Chapter 7 – Part 3
The Arcanist Family Ainsworth
Clown: "There is no such thing as peace. As long as humans exist, peace will never exist. They kill each other for the dumbest reasons. Instead of understanding one another, they murder, they destroy, and they leave their children to bear the burden of their sins… war. And I will make sure peace finally reigns — by wiping out humanity from Grimmhoth! Only then will the other races — elves, fairies, druids, and even animals — finally live in peace."
(Meanwhile in Dukewood, more precisely in Timhooth…)
Elizabeth: "Hello Fiona. My name is Elizabeth Ainsworth."Fiona: "Hello."Elizabeth: "Please, take a seat."
Fiona sat down. Elizabeth was still young — probably in her late twenties or early thirties.
Elizabeth: "I heard you're searching for Tina Household?"Fiona: "She might be my mother… As for my father, I'm not sure. Is it Gargamel?"Elizabeth: "No, it's alright. You come from that family. Your father is Hans Household. The child from the affair is… unknown."Fiona: "How do you know that?"Elizabeth: "I knew your mother — I even held you in my arms."Fiona: "You look too young for that."Elizabeth: "Hehehe… I was young too. You were just a baby and I was ten years old. My mother was friends with yours… well, they knew each other."Fiona: "I see…"Elizabeth: "You should know, we are magicians — the Ainsworth family. More precisely, Arcanists."Fiona: "Hmm?"Elizabeth: "Anyway, my dear, there are things I'd like to discuss. Surely you've heard about the vampires, haven't you?"Fiona: "Mhm."Elizabeth: "These attacks have been happening for a long time — since 1230, to be exact. They used to be rare, but lately… in just one month there have been 29 victims with bite marks. That's more than in the last eighty years combined."Fiona: "What does that mean?"Elizabeth: "It means the vampires have gathered in Dukewood… and that's not good at all."
Elizabeth folded her hands. Her eyes were a soft shade of lilac, her hair mid-length and black. She had fair skin, a small nose, and a gentle voice — about 170 cm tall, with a small birthmark on her arm.
Elizabeth: "Alright, now to the second topic. Your mother… was murdered by someone you've actually met."Fiona: "What?"Elizabeth: "Mr. Edwardson."Fiona: "Ugh…"Elizabeth: "Mr. Edwardson is a fool — but a brutal and clever one. He wanted an artifact that only your mother possessed."Fiona: "And that would be?"Elizabeth: "An instrument."Fiona: "Huh?"Elizabeth: "I know… it sounds strange. But it's no ordinary instrument. It's magical — it once belonged to Oz."Fiona: "Why would my mother have something like that?"Elizabeth: "Hehehe… foolishly, she didn't even know it was magical. This instrument has a special property."Fiona: "Let me guess — predicting birth rates?"Elizabeth: "(Sweats) No… actually, it's curses."Fiona: "Curses?"Elizabeth: "Yes. Listen carefully — these curses cause one's skin to turn pale white, the teeth to grow sharp, and a thirst for blood to awaken."Fiona: "That sounds like… vampires."Elizabeth: "Exactly. It turns humans into vampires."Fiona: "What!"Elizabeth: "Well… something similar. More like ghouls."Fiona: "Of course… another monster."Elizabeth: "Ghouls belong to the Nemesis."Fiona: "Hmm."Elizabeth: "The instrument is a small violin — its name is Veln."Fiona: "Hmm?"Elizabeth: "Created by the musician Beethoven."Fiona: "Him again?"
Ludwig von Beethoven was a well-known musician and composer in Grimmhoth. One day, he argued with a fan who coughed too loudly during a concert. He didn't know that she felt deeply humiliated, and her shame was magnified when it appeared in the newspapers. Unable to bear it, she took her own life. Her sister, burning with rage, cursed Beethoven. That curse robbed him of his hearing, weakened his hands, and made him unable to walk properly. Later, he met the woman who had cursed him — though she pretended to be kind and told him that humans had done this out of envy. Filled with anger, Beethoven began to compose again, but his music brought misfortune and calamity. He created four cursed instruments: the small violin Veln, the large violin Laufdrub, the piano Dawn of Morning, and the flute of Hages.
What he didn't know was that the woman he eventually married was the same who had cursed him. He married her after she cared for him, unaware of the truth.
