Morning came once again, and people were ready to start another day in life. The survivors currently residing in the inn section of the Adventurer’s Guild were no exception. Most of them were already wide awake by the time the sun rose from the horizon, and now a number of them were gathered in the conference room of the floor they had been temporarily granted.
“Now that all squad leaders are here, we shall begin the morning briefing.” Elana said, addressing the other seven people in the room. “Yesterday was started with quite a major event but thankfully nobody from our side got hurt, and some of us got to see more of Queen Vierra. Putting that aside, what are your plans for today? Starting from you.”
Wilhelm, the one Elana’s eyes were set on, promptly replied. “Yesterday I checked with the bakery that has posted the quest I accepted. For three days starting today Blitz Squad will work as delivery men for them.”
“Is it necessary to bring the whole squad with you?”
“They said they’d pay daily for each person up to three, so I see this as a good opportunity.”
“I see. Nice work, and good luck.” Elana said before looking at the next squad leader present.
“Heh, you know this already, but today my squad will be demolishing an old house!” Erwin said with enthusiasm clearly audible from his laugh. “Could’ve done that yesterday but they had to arrange for debris disposal first. Hey, gotta respect the client's wishes, right?”
“Yes, Erwin. Good call, and good luck too. Alright, next.”
“I didn’t find any suitable quests yesterday, so I’ll check the board again today and see if something has changed.” Lillie said.
“I see.”
Valeria raised her hand. “The same applies for me too, Captain.”
“M-Me too, Captain.” Theo followed suit.
“Crisis Squad will remain on standby as instructed, Captain.” Randy said. “Unless you would like to issue a change of order.”
“No, we will maintain that order for at least a week unless something extraordinary happens.” Elana said.
“Got it, Captain.”
Billy then raised his hand. “Uhh, Captain. To be honest, I’m not sure if there will be any suitable quest for my group. At this rate I can’t help worrying.”
“Worrying about what?” Elana asked.
“...That my group won’t be able to contribute in earning local currency.”
“If that’s your concern, take it easy. We have been adventurers for only one day. Things will eventually change.” Elana said. “You may even find other opportunities besides adventurer quests.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right, Captain.” Billy said with his head lowered a bit.
“Alright.” Elana said, addressing everyone in general. “As for my own situation, I also couldn’t find any suitable quest even going up to my rank. All Iron and Silver quests I saw yesterday either require going out of town or a party of at least three, or both. I will observe the quest board again today, and if all else fails I will walk around town and look for other opportunities. Now, does anybody have anything to say?”
Elana waited for five seconds. Nobody said a word.
“Alright then. Time to have breakfast and then we move out.”
Half an hour later after an uneventful breakfast, Elana went to the quest board to see if there was any change. Within three minutes she let out a dejected sigh because the situation was still the same. The same applied to Lillie, Valeria, Billy, and Theo.
“Captain.” Lillie spoke up. “Think you can take some of us as your party?”
“I considered that, but according to the rules it is only allowed if the number of lower rank members is at most equal.”
“Ah, bummer.”
“Well, whose bright idea was it for everyone to skip the entry test?” Elana folded her arms and rolled her eyes. All three squad leaders averted theirs upon hearing her question.
“Excuse me.” A female guild staff greeted. “Is one of you Lillie Frastern by any chance?”
Lillie’s eyes went wider before replying. “Huh? Yes, that’s me.”
“I see. Here is a letter addressed to you.” The staff said as she handed a sealed envelope.
“A-Alright. Thank you.” Lillie said, reluctantly receiving the envelope. The staff then left the group as Lillie began opening the envelope.
“Better move from the board if you want to read the letter.” Elana said.
Lillie halted her doing. “Oh, right!” She and the rest of the group then moved from the quest board and stood near a vacant wall. “By the way, I don’t think this is a secret stuff or such. Go ahead and link if anyone wants to read it too.”
“Alright. Good idea.” Valeria said, pressing some buttons on her wristwatch. Elana and Theo did the same, and then Lillie began reading the letter she had just opened.
