Chapter 311 Lord's Invitation
Brian politely declined the lord's invitation, stating, "We appreciate your offer, but we cannot stay for long. We need to continue our search for work to provide for the younger members we have taken in. Thank you kindly for your offer, but we must respectfully decline." He then bowed.
As Jeremy was about to respond, Tersa interrupted when she noticed the cat in Liam's arms. Her eyes lit up with excitement as she exclaimed, "Sprinkles, you've come back to us! I was so worried! Please come here!" A big grin bloomed across her face.
"Oh, it already has a name," Cecelia and Stella murmured, pouting with disappointment.
Tersa heard the gloom in the girls' voices, but misunderstood the reason behind it. She kindly offered, "If you'd like, you can come play in the courtyard with Sprinkles and me. I'll have guards with me because Dad is such a worrywart. Anyway, I think it would be fine if just the two of you joined us." Tersa then looked up at her father, awaiting his response.
The lord understood his daughter's wishes and took a moment to reflect on them before responding with a weary sigh, "If that is what you truly desire, then so be it." He then turned to address the group and said, "If the opportunity arises in the future, we would gladly welcome the chance to use your services again, whether for a similar incident or for a group expedition. Until then, please allow me to present your reward. I understand that the Alliance takes a commission, so let's keep this off the official records."
"Such consideration is greatly appreciated," Brian said, bowing in gratitude. Once everything was settled, at the maid's request, Liam approached and handed her the cat, which she then passed on to Tersa. The joy that blossomed on Tersa's face when she received Sprinkles was evident, bringing smiles to everyone present.
Seeing his daughter so infatuated with the bundle of fur in her arms, the lord smiled. He ordered the guards to return with the reward from the manor. "Please wait for the guards to come back; they will bring the rewards I mentioned." Once the arrangements were in motion, he requested some space so he and Brian could speak privately.
Brian agreed and made space for the discussion. Jeremy began, "I've noticed that my daughter has taken a liking to the girls, and I would like to broaden her perspective beyond that of noble ideals. I am willing to offer compensation if the girls are interested in coming over to play with her occasionally."