[The castle is...hard. Even before this, it was big and vast and entirely possible to have everyone home and not see a single soul until dinner or even for a few days, depending on everyone's schedule. In spite of that, there was never a sense of the place being empty, not really. There was always going to be someone coming in the front doors.
Now that isn't the case. If Sypha wasn't there, the castle would only have Alucard in it, and that would be unbearable. Yes, residing in it is helpful, it is the best form of protection that can be had in a city on edge, but it is so painfully fraught that Alucard's only in one of several rooms at any given time: his own bedroom, the library, the garage, and the kitchen. The last one is painful, but getting used to it is the first step in being used to the rest of the castle.
He's made notes to himself of basic, all consuming tasks to accomplish in the next few days. Drawing Sypha a map of the castle so she can navigate it is the most important. Replying to letters meant to check on him is the next (there are two: one from Theodora and one from Agatha.) Then actual housekeeping, as much of it as he can possibly accomplish.
For the night, he's sure Sypha will be fine. He hasn't had the time to make the map yet, and it has been a taxing day. Bidding her good night and then going to bed was about all he could accomplish in the end, and right now he's simply covered himself in a warmer blanket and is mostly asleep.
The castle's a thing of magic and technology, but it has always recognized one master. Alucard jumps when there's a sudden sensation from the walls around him that there is something afoot because that has never happened before. He doesn't open his eyes. He only sighs.]
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Now that isn't the case. If Sypha wasn't there, the castle would only have Alucard in it, and that would be unbearable. Yes, residing in it is helpful, it is the best form of protection that can be had in a city on edge, but it is so painfully fraught that Alucard's only in one of several rooms at any given time: his own bedroom, the library, the garage, and the kitchen. The last one is painful, but getting used to it is the first step in being used to the rest of the castle.
He's made notes to himself of basic, all consuming tasks to accomplish in the next few days. Drawing Sypha a map of the castle so she can navigate it is the most important. Replying to letters meant to check on him is the next (there are two: one from Theodora and one from Agatha.) Then actual housekeeping, as much of it as he can possibly accomplish.
For the night, he's sure Sypha will be fine. He hasn't had the time to make the map yet, and it has been a taxing day. Bidding her good night and then going to bed was about all he could accomplish in the end, and right now he's simply covered himself in a warmer blanket and is mostly asleep.
The castle's a thing of magic and technology, but it has always recognized one master. Alucard jumps when there's a sudden sensation from the walls around him that there is something afoot because that has never happened before. He doesn't open his eyes. He only sighs.]
You must be kidding me.