With their nanomachines linked, what Lillie saw was projected in the vision of the other three, allowing them to read the letter as well without bunching up near her. Elana was a quick reader, so within seconds she already got to know that the letter came from Mirabelle Lunavond, the noble lady Lillie had helped yesterday. The letter’s content was mainly about inviting Lillie to come to Mirabelle’s mansion at her earliest convenience.
“No dress code, gifts, or such. Just come as you are.” Elana said while Lillie’s eyes were still at the letter with her mouth agape. “What do you say?”
“I... I don’t know! Coming to a noble’s mansion? Me?” Lillie said, looking left and right with a facial expression which clearly showed that she was flustered.
“Despite what the letter says, you should go there as soon as possible.” Elana said. “It is a direct invitation from a nobility after all.”
“But I don’t even know where the mansion is!”
“The letter includes a map so there should be no problem. But first thing first...” Elana said before grabbing Lillie’s wrist and dragging her off.
“W-Wha..?”
“We should fix your appearance a little.”
Elana then dragged Lillie upstairs to the floor where their rooms were located and knocked on one of the doors. A few seconds later the door opened, and the one who opened it was Rocky Boreas, the navigator of Martin Alphen.
“Oh, Captain? Is there something?” He asked.
“I need to borrow the bathroom.”
“Oh, sure.”
Elana then came into the room which was clearly supposed to be more expensive than hers, having enough beds for four and its own bathroom. Ignoring the other three tenants, Elana dragged Lillie into the bathroom.
“Our military suits got the technology, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get dirty at all. And your hair reeks of dirt. When was the last time you washed your hair?”
“Uhh... I don’t know...?” Lillie replied while twiddling her fingers nervously.
Elana rolled her eyes and sighed. “We’ve got a lot of work to do.”
The next quarter of an hour was then spent on washing Lillie’s body and clothes, especially her hair which somehow consumed a great amount of shampoo before finally getting some foam. Elana washed Lillie’s hair rigorously, while the latter could only sit in acceptance.
“You should take better care of your hair.” Elana said without stopping her hands.
“Why should I? The exoskeleton’s helmet will ruin it again anyway.”
“That doesn’t mean you have to stop giving any effort at all.” Elana said with a little laugh. “Have you considered cutting it short?”
“What? No!” Lillie retorted “I like my hair as it is now.”
“Then take better care of it.”
“...Alright.”
Five minutes later, Elana came out from the bathroom and immediately looked at one of the other tenants of the room, who was the co-pilot of Martin Alphen; Annie Grant.
“Annie, you still have your ceremonial uniform, don’t you?”
“Yes, Captain. Why?” Annie tilted her head.
“Do you mind lending it to Lillie for today? Hers was lost in the crash.”
“Well, I don’t mind. But will the size fit?”
“It should. You’re only a bit taller than her after all. Other than that, both of you have similar body shape.”
“Alright, then. I will go get it.” Annie stood up from the bed she had been sitting on, and Elana went back into the bathroom.
Ten minutes later, the four tenants of the room, namely Annie, Rocky, Artemios, and Michael, didn’t hide their awe looking at Lillie, who was now wearing Annie’s ceremonial uniform. The top was a white military uniform decorated with medals and some ornaments, while the bottom was a pleated white short skirt with a thick dark blue stripe near the hemline. The bottom half of the legs were covered with a pair of knee-length black socks and a pair of white boots which reached halfway through the calves. Elana was combing Lillie’s golden hair meticulously while the others were looking at her, whose face was flushing red.
“Really looks good on you, Lillie!” Artemios said with delight.
Michael whistled quite loudly before speaking. “You’re so cute I want to cuddle you bad!”
“Took the words right out of my mouth.” Rocky said.
“Oh, please...” Lillie said. “Is this really needed?”
“Well,” Annie said with her arms folded. “You got invited to the house of a nobility. It’s natural to dress up to your utmost best even though the letter says otherwise.”