Elizabeth: "You know Beethoven's story?"Fiona: "A little."Elizabeth: "Then you know it isn't over."Fiona: "I thought he died never knowing the curse came from her."Elizabeth: "You're mistaken. He found out years before his death — but he wasn't angry. He felt sorry for her. He said nothing. He regretted what he had planned — to make humanity suffer through his cursed music. That's why he hid the instruments. Out of guilt for what he'd done, and sorrow for the girl who took her life. That's why he made one last instrument — another violin, called Merlene, named after the girl who died. That violin can lift curses — at least some of them."Fiona: "I see… and my mother had the dangerous one — Veln."Elizabeth: "Exactly. And one more thing… Fiona, I'd like you to join us."Fiona: "Huh?"Elizabeth: "I know it sounds sudden, but remember — the Dark Umbrella is after you. You and I both know we don't know how strong they've become. Still, I could protect you, Fiona."Fiona: "Hmm… I don't want to bring you trouble."Elizabeth: "But I want to help you. You don't stand a chance against them alone."Fiona: "I… I could talk to Meliodas. There's still good in him."Elizabeth: "Meliodas? You mean Meliodas of Horn?"Fiona: "Yes."Elizabeth: "Hmm… I've met him once. He's one of the few who still has some goodness left. But still, it's dangerous. Please, Fiona…"Fiona: "Hmm…"Elizabeth: "Join the House of Clover. Please, join my family."Fiona: "Alright."Elizabeth: "Hehehe… good choice."Fiona: "But only because I can't do this alone."Elizabeth: "Hehehe, fair enough."Fiona: "There's something I want to tell you."Elizabeth: "Hmm?"Fiona: "You should close one eye."Elizabeth: "Oh… okay."Fiona: "I must close mine too."
They both did.
Fiona: "I've met the Clown."Elizabeth: "Oh… ugh!"Fiona: "Hmm."Elizabeth: "You mean… the Guardian of Jealousy?"Fiona: "Exactly."Elizabeth: "Hmm…"
They opened their eyes.
Elizabeth: "Then closing the eye wasn't necessary. Don't worry — the Ainsworth family has protection against him. You should too, since you serve Holle."Fiona: "I don't serve her — I only have her card."Elizabeth: "I see… what did he want from you?"Fiona: "I don't know. Only that I was dead — along with my comrades."
Fiona pointed at her ring.
Fiona: "This ring saved me. Inside it is the blood of Holle, the Guardian of Night and Darkness."Elizabeth: "I see…"
Elizabeth stood up.
Elizabeth: "One more thing, Fiona."Fiona: "Hmm?"Elizabeth: "It's okay… to be sad."Fiona: "What do you mean?"Elizabeth: "Hehe, I can tell how people feel. I can hear their heartbeat, read their eyes. Your eyes show no emotion, but your heart… it's full of pain and sorrow."Fiona: "Ugh…"Elizabeth: "It's okay. Your tears matter too."Fiona: "But… I don't know how to cry."Elizabeth: "You've never cried?"Fiona: "I've been sad often… but I've never cried. Maybe my eyes just got used to the pain."Elizabeth: "Hmm?"Fiona: "The experiments the Dark Umbrella doctors did to us… they were meant to remove our emotions. Pain, sorrow, pity, grief… they wanted to erase them. So our bodies would adapt to suffering and forget it."Elizabeth: "Still… emotions are important. Not having them can be worse than feeling pain. It's okay to cry, to be angry, to hurt. You're a good girl, Fiona."Fiona: "Huh…"
Elizabeth walked closer and took Fiona's hand.
Elizabeth: "Don't forget your tears. I can feel your heart crying, even if you can't. Crying shows you can feel — that you can be sad, or even happy. It's important for your heart."Fiona: "Hmm…"Elizabeth: "One day, you'll cry — and then you'll understand what I mean."Fiona: "Hmm?"Elizabeth: "Is there something you want? Something you regret?"Fiona: "…Hmm…"She shook her head.
Fiona: "Nothing comes to mind."Elizabeth (thinking): "What did they do to her, to make her so emotionless?"Fiona: "Hmm?"Elizabeth: "May I see your back for a moment?"Fiona: "What?"
Elizabeth pulled Fiona's jacket slightly down, enough to see her back.
Elizabeth: "Ugh… damn…"
Her back was covered in scars — burns, wounds, deep marks.
Elizabeth: "Can you explain this?"Fiona: "The card of the Mysterious heals me enough to survive, but the wounds remain — and the pain too."Elizabeth: "Hmm…"
She noticed Fiona's staff.
Elizabeth: "Aren't you a bit young for a staff?"Fiona: "Maybe."Elizabeth: "And your foot?"
