Chapter 540

"Nice decor," Geralt said.

It wasn't his taste, though.

The interior made heavy use of brown hardwood, antique furniture, and decorations that gave the house a weighty sense of history.

Most young people would probably just find it old-fashioned.

"Thank you," Megan said with a smile. Her grandfather had chosen the decor and furniture, putting a great deal of thought into them. She happened to share his taste.

Thinking about how she had considered selling the house, Megan felt guiltier than ever.

Through Spirit Sight, black mist that looked almost solid poured from upstairs and the basement entrance.

A normal person living here for a week would either go mad or die. Anyone who did neither could hardly be called normal.

"This really is a pain."

Geralt scratched his head and asked Megan, "What's the layout upstairs?"

"Eight bedrooms, four bathrooms, a study, and a big attic."

"And the basement?"

"A pile of odds and ends. All sorts of junk. There's also a locked wooden door."

"Have you been through it?"

"No. It has an old-fashioned U-shaped brass padlock, and I can't find the key." Megan shook her head. "Besides, the basement has poor ventilation. It's stuffy and smells sour. I usually stay out of there unless I have to."

"Right. Let's take a look in the basement." After a moment, Geralt asked, "Is there lighting down there?"

"Yes, but it's dim."

"You have flashlights, right? One each."

Old houses often had wiring problems. Megan had stocked not only flashlights but a portable lamp.

The basement entrance was in the living room. Behind the door, a wooden staircase led straight down, creaking underfoot in a way that set their nerves on edge.

Geralt went first.

Megan had said the basement was dim.

She hadn't exaggerated.

Every bulb was about as