“You’re right, but...” Lillie lowered her head and lightly grasped the front hemline of her skirt with both hands. “Wearing a skirt feels weird...”
“Can’t help it. That’s the women's uniform of my division.”
“The suit also feels a little loose at the chest.”
“Well...” Annie stared at Lillie’s chest, then at her own, and then she smirked a little. “I win by one size after all.”
“Hmph...!” Lillie pouted while staring at Annie’s chest.
“Now,” Elana said, finishing the hair combing. “Put the cap on.”
As instructed, Lillie put on the military cap which paired with the uniform she was wearing. The moment she was done, the three guys expressed their delight and ecstasy in their own way. Seeing that, Annie raised her eyebrows and pouted.
“You guys never react like that when I wear those.” She said with her arms folded.
“Annie, my dear,” Artemios said with a smug face. “It’s the element of surprise. We know your uniform from the beginning, but a girl from another division wearing those? Never thought about it.”
“Guess you have a point, but it still annoys me.” Annie said.
“Alright, looking good.” Elana said, scanning over Lillie with her eyes. “You are ready.”
“Okay, but...” Lillie said while still blushing. “How do I get there?”
“It’s actually not that far.” Elana said, glancing at the map of the city projected into her vision, courtesy of the Probe Drone. “But still too far for comfort if you go there by walking. I will drive you there.”
“Wha..? You don’t have to do that, Captain!” Lillie said, refusing frantically. “That doesn’t feel right, being driven there by my superior...”
Elana folded her arms and made a smug face. “Then I command you to come with me. How does that sound now?”
“Aww... you’re unfair, Captain...” Lillie rolled her eyes with a wry smile as she spoke.
“Life is unfair. Let’s go.”
Elana and Lillie then began their trip to Mirabelle’s mansion by riding the expedition buggy which had been parked in the guild’s garage alongside the RVs belonging to the guild. On the way, most people they passed by gave curious gazes, probably thanks to how different the expedition buggy looked compared to the guild RVs.
The trip went without a snag, and about twenty minutes later they arrived at the district where the residences of the nobility were located. A wall similar to the city’s outer wall separated the districts, and there was a guarded gate for the purpose of access. This fact was mentioned in the invitation letter, so Elana was already mentally prepared.
Elana drove the buggy close to the gate, and when one of the armored guards signalled her to stop she calmly complied.
“What is the purpose of your visit to the Noble District?” The guard asked in a professional tone of speech.
Elana put up Mirabelle’s invitation letter and showed it to the guard. “I am escorting a guest who is invited by Mirabelle Lunavond.”
The guard’s body twitched very slightly upon hearing Mirabelle’s name, but he gently took the invitation letter and scanned over it for a couple seconds before returning it to Elana.
“Please deposit your identification here. It will be given back to you upon your return.” He said, handing a metal tray.
Elana in return handed her guild card. “Will this work?”
“Certainly.”
“Does the guest need to deposit her identification too?” Elana asked as she put her guild card into the tray.
“No, this one should suffice already. You may pass.”
Elana then drove the buggy past the gate, and what came into sight immediately was a street wider than the one she had previously driven through, with mansions lined up at either side. She already knew about the district’s arrangement thanks to the Probe Drone, but seeing it first hand still awed her a little.
“Woah, look at those mansions!” Lillie said in awe.
Elana, while still focusing on driving, spoke to Lillie. “Lillie, let me remind you of a few things. You are going to have an audience with a local nobility, so be mindful with how you speak. Unless given permission, don’t ask any question. Keep your speech formal even if she permits you to speak casually, and only do so if she insists.”
“Alright, Captain.” Lillie replied.
A couple minutes later, Elana arrived in front of the mansion designated in the letter. It was surrounded by a tall metal fence with a gate in front which had two armored guards stationed. Unlike the gatekeeper guard from before, the design of their armor was different. Perhaps because these two were privately owned guards instead of city officials.
