NOVEL NEXT Ch. 12
Chapter 12: Wife’s Boudoir, Here I Come!
The moment he stepped into the library, 【Alchemy Genius】 felt as if the entire world had gone silent.
The noise of the outside world was completely shut out by the heavy door, while the air was filled with a pleasant fragrance, a mixture of old book pages and a faint floral scent.
Sunlight poured through the tall stained-glass dome, scattering into brilliant beams that cut through the air.
Countless specks of dust danced within the rays, adding a touch of sanctity and serenity.
Rows upon rows of towering bookshelves, endless to the eye, stood like silent giants in this temple of knowledge.
This was where Mophis lived.
【Alchemy Genius】 even felt his breathing grow cautious, as if afraid to disturb the tranquility.
At the moment he entered the library, his quest list also updated.
【Quest Objective: Return 《Introduction to Ancient Alchemy》 to its original place and converse with the Librarian ‘Mophis’.】
Return it to its original place?
He looked around.
With thousands of books on the shelves, who could possibly know where this one originally belonged?
Just as he was at a loss, he suddenly noticed faint golden footprints on the ground—so light they were almost invisible—stretching from the entrance deep into the library.
“This is… a quest marker?”
Joy surged in 【Alchemy Genius】’s heart as he hurriedly followed the footprints.
They led him past row after row of shelves, until finally stopping at an inconspicuous corner on the second floor.
On a bookshelf there, an empty slot awaited, its size perfectly matching that of 《Introduction to Ancient Alchemy》.
He carefully slid the book back into place.
【Ding!】
【Quest Phase Complete: Return 《Introduction to Ancient Alchemy》 to its original place.
(1/1)】
【New Quest Phase: Converse with the Librarian ‘Mophis’.】
The golden footprints appeared once more, this time leading toward a nearby carved wooden door, slightly ajar.
【Alchemy Genius】’s heart leapt into his throat.
Behind that door… was Mophis?
His palms were drenched with sweat, his legs trembling slightly.
This was the first chance in the entire server to meet Mophis face to face!
But what should he say?
How should he start the first sentence?
“Hello”? Too plain.
“I’m here”? Too pretentious.
“You’re beautiful”? Too frivolous.
His mind was a mess, tangled in indecision.
He stood at the door for a full five minutes before finally mustering the courage to gently push it open.
“Creak—”
The hinge gave a soft squeak.
The sight that greeted him made 【Alchemy Genius】 forget to breathe.
This… seemed to be Mophis’s private reading room—or perhaps, her boudoir.
The room wasn’t large, but it was decorated with warmth and elegance.
A wooden bed draped with a soft velvet blanket.
A dressing table covered with bottles and jars.
A small fireplace, unlit, yet evoking images of flames crackling warmly in winter.
The largest feature of the room was a massive floor-to-ceiling window.
In front of it, a comfortable chaise lounge.
And there, upon that chaise lounge, lay the girl who haunted the dreams of players across the entire server.
She wore a white silk nightdress, loosely covered with a thin cardigan, her long black hair spilling like seaweed behind her.
She held a book in her hands, reading so intently she seemed unaware of his presence.
The afternoon sun streamed through the window, coating her in a golden glow.
The scene was so beautiful it felt otherworldly.
【Alchemy Genius】 stared blankly, forgetting even the quest.
He only wished time could stop in this moment.
“Cough…”
A soft cough broke the silence.
Mophis had been reading too long, her neck stiff.
She set the book aside, massaged her neck, and lifted her head.
Her gaze met 【Alchemy Genius】’s.
Their eyes locked.
The air itself seemed to freeze.
Silver eyes first flickered with surprise, as though she had not expected anyone here.
But when she recognized him—the “chosen” player—her surprise quickly softened into a shy, slightly awkward smile.
She rose from the chaise in a hurry, her thin cardigan sliding off one shoulder to reveal smooth, pale skin.
She hastily tugged her clothes back into place, her cheeks blooming with a blush.
“You… hello.”
Her voice was soft, gentle, like a feather brushing against 【Alchemy Genius】’s heart.
“I… I…” 【Alchemy Genius】 stammered, tongue-tied, until he finally managed to squeeze out, “I… I’m here… to turn in the quest.”
He immediately wanted to slap himself.
Such a beautiful moment! Such a perfect scene! And that’s what he said?
Mophis, however, seemed amused.
Her smile deepened.
“Yes, I know.” She nodded, then pointed to a nearby table.
“Could… could you help me bring those things over?”
【Alchemy Genius】 followed her gaze.
On the table lay some unusual materials.
A tuft of shimmering silk threads, like woven moonlight.
A vial of powder sparkling with the glow of starlight.
And several exquisite clothing design blueprints.
【Moonlight Silk】, 【Stardust Powder】!
【Alchemy Genius】 instantly recognized the legendary alchemical materials!
At once, he understood!
This was the true quest!
Mophis wanted someone to help her make new clothes!
He hurried over, carefully lifting the items in his arms.
【Ding!】
【You have triggered a Hidden Quest: Mophis’s New Clothes.】
【Quest Description: Everyone cherishes beauty. This lonely girl also longs to wear a lovely new dress. As the only ‘Chosen One’ allowed into her boudoir, will you fulfill her wish?】
【Quest Objective: Deliver 【Moonlight Silk】 x10, 【Stardust Powder】 x1, and 【Starshine Veil Blueprint】 x1 to the top tailor master in the entire server.】
【Quest Rewards: ???】
【Alchemy Genius】’s eyes welled up with excitement.
The only one!
The only one allowed into her boudoir!
That evaluation was far too high!
Clutching the materials, he stepped before Mophis and declared passionately, “Miss Mophis! I… I swear! I will make you the most beautiful dress in the whole world!”
“Mm, thank you.” Mophis smiled, receiving the materials from him.
As she did, her fingertips “accidentally” brushed against his palm.
That touch was soft, cool.
【Alchemy Genius】 felt his entire body go weak.
He… he had just been touched by his wife!
He nearly fainted from bliss, when Mophis spoke again.
“Um… I’m a little hungry. Could you… help me with one more thing?” Her tone carried a hint of shyness.
“I like a snack called 【Sunflower Pastry】. You can probably buy it at the royal confectionery shop in the capital.”
【Ding!】
【You have accepted the Side Quest: A Girl’s Snack.】
【Quest Objective: Travel to the capital, Saint Orleans, and purchase 【Sunflower Pastry】 x10.】
【Quest Reward: NPC ‘Mophis’ Affection +100.】
A… double quest!
And this reward—Affection +100!
【Alchemy Genius】 could no longer find words to describe his feelings.
He only knew his life had reached its peak.
“I’ll go right away!”
He nodded heavily at Mophis, then bolted out of the room and out of the library, sprinting as if on fire.
He would complete his wife’s request as fast as possible!
Inside the room, Mophis watched his frantic retreating figure.
Finally, she couldn’t help herself—“Pfft!” She burst into laughter.
She collapsed against the chaise, laughing so hard tears welled in her eyes.
“These players… are way too easy to fool…”
She chuckled as she picked up a piece of 【Moonlight Grass】 from the table, popping it into her mouth like a little hamster.
Mm, just a snack to tide her over.
Once that fool brought back the Sunflower Pastries, she could enjoy a proper meal.
As for the new clothes…
She picked up the blueprint for a closer look.
Off-shoulder design, puffed sleeves, lace trim…
It actually… looked pretty nice?
She touched her flat chest, sighing softly.
Forget it.
After all, she was just an NPC.
Whatever she wore, it was only for those dumb players to see anyway.