"Miss Audrey?"
"That's right. She said she had a commission for us."
Xio leaned forward slightly. "What sort of commission?"
Fors shook her head. "She insists on discussing it in person. But..." Her eyes lit up. "Miss Audrey has always been generous with her payment."
"Speaking of commissions, has that detective found my pen pal?" Fors suddenly remembered and asked eagerly.
"Uh... not yet." Xio rubbed her fingers together, looking somewhat embarrassed. "But I've already urged him to hurry. I'm sure there'll be results soon."
"Still nothing!" Fors looked distinctly disappointed. "Xio, is it possible that detective is a fraud?"
"One of those people the newspapers keep talking about, who specialize in swindling clients out of their advance payments..."
Hearing this, Xio began to waver too. After all, the detective named Sherlock had yet to uncover a single useful piece of information.
"Surely not. He is a Guild-certified detective, after all." Her voice grew quieter and quieter.
Backlund, West Borough, Philip Department Store.
In this store catering exclusively to nobles and wealthy merchants, Xio and Fors met Audrey, who was pretending to shop there.
Without changing her expression, Audrey shot a meaningful glance at the large dog, Susie.
Susie understood immediately. She suddenly barked and dashed away, drawing Audrey's maid Annie after her.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the three got down to business.
"Here's the thing. I'd like you to help me find someone."
"Find someone?" Xio frowned instinctively.
Why is everyone around me looking for someone lately...
Beside her, Fors's expression stiffened as well. She had yet to find the person she was looking for, and now she had to help someone else search...
After hesitating for a moment, Xio suggested, "How about I post a commission for you? There's a special Detective Guild in Backlund, with