The moment Elana stopped the buggy in front of the gate, one of the guards approached and spoke. “This is the residence of Lunavond Family. What is your business here?”
Elana looked at Lillie and spoke to her in lowered volume. “Practice by handling the guard here.” Lillie responded with a small nod and began speaking to the guard.
“Good morning.” Lillie greeted. “I came here to fulfill an invitation by Lady Mirabelle Lunavond. Would you like to see the invitation letter?”
“Invitation?” The guard then went silent for a brief moment before speaking again. “What is your name?”
“Lillie Frastern.”
“I see. So you are the one Lady Mirabelle informed us about. You may come in.” The guard then gave a hand signal to the other guard, who promptly opened the gate and then dashed inside.
Elana drove the buggy through the gate slowly, trying to give the dashing guard enough time. The gate was shut again behind, and for Elana it was her cue to speed up a little.
The mansion of Lunavond Family was large, but still nowhere as large as the guild building. From a glance, it could be inferred that the mansion was a wide three-story house. The distance from the gate to the mansion’s front door was somewhere between one and two hundred meters, and a gorgeous garden filled the space inbetween. Elana then stopped the buggy sideways in front of the door.
“Now get in there.” Elana said to Lillie.
“You’re not coming along, Captain?”
“You are the one invited. I will remain on standby with the car.”
“Oh, right.” Lillie said with her head slightly lowered. “Wish me luck, Captain.”
“Godspeed.”
Lillie got off the buggy and mustered her determination. Right in front of the door, the old butler Lillie was already familiar with stood by while the previously seen guard dashed back towards the gate. There were two women dressed in maid uniforms next to him.
“I bid you welcome, Lillie Frastern.” The butler, Thomas, bowed with one hand in front of his chest. The two maids followed suit.
Lillie took a deep breath before speaking in response. “Thank you for the warm welcome. I received the invitation and I came as quickly as I could.”
“Please let me guide you inside. Rest assured these two subordinates of mine will take care of your escort with utmost hospitality.”
Lillie then followed Thomas into the mansion. She didn’t want to show it, but she couldn’t help feeling astonished by the elegance and luxury of the furnishing inside. As she walked, her eyes went wide and glanced all around, feeling a bit of worry that she would accidentally break something. If that happened, the price she would have to pay for damage would be way beyond what she could possibly earn.
Soon later, Lillie found out that the mansion had a smaller garden at the back. Unlike the front garden, the flora diversity of this garden was much more prominent, having beautiful flowers blooming around a small fountain. Near the fountain, a table with two chairs was set up, and a familiar lady was already sitting elegantly on one of the chairs. She noticed Lillie’s presence and smiled warmly.
“Welcome to my home, Lillie. Please take your seat.”
Lillie’s immediate response was to bow and do a formal curtsy while replying. “I am honored to receive your invitation, Lady Mirabelle Lunavond.”
Mirabelle was startled seeing Lillie’s curtsy, while Thomas immediately turned his body around and looked away. Lillie was sure that she did the curtsy correctly, but seeing their reactions made her worry.
Mirabelle then giggled briefly before speaking to Lillie. “Lillie, there is something I must tell you. The curtsy you are doing is for when you are wearing a long skirt or trousers. If you do that with a short skirt...”
It took Lillie a few seconds before she could process Mirabelle’s words. Then, at the moment of realization, her eyes went as wide as humanly possible and her face turned as red as tomatoes.
“I-I’m sorry...! I just..! I mean!” Lillie spoke while being at loss for words. Seeing this, Mirabelle giggled again.
A minute later, Lillie was already seated on the other chair across the table from Mirabelle. Lillie’s head was lowered, her face was still flushing red to the point that one could imagine seeing steams coming out from it, and she was clasping her hands tightly on her lap.
“Here you go.” Thomas served Lillie a cup of warm tea, gently putting it next to her military cap on the table before taking a few steps back.
Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.
