When the Serial Killer Next Door Gained Harem System

Chapter 150: Guess I’m Eating

The horses continued climbing the slope, their hooves thudding rhythmically against the packed dirt while the carriage creaked with every turn of the wheels. Outside, the wind rustled through the nearby trees, occasionally slipping through the tiny gaps around the carriage door.

A moment later, another wheel struck a smaller stone.

The carriage bounced again.

Tornhawk’s shoulders tensed instantly, and I heard him draw a sharp breath through his teeth as though he was about to explode.

Before he could say anything, his eyes met the Queen’s.

She hadn’t spoken a word.

She simply looked at him.

The anger drained from his face almost immediately. He let out a slow breath through his nose, straightened his posture, and returned to silently staring ahead.

I had to admit, that was impressive.

The rest of the ride passed in near silence. The only sounds came from the horses pulling the carriage, the steady creaking of the wooden frame, and the occasional rattle whenever the wheels rolled across loose stones. Nobody seemed interested in starting another conversation, and I certainly wasn’t about to break the silence.

Several more minutes passed before the carriage gradually slowed to a stop.

The horses snorted as they settled in place.

From outside, the coachman’s voice reached us.

"We’ve arrived, Your Majesty."

The carriage door on the Queen’s side opened first.

Tornhawk stepped out, turned, and offered his hand. The Queen accepted it gracefully before stepping onto the stone driveway without the slightest hint of difficulty.

I reached for the door on my side.

Nothing.

I pulled the handle again.

Still nothing.

"You’ve got to be kidding me."

I looked across the carriage at the opposite door, sighed, and carefully slid across the cushioned seat toward Tornhawk’s side.

He watched the entire thing with an expression that could only be described as disappointment.

The moment I climbed out, he reached past me, pressed the same hidden latch as before, and shut the door with one smooth motion.

"..Right."

I decided not to comment.

Instead, I lifted my head and looked ahead.

"Wow."

The Merygold estate stretched farther than I could’ve imagined.

A tall wrought-iron fence surrounded the entire property, each black bar ending in polished golden spearheads that reflected the lantern light. Stone pillars stood every few yards along the fence, each carved with vines and noble crests that had probably taken craftsmen months to complete.

Beyond the gates stood the mansion itself.

It rose four stories high, built from pale stone that almost glowed beneath the evening sky. Every window shone with warm golden light, and dozens of balconies decorated the upper floors with carved railings and hanging flower baskets. Marble pillars supported the enormous entrance portico, while two grand staircases curved upward toward massive double doors made from polished dark oak.

To one side of the mansion stood another building that would’ve been considered enormous anywhere else. It looked more like a luxurious inn than a guest house, easily capable of housing dozens of visitors, yet beside the mansion it somehow looked small.

The front courtyard was filled with elegant carriages and expensive horses. Stable hands hurried from one carriage to another, taking reins, brushing down mounts, and leading them toward the estate’s stables. Nobles dressed in embroidered coats and flowing gowns walked across the courtyard in small groups, laughing over glasses of wine while servants carried trays of food and drinks between them.

Fresh flowers decorated nearly every corner of the estate. White roses climbed the stone walls, colorful arrangements lined the pathways, and long garlands hung from balconies and wrapped around the entrance pillars. Somewhere inside, musicians played cheerful melodies using instruments I couldn’t even name. Strings, flutes, and something that sounded vaguely like a harp blended together into music that drifted through the open windows.

This wasn’t just a wedding.

It was a kingdom showing off its wealth.

"The Queen has arrived!"

The shout echoed across the courtyard.

Every guard standing near the front gates immediately dropped to one knee.

Several more guards rushed out from inside the estate before kneeling as well, lowering their heads toward the Queen.

She looked over them with a gentle smile.

"There is no need for this, my subjects. Rise."

None of them moved.

"We are gathered today to honor the union of two noble families, not to celebrate my arrival. Please, stand and continue your duties."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The guards rose together.

Almost immediately, several maids hurried out of the mansion. Their uniforms were spotless, their movements graceful. They stopped a respectful distance away before bowing deeply.

"Your Majesty," one of them said. "Welcome to the Merygold Estate. Is there anything we may prepare for you before the ceremony begins?"

The Queen answered without hesitation.

"I would appreciate a bath before joining the festivities."

"Of course, Your Majesty." The maid bowed once more. "Everything will be prepared immediately."

She hurried back inside, with the remaining maids following after her.

