53 Lala

Upon hearing the name "Goddess of the Lake," Wayne experienced a moment of astonishment before recalling the location of the house. Situated just beyond the city wall, it was separated by a mere distance from the shores of Lake Vizima. Wayne hypothesized that the underground river beneath the well likely connected to the lake beyond the city.

Lake Vizima's shore was renowned as the site where the legendary Goddess of the Lake performed miracles. The lake housed not only an altar dedicated to the goddess but also an underwater city, previously inhabited by humans. A popular legend says the city used to be inhabited by humans – the ancestors of the people of Murky Waters – but was submerged by the gods angered by the debauchery of its citizens. In the city's depths lurked an evil mythical entity known as the malevolent god Dagon.

In the Witcher game series, Geralt, the White Wolf, displayed noble conduct by aiding the Goddess of the Lake in defeating the evil god Dagon. As a reward for his actions, he was blessed by the goddess and bestowed the title the Knight of the Goddess of the Lake. Additionally, he received a potent artifact sword named Aerondight.

Although Geralt temporarily lost the artifact while battling a dragon, the Goddess of the Lake reappeared during his time in Toussaint, returning the significant weapon to him. This artifact held great importance to Geralt, emphasizing the pivotal role of the White Wolf as the sword of destiny capable of changing the world. Geralt, considered as the sole witcher capable of resolving the "Whitefrost" crisis, believed in his role as the world's harbinger of change.

In essence, the Goddess of the Lake represented a benevolent deity advocating the five virtues of knights. Legends of her grace and divine deeds abounded throughout the world, contributing to her revered status.

Wayne's mind raced with thoughts that flickered through his consciousness. He directed his gaze towards the location where the little Godling was and spoke with a gentle tone,

"I trust you, little one. My name is Wayne. Can you tell me your name?"

Upon hearing this question, the Godling appeared somewhat shy. It seemed that not many people in this world had inquired about her name. Over the centuries, the number of these Godlings had dwindled, making them endangered beings.

After a brief silence, the Godling spoke in a hesitant voice,

"My name is Lala."

Wayne smiled, attempting to convey the friendliness in his voice, and responded,

"Nice to meet you, Lala. I'd like to discuss something with you. May I?"

As if sensing Wayne's amiable demeanor, the location where the Godling was trembled for a moment, and Lala's figure reappeared. With her big watery eyes, she inserted a finger into her mouth, tilted her head, and questioned with a hint of doubt,

"Do you need help with anything, Wayne?"

In his heart, Wayne appreciated the kindness of the Godling. Considering his words carefully, he explained,

"It's like this, Lala. This house will soon become mine. I hope to live in peace with you. Since I have tasks to perform, I may often be away from home. At those times, could I ask you to watch the house for me?"

Lala was taken aback by these words. The straightforward Godling couldn't comprehend Wayne's intentions and remained unaware of the potential sinister nature of human beings.

Lala pondered for a moment, finding a sense of happiness at the prospect of freely staying in the house with the owner's permission. However, recalling her father's teachings, she responded with a tinge of frustration,

"Although I really want to promise you, Wayne, my father doesn't allow us to have too much contact with humans. I need to go back and ask for his opinion."

Wayne wasn't surprised by this response. While he desired to establish a positive connection with the Godlings and potentially gain unexpected benefits, he understood that there might be reservations from Lala's father. Wayne nodded, offering a reassuring smile,

"That's okay, Lala. You can go back and ask your father's opinion. However, you can tell him that I am a witcherter with no ill intentions toward you, and I also hold great respect for Her Majesty the Goddess of the Lake. If you assist me with my house, I will compensate you."

"Compensation?" Lala tilted her head, opened her large eyes, and asked with some confusion, "What's compensation, Wayne?"

Wayne chuckled, adopting a tempting tone,

"The compensation is this: if you help me look after the house, I will give you a reward. When you desire something that only human beings possess, I can consider it a reward and give it to you."

As the most curious Godling, Lala became immediately intrigued upon hearing that Wayne could offer her something unique to humans as a reward.

Lala twirled her fingers, gazing at Wayne with watery eyes, and replied,

"Even though I really want the kind of reward you mentioned, Wayne, I still have to go back and ask my father."

Wayne nodded without further comment, issuing a gentle warning,

"No problem, Lala. Don't rush to answer me. I will always welcome you. However, before I move in, it's better for you not to show up during the day. If you are seen by other humans, you might be in danger."

Lala acknowledged with a nod, then proudly exhibited the colorful conch on her chest, declaring,

"I know, Wayne. However, I have a treasure bestowed upon me by the goddess that can protect me from human harm."

After saying this, Lala touched the wreath on her head and added with some regret,

"It's getting late, Wayne, and I have to go home. Nice to meet you. Goodbye!"

Wayne nodded, realizing that dawn was approaching, and he made his way back through the early morning darkness.

"See you next time, Lala."

In the following days, Wayne refrained from hastily going to the city hall to complete the formalities. While he had largely resolved the issue in the house, acting too quickly might raise suspicion at the city hall. He understood that the people there were not fools, and there was a chance they could exploit the situation to cause unnecessary trouble.

So, accompanied by Geralt, Wayne arrived at the Hotel to meet the affluent businessman, Levardon. Before parting ways, Levardon had mentioned a commission that required Wayne and the others' attention. With some free time on his hands, Wayne decided to investigate the matter and see what trouble awaited.

"Welcome, my friend! How have you been in Vizima City?" Levardon greeted them warmly at the Hotel, embracing Wayne and Geralt. He proceeded to order a lavish lunch for the trio.

Seated around the table, the three engaged in casual conversation about Vizima City's gossip while waiting for their meal.

Noticing that the food was yet to be served, Wayne seized the opportunity. He reached into his pocket, retrieved a Gwent card, and suggested to Levardon with a smile,

"My friend, we still have some time before getting down to business. How about a game of Gwent?"

Levardon's smile faltered briefly upon hearing the proposal. Having witnessed Wayne's prowess in the significant Gwent game in Floating Harbor, he hesitated to engage in a match. Levardon was contemplating a polite refusal when he observed Geralt, whose expression also appeared somewhat rigid. On the spot, Levardon had a change of heart and remarked,

"You're absolutely right, my friend. If you have the time, why not indulge me in a few games with Geralt? You could also share your superb Gwent card skills with us. I'm sure a noble person like yourself wouldn't decline such a request."

Wayne, sensing that Levardon might shy away from another Gwent match, expressed mild disappointment and remarked casually, "I do know a few Gwent tricks, but my consistent wins are mainly attributed to the favor of the goddess of luck."

He then proposed a future endeavor, saying, "By the way, when I have some free time, we could organize a Gwent Card Tournament in Vizima. What do you think? It's a highly profitable venture. Given my skills, you can put all the chips on me, and we stand to make a substantial amount of money."

Levardon's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm upon hearing this proposal, and he responded with a hearty laugh, "Actually, I've been thinking about it for a while, but I wasn't sure how to approach you."

Wayne assured him, "No problem. When you have the time, let's devise a solid plan and rake in the profits together."