Lillie was still freezing up from her embarrassment, so Mirabelle spoke to her. “Take a sip before it gets cold.”
Lillie reluctantly complied, taking the cup of tea and drinking a sip from it. The warmth of the tea combined with the flavor induced a feeling of relaxation on Lillie, helping her to cope with the embarrassment.
“Have you calmed down?” Mirabelle asked with a warm smile.
Lillie took a deep breath before replying with bowed head. “I’m deeply sorry for the shameful display I just did.”
“It is all right.” Mirabelle replied. “I’m the one who should apologize for making you come on short notice, even though I never meant to require so.”
“No, you’re not at fault. Captain Mayer told me that I should come immediately, and I couldn’t speak against her.”
“I see.” Mirabelle gently nodded and took a sip from her own tea cup. “In any case, you look very presentable today. Although, I want to make a guess that your attire was lent to you.”
Lillie was startled hearing Mirabelle’s correct guess, and by reflex she asked. “How did you know?”
Mirabelle laughed in a classy way briefly before giving her answer. “The way you did your curtsy was truthfully very refined, as if you are used to doing it. But looking at what happened, I assume that your outfit now isn’t what you’re used to.”
“Ah, yes...” Lillie lowered her head and put her right hand behind it. “You’re correct. This ceremonial uniform was lent to me.”
“By the way, don’t hesitate to enjoy the sweets as well.” Mirabelle said, looking at the selection of sweets arranged on the table and taking one.
“You’re too kind, Lady Mirabelle.” Lillie said. “But I shall accept your offer with gratitude.”
Mirabelle giggled again. “You don’t need to push yourself to speak so formally. Speak as you are, and address me with just Mira, like Her Majesty does.”
“No, I can’t do that.” Lillie shook her head. “That won’t feel right.”
“I insist.” Mirabelle said with a smile.
“I-I’ll comply with the first part.” Lillie said with a bit of a stutter. “I can’t compromise on the latter part. There’s no way a commoner like me can address Lady Mirabelle with just a shortened name.”
“Fair enough.” Mirabelle said. “Now let’s move to the main point.”
Upon hearing what Mirabelle had just said, Thomas stepped forward and handed her a sealed envelope. She put it right in front of her on the table, and then she began speaking with a straight facial expression.
“Truth to be told, after our encounter back then I went to the Royal Palace and met Her Majesty again. Putting aside the official business discussion we had, she told me a few things about you, and I mean your group as a whole.”
“I hope she said good things about us.”
Mirabelle smiled before replying. “She wanted to, but she still didn’t know much about you. All she knew so far was that you are survivors of a fallen airship coming from a very far away place.”
“That’s right...” Lillie said with her head lowered.
“I’m sorry for your loss. It must have been hard for all of you.”
“Yes, I can’t deny that.” Lillie raised her head, showing a facial expression which displayed nothing but a full resolve. “But we, the living ones, all made a promise to live on and make the most of the lives we have been allowed to keep. We will survive and someday find a way to return home.”
Mirabelle made a small nod and smiled. “I knew that my expectation was not misplaced. Please take this.” She then picked up the sealed envelope and handed it to Lillie, who received it with visible confusion displayed on her expression.
“What’s this?”
“The reward I promised for your deed yesterday. Give it to Guildmaster Keith and he will know what to do with it.”
“Oh, alright. Thank you for your generosity.”
“It is a reward you deserve.” Mirabelle said. “Now, will it trouble you to tell me more about yourself? Specifically, the power you used to help me.”
“It’s not a secret stuff or such, so there’s no problem.” Lillie said. “That was my exoskeleton suit. While wearing it I can lift heavy objects more easily. It’s mainly for wielding heavy weapons, but there are more applications like what happened yesterday.”
“That’s interesting. Is that a technology from your home?”
“That’s right.”
“Tell me more.”
The conversation between Lillie and Mirabelle continued, and before they knew it the sun was already high in the sky and most of the sweets on the table were gone.
