Chapter 309 The Maid
After gathering everyone together, they returned to the noble's estate with the cat in hand. When they arrived at the gates, no one was there; however, there was a bell that they could ring to announce their presence to the residents inside. Liam was holding the cat, so Brian struck the bell. Its sound echoed loudly with the other bells throughout the residence, creating a cascade of tolls that resonated from within the estate.
Not long after the last bell finished ringing, someone from the estate approached the gate. It was a woman in uniform. Once she was within speaking distance, still well-guarded behind the gates, she asked imposingly, "What is the reason for your visit? If you do not have a valid reason, we will have to ask you to leave."
Brian answered without hesitation, saying, "We have come because of the quest assigned to us by the Alliance." He then whispered to Aleshia to bring out the quest sheet. "If I may approach the gates, I will provide you with the written document."
After some consideration, the maid agreed. "Very well, you may approach and place the form through the mail slot. This measure is in place to protect the people who work at the estate, as they may lack the strength to defend themselves against those who might take advantage. It aims to reduce the risk of harm caused by unscrupulous individuals with little connection to the estate preying on the well-meaning," the maid explained.
Brian nodded in understanding as Aleshia handed him the form. He walked up to the gate and found the mail slot the maid had mentioned, and pushed the paper through the flap, which closed behind it. Afterward, he returned to his party, while the maid moved to collect what he had deposited.
After reviewing the document, the maid responded, "Very well, I have confirmed the authenticity of this quest and the mark it bears. Please state your business. Are you looking for information?"
"No, we do not need any information," Brian clarified, maintaining a calm tone. "We have come because we have completed the tasks outlined in the quest and would like to return the cat we found and receive our reward."
The maid looked doubtful, asking, "Can you show me the cat so I can see it? Then I will return to the estate with some people to check it over."