Chapter 17: Discussion with Silveria Part 1

"So, Master, what burns brightest in your mind's fire?" inquired Silveria, her voice a melodic whisper.

"But heed my warning: my seal hasn't fully lifted, leaving some corners of my memory veiled."

A frown creased Alex's brow. "You haven't awakened entirely? Why is that?"

"Your current level restricts my full potential, Master,"

Silveria explained patiently. "Moreover, seals placed by your predecessor, wise in their foresight, limit certain knowledge for your safety."

Understanding dawned on Alex. "You partially awakened to aid me, fearing I wouldn't survive without the Gift's full power. Am I correct?"

A playful lilt tinged Silveria's reply. "Bingo! As expected of my shrewd Master. You possess at least a spark of wit."

"Sarcasm?" Alex asked, his tone hardening. "I don't appreciate your amusement."

"Nay, Master," Silveria soothed. "Merely acknowledging your quick thinking. Farewell for now. Until our next encounter."

With a flourish, she vanished from his grasp. Startled, Alex cried out, "What? What are you saying?"

But his question was met with silence. Then, the Elf receptionist, Leena, spoke, her voice laced with confusion.

"Just checking in, Alex. How are you feeling after a good seven hours of sleep?"

Embarrassed, Alex realized he hadn't noticed her entrance, consumed by his conversation with Silveria.

"Fine, Leena, thank you," he replied, flustered.

As they chatted, Alex's gaze fell upon his left arm, adorned with a new cross-shaped tattoo. Leena's sharp eyes caught it.

"Alex, is that new? I don't recall seeing it when I helped you cool down after…" she trailed off, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

Flushed, Alex fabricated an excuse. "It was always there, you just missed it."

Leena's gaze held his, her suspicion evident. Yet, she understood there might be reasons for his evasion.

"Right," she finally conceded. "Now, considering you're awake, it wouldn't be proper for you to stay in a single lady's room."

A blush crept up Alex's neck as he realized her room's simplicity - a bare table, two chairs, and a single bed. A lone white flower, perhaps a lily, graced the table, adding a touch of serenity. The air itself hummed with an ethereal energy, a testament to her Elven heritage.

"I… understand," he stammered, suddenly aware of the impropriety.

As the implications of Leena's words sank in, a blush bloomed across Alex's cheeks. He hadn't truly paid attention before, but now the room's feminine touches were undeniable. The simple elegance - a bare table adorned with two chairs, a solitary bed (where he currently resided), and a single white lily gracing a vase - spoke volumes.

' Could it be a lily?' He wasn't quite sure, but the ethereal aura that permeated the room, whispering of the forest and Leena's Elven heritage, was unmistakable.

Suddenly aware of the impropriety of the situation, he cleared his throat and mumbled,

"Right, wouldn't want to intrude further. Thank you for your hospitality, Leena."

Leena, ever perceptive, understood his discomfort. "Of course, Alex. Remember, the guild offers accommodations for adventurers in need."

With a grateful smile, he excused himself and descended to the main hall. As he approached the receptionist's desk to submit his monster materials, a mischievous glint sparked in his eyes.

"Perhaps another time, Leena," he teased with a playful wink.

"But tonight, the siren song of my own humble bed beckons."

Leena chuckled, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "You adventurers and your cryptic messages," she countered, but the amusement in her voice betrayed her feigned annoyance.

At the desk, he presented his spoils from the day's quest - four goblin ears and their accompanying monster cores. Leena's nimble fingers efficiently calculated his reward, the clinking of coins a satisfying melody. Today's hunt had yielded him 13 silver pieces, a respectable sum for a day's work.

Bidding farewell to her and the other receptionists, Alex stepped into the bustling city streets, the weight of his earnings and the memory of Leena's smile warming him from within. He was an adventurer, after all, and every day brought new challenges, rewards, and perhaps even a touch of friendly banter.

Walking through the vibrant streets, his mind drifted back to the Elven receptionist. The memory of the lily in her room sparked a curiosity within him. He'd seen similar flowers growing near the Elven settlements on the outskirts of town. Perhaps, he thought, he could return with one for her, a small token of gratitude for her kindness. But this time, he'd ensure his visit was more purposeful, not an extension of an awkward encounter.

A new sense of determination filled him. He may be new to this adventurer's life, but he was learning quickly. And who knows, maybe someday, his cryptic messages wouldn't be so cryptic after all.