Unexpected victories and surprises

Arriving in Grünheim, Marlene handed Mortis a note as confirmation of the successful completion of his mission. The two rescued went to the Adventurers' Guild to give their report on what had happened and how they had been rescued by Mortis.

At the guild, Mortis and company went straight to the counter, but were interrupted by a large man who looked like a miner and had tears in his eyes. He jumped up from a table and ran to the woman and boy who had been rescued. Mortis was delighted for them, but he had one more matter to attend to - picking up Helga.

He went to the counter, presented the confirmation slip for the completed order, and received three gold coins in return. The ladies at the counter curiously asked for the details of how Mortis had rescued the woman and the boy, but he explained that they should ask the rescued themselves, as he had some business to attend to. He assured them he would return soon.

Mortis turned around to find Helga already at the temple talking to some priests, including the one Mortis had beaten up earlier. When Helga saw Mortis, she said goodbye to the priests and ran up to him, jumping into his arms.

She told him that she was hungry, but Mortis said that they had to do something first before they could go eat. Mortis thought about his own words and tried to reassure himself.

Helga took his arm and hooked herself to him. Together they strolled through the market like a couple in love. They found a good restaurant and ordered their food. Meanwhile, the waitress noticed Helga's pregnancy and brought a mixture of sweet and sour dishes.

After the meal, they went to Baron Jochen's castle. There was still a bustle of activity there, and unusual-looking priests were also on hand. Baron Jochen greeted them and asked where they had been, since no one knew of their whereabouts and they had been worried.

Mortis explained that he had been doing orders for the guild, and Helga had been at the temple with Priest Hans. The Baron reported that yesterday there had supposedly been a ghost in the castle that had even attacked his nephews. Mortis replied that he had not seen a ghost, but he would look if he found one.

Helga quickly grasped the situation and played the shocked one while trying to hide her connection to Mortis' actions. The Baron reassured her and assured her that she and her unborn child were safe. Helga was surprised, as she had never told anyone, but the Baron knew because of her eating habits. Fiora, the young baroness, could also hear Mortis talking about chess and was impressed by his knowledge of the game, which was usually reserved for the nobility.

After a brief interruption by Fiora, who challenged Mortis to a game of chess, he finally sat down at the chess table. But before the game began, control was taken from him by his system, and he became a spectator. The system took over the game and won against both Marina and Fiora.

Fiora thanked Mortis for the game and handed him 20 gold coins as a reward. Marina, however, was angry and upset about what had happened. After the chess game, everyone gathered in the living room for an upcoming meeting.

Martin, Sandro and the three unusual priests entered the room and a meeting was announced for the next day. Mortis wondered why so much fuss was being made about a dungeon meant for adventurers in the 10-15 level range. Helga wanted to know more, as she was nervous and never really got into fights besides training.

In the dining room, Marina and Baroness Fiora played chess while Mortis and Helga watched. Helga asked how the game worked, and Mortis explained the rules to her. After a few moves, Fiora won, and Marina, who had already lost, was frustrated. Fiora took turns with her and challenged Mortis to a game of chess, since he knew the rules.

Using the system, Mortis took over the game, and Fiora lost again. She thanked him and handed him 20 gold coins. Marina was angry and amazed at how Mortis could play chess so well.

The meeting was scheduled for the next day, and everyone went to the living room. The unusual priests entered the room, and Mortis and Helga wondered what was behind the commotion about the dungeon.