. It's a shame you're not giving it a chance." She spoke between bites.

" I'm sure you're right." Gouenji humored her.

Afterwards, she went out for a walk outside in the huge garden. It was not the most well maintained garden but it wasn't entirely unkempt either. There were a couple of benches that offered a nice view of the entire place and beyond. Kira sat down on one of them and enjoyed the clear sky and the full moon's milky light washed over everything.

A few moments later, the butler arrived and began tending to some plants. Kira found it an odd time to work in the garden so she got up and approached him.

" Do you do everything here?" Her voice startled him as he hadn't noticed her presence before. But before he could say something she answered herself,"Oh, I understand. Because of that vampire rumour no one must want to work here. Silly thing! They're turning away the opportunity for some good money. Am I right?" She chirped and glanced back at the butler for affirmation. She was now feeling comfortable enough and wasn't scared and shy anymore.

The butler, however, was still stunned so he only nodded his head. 

" But why are you working in the garden at night? These are daytime tasks." She spoke again.

" I am busy during the day." He answered in short and resumed working. 

Kira waited for him to elaborate but when he didn't address it further she returned to the bench, pondering over the oddities she kept encountering in this house. 

… 

The following morning, Gouenji was absent from the breakfast table but Kira didn't question it because she remembered she was told he liked his breakfast later than usual. She was just grateful she wasn't served fruits again and enjoyed her meal.

Afterwards, she brought her map to the drawing room and began working on it again. She was confused about some tracks on there and didn't know which way would she take to get the next carriage. 

Half an hour passed in this confusion when Gouenji slowly strolled into the room with his usual casualness. He approached Kira and stood beside her and peeped into the map. 

"Can I be of any help?" He chimed, startling her.

Kira looked up at him and contemplated for a few moments then answered, " You must know a lot about travel around these parts." 

" I haven't been out in a while but I remember a little." He said.

" Then tell me which of the paths are working. What way should I go?" 

At this, he sat down on the chair next to her and picked up a pen to gesture on it.

" This way is through the town, and that one goes through a tunnel in the mountain," He began explaining expertly, " it closes off when it rains. This last one here is probably working right now but it goes through a forest and would not be safe for women...or anyone for that matter." He put the pen down as he finished.

"I don't want to go through the town... or through the forest. " Kira mumbled in contemplation. 

"Then you will have to wait. " He reiterated and got up and began walking away. A few steps later, he turned and spoke again, " I wouldn't mind, just so you know. " 

Kira smiled upon hearing that and Gouenji's gaze was fixed on her for a few moments before he turned around and walked away. 

Kira was surprised to find Gouenji absent from the dinner table the same as breakfast. 

"He didn't have dinner yesterday and he is absent today as well. Is he alright?" Kira asked, a little concerned. 

" To tell you the truth, he is often sick so he is often unable to eat. You shouldn't wait for him every day. " The butler explained.

"Oh, that's unfortunate. " Kira commented in a low voice. 

Kira kept thinking about what the butler had told him all through dinner. She couldn't have guessed that there was something wrong with him with the way he had talked to her and helped her so normally. She thought she should pay him a visit and find out how he was doing. 

After dinner, for the first time, she made her way upstairs. This part of the house was nothing but a long corridor with rooms on one side of it and a balcony on the other that went on for a few feet after the staircase and then was closed off with rooms on both sides. 

The floor was adorned with cherry red carpet with grey and cream swirls and florals on it. The walls were full of paintings of all sizes. Curiously, she looked around perusing through these oil paintings and a few of Gouenji's portraits. He looked nothing short of a royal posing expertly in these paintings. Kira looked at them in awe as she had never seen such a thing before. 

Finally, she came across a room that had its door open. She peeked in hesitantly and found out she had come to the right place. 

Gouenji was sitting on his bed with his head resting against the back and his eyes closed. The large window facing him was wide open letting the silvery moonlight in and fall over him. He looked serene and Kira felt bad for disturbing him. She tried to leave before he could know but the next moment he opened his eyes at once and directed his strong gaze at her. The moonlight made his eyes glint like crystals and Kira felt spellbound for a moment looking at them.

"What are you doing here?" He exclaimed. His tone wasn't harsh but Kira could tell he didn't expect her there.

"I-I apologize. I just came to see if you were alright. The butler told me you were sick." Kira answered hesitantly.

"Sick?" He seemed to not know what was she talking about. 

" Yes he told me this is why you don't eat as much." She elaborated as she walked up and stood beside his bed, her fingers interlocked together nervously in front. 

" Ohh… y-yes yes he is right. I can't eat." He then answered weakly. 

"But you seemed alright earlier today." She commented.

" My illness is not evident but it's definitely there. " He answered, looking helpless. 

Kira contemplated over everything with a serious face for a few moments and then spoke, 

"If I can be of any help please tell me. You have done so much for me, it's the least I can do. " She offered shyly. 

"Sure. " He nodded.

"I-I should go now. " She then said and quickly turned around and left. 

Gouenji was amused at this effort of politeness from her and he smiled as he resumed his previous state and went over the conversation again in his head.