“Oh, look at the time.” Mirabelle said, glancing at the sky. “Do you want to join me for lunch?”
“No.” Lillie shook her head. “I have taken too much of your time already. It’s time for me to go home. Thank you for your hospitality.”
“Alright. Safe travels out there.”
Lillie was then escorted away by Thomas from the backyard garden, leaving Mirabelle sitting alone. As she watched Lillie going away, she smiled and spoke to herself in a low volume.
“She definitely passed. I should make my move as soon as possible.”
***
Less than half an hour later, Lillie and Elana were back in the guild building. The expedition buggy was once again parked alongside the guild RVs.
“Captain.” Lillie said as she stepped off the buggy. “Is it really alright for us to use the guild’s parking space?”
“Keith allowed it, free of charge for two weeks like our rooms.” Elana replied as she also stepped off. “I will have it dismantled by then if our income can’t cover for it.”
“Ah, speaking of Keith, do you think I should give this to him now, Captain?” Lillie asked while raising the sealed envelope to Elana’s view.
“At least asking if he’s available shouldn’t hurt.”
“Right, I’ll do just that.”
Leaving Elana, Lillie then immediately went to the main hall and approached one of the receptionists who happened to be available.
“Good day. How may I help you?” The staff, a female one, greeted professionally.
“Is the Guildmaster available? There is something I want to deliver to him.”
“Oh yes, I’m available alright!” Suddenly the person in question spoke delightfully from behind and gave Lillie a hard pat on the shoulder. “Nice look you got there today!”
“Ehh... Yeah...” Lillie replied with her face beginning to turn red again.
“So what do you have for me? Let’s have a seat over there first, though.” Keith said, pointing at a nearby set of a table and four chairs.
“A-Alright.” Lillie said, complying with the suggestion.
A short time later, both Keith and Lillie were seated across each other over a table. Lillie couldn’t help being a little worried about the chair Keith was sitting on, being visibly too small for Keith’s huge body.
Nevertheless, Lillie quickly handed the sealed envelope to Keith. “This. Lady Mirabelle said that this is my reward, and you would know what to do with it.”
“Oh.” Keith received the envelope and opened it. “I can make a good guess what this is... Yup, indeed it is.”
“What is it?” Lillie asked.
“Proof of Recognition.” Keith replied. “In short, the guild will now recognize you as an adventurer recognized by a nobility. In this case, the Lunavond Family.”
“So, what exactly do I gain from it?”
“Gimme a minute.” Keith replied, pulling out a small notebook from his shirt pocket. He browsed through several pages before he spoke again. “In the case of the Lunavond Family, there are two benefits. First, successful quests will net you additional reward money. Second, if you successfully pass a promotion test the fee will be refunded. Mind you, in both cases Lunavond Family will ultimately be the one covering the money involved.”
“Oh, wow...” Lillie said in slight awe.
“But there is a catch.” Keith said.
“Do you mean like, I have to work for them or something?”
“You’re still as free as ever.” Keith said. “But now that you know about this, what would you do if someday the Lunavond Family puts up a request by name on you?”
“Aah...” Lillie said with her eyes going a bit wider, immediately getting the implication. “I’ll feel obliged to accept because I’m indebted to them for the benefits they granted. Pretty much the same as working for them.”
“Exactly.” Keith pointed his finger at Lillie with a grin on his face. “Still, you don’t need to worry that much about it. There has never been any particularly bad cases regarding adventurers who have Noble Recognitions and their affiliated families. There are some iffy cases, but don’t think too hard. Just take good care of yourself out there.”
“Right!” Lillie nodded with a determined face.
“That’s the spirit! Also, congratulations for getting a Noble Recognition on your second day as an adventurer!” Keith gave Lillie several hard pats on the shoulder while laughing heartily.
“I was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time.”
“So what? A lot of things in life come down to luck!” Keith laughed again. “Anyway, I will take care of this right away. Is there anything else?”
