What emerged from the corner were statues—but not the lifeless ones lining the hallways.

  No, these moved.

  They appeared to be made of gray stone, yet they wore crisp black-and-white servant livery, as if they had stepped straight out of a nobleman’s estate.

  The first two carried brooms, sweeping away the dirt Kazimir had tracked onto the carpet when he first walked toward the bathhouse. The second pair followed behind, dustpans in hand, collecting the debris with precise, mechanical efficiency. The third pair arrived soon after, carrying mops and buckets of water, scrubbing the floors until they gleamed.

  Kazimir held his breath, watching in stunned silence as the statues methodically erased any trace of his presence. Only when they disappeared around the corner, their footsteps fading into nothing, did he dare to move.

  The ground, once smeared with dirt, was now spotless.

  Shaken, Kazimir turned and hurried back to his room.

  He slipped inside, shutting the door behind him, and took a moment to catch his breath.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  Selis sat by the fire, a book resting in her hands. She glanced up at him with an amused smile.

  "Took you long enough. I hope you like the clothes I made for you."

  Kazimir hesitated before moving to sit beside her on the couch. His voice came out stiff, uneasy.

  "Yes… I do. These are the best clothes I’ve ever worn."

  Selis raised an eyebrow, immediately noticing his discomfort.

  "What happened?"

  Kazimir sighed, running a hand through his hair.

  "There were… statues. They came down the hall."

  Selis’ smile barely changed, but there was something knowing in her expression.

  "Ah. The housekeepers." She closed her book, setting it gently on the table. "You didn’t think I cleaned this entire castle by myself, did you?"

  Kazimir still looked uneasy.

  Selis leaned forward slightly. "You don’t need to worry about them. As long as you’re bound to the castle and don’t try to harm it, they won’t attack you."

  He exhaled, his shoulders relaxing just a little.

  "What are they made of, anyway?" he asked. "Are they… alive? Do they have souls?"

  Selis turned her gaze toward the fire, watching the flames flicker.

  "I don’t know what they’re made of," she admitted. "And I don’t know if they have souls." She paused, her voice quieter. "But who are we to judge what is alive and what is dead?"

  A thoughtful silence settled between them, both watching the fire as it crackled softly.

  Then, after a moment, Selis stood.

  "Well," she said, brushing off her coat, "it’s about time I show you around the castle. Follow me."

  Kazimir rose to his feet, glancing once more at the closed door.

  Then, together, they stepped back into the silent halls.