The Vasquez Manor

To greet me at the door was a young looking catgirl (about a year younger than me), in the stereotypical French maid outfit. She did a curtsy, welcoming new to the estate.

“Welcome, Adventurer. My name is Vanessa, a maid to Lord Vasquez. I shall show you to my Lord’s study.” She said, gesturing for me to enter.

“Thank you, ma’am,” I replied, trying to be as careful with my speech in the noble’s home as I could. She led me up a grand staircase inside, past intricate marble statues and paintings. As she walked, her little cat tail swayed back and forth with each step, leading me to glance at her ass, slightly visible under her size-too-small skirt. She was wearing plain white panties, and the traditional maid stockings. Her panties also seemed to be a bit too small for her, as the rode up between her cheeks in a way that emphasized the round shape of her tight butt.

Glancing back up, Vanessa was looking over her shoulder at me, blushing, but not calling me out about it. We continued on down the hallway towards the study. Vanessa gently knocked on the door.

“My Lord, the adventurer has arrived,” she said. A rough, older male voice answered back.

“Send him in.” said the voice, presumably Vasquez. Vanessa opened the door, did a curtsy, and shut it back after I went in, leaving me in the room alone with the noble.

Rodrigue De Vasquez exuded an aura of confidence and intimidation. His chiseled jawline was covered by a well maintained grey beard. His piercing red eyes had a scar running over the left side, likely a claw mark from some ferocious beast. His intricately crafted robes screamed wealth and power. A sword sat displayed behind him, one that had seen its fair share of battle, yet was still in good condition. He sat reclined in a chair, one leg crossed over the other, his arms resting on the arms of the chair.

“Take a seat.” He said. A simple three words, and I felt compelled to obey, sitting in the much less regal chair across the desk from him. Not knowing whether I should start or wait for him, we sat in silence for a bit too long...

“I’m Fly-” I began.

“The graveyard.” interrupted Vasquez. “Based on my own experience, I would say it was the work of a high lich. Seeing as you and your party of three underleveled adventurers are woefully unprepared to take on a high lich, my son will be joining you. He is level 8. More than high enough to deal with the threat. He is yet untempered. You shall ensure no harm befalls him. Should you be successful, you and your party will be awarded with 3 gold pieces each. You shall, however, say nothing of what happens here. To anyone.”

“O-of course, Lord Vasquez,” I stammered, still off guard. “Thank you for your generosity.”

“Generosity? It’s nothing of the sort. You are merely a tool. You shall aid my son’s growth. You shall take no credit for the work you do. If you falter, you shall be cast aside.” Vasquez said unflinchingly. “Adventurers are expendable. The existence of that graveyard is proof of such. The weak perish. Strength is what allows men to rise in this world. I am interested to see which you are, Flynn.”

“How do you-” I started.

“I am the city. I have eyes and ears everywhere. I know all that happens within the city. Soon enough, you will have to prove yourself capable of surviving here. Now go. My son is waiting downstairs.” Vasquez said, dismissing me as quickly as the conversation began. Truly a frightening man. Back outside the study, Vanessa began to lead me back downstairs.

“Don’t worry about Lord Vasquez. He does that with most new adventurers. He’s good friends with the guildmaster,” Vanessa reassured me. “He likes scaring the new people, and giving them opportunities like this, as he used to be an adventurer when he was young.”

“You were eavesdropping? Wouldn’t he be angry at you?” I asked.

“Beastfolk have greater hearing than humans. Lord Vasquez knows this, he is no fool. He merely cares not if I hear him,” she said as we descended the stairs. Waiting rather impatiently at the bottom of the stairs was a young man, a few years older than me, wearing tacky red and white armor, with similar engravings as the manor’s door had. His brown hair was long and swept back, looking like an anime character, and likely held in place by lots of hair gel...if that even existed here. A delicate rapier hung at his side.

“Your Grace,” Vanessa curtsied. “Flynn, this is Lord Vasquez’s son, Reinfast.”

“Hi, I’m Flynn. I’m the guy who’s gonna be helping helping you with this request.” I said, extending my hand to shake his. He scoffed.

“Filthy commoner. If you wish to shake the hand of a noble, you should at least take care to see it isn’t stained with the wretched bile of your kind,” Reinfast scolded. And...I already hate him. And the fact I had to check and see if there was still any vomit left on my hands.

“Alright, not one for handshakes, then. Well, let’s get this over with. My party should be waiting back at the guild, we can regroup with them there.” I said.

“Very well. Lead the way, commoner.” Reinfast said, following me out of the manor. Vanessa closed the door behind us after wishing me luck with a wink. Score. Maybe.