"What a fat rat. Wouldn't it make good jerky?"
"Shh, hurry and take it outside the manor to burn. The butler specifically warned us that these rats might carry disease. We're not allowed to eat them."
Gauss and his companion approached the manor. Just then, two servants came by, carrying a sack and chatting as they passed.
He looked away, thoughtful.
They followed the caravan farther into the manor grounds.
The manor was surrounded by tall stone walls. Beyond them, golden waves of wheat rolled over the land; within, neat roads paved with smooth stone spoke of order and wealth.
A butler in a crisp servant's uniform came to greet them.
"Welcome to Wheat Valley Manor, esteemed adventurers. This estate belongs to His Excellency Hayden Walker, the Baron of Grayrock. I am Howen, the butler here." The old butler's voice was calm and clear, his respect just right.
Gauss showed him the quest contract. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the caravan that had brought them here discussing a purchase with a junior manor steward.
But Butler Howen didn't move on. Perhaps he considered two Bronze Adventurers who could resolve the rat problem far more important than an ordinary transaction. Or perhaps he simply wanted to deal with this trouble as soon as possible.
The Baron Hayden Howen had mentioned was the lord of Grayrock Town. The taxes collected in town ultimately flowed into his family's coffers.
No wonder the manor looked so orderly and prosperous from afar, far beyond any ordinary village. It was the lord's private estate.
But according to the information Gauss had gathered, the baron's family lived in the bustling Barry City year-round, returning to Grayrock Town only occasionally to inspect their holdings.
"Please, follow me." Howen led the way, guiding them deeper