Chapter 47: Serpent-Bearer Kilo (1/2)

As Merlin approached the gate, the envoy spoke up, infor the threetheold coin Two notifications appeared in Merlin's vision, one after the other

「You have completed the quest, "Guide the oracle's envoy to Macedonia", rewards have been delivered」

「Congratulations, you are now level 3」

A loud clank sound rung out, drawing Merlin's attention to the gate as it dra in the centre of the now open dooras a rather attractive younga chiselled jawline, pale unbleure, it was more reasonable to call the man a supermodel than a butler, but he was still dressed the part, complete with a vest and tailcoat suit

"Please co you" The butler requested, his eyes trained solely on Merlin, not paying the other three any attention

'Of course she was' The thought crossed Merlin's mind, but he didn't dare let the remark escape his lips

"Please, lead the way" He answered the butler with a friendly smile

As he followed the butler inside, Merlin turned his attention to the twooff, while the envoy had entered the gate with the wagon, turning right where Merlin and the butler had instead walked straight

As he was led to the e red alert box appeared in his view

┌───────────────────

[Message froot one hour left until the server is shut down for the day, you will receive another notification when it's ti out

If you do not leave by that time you will be forcibly disconnected, pleaseout

└───────────────────

"That time already huh" Merlin mumbled to himself quietly

Merlin waved the notification box away and continued following the butler up a set of stone brick stairs As he reached the top of the stairs, he was greeted with a large door featured behind a grand archway, designed with ancient runic symbols

The butler stepped forward and pushed open the door, suddenly Merlin's senses were flooded with a sweet yet floral scent, sou's interior, he could now ures

Those ere present in the roo wo various tasks in the roo around Each one was objectively attractive, a stark contrast to the envoy and especially the two rew the suspicion that the oracle had purposefully filled the roles of those closest to her with people who fit her preference in appearance, rather than their ability to do whatever task was required of the around the roos The main one would be the various braziers around the roo plant stem, which he assumed was the cause of the se of plants and flowers, he identified the plant to be a snapdragon, at least fro he noticed was that the various residents of the room were each styled in such a way that they fit their own the a si the room quickly, he could pick out several key the, to the Victorian-eraon the other side of the roobusinesswo It was clear that the oracle had so tastes, but he was more surprised that she could find this reeted the two silently as the butler walked over and opened the door, now gesturing for Merlin to enter

Taking him up on the offer, Merlin walked into the room, and as he did, the butler closed the door behind hi Merlin in the room alone

Within this oddly spherical room were various pillars, braziers and incense burners But thesized bed, fit with a large canopy and white lace curtains draped over it

There was a shadowy figure behind the lace curtains, but the diht made it rather difficult to see the already obscured for around the rooet a better look

"Do youthe switch behind you?" A soft fe frouard, but he coreeted with the sight of a soer from the situation he found himself in, so he flicked the switch as requested

As he did, aout, and the roo around to see what the cause was, Merlin found hiht above the oracle's bed was now open, letting in rays of sunlight that illuminated the roo it appear as if it were glowing

The figure behind the white lace so detail would be the long streaks of orange that floith everyfor you, Merlin" The oracle slid off of her bed, pushi+ng past the curtains until she was free fro my envoy home safely"

「You have earned +10 familiarity with Serpent-Bearer Kilo」

There before Merlin stood a pale tall wo her long wavy orange hair, but another point of concern being the turquoise ball python currently wrapped around the woent-looking eyes