At noon.
I was in my room resting on the bed.
Knock! Knock! knock!
I sat up instantly. According to the map, it was Woody. I cancelled the alarm and opened the door. He was standing there.
Woody " I am glad that you are here."
Usman " Why? Did something happen?"
Woody" Yeah, the lord called for you and your party."
Usman" For what?"
Woody" Why not I tell you when you are down with her?"
Usman" Alright."
Woody" Then, I am going downstairs."
When he left. I went to Firuza's room and knocked on the door.
Firuza " Y...yes."
Usman " It's me. Please come out. It's something important."
Firuza" I am... coming."
After few minutes, she came out.
Firuza" What's going on?"
Usman " Woody came to me. He said Baron has summoned us."
Firuza" Baron?! Why?"
Usman" It's a hunch but I think for the same reason old lady called me."
Firuza" You mean.... against the alliance."
I nodded.
Usman" Let's go."
Then, we went downstairs. Woody was sitting on a empty table. We moved forward and sat. Growlithe sat on ground besides me.
Usman " So, you have my party. Now, speak."
Woody " You are a Cr 6, now?" He asked me.
I nodded.
Woody" No doubt, he called you."
Firuza ' Usman was right.'
Usman" When, we are summoned."
Woody " At dinner, tonight."
Usman" Sure."
Woody " Alright. Then, reach on time. See ya."
He went out the tavern.
Firuza" It seems, you were right."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At Baron's house
Baron Ucra was in his study, reading some letters.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Van" Come in!"
A servant elf came in.
Servant " My lord. Woody has done his job. The boy and his party will be here this evening."
Van" Good. Complete preparations."
Servant" Yes."
In evening
We were outside Ucra's house. Guards opened the gate. We went in. Servants escorted us to Baron's study. He was sitting on a wooden chair. Mostly everything was made of fine wood.
Van" Thanks for coming. Please have a seat."
We sat down.
Van" First, I would like to thank you for saving my life and people you saved in recent days."
Usman" I did what any southern in my place would do."
Van" Yes. Usman, right? I have learnt about you. You make quite a progress. But I would like to know about your party members if you don't mind." He said with narrow eyes.
I looked at Firuza.
Firuza " I am, Firuza Fironova, Viscountess of Umbar White and Leader of the North Bureaucratic Council."
Van" WHAT?! What a noble like in his party?"
Firuza" I am doing my own duty as druid."
Her charm shone in response.
Van" My...words... what you were doing in north?"
Firuza" He was fighting against something like alliance here. Isn't that the reason, you called him here?"
Van" So, it something like that happened in north. I see. No doubt, he became strong."
He looked at Growlithe.
Usman" Growlithe, a guardian beast, I am in contact with."