"Look sir butler, I know that we Immortal Warriors don't have much of a reputation, but to suspect us based on the previous people who have come before us is quite unjust. My companions and I, after spending our precious time trying to find this object, have encountered nothing but trouble from the Caspallian house after trying to return something. First, we are met with a rude and questionable guard, and then we are suspected and threatened by a butler. My impression of this noble house is going down the longer I stay here, so I would prefer if you stopped wasting my time and took me somewhere to appraise the heirloom."
Upon hearing Connor's speech, the butler's face contorts as he flushes red in anger.
"Y-you! How can you show such disrespect to me and this noble house!"
Connor frowns deeply and answers.
"Because respect is earnt, not just freely given. And so far, despite the good things I was told about this family, nothing I have seen has given me any reason to respect you."
Hearing this, the butler starts to shout hysterically.
"How dare you! Guards, capture these f-"
The young butler is interrupted by a shout from an older gentleman who is also wearing a butler's uniform identical to the young butler; however, his hair is grey and swept back.
"What in the name of the gods is going on here!"
Hearing the voice behind him, the young butler turns around with and starts to explain.
"Mr. Clause, I apologise for the disruption, these two have come to the Caspallian mansion claiming to have possession of the lost heirloom and have threatened Sir Hendrik and the Caspallian family that the Immortal Adventures will attack us if we do not comply."
Upon the young butler's words, Clause frowns and looks towards Connor with a look expecting an explanation.
"Good, I'm glad the head butler is finally here. I apologise for the disruption. I came to return the lost heirloom of the Caspallian family, however upon arriving at the gates I felt quite uncomfortable with showing this guard the item in question since I get quite a bad vibe from him, not to mention his blatant rudeness. So, instead I requested to have a private meeting, to which I was told that a commoner like myself should go away."
With a massive sigh emphasising his exasperation, Connor continues.
"After turning to leave, I commented on the guard's negligence to confirm the validity of my claim, which caused the guard to draw his sword on me."
The rude guard's anger flares at this point as he started to shout, claiming that Connor is lying only to be silenced with a glare from the butler.
"Please continue."
Now with a chance to speak again, Connor continues recounting the last few minutes.
"Well, after he drew his sword, I replied in kind, explaining that we are immortal and that his rude behaviour will only earn the ire of the other Immortal Warriors when they hear about this. The guard then decided to avoid this trouble and went to get this young butler here, who promptly continued to suspect me. After pointing out how unjust that was, he started threatening me again. And then you turned up."
Letting out a deep sigh, the butler holds his head with one hand.
"Very well. Hendrik, Oliver, you are dismissed. Return to your quarters at once."
Looking towards the guard remaining at his station, the butler gives his orders.
"Hern, I want you to make a full report to me when you are off duty. I shall get to the bottom of this."
Seeing the guard nod, the butler turns to Connor and Marie. Marie is currently struck silent watching all the fighting and debating going on around her, not wanting to get involved.
With a bow of apology, the butler gestures towards the front doors of the mansion with his palm.
"Please come this way so I can confirm that you have the heirloom. I apologise for the disrespect that those two have shown. However, I do ask you to refrain from any comments that may seem like a threat, as many of those around this mansion have much pride in the Caspillian family and can get… quite worked up when hearing such things."
Taking a deep breath to calm himself down, Connor flashes his usual confident smile.
"I can completely understand that sentiment, the group I am with is very similar, we take pride in our comradery and would react in a similar fashion if unjustly threatened."
Giving a slight frown at the response while understanding the underlying message Connor is trying to convey, Clause leads the two into the mansion covered in extravagant décor as he guides them into a beautiful waiting room.
Sitting down opposite them after ordering the maids to bring some refreshments, Clause's face turns serious.
"So, can you present the item to me so I can confirm its validity? The Lady of the house dearly misses the necklace as it is the only memento from her late mother, and I would personally be overjoyed if it really is found."
With a nod, Connor brings the item out, the medium sized damaged box appearing in his hands as he places it on the table.
"We found it at the depths of the water at the end of the main quay in the docks. The box has received some water damage and the heirloom needs some polishing, but other than that it remains undamaged from what my untrained eyes can tell."
Opening the box, Clause gasps as he reverently takes the beautiful ruby necklace out of the box, the signs of nature's influence obvious on the item. The necklace looks slightly worn with algae growing over the metal. The ruby is massive, making Connor wonder how heavy the necklace must feel when worn.
Bringing the necklace up to the light, Clause carefully examines the item before a massive smile appears on his face.
"It seems your words are indeed correct; this is the missing heirloom from 6 years ago. I must inquire, how were you able to locate this item having not been in this world for long?"
Having expected this question, Connor repeats the explication that Chester suggested he use.
"Well, you see, the leader of our group has the ability to foresee things that happen in the future and identify the location of certain things in the present. One of the many tasks we were given by our leader when arriving in this world was to find and return this item to the Caspallian family."
Resting his thumb and finger on his chin, Clause thinks deeply. After a brief moment of silence, he then speaks, a certain confidence can be heard in his voice.
"I see, very well. Please excuse me for a minute so I may relay to the Marquess this great news."
After walking out, two maids come and serve Connor and Marie tea while they wait. After a short 5 minutes Clause returns walking behind a well-dressed man. His attire clearly sets him apart as a noble, his shoes are made from well polished leather and his neat suit holds traces of fashion trends from older time periods on earth such as the layered ruffles on his white shirt.
Walking in with a massive smile the man makes his way over and introduces himself.
"Greetings, I am Marquess Jasper Caspallian, a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
After confirming that he is right, Connor flashes Marie a look, standing up and bowing. Marie quickly realises the meaning behind Connor's glance and quickly follows him into an awkward bow.
"Greeting Marquess Caspallian, my name is Connor, Representative of Duke Branford, the lord of a Duchy in the homeland where we Immortal Adventures live. Next to me is Marie, one of our comrades."
With his eyes opening in mild surprise, Marquess Caspallian bows his head slightly.
"Oh, you are representatives of a duke? That's quite unexpected. I apologise for the disrespect my guard and junior butler showed you earlier."
Connor puts his hand up to stop the Marquess from apologising.
"No need for such concerns. There is a separate issue regarding that which our leader told us they will personally come later on to speak to you."
With a raised eyebrow Marquess Caspallian makes a comment regarding his increasing curiosity as he sits down.
"Oh, might this have something to do with the ability of future sight that helped you find the missing necklace?"
With a confident smile, Connor gives a single nod.
"Indeed. Our leader will come over to see you in the next few days, so don't worry yourself too much."
With a pleased smile, Marquees Caspallian leans back into the sofa.
"The way you are talking about your leader makes them seem quite… mysterious."
With a self-deprecating laugh, Connor agrees.
"Yes, you're certainly not wrong. You see, when we first travelled to this world, we all arrived in random locations. However, on our group's descent we met with a goddess named Fortuna who claimed our leader encountered some… trouble shall we say, and we can't yet confirm their situation. I am not sure if that actually was the goddess Fortuna or not, but until I see proof of what she claims I am not jumping to conclusions.
With a slightly bewildered yet approving nod, the Marquess replies.
"The goddess of fortune?! My word, that is quite some tale. Well, I commend your pragmatic attitude, it will help to take you far in this world. Anyway, let's leave those issues for later. At the moment, we still have your reward to discuss."
Giving the Marquess a confident smile, Connor speaks first.
"I saw that the guild was offering a large 120 gold reward for the successful return of the item, however, we have a slightly different proposal. Instead, we ask for just 20 gold, a favour, and the chance to discuss a lucrative business deal."