Medea stood outside a simple hut constructed from wood, straw, and stone, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves before gently knocking on the door.
"Knock, knock, knock." After three taps, she called out, "Morpheus, are you in there?"
No response.
Hesitating for a moment, Medea reached out, her delicate fingers brushing the crudely woven wooden door. Her hand paused.
If I push the door open now, will I see Morpheus sleeping?
Oh, what if he sleeps without clothes? Would barging in be too impulsive? What if I see him completely exposed?
But the sun's already up. If he's still not awake, that's just lazy! Didn't he say he'd visit Hecate's temple with me today? Sleeping in like this shows no reverence!
Her heart wrestled with itself, conjuring reasons to justify her actions. Beneath those reasons lay her true, hidden thoughts.
Morpheus looks so handsome. I wonder what his figure's like under those clothes. Yesterday's outfit was so heavy and oddly styled, covering him completely!
This is my chance, isn't it? If I go in now, I can see his figure. Yes, this is an opportunity... a rare one. I need to seize it!
The internal struggle was fierce, but Medea made her decision. Pushing open the door would reveal everything.
"Sorry, I was out handling some things. I kept you waiting."
A gentle voice, laced with apology, came from behind her.
The sudden sound shattered Medea's resolve, sending her into a panic, as if she'd been caught plotting something naughty.
Flustered, her eyes darted left and right. After a few seconds of tension, she forced a smile and said in a feigned casual tone, "Morpheus, you're up already! I thought you were still sleeping. Oh, but I just got here, so no need to apologize!"
"You seem nervous, Miss Medea. You should relax a bit," Morpheus said with a smile, raising his hand. In it, he held a plump sea fish.
Not just the fish... his other hand carried a clay jug and some lettuce. Medea recognized the jug as one the local villagers used for wine.
Evidently, these were the "things" he'd mentioned handling.
"I got lucky. Traded the fish I caught for some vegetables and a drink. They say this wine was just brewed recently. I tried a sip... quite delightful."
Medea listened, her embarrassment fading. She emerged from her nervous state and smiled. "Sorry, my fault. I should've thought to prepare breakfast."
"No, I went out not just for breakfast but to explore a bit. I must say, this is a beautiful place," Morpheus said with a sigh. His tone, though gentle, carried a trace of resignation.
The hint of melancholy piqued Medea's curiosity. She wanted to ask why he felt that way, but considering they weren't that close yet, she held back.
Once we're more familiar, I'll ask. There'll be plenty of time, she thought quietly.
I'm in ancient Greece, just as I suspected. This is definitely the Nasuverse's Greece, so my knowledge of mythology is mostly useless here.
But this place doesn't align with the game's content... like the Greek Lostbelt or anything. In other words, I'm likely in Proper Human History's Greece. The only question is whether it's FGO's Proper Human History or another Nasuverse's version.
My body's in an odd state. The accidental resonance with Yog-Sothoth's ritual seems to have given me some ability to influence spacetime. In other words, I can freely study magic for crossing worlds.
If I can return to the moment of Chaldea's crisis, I can resolve everything. For now, I'll explore the mysteries of magic while treating this as a vacation.
Morpheus mused silently, then gave Medea a slight bow, the picture of a gentleman.
"Would you do me the honor of joining me for breakfast, dear lady?"
Medea had never heard anyone speak to her like this... not with deference, but with polite kindness. His demeanor intrigued her.
At his invitation, her heart fluttered with joy, but then she remembered she'd already eaten breakfast and silently cursed herself.
Why did I eat so early? If I'd waited or thought to invite Morpheus first, we could've eaten together!
As Medea fretted, Morpheus seemed to read her mind. "I think you can manage a small taste without feeling too full."
Grilled fish wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves... a crisp, sweet vegetable paired with tender, oily fish. The combination was a dual feast for the taste buds.
The fish, perfectly grilled, had a golden, crispy exterior while retaining a juicy, tender interior. Each bite seemed to burst with the pure essence of the sea.
The fresh, crisp lettuce, like a herald of spring, carried a subtle sweetness, wrapping the fish to cut its richness while enhancing its flavor.
Such a simple cooking method, yet the taste was divine. Medea's cheeks puffed out as she couldn't stop herself from taking several bites. Only when she caught Morpheus's smile did she realize her mistake.
Oh no, this is Morpheus's breakfast, and I've eaten so much of it! Her cheeks flushed bright red, burning with embarrassment.
Argh, how mortifying! He must think I'm such a glutton! Great goddess Hecate above, what do I do?!
Morpheus just smiled, saying nothing, quietly watching the girl's shy reaction. To him, she was utterly charming.
Or rather, compared to the later dark and cruel witch, this Medea captivated him far more.
After about half a minute of silence, he said softly, "This suits you much better."
"Huh?" His cryptic words caught Medea off guard. The sentence was simple enough to understand, but the implications eluded her.
What does Morpheus mean? Why this sudden sentiment? It's like he's seen me before and knows me well.
"Nothing, just a traveler's idle musing. And thank you, Miss Medea, for appreciating my cooking," Morpheus said with a smile, making her blush again. She wanted to protest but found herself speechless.
He continued, "But for lunch, I'll leave it to you, Miss Medea."
The request let Medea breathe a sigh of relief. She nodded eagerly, without hesitation. "No problem! Lunch or dinner, I'll take care of it!"
"Then, as it's about time, please lead me to the temple of the goddess Hecate, Miss Medea."
Morpheus spoke at last. As a magician, especially one of the Golden Dawn lineage, he wouldn't hesitate to engage with a divine being.
Even if this world's gods differed from his understanding, interacting with such high existences and learning about them could only benefit his pursuit of magic's mysteries.
***
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