The Queen turned toward the mansion.

"Tornhawk."

He bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty."

"Come. We shouldn’t keep our hosts waiting."

"As you command."

The two of them walked through the open gates and into the estate, leaving me standing in front of one of the largest mansions I had ever seen.

I followed behind them, keeping a respectful distance. My eyes drifted for just a second before landing on the Queen’s figure.

Damn.

My gaze immediately dropped a little lower... to the Queen’s butt.

Fuck... calm down.

That night with Garmonna had really done a number on me. It felt like every attractive woman I saw now dragged my attention somewhere it had no business going. I silently cursed myself and forced my eyes forward before anyone noticed.

The Queen, General Tornhawk, and the guards passed through the front entrance without being stopped. As I stepped up to follow them, a butler in a perfectly pressed black suit politely raised a hand in front of me.

"Please, sir," he said with a courteous bow. "The entrance fee is required."

"Right."

I reached into my inventory.

A soft golden glow gathered around both of my hands before two heavy leather pouches materialized in my palms with a quiet shimmer.

"One hundred and fifty gold," I said, handing them over. "There you go."

The butler accepted the pouches with both hands, though surprise briefly crossed his face.

"My... that was certainly unusual magic."

He looked back at me.

"You wouldn’t mind if I verified the coins?"

"Go ahead."

He nodded gratefully and handed one of the pouches to a nearby maid before loosening the drawstring on the other. Reaching inside, he pulled out a single gold coin and inspected it carefully. He bit down on its edge, held it toward the evening sunlight, then turned it between his fingers while studying the engraving.

After another few moments, he smiled and returned the coin to the pouch.

"My apologies for doubting you, Mr..."

"Ace is enough."

"My apologies for doubting you, Mr. Ace. You are quite young, so I did not expect..."

"It’s fine," I said with a smile. "You were only doing your job. Keeping this place safe should come first."

The butler’s expression softened.

"Thank you for your understanding, sir."

I gave him a small nod before stepping through the entrance.

Finally.

I let out a slow breath.

╔═══════════════╗

Location Discovered!

─────────────────

Name: Merygold Mansion

╠═══════════════╣

Region: Toakwood

Objective:

○ Find the phantom chest.

○ Steal two objects.

╠═══════════════╣

Gained EXP: +41

╚═══════════════╝

"Alright..." I whispered to myself. "Where are you, Cadence?"

Before walking farther, I glanced back.

The butler was accepting the second pouch back from the maid after she had finished counting its contents.

"Excuse me," I called.

"Yes, Mr. Ace?"

"When does the ceremony begin?"

"In roughly half an hour, sir."

"Thanks. Guess I’ll wait."

"If you become hungry while waiting, food has already been prepared in the back courtyard," the butler replied. "Our head cook is quite renowned."

"Sounds good."

"Once you enter the mansion, turn left at the main hall, then take the second corridor to the right. You’ll find the courtyard there."

"I appreciate it."

The butler bowed deeply.

"My pleasure. Please enjoy the celebration."

I returned the nod and continued forward.

The front courtyard alone was larger than some streets back in my world. A wide stone path stretched from the entrance all the way to the mansion’s towering front doors, with perfectly trimmed hedges lining both sides. Colorful flower beds had been planted in neat patterns, filling the evening air with a pleasant fragrance. Marble statues of famous nobles and past heroes stood proudly among small fountains whose water reflected the warm glow of lanterns hanging from ornate iron posts.

Servants hurried across the courtyard carrying silver trays, crates of wine, and baskets overflowing with fresh flowers. Guests dressed in expensive suits and elegant gowns chatted in small groups while attendants guided newly arrived carriages toward designated parking areas near the outer walls.

The mansion itself dwarfed everything around it.

Three enormous stories of pale white stone rose into the evening sky, its countless windows glowing with warm golden light. Tall pillars supported a grand balcony overlooking the courtyard, while banners bearing the Merygold family’s crest hung from nearly every wall. Decorative ivy climbed portions of the stonework without hiding its craftsmanship, making the entire building feel both luxurious and alive.

Even the guest house standing beside it looked enormous by ordinary standards. It was nearly the size of a wealthy merchant’s mansion, yet beside the main residence it seemed almost insignificant.

"Damn," I muttered under my breath.

This wasn’t just a noble’s home.

This was practically a palace.

"Okay... guess I’m eating, huh?"

I walked across the front courtyard, trying not to stare too much at everything around me.