She lifted Fiona's pant leg — and gasped.
Elizabeth: "Ugh!"
Fiona's left foot was gone — replaced by a glowing lilac shadow.
Elizabeth: "Hmm."Fiona: "It was the price for the Guardian Holle."Elizabeth: "And your left eye?"Fiona: "Different color. Happens sometimes."
Elizabeth sat down again.
Elizabeth: "You realize everyone who uses that card suffers greatly."Fiona: "I'm aware."Elizabeth: "Hmm."Fiona: "You think the Dark Umbrella took children in to protect them? No… they kidnapped us. I saw what they did. Experiments. Many children died. Every day about five died — starvation, illness, experiments… suicide. I tried to end my life three times, but I wasn't as lucky as the ones who succeeded. They turned us into agents. Children who did well got more food. Those who didn't — more experiments. No one even knew what happened to their parents."Elizabeth: "It's really that cruel?"Fiona: "Mhm. The Mysterious Card — I got it from a magician. But… I feel like something's been wrong with me since birth."Elizabeth: "What do you mean?"Fiona: "I don't know, but…"
She handed Elizabeth her aunt Elena's diary.
Fiona: "It says here that since birth I've been affected by some kind of disease… or a curse."Elizabeth: "A curse? What kind?"Fiona: "It doesn't say. That's what I want to find out."Elizabeth: "Hmm… maybe your birth records could tell more."Fiona: "And where are they? Not in Dehl."Elizabeth: "Maybe the murderer of your family took them."Fiona: "Why would he have them?"Elizabeth: "Not sure. If you'd like, I can check whether he's been caught or not."Fiona: "Hmm."Elizabeth: "Or would you rather start with the violin case — the Veln?"Fiona: "Personal matters can wait. I'll help you — but under a few conditions."Elizabeth: "Hmm? What kind?"Fiona: "First, I want to meet the members. Second, no contract — I leave when I want. Third, I work alone."Elizabeth: "Hehehe… the first two are fine. But the third, my dear — you'll have to work with the others."Fiona: "Why?"Elizabeth: "Because we're like a family. We trust one another."Fiona: "I trust no one. The last person I trusted tried to kill me — called me a freak."Elizabeth: "I understand. But still, try."Fiona: "Fine. I'll meet them. I've already seen the Frankenstein siblings — who else?"Elizabeth: "There are four others — besides those two. You know Oliver. Then there's Jane, Daisy, and Grey."
She stood up, Fiona followed. Elizabeth opened a large door.
Elizabeth: "Come on, let me introduce you."Fiona: "Hahh…"
They walked through a grand hall filled with moving portraits and armored suits that bowed as Elizabeth passed.
Fiona: "Are those… spirit paintings?"Elizabeth: "Yes. Spirit guardians. They protect this place."Fiona: "Has anyone ever entered without permission?"Elizabeth: "Yes, once. Want to see him?"
She pulled something from her pocket — a small bone finger.
Elizabeth: "That's all that's left of him."Fiona: "Hmm…"
They continued. The portraits seemed to follow Fiona's every step.
Fiona: "They're watching me…"Elizabeth: "You can talk to spirits — of course they're curious. You possess the Mysterious Card — a rare gift."Fiona: "It feels more like a curse than a gift."Elizabeth: "Oh, my dear, that's alright…"
They entered a wide room. Inside were the investigators.
Elizabeth: "Everyone, this is Fiona. She'll be helping us with the Veln case. Please be kind to her."Oliver: "Glad to hear that. You already know me."
Oliver Steinmeier — 24 years old, black hair, gentlemanly outfit, about 170 cm tall.
Fiona: "Um… is that necessary?"Elizabeth: "Sorry, he talks a lot."
A girl stepped forward.
Jane: "Jane Theslford. Nice to meet you. I'm 18. I can control dolls — even cursed ones."Daisy: "Hahh… Daisy Heinsenheim, 20. My ability turns objects I touch into weapons. Nice to meet you or whatever I'm supposed to say."Grey: "Grey Denpart, 20. My ability is blood. Creepy, I know."Oliver: "Hmm?"Fiona: "You don't have a power?"Oliver: "No, just strong fists."Fiona: "Aha… alright. My name is Fiona Household. My ability is… Mysterious. I hold the Mysterious Card."Grey: "Ugh… interesting."Jane: "Wow…"Daisy: "So it really exists. What exactly can it do?"Fiona: "Talk to spirits. Become a spirit myself — by shooting myself. Also, it lets me summon things from my hat."Daisy: "Can you show us?"Fiona: "If I must."
