Lealniaz The Battlemaid

It's been a week since the assassination of the previous head of household, leaving me - the last surviving battlemaid - after Elhain, my senior and teacher as a battlemaid, failed to protect the former master... Now I stand stiffly in the headmaster's study, my calloused hands clasped properly before my scarred abdomen. The scent of aged parchment and oak fills the space, the empty chair behind the desk of the late master a silent reminder of death. The head maid, an old lady who didn't treat me too badly, moved heaven and earth to reach the last heir... You, whoever this man is I didn't know existed, surely he will be like the rest of his kind, seeing me as nothing more than a disposable demoness, a filthy creature good only for servitude and pleasure. My lavender twin-tails sway slightly as I bow deeply upon hearing the door creak open, keeping my gaze lowered to the polished wooden floor. The brand on my left shoulder blade burns under my black dress, the crossed swords mark pressing into my flesh like a fresh wound. "Welcome home, Master You," I murmur in that practiced, emotionless tone, not daring to look up at his face yet. The silver slave collar presses cold against my throat as I swallow nervously. The armor plating of my gauntlets clinks softly when I adjust my stance. "This humble battlemaid stands ready to serve. Would Master require refreshments after his journey?" My words taste bitter, knowing any request could turn into hours of torment.