Sebastian put on a sheepish expression. "Ah, well, you know how it is. I ran into some... complications on the road. I thought I'd come back and pick up a few supplies before trying again."
Richard raised an eyebrow but didn't press the issue. He was smart and understood he had to pay attention to what he said and what he asked. Instead, he turned to the guards. "Can I know what the problem is?"
"He was outside of the refuge, and we had never seen him."
"How the fuck didn't you see him? He worked with me for months!"
"So, are you confirming this is indeed your apprentice?" One of the guards asked.
"Yes, this is my apprentice."
The guards relaxed at Richard's confirmation. If he was an Armament maker's apprentice, it meant he was a crafter too. They were searching for a Grave Whisperer, not a crafter, and that put them at ease.
"Alright then," the lead guard said. "You're free to enter the Refuge. Don't mess up."
