Kiem's Unsolved Mysteries

Mrs. Grals

The old house loomed before Kiem and Adler, the nameplate a silent confirmation. With a surge of anticipation, Kiem strode up the overgrown driveway. Reaching the weathered door, Kiem raised a metallic appendage and gave it a firm knock. A hollow echo resonated from within.

The silence stretched, thick with unspoken questions. What secrets lay hidden within these walls? Who, if anyone, awaited them on the other side of the door? Kiem and Adler exchanged a glance, a silent conversation passing between them. They were in this together, determined to see their investigation through.

The door creaked open slowly, revealing a woman with kind eyes and a face etched with the lines of a long life. Her silver hair was pulled back in a neat bun, and a gentle smile touched her lips.

"Can I help you two?" she asked, her voice warm and raspy.

The woman wore clothes that spoke of comfort and practicality. A loose-fitting blouse in a colorful pattern peeked out from beneath a cardigan. Her pants looked well-maintained, and her shoes looked sturdy enough for navigating any uneven ground around the house.

Kiem stepped forward, its metallic voice polite and measured. "Excuse us for bothering you. We noticed the nameplate on the door and were wondering if it has any significance to you or your family history. The name Grals."

The woman's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. She studied Kiem and Adler for a moment, then gestured for them to step inside a bit further, out of the doorway. "Come in, come in," she said, her voice warm and raspy. "It's a bit chilly out here. And yes, the name Grals...well, let's just say it has a history with this house."

The invitation surprised Kiem. It wasn't following the protocol for unexpected encounters, but the woman's gentle demeanor eased some of its apprehension. Adler, ever observant, noticed the subtle shift in Kiem's posture and sent a reassuring glance its way.

Stepping inside, Kiem and Adler found themselves in a small entryway. The house, while not grand, held a sense of warmth and a comforting lived-in feel. Sunlight streamed through a window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air.

The woman closed the door behind them with a soft click, and the outside world seemed to fade away. She turned back to them, her gaze thoughtful.

"Is that your name?" she asked gently, her voice soft but steady. "Kiem?"

The unexpected question sent a jolt through Kiem. Its internal processors whirred, analyzing the situation. Should it reveal its true nature? It glanced at Adler, seeking silent counsel.

Kiem, its internal processors whirring in a silent debate, met the woman's gaze. "Yes," it finally replied, its metallic voice carefully neutral. "That is my designation."

The woman's lips curved into a knowing smile, crinkling the corners of her eyes. "I see," she said, her voice hinting at hidden depths. "Well, Kiem, and your companion," she gestured towards Adler, "why don't you both come in and have a seat? We have a lot to talk about."

She ushered them further into the house, her steps sure despite her age. The air inside held the scent of old books and something faintly sweet, like baking spices. Kiem and Adler exchanged a glance, a silent question hanging between them. The unexpected turn of events had taken them by surprise, but the woman's gentle demeanor offered a sense of strange comfort.

Kiem followed the woman, its movements precise and measured. Adler trailed close behind, his senses alert. They were about to embark on a new chapter in their investigation, and a strange mix of anticipation and apprehension bubbled within them. What secrets did this old house hold? And how did the woman know Kiem's name?