บท 15: Finally the Invitation
Earlier that day, in the estate of the Claes Family, Duke Claes was being comforted by his wife, Elaine.
"Viktor…I'm sure if we bring the money to the kidnappers, we will have our daughter back," Elaine said, her voice trembling with worry.
Viktor's eyes remained fixed on the letter he had received from the supposed kidnappers. The letter stated that they had his daughter and that if he didn't pay 500,000,000 Elde, he might not see her again.
Elaine continued to hold her husband's hand, trying to provide some semblance of comfort. "We have the means to pay the ransom, Viktor. Let's do whatever it takes to bring her back safely."
As Viktor was about to respond, there was a soft knock on the bedroom door. Their trusted butler, Jenkins, entered, his usually calm demeanor replaced with a barely contained excitement.
"Pardon the interruption, my lord, my lady, but I bring significant news," Jenkins announced.
Viktor and Elaine both looked up, their hearts pounding in anticipation. "What is it, Jenkins?"
Jenkins took a deep breath, his eyes shining with relief. "Lady Elinalese has been found! She is safe and is currently on her way to the estate. She was rescued by a group of brave individuals and is accompanied by Captain Aelric men!"
Elaine gasped, tears of joy streaming down her face. "Thank the gods! Viktor, she's safe!"
Viktor hugged Elaine tightly, his own tears threatening to spill over. "She's safe, Elaine. Our prayers have been answered."
***
Twenty minutes later, a carriage bearing the crest of the Claes family rolled up the driveway to the estate. Viktor and Elaine stood at the entrance, their hearts pounding with anticipation. The carriage came to a stop, and the door swung open.
Elinalese, looking weary but unharmed, stepped out. Her eyes filled with tears of relief and joy as she saw her parents. Without hesitation, she rushed forward, throwing herself into their arms.
"Mother! Father!" Elinalese cried, hugging them tightly. "I thought I'd never see you again!"
Elaine clung to her daughter, tears streaming down her face. "Oh, Elinalese! You're safe, you're finally safe!"
Viktor held both his wife and daughter in a strong embrace, his voice choked with emotion. "We're so glad you're home, my dear. We've been so worried."
After a long moment, they pulled back slightly, still holding onto each other. Viktor looked over Elinalese's shoulder and saw Luminova standing nearby with a downcast face.
"Luminova," Viktor said, his voice softening. "Come here."
Luminova stepped forward, her eyes brimming with guilt and regret. "I apologize for not keeping Lady Elinalese safe. I failed in my duty to protect her."
Elaine reached out and took Luminova's hand, squeezing it gently. "You don't have to say sorry, Luminova. Now, who rescued you and our daughter from the miserable captors?"
"Unfortunately, they are being held at the entrance as per protocols. But I think they'll be inside the city once they are vetted," Luminova answered, placing her hand over her chest.
"I see…we should summon them here in our Estate and congratulate them in person," Elaine said. She turned to Jenkins, who had been standing nearby. "Jenkins, please make the necessary arrangements. Prepare a feast for this evening to honor the brave souls who rescued our daughter. And ensure they are given the highest hospitality when they arrive."
Jenkins bowed deeply. "As you wish, my lady. I shall see to it immediately. Is there anything else?"
"Yes…I want you to extend an invitation for them to come to our estate," Elaine added. "Please find them and ensure they are escorted here safely."
Jenkins bowed once more. "Of course, my lady. I will attend to it at once."
As Jenkins departed to make the necessary arrangements, Elaine turned back to her husband and daughter. "Let's get you inside and settled, Elinalese. You must be exhausted."
Elinalese nodded, still holding tightly to her mother's hand. "Yes, Mother. It has been a long and terrifying ordeal."
Viktor guided them both into the warmth of the estate. "You're safe now, and that's all that matters."
***
Meanwhile, in the Golden Stag, Vincent and his team were still waiting patiently inside their room for a message from the Duke or his affiliates the acknowledgment of their heroic deed.
A knock on the door interrupted their thoughts. Vincent motioned for Alpha 5 to answer it. When the door swung open, they were greeted by a well-dressed man.
"Good evening," the man began with a respectful bow. "I am here on behalf of Duke Claes. My name is Cedric. The Duke and Duchess wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude for rescuing Lady Elinalese. They have prepared a special feast in your honor at their estate this evening."
Cedric handed over the sealed letter to Vincent. "This letter contains the Duke's personal invitation and details of the arrangements for your escort to the estate."
"Yeah but I can't read this...Perhaps you can read it for me?"
"Okay..." Cedric said.
[To Sir Vincent and his brave companions,
Words cannot express the depth of our gratitude for your courage and selflessness in rescuing our beloved daughter, Elinalese. We invite you to our estate this evening to celebrate her safe return and to honor your heroism. Please accept our hospitality as a token of our immense appreciation.
With deepest thanks,
Duke Viktor Claes and Duchess Elaine Claes]
Vincent looked up from the letter, a smile playing on his lips. "Looks like we're in for a grand evening, gentlemen."
Cedric nodded. "If you are ready, transportation is already prepared outside."
"Oh, thank you for that," Vincent replied. "We will prepare ourselves for the evening. Is there some sort of a dress code that we should be aware of?"
"There was no mention of the need for specific attire. You can dress as you find comfortable."
"Thank you for that because we don't have any formal clothes that we can use," Vincent chuckled.
"I'm sure that the Duke and the Duchess wouldn't mind the attire of the people who saved their daughter," Cedric assured.
Vincent nodded, appreciating Cedric's understanding. "Alright then, we'll be ready shortly."
Cedric gave a courteous bow. "I'll wait outside to escort you when you are ready."
Vincent turned to his team. "Alright, guys, let's get moving. We've got a feast to attend."
As they were preparing for the trip, the system notification popped up.
[Congratulations! You have finished the mission: Escort Lady Elinalese Claes and her subordinates back to the Kingdom of Eldoria safely.]
[Rewards: 5,000 experience points, 75,000 gold coins, and a new feature of the system]
[Gold: 121,800 gold coins.]
[Your level has risen to 6.]
[Experience points: 10800/14,583]
[New feature unlocked! Wheel of Fortune!]
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