She reached into her hat and pulled out a sword.
Fiona: "It looks normal, but it isn't. When I use my blood…"
She cut her palm — the sword began to float and glow.
Fiona: "When I command it to attack, it will."Daisy: "Oh… interesting."Fiona: "But I prefer daggers. Some think I can't fight because of my staff, but I can. The staff itself is also a blade."Daisy: "I take it back — you're more interesting than I thought."Fiona: "Thank you."Daisy: "How old are you?"Fiona: "Twenty."Daisy: "Same as me. Hmm."Fiona: "Exactly."Elizabeth: "Alright, everyone. You must know — the instrument, Veln, is missing. But we have clues. Any ideas, Fiona?"Fiona: "Hmm?"Elizabeth: "You can become a spirit, right?"Fiona: "Yes."Elizabeth: "What does that do exactly?"Fiona: "It lets me speak to spirits. If I find a photo or an object, I can go back in time and witness what happened."Daisy: "That's crazy! How?"Fiona: "Do you have a photo?"Daisy: "Isn't that… scary?"Fiona: "More painful than scary."
Daisy handed her a photo.
Fiona: "Because I have to shoot myself in the head."Daisy: "What?"Jane: "What?"Grey: "Hey, what do you mean by that?"Oliver: "Hmm…"
Fiona raised her gun and pulled the trigger.
(PANG!)
She collapsed to the floor.
Daisy: "Ugh! What—"
(Splop!)
Blood spilled — Fiona's spirit separated from her body.
Daisy: "Ugh…"
A cup fell to the ground. Fiona's spirit drifted into the past.
Fiona: "Ugh… so this is it… hmm?"
She looked around.
Fiona: "Where's that instrument…?"
She found a chest.
Fiona: "Maybe there."
She looked closer — suddenly, someone entered the room. Fiona hid.
Du:fortsetzen!ChatGPT:
She peered at the chest. Suddenly someone came into the room. Fiona hid, just in case.
It was a woman — her mother.
Fiona: "...Mama...?"
She stood there, stunned.
Fiona: "Mother… is that really you?"
Her mother was young, with long blonde hair and blue eyes.
Fiona: "ugh…"
Her mother opened the chest.
Tina: "Hah… why do I have this uneasy feeling…?"
Fiona: "ugh… something's wrong…"
Fiona glanced at the clock. Time sped up.
Fiona: "ugh…"
Everything changed in an instant. Tina vanished, and the door swung open. Edwardson stepped in.
Fiona: "ugh…"
His hands were stained with blood and he wore a dark smile.
Fiona: "What…"
She looked past the door — there lay the corpse… her mother.
Fiona: "Ugh… No…! The murderer of my mother… my parents and siblings… it's Edwardson! Ghhhh… that bastard…"
He grabbed the instrument. The scene shifted again — now it was a different place, a dark room.
Fiona: "hmm."
The door opened. There was a carriage; Edwardson took the chest, carried it into a building, and went inside.
Fiona: "Address, the street name… quick, time is running…"
She hurried off in the vision.
Fiona: "hahh… Snowdale district…"
(click) (dong)
Time ran out and Fiona snapped back into her body.
Fiona: "guhhhh… (cough) … (cough) …"Daisy: "Ugh… damn…"Fiona: "Hahh."
She rose immediately; she had been lying on a sofa.
Fiona: "Hahh."Daisy: "What happened?"Fiona: "Nothing… the time is limited. It's short — it's fine."Daisy: "I see."Elizabeth: "Did you find anything?"Fiona: "Yes… I know where it is. Snowdale district — Snowline."Daisy: "But… that can't be."Fiona: "Hmm?"Elizabeth: "Hahh… Fiona — that street… well… it doesn't exist anymore. There used to be another town called Snowline, but…"Fiona: "hmm?"Grey: "Eighteen years ago a huge disaster happened. A black hole opened and Namesis poured out… There were too many; the whole area was sealed off."Fiona: "Hmmm… I understand."Elizabeth: "So we need to go to Snowdale district in Snowline."Daisy: "hmmm…"Fiona: "Is something wrong?"Daisy: "No… all good."Elizabeth: "Hmmm."Daisy: "I'll come with you."Oliver: "I'll go too. It would be my honor — House of Clover must work."Fiona: "I'm not very familiar with the area… but if Namesis were there in such numbers that the whole town was sealed, it will be dangerous."Oliver: "Regardless, we must set out."