NOVPUB
Chapter 779: 791
"Baroness?" Lancelot raised an eyebrow, "What does she want with us?"
"Madam Endier recently obtained a clue to an ancient temple, which likely contains the secret to lifting the curse from this land. She hopes to recruit some capable mercenaries to investigate, and you all seem to be suitable candidates," the man smiled again, "As for the reward, the Baroness is always very generous, and the cuisine specially prepared by the kitchen for this will certainly not disappoint you..."
"An ancient temple?" Lancelot looked back at his companions, "What kind is it?"
"I’m sorry, but I don’t know much about it." The innkeeper flashed his professional smile again, "You should discuss the details with the lady herself."
"Big brother..." Bruto whispered to Lancelot, "Tanya mentioned something about it before..."
"If we go, are we obliged to accept the Baroness’s contract?"
"Of course not, you have the full right to decide whether to take the job. Even if you refuse, the Baroness would be very happy to make some new friends."
"Then please, lead the way," Lancelot nodded, "I’m becoming more and more curious about this lady."
—————————
Under the guidance of the silver-haired Coke Fror, the group descended to the ground floor lobby of the inn, passing through the bar, the kitchen, and the storeroom, and then took a somewhat concealed staircase back up to the second floor. As the man opened a heavy door engraved with intricate patterns, they stepped into a room adorned with crystal chandeliers and bear skin rugs.
The room was slightly smaller than the one they had rented, but it was still large enough to accommodate a spacious long table. The table was covered with a deep red tablecloth and was already set with utensils, knives, forks, silver candlesticks, and decorative vases. Two ageless-looking human women stood by the table, their expressions numb as if they had long lost all passion for life, and Lancelot was certain that none of them was the Baroness who had invited him and his companions to dinner.
"Please take your seats, the lady will be here shortly," Coke gestured to the two maids; one of them immediately turned and walked deeper into the room, where there was another secret door, while the other opened a flap in the wall and pulled a rope behind it, ringing a crisp bell somewhere below.
The party took their places on either side of the long table, with Lancelot sitting at the position closest to the head of the table, Kalalin next to him, and the elegant Elf Priest across from him. Just as they had settled in, a basket containing dishes appeared behind the flap, brought forth by Coke and the maid to the diners.
"Tonight’s first course, stewed octopus tentacles with graveyard snail vegetable tower. The octopus was soaked overnight in sixty-degree warm oil before being pan-fried with five-year Upper Grade sweet vinegar, offering a wonderful and unique texture; the snails hail from Bulger Village’s graveyard, a local signature ingredient, cooked with minced spring onions, butter, red wine, and walnut shells, for a lingering aftertaste," the butler introduced with pride, "These seemingly incompatible ingredients, when combined, create a surprising delight. Served with lemon, carrot, and red onion soup, it will surely whet everyone’s appetite."
Lancelot gently sniffed, his Spirit Perception detecting nothing amiss, indicating that there would be no danger in consuming this dish. Though the ingredients and methods described by Coke might seem suspicious to most people, to companions who regularly adventured in the Abyss, this dish was far better than roasted Orc hind leg, deep-fried giant space hamster with tear sauce, or spicy mosquito bat wings with shredded silk, and indeed it smelled very tempting.
"Ah ha, then I shall not be shy!"
Bruto grabbed the fork at once, but Barrend kicked his son hard under the table and whispered,
"You little brat, put the fork down! The hostess hasn’t arrived yet!"
"Uh..." Though reluctant, the young Dwarf did as he was told. "Is there any wine?"
"Please try this soup first," Coke’s face fell. "Wine will be served later with the main course."
At that moment, Lancelot’s expression shifted slightly, and he turned his head to look at the dark door where another servant girl had disappeared. Before any figure appeared, he smelled a perfume mixed with the scents of amber, musk, and sandalwood, intense yet gentle, not at all unpleasant, almost masking the stench of a severe wound putrefying.
Of course, in this dining room filled with mixed aromas, only Lancelot, a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, could detect that distinct odor.
A lady in a deep red gown appeared behind the door, and everyone rose from their chairs to bow to her. The newcomer was a Human female, quite beautiful, with purple-dyed hair put up in a bun and wearing a long deep red strapless evening gown, her exposed skin white like solidified lamb fat and extra shiny and translucent under the candlelight.
"Honored guests," Coke Fror straightened his spine, speaking in a very formal tone, "the Baroness, Giselle Endyarui."
Although she looked very young, Lancelot knew that the actual age of the lady in front of him definitely did not match her appearance.
"Good evening, Sir Lancelot," the visitor approached the Human Knight with a swaying gait, extending her right hand to him, "Welcome to the Wolf King’s Den, are you satisfied with this place?"
"Thank you for your hospitality, Madam Endier," Lancelot took her hand, bowed slightly, and pretended to kiss her ring—of course without actually touching it, "It’s my pleasure to serve you. We’re very satisfied with this place, and Mr. Fror’s service has been particularly thorough."
"Ah, how long has it been since I last met a noble who knows his manners?" the Baroness’s voice sounded slightly hoarse as she glanced at the still neat dishes in front of everyone, "Please, sit down and don’t be shy."
After saying this, she took the lead and sat down, immediately picking up a fork and skewering a small piece of snail meat. Seeing this, the others also began to eat, and the sound of knives and forks clashing with plates rang out, accompanied by everyone’s admiration for the food—the octopus tentacles tasted slightly sour, smooth yet chewy, and the snail was rich in flavor, very tender and soft, almost like a dollop of butter melting in the mouth.
"So, Madam Endier..." Lancelot paused from savoring the delicious food to converse with the hostess, "I heard you are recruiting people to investigate an ancient temple. Could you tell us more about it?"
"Just call me Giselle," the Baroness glanced at him, scooping a spoonful of soup to cleanse her palate, "Before that, I would like to ask, how long have you been in this kingdom? How much do you know about the situation here?"
