The Merchant and Tavern Master

Serafina's Home

"Welcome to my modest abode, Sir Percival," she greeted warmly.

"Let's skip the formalities. I'd prefer our conversation to be relaxed, Serafina."

"Of course, Percival. Feel free to call me simply Serafina."

"But first things first, you need some rest," I said gently as I guided her toward the comfortable bed in her room.

"Oh, please don't trouble yourself, Percival. I can..."

"No, just rest. I insist. We have the whole day ahead of us, so our conversation can wait until you've had a good rest," I said, gently urging her to lie down on the bed and preventing her from getting up.

"I... well, alright," she finally relented, "refusing your kindness now would be impolite. I gratefully follow."

"Good girl," I commented casually.

She giggled in amusement, "Oh, please don't refer to me as a girl, Percival. I'm a 20-year-old woman, you know?"

"If you don't recognize your own need for rest, then you're still a girl in my eyes. Just stay lying on your bed now. I'll step out for a moment."

"No, please stay here," she implored, reaching for my right hand, "I could use your company."

"Fair enough," I agreed, settling onto the edge of her bed.

Nervousness prickled at my senses. The recent encounter with Bella remained vivid in my thoughts. Alongside it, the memory of my first intimate experience with Cordelia continued to linger. Those instances where I found myself alone with a woman in an intimate setting were still etched in my memory.

I must say, her room was quite luxurious and comfortable. A spacious bed dominated the space, while a set of plush couches served as seating for guests, accompanied by a small table. The opulence reminded me of the grandeur I had observed in the mansions of village lords back home. While this place exuded a similar essence, it was notably more compact in scale. The spaciousness of her private chamber appeared to suggest that she didn't entertain numerous guests.

"What are your thoughts on my home?" She initiated the conversation in a hushed tone.

"I find it remarkably comfortable. This is my first experience with such a splendid private residence," I replied. "Throughout my travels, I've come across a few luxurious establishments, but none have been as elegantly compact as this."

Her amusement bubbled forth in a gentle giggle, "It's becoming quite evident that the role of an undercover agent doesn't suit you well, Percival. As a person from privilege you must not easily be marveled by only this kind of display of small wealth."

Her words struck me painfully, in my heart. Did something wrong with my act as Percival?

"Err, I know that you already saw through my disguise before, Serafina. But I wonder, was my performance truly so lacking?" I inquired cautiously.

"May I inquire, how would you prefer others to perceive you?" Her curiosity danced in the question.

"Someone who recently came into a substantial inheritance from their parents, and who has only recently become aware of their lineage. I've used the description of the girl I seek as a convenient cover to aid my search," I replied.

"Then, I think you have failed miserably"

"Ugh, that's hurt."

She laughed amused by my reaction.

"But I suppose that's where your charm becomes evident," she explained thoughtfully. "If you were a humble commoner suddenly blessed with great fortune, the usual course of action would involve squandering that wealth on self-indulgence until it's depleted. Kindness isn't often displayed in this city, given the risk of being exploited by others."