I head to the guild early in the morning to report my quest to Miss Holly. There are few people there, so settling all reporting and whatnot should be fast.
"Ah! Good morning, Mr Rainier. Are you here to report on the quest?"
"Yes. Regarding that."
I explained from the beginning, and she was surprised by my findings. As for the elf girl, I leave that out for now. Miss Holly jotted down every detail of my explanation before she reported this to the guild master. When that is done, I am rewarded with some gold coins even though this is just an investigation quest, which supposedly the reward is not much. But the danger I faced and my safe return should be rewarded significantly.
"With that done, would you like to partake another quest?"
"About that. Not at the moment. I got something else to do."
"Is that so? Though I am curious Mr Rainier. What do you do during your free time?"
That question caught me off guard. How should I tell her? I cannot tell her I am researching artifacts and stuff like that. I could say I read some books to pass the time, but that would be suspicious for her since I do not go to the local city library.
"You know what! Forget what I asked. That was rude of me to ask about your personal matter. Anyway! I'll be seeing you later."
She smiled before proceeding to assist the next adventurer. Lucky me, I suppose. When I was about to take my leave, I saw Derrick and some city soldiers entering the guild. They were being led by a high-ranking officer, judging by his uniform. I caught Derrick's attention, but he said nothing, only to show displeasure over me. To think he is behaving himself, unlike yesterday. Whatever, I left the building for good. Once I arrive in one of the city's alleys, I cast Stealth and Silence Tread before turning into another corner. Making sure no one is following me as I head back home. Once home, I still keep my magic on me. Head straight to the mansion's library before undoing the spell I cast. At the corner, I saw a vision of myself reading a book and sitting comfortably on a couch. That is just an illusion to begin with. But the problem with that is that it cannot talk nor interact to begin with.
This is a problem. I need to find a way to create a livable being like myself whenever I leave the premises.
Even though my family rarely visits the library, there are times when the servants come over here to do some cleaning or call me when there is a matter to attend to, such as dinner. Once again, I undo the illusion spell, taking its place as I prepare for my work—researching and stuff alike.
"Hello? Anyone there? Mr Crystal. Hello?"
Oh? It's that time already.
That will be the crystal ball that I communicate with my colleagues. As of now, I wish to remain anonymous. Such is my name, Crystal.
"I am here. How are you today?"
"Never been better. How's the research on the artifact we sent last week?"
"It is finished. I managed to restore it to what I was supposed to do."
"Brilliant!" The person on the other side exclaimed happily. "So...what does it do?"
"It's simply a light—a fancy lamp for lighting up the room or creating a soft, radiance warm light to relax oneself."
It was momentarily paused. Then, the person clears his throat before continuing.
"Are you pulling my leg, Mr Crystal?"
"Nope. I'm serious. This is what I found out about it, according to the ancient texts and scriptures that I dig around here."
"Urmm...whatever you say...So!" He moves to the next thing. "The usual?"
"Yes, yes. I'll deliver them in the same place, same time."
The delivery of the artifact. I usually do it at night when not many people are present at the meeting place. I have been doing that since I took this job—not as Leo or Rainier but as the anonymous Mr Crystal. The communication ended, and I was free to do anything I wanted until the appointed time.
"Young master. Pardon me." A maidservant greeted me before bowing to me. "His lordship wishes to see you in his office."
The same maid from yesterday. I guess she is pretty much assigned to me, huh?
"Very well. I'll be there."
"Then allow me to guide you to his office, young master."
"Excuse me?" I was puzzled for a second there.
"Young master? Is something the matter?"
I said nothing, simply shaking my head. That was strange. Usually, the other servants merely take their leave, leaving me to go all by myself, which is my norm. I wonder what made this particular maid to go such length. Though honestly, for some reason, I felt happy. Someone is treating me like usual. It did not take long until I reached outside my father's office. The maid announces my arrival, stepping aside before bowing at me like usual.
"You called for me, father?" I entered before closing the door behind me.
"I'll get straight to the point. We got an invitation from the royal family for their youngest daughter's birthday. Honestly, I don't want you to go, but we cannot keep saying you are too ill to attend."
"Father. My coming of age is coming around the corner. One way or another, I need to attend that at least."
"Yes, yes." He does not seem interested in it. "Also, that damn hair colour of yours. The noble will surely make a mockery of me and my lineage. You ought to dye it or wear a wig or something!"
"I understand..."
Is he still talking about my hair colour? Perhaps I can make my father proud of what I have been doing all this while—appraising ancient artifacts. This will surely make the nobles proud of my contribution to the country and my family lineage.
"I'll put on a wig for such an event and reveal my passion for artifact appraisal. Surely, this will make you proud, and it will boost our family reputation as well."
"Sure, you do that. Just make sure you don't reveal your hair. No one outside of this household knows the truth! You got it, boy!"
"Yes, sir. I understand. I will not let you down."
I bow at him before taking my leave. I was told the event will take place in a week. It will be at night since most events are held at that time. I have some time to spare. Doing some side job as an adventurer. The appraiser and delivery of the upcoming artifact which will be tomorrow. Yeah. I have time to prepare for the event.