“Ah, no. Thank you for your time!” Lillie replied. Keith then stood up and left the table, bringing the Proof of Recognition letter with him.
Lillie then also stood up and immediately went upstairs to Annie’s room in order to return the ceremonial uniform and go back to wearing her own military suit. After what had happened back in Mirabelle’s mansion, she felt that she didn’t want to wear the uniform for any longer.
***
Another night passed, and morning came once again. The rest of the previous day had ended up fruitless for Lillie and others who hadn’t managed to get any quests. The quests taken by Blitz Squad and Demolition Squad were still ongoing, so they all went out right after breakfast. Meanwhile, Lillie along with Elana and other remaining squad leaders went to the quest board again like the previous day.
After browsing for half a minute, Valeria suddenly took one of the posted quest papers. “A restaurant needs a kitchen assistant for five days starting tomorrow. One silver coin each day. Maybe I can do this one.”
“Kitchen assistant sounds vague.” Theo remarked. “Any more details written there?”
“Well...” Valeria read the paper in her hand more thoroughly. “Washing dishes and utensils, cleaning, moving things over, basically an odd-job. No actual kitchen skill required.”
“...As I thought. Bring at least one guy along.”
“Yeah, I know.” Valeria replied. “How about you?”
“Eh? What did you say?”
“Let’s take this together. Got any objections?”
“Uhh, well, not really but...”
“That’s settled then! Let’s go!” Valeria then took Theo’s hand and dragged him to the quest counters, while Elana and other squad leaders just watched with a smile and a little sigh.
The remainder of the group continued browsing the quest board a little more before Elana noticed something at the front door.
“That’s Thomas, isn’t it?” Elana said, glancing at the old man who just went through the door and was now walking straight towards the counters.
“What business does he have here?” Lillie asked right before her eyes went wider. “Oh, don’t tell me-!”
Elana folded her arms while keeping her eyes at Thomas. “Don’t worry, Lillie. If that’s going to be the case, leave all the talking to me.”
“Yes, Lillie. Don’t worry.” Billy said. “Captain and I will make sure you won’t get coerced by crafty wordplays or such.”
“You sound like they’re gonna force me to do dirty work.” Lillie laughed a little. “But thank you.”
The trio then moved away from the quest board and kept their eyes on Thomas, who was now speaking to a guild staff behind the counter next to the one Valeria and Theo was using. Seeing the opportunity, Elana called Valeria silently through the short range communication feature.
“Keep acting natural, and pay attention to the old man to your left. If he mentions Lillie’s name, notify me.”
Elana whispered through the link, and Valeria didn’t show any reaction, which was exactly what Elana had instructed. However, just less than ten seconds later, Elana felt her wristwatch vibrating for a split second. Valeria had called her and cut the call immediately after.
“I see.” Elana said. “Thomas indeed mentioned Lillie’s name to the receptionist. It is highly probable that there’s going to be a request by name.”
“So, what should we do, Captain?” Lillie asked.
“Let’s approach him and hear him out directly.” Elana replied. “He probably has noticed us all anyway since our suits stand out.”
“Alright, Captain.” Lillie said, and the group walked over to Thomas, who noticed them coming.
“Good morning, Thomas. Nice to see you again.” Elana greeted.
“Why, yes. Good morning. You came at the most fortunate time.” Thomas greeted back with a smile. “To tell you the truth, I’m registering a request by name on Lillie.”
Elana folded her arms and spoke to Thomas with a slightly intimidating glare. “Forgive my impertinence, but Lillie is my subordinate and it is my duty to keep her safe. Making a request by name right after rewarding her with a Noble Recognition naturally makes me wary.”
“Yes, I understand it very well.” Thomas replied without being fazed. “If you refuse on her behalf, I will have no choice but to find someone else. However, would you at least hear me out on what the request is?”
“That is my intention.” Elana said. “I need to have a good idea on what the quest is before I make my decision.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Thomas said.
