The luxurious vehicle finally rolled to a gentle halt before a large, iron-wrought gate. The gate itself seemed like it belonged to royalty, covered with intricate carvings and arcane inscriptions that shimmered faintly with mana.
As the vehicle approached, the gate creaked open with a smooth, almost silent motion, as though anticipating their arrival.
Beyond the gate lay a vast expanse of land. Neatly trimmed gardens, exotic magical plants, and crystalline fountains decorated the estate grounds. The paved path wound through this paradise-like terrain, eventually leading to a grand mansion at its heart. The building towered before them with its high arched windows, white marble walls, and golden rooftops glinting in the sunlight.
The moment the vehicle stopped in front of the mansion, the door swung open almost instantly. Elliot was the first to step out, though he looked far from composed. He let out a long, dramatic sigh as he stretched his arms and stepped onto the paved path.
"I don't think even a Sage-level warrior could've survived sitting between you two," he muttered, his face weary.
Behind him, Shirou and Amelia stepped out—mid-argument. Their playful banter abruptly ended as they, too, laid eyes on the mansion.
"Whoa..." Shirou blinked.
Amelia's mouth was slightly agape. "Okay, I knew he was rich, but this... this is next level."
In front of them stood a mansion so magnificent, it looked like it had been plucked out of a storybook. The structure exuded elegance and power. Ivy-draped gracefully from balconies, the windows gleamed as if cleaned daily by magic, and the surrounding garden was filled with flora Shirou didn't even recognize.
Darwin, ever composed, stepped forward. "This way, please."
The trio followed Darwin through massive double doors carved with the emblem of a phoenix rising from mana flames. The entrance hall was just as opulent as the exterior. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead, and the floor was polished obsidian with mana-infused patterns that glowed softly beneath their feet. The air smelled faintly of jasmine and sandalwood.
They were led into a grand sitting room with velvet-cushioned sofas and a large mana fire crackling in a white stone fireplace.
Amelia immediately sank into one of the couches. "This... this feels like heaven."
Darwin gave a polite nod. "Please wait here. I will inform Sir Lucas of your arrival."
He walked away, leaving the three of them alone.
Shirou slumped beside Amelia, running his fingers along the smooth armrest. "Seriously... who is this guy? This place is insane."
"You think the mansion is expensive? Wait till you hear how much he's paying," Amelia said, lowering her voice.
Shirou raised an eyebrow. "Well?"
She smirked. "Fifty gold aether."
"Fifty? For a D-rank mission?" Shirou sat upright, blinking. "Do people spend that much on a D-rank mission? Isn't it kind of too expensive "
Elliot leaned forward, looking equally baffled. "D-rank missions usually go for a handful of twenty gold coins to maybe thirty at most. Either Sir Lucas has no concept of money... or he has more than he knows what to do with.
Amelia leaned closer "Either he is dumb or crazy rich"
"Could be both," Shirou commented dryly.
"So, what is this mission exactly?" Shirou asked.
Before Amelia could reply, a group of staff entered the room, moving with silent precision. They placed silver trays with drinks on the table in front of them, gave a respectful bow, and exited without a word.
Shirou picked up a glass and examined it. Even the glass looked like it cost more than his entire wardrobe. He took a sip. The drink was chilled and sweet and carried a hint of mana within it.
"Okay, now I have to know what this guy's deal is," Shirou muttered.
Elliot finally provided some answers. "From what Darwin mentioned earlier, Sir Lucas is a businessman. Mostly deals in rare materials and magical items. Apparently, a group of thugs have been robbing his shipments. Our job is to stop them."
Shirou frowned. "And we don't know what exactly we're protecting? Isn't that suspicious? What if it's something illegal?"
Elliot leaned back. "Good question. But missions like this are submitted through the Guild Organisation. Sir Lucas gave the mission to them, and Amelia applied for it from there. Darwin approved it."
Amelia nodded. "Yeah. The guild acts as a filter. They wouldn't let a shady mission pass, especially not one that pays this well."
"Still feels weird not knowing what we're protecting," Shirou said.
Elliot shrugged. "Agreed. But if my guess is correct, Lucas will personally tell us what the item is before we start our job."
Shirou folded his arms. "And why are we at his house then? If it's a product-related job, shouldn't we be guarding a warehouse or factory?"
Elliot tapped his chin. "Exactly what I was thinking."
"Maybe he's just one of those eccentric rich guys who doesn't step out of his mansion," Amelia suggested with a shrug.
They didn't have long to ponder. The sound of approaching footsteps drew their attention toward the hallway.
An older man, likely in his sixties, stepped into the room. His white robe shimmered with golden threads and tiny gems. His hair, though greying, was neatly combed back, and his face held the calm confidence of someone used to commanding authority. Even his skin looked flawless, as if untouched by time.
Darwin followed behind him with his hands respectfully folded behind his back.
Sir Lucas seated himself in a high-backed chair across from them. "I hope the ride wasn't too rough."
"Not at all," Elliot responded politely.
Lucas nodded. "Good. You'll be staying here at the mansion for the duration of the mission. Each of you will have your own room. Meals will be provided. You're free to store your personal belongings in your assigned quarters."
He paused, his voice shifting into a more serious tone.
"The thugs usually strike at night. So, your patrols will begin after sunset. However, if they happen to appear during the day, you are expected to act accordingly. Darwin will show you to your rooms shortly."
As Lucas was about to rise from his seat, Elliot cleared his throat. "Sir, may we know what it is we're actually protecting?
Lucas blinked. "Ah, right. I nearly forgot."
He gestured to the windows. "You see the fields surrounding this estate? They're not just decorative gardens. They produce something incredibly rare—something few in the world can cultivate."
He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "This estate is one of the few places in the world where mana stones are naturally grown."
Shirou's eyes widened.
Elliot sat up straight
Amelia's jaw dropped.
Lucas smiled, pleased by their reactions. "Now you understand why I hired protection. These stones are worth more than their weight in gold. And people will kill for them."