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This is not harassment or a trap to me, isn\'t this?

Moments later, a well-dressed butler emerged, his posture impeccable and his demeanor calm.

"Welcome, Lady Liora," he said with a slight bow. "I am Alfred, the loyal butler of Master Draven. Please, come in."

I replied with a nod.

I followed him into the mansion, the interior as opulent as I had expected. Rich tapestries adorned the walls, and the air smelled faintly of incense. Alfred led me to a small parlor where he handed me a letter envelope and a set of brand new knives. They were finely crafted, the blades gleaming with a lethal edge.

"Master Draven has prepared these for you," Alfred said, his voice steady. "There is also a carriage ready to take you to Aurelion."

I was perplexed by the extent of Draven\'s preparations.

A carriage?

What was his plan?

Why had he gone to such lengths for me?

Suddenly, a soft tap made me widen my eyes, but somehow I didn\'t jump back.

I didn\'t notice Alfred approach until he tapped my shoulder gently. His touch startled me, and I looked up into his kind but penetrating eyes. There was an eerie calmness to him, a steadiness that both reassured and unnerved me.

"It\'s all fine," he said softly, his voice as smooth as silk. "Master Draven has a favorable impression of you. You need only follow his instructions without question, and all will be well."

His words surprised me. I prided myself on my skills of perception and detection, yet Alfred had approached without me noticing. How had he managed that? My heart raced as I processed this. Now that I paid closer attention, I sensed an undercurrent of menace beneath his gentle demeanor.

He was far more dangerous than he appeared, like a coiled serpent hidden in the grass, ready to strike at a moment\'s notice.

I couldn\'t picture myself winning against him in a fight, and there was a shadowy presence about him that hinted at dark abilities. His every movement was precise and controlled, suggesting a mastery over not just physical space but perhaps even the arcane.

Sensing my growing tension, Alfred spoke again, his voice cutting through my thoughts like a knife through butter. "No need to be so tense. I assure you, I mean you no harm. This is a crucial moment for Master Draven. He has decided to make significant moves, but I fear he is pushing himself too hard. I hope you will support him in this endeavor.

Should you find yourself in danger, know that I will be there to aid you, even if the darkness of the underworld threatens you."

His words left me silent. It was clear that Alfred was no stranger to the underworld, and his confidence in facing its dangers was unsettling. He seemed unafraid of any threat, no matter how dire. There was a certainty in his voice that suggested he had seen and survived more than I could imagine.

It made me realize that the stakes of whatever I was about to embark on were far higher than I had initially thought.

I nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of his statement. Alfred was not just a butler; he was a guardian, a shadowy sentinel ensuring Draven\'s plans unfolded without a hitch. The weight of his loyalty and the depths of his capabilities were beginning to dawn on me.

"Fine," I said finally, my voice steady but tinged with the acknowledgment of the unknown. "I\'ll support him as much as I can. Both of you are unimaginable and crazy, but I suppose that\'s what makes this interesting."

Alfred\'s smile widened, a hint of genuine warmth in his eyes that softened his otherwise formidable presence. "Thank you, Lady Liora. Save as many people as you can, but do not forget to save yourself as well."

It was a strange request, but there was something in Alfred\'s tone that resonated with me. It was almost as if he knew more about my past and my motivations than I had ever revealed. His words carried a weight that was hard to ignore, a reminder that amidst the chaos and the missions, my own survival was paramount.

I nodded again, this time with a deeper understanding of the path ahead. As I made my way to the carriage, Alfred walked alongside me, his presence both comforting and intimidating. The mansion\'s grand doors opened silently before us, and a knight in gleaming armor stood at attention.

"Lady Liora," the knight greeted with a respectful bow. His eyes, though partially hidden by his helmet, held a mixture of curiosity and respect.

"Thank you," I replied, my voice carrying an authority I hoped masked my inner turmoil.

Alfred turned to me one last time before I entered the carriage. "Remember, Lady Liora, the path you are about to tread is fraught with danger and uncertainty. Trust your instincts, and know that you have allies, even in the shadows."

"I will," I assured him, meeting his gaze. "Thank you, Alfred."

With that, I climbed into the carriage, feeling the weight of the situation settle over me like a heavy cloak. The interior was luxurious, with plush seats and polished wood paneling. As the carriage began to move, I took a deep breath to steady myself.

The interior of the carriage was as luxurious as the mansion, with plush seats and polished wood paneling. It was a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me. I settled into the seat, the leather cool against my skin, and allowed myself a moment to collect my thoughts.

As the carriage rumbled to life and began its journey, I opened the envelope and unfolded the letter inside. Draven\'s handwriting was elegant and precise, each word carefully chosen. I could almost hear his calm, measured voice as I read the letter, his tone conveying both authority and subtle urgency.

"Liora,

You are to proceed to Aurelion with all haste. Upon arrival, go directly to my mansion where my servants will be expecting you. They will escort you to the location where your merchant group\'s store will be established. Ensure that you set up and prepare adequately. I have already arranged some defenses for precautionary measures, but it is imperative that you make additional preparations.

Start your business as planned. I have some ideas that I will communicate to you in due course.

Additionally, you have another quest to complete. Finish it promptly.

Best regards, Draven"

I couldn\'t help but laugh at the last part. Draven knew about my other quest, the one involving an assassination. He wanted me to head to Aurelion swiftly to ensure I completed my mission and avoided any penalties or complications. How he knew about it, I couldn\'t be certain, but I suspected he had been observing me closely. It was both unsettling and impressive.

"What a ridiculous man," I muttered to myself, shaking my head with a mixture of amusement and exasperation.

The journey through the capital\'s streets was accompanied by the rhythmic clatter of hooves and wheels on cobblestones. The familiar sights of bustling markets and narrow alleyways passed by in a blur, my mind occupied with thoughts of Draven\'s plans and Alfred\'s cryptic warnings.

As the cityscape gave way to rolling hills and dense forests, the atmosphere inside the carriage grew quieter, more introspective. I couldn\'t shake the feeling that I was on the cusp of something monumental, a turning point in my life that would define my future.

Lost in thought, I was startled by the sound of the carriage door opening. The knight who had escorted me earlier stood outside, his expression unreadable.

"Lady Liora, we have arrived," he announced, his voice cutting through the stillness.

Following Draven\'s instructions, I went straight to his mansion.

I nodded and stepped out of the carriage, the servants greeted me with respectful bows and escorted me to a large, well-fortified building. I took in the sight of Draven\'s mansion in Aurelion. It was a grand and imposing structure, much like the one in the capital, but with an air of mystery and power that seemed to permeate the very stones.

The front gates opened before me, and I walked up the path, my footsteps echoing in the silence. As I approached the entrance, a group of servants appeared, their faces a mix of anticipation and respect.

"Welcome, Lady Liora," one of them said, bowing deeply. "Master Draven has instructed us to assist you in any way possible. Please, follow us."