Soon after, Thomas along with Elana, Lillie, and the present squad leaders were gathered in a room which had several comfortable seats surrounding a rectangular table, on which a pitcher of water and a number of glasses had been placed.
Everyone took their seats, and Elana was the first to speak. “Now we’re all ears. Please explain the content of the quest.”
“Certainly.” Thomas bowed a bit before resuming. “Viscountess Mirabelle Lunavond oversees a territory which includes a twin mountain, from which iron ores were mined until five years ago when it was abandoned. Recently a plan to revive the mine was proposed, and to follow up on that a survey is going to be conducted soon. It is for the purpose of that survey we request your assistance.”
“What kind of assistance?”
“After being abandoned for years, we expect that parts of the mine may have collapsed and got blocked by debris. Cleaning debris is a labor-intensive work, and that shall be where Lillie comes in.”
“I see.” Elana said. “You have witnessed the strength of Lillie’s exoskeleton, so you expect her to be capable of moving heavy debris around easily.”
“Yes, that is indeed the case.” Thomas said. “Pardon me if I have made mistakes in my assumption.”
“No, you’re not wrong.” Elana folded her arms, crossed one leg over the other, and leaned to her seat. “Lillie is the leader of the squad I’m always proud of when it comes to heavy lifting. I’m sure she has told you and Mirabelle a thing or two about her capabilities yesterday. However, I need to ask for more information about this quest before I can decide whether I will let her accept it or not.”
“Certainly. If it is within my knowledge, I shall provide all the answers you seek.”
“For starters, it is when, where, and how.” Elana said.
Remaining with his professional attitude, Thomas answered. “The aforementioned twin mountain is located towards the south. A carriage ride departing in the morning will arrive at dusk. The round-trip transportation will be arranged by the Lunavond Family, and we can depart first thing in the morning after you are ready.”
“I see.” Elana made a small nod. “You said that the mine has been abandoned for five years. What was the cause of the abandonment in the first place? In addition, is there a risk of it being occupied by dangerous wildlife or used as a bandit hideout?”
“The initial cause of abandonment was an accident where a vein of toxic gas was burst. The gas released from the vein filled the tunnels within a short time, causing the death of many miners. Recently there have been signs that the vein has exhausted its toxic gas, therefore the revival was proposed. Due to having been filled with toxic gas, we are sufficiently confident that the risk of dangerous wildlife or bandits is minimal.”
“So the most apparent risk is the remnants of the toxic gas.” Elana said. “Who will be doing the survey, and how many people?”
“A team of surveyors escorted by a platoon of Lunavond private soldiers will be going, totaling about 25 people. The plan is to set up camp outside the mine area while the surveys are conducted, which is expected to take somewhere between three to five days depending on what they will uncover inside.”
“Hmm...” Elana lowered her head briefly before looking at Lillie. “What do you say?”
“I will follow your orders, Captain.” Lillie replied, which prompted Elana to close her eyes and sigh with a slight smile.
“Alright. I will let her accept your request.” Elana said, which made Thomas’ eyes go wider for a brief moment. “On one condition. You must hire not only Lillie, but also her squad members and me.”
Thomas didn’t look any more surprised hearing Elana’s stated conditions. “Why, certainly. In the first place our intention was to hire multiple people from your group, not just Lillie alone.”
“I’m glad that we are on the same page.” Elana smiled as she spoke.
Later, after some further discussions about the reward of the quest, Thomas and Lillie left the room to officially register the quest as being accepted. Elana leaned to her seat again and let out a small sigh before looking at Billy.
“Billy, perform maintenance on Mountain Squad’s equipment.”
“Yes, Captain.” Billy said, giving a salute before leaving the room as well.
“Valeria, Theo, I will be gone for a while along with Mountain Squad starting tomorrow. Take the lead together in the meantime.”
“Affirmative, Captain,” Valeria and Theo replied in unison.
Elana stood up from her seat and walked out of the room. The next morning would be the beginning of her first major quest on this planet, and she had to be ready for anything that could possibly happen.