"Is that so?" Lady Riley released a quiet breath, her voice softening. She had lost that meaningful equipment years ago. Countless nobles had tried to retrieve it for her, though every attempt ended in failure. If things continued this way, she intended to post a public commission with a lavish reward. "Your Grace!" A sharp knock cut through the room. A young woman's anxious voice followed. Lady Riley's brow tightened. "What is it, Madonna? Why such panic? I taught you to remain composed no matter the situation." "My apologies, Your Grace. I will correct myself. I only rushed because I brought good news," Madonna answered from the hallway, tone flustered yet hopeful. Lady Riley kept her posture steady. "What is it?" "A young man arrived at the front gate," Madonna replied. "He claims he located the Bloom of Grace." "What?!" Lady Riley shot upright. All the calm she maintained slipped for a moment, replaced by genuine astonishment. Her purple robe drifted slightly with the sudden movement, revealing the soft curve of her collarbone. The maid nearby swayed a little, momentarily distracted by her lady's effortless beauty. Even as a fellow woman, she often found herself stunned by it. "You are certain?" A moment later, Lady Riley regained control of her expression. "You mentioned a young man?" "Yes, Your Grace. I saw it myself. Also..." Madonna hesitated before finishing. "You met him earlier today, just outside the estate." "Him?" Lady Riley was stunned. Thirty minutes… that's all it's been since I ran into him. Finding it this quickly makes no sense. Is fate playing games with me, or did he already hold the Bloom before I even asked? "Treat him with courtesy. Have him wait for me," Lady Riley instructed. Elise assisted her as she changed into formal attire."Understood, Your Grace." Madonna bowed and withdrew. ... Roughly half an hour later, Aiden stood in the courtyard as Lady Riley approached again. Her full attire transformed her completely—radiant, dignified, and every step filled with poise. "You truly recovered the item I asked for?" Her voice held tightly restrained urgency. "The genuine one, Your Grace." Aiden lifted the Bloom of Grace from his inventory. "This is..." Lady Riley stared at the flower, her thoughts blanking for a brief second. The object she had sought for so many years rested plainly in the young man's hand. She steadied herself and turned her attention back to him. "Tell me, then. What reward do you want? Gold? Equipment? Name it." Aiden's heartbeat kicked faster. Here it is. This is the moment. He offered a small grin. "Your Grace, I'm not after gold or equipment." "Oh?" Interest flickered in her eyes. She had partnered with many quest-takers, though none ever refused tangible rewards. "What is it you want, then?" Lady Riley's smile warmed. "Do not tell me you want nothing. That would be far too unrealistic." "Of course not." Aiden shook his head. "I want your help securing citizenship in Leafport." "That is all?" Surprise crossed her face. Her status as the late duke's widow made such a request trivial. He nodded. "Yes. Nothing beyond that." "No issue." A thoughtful look passed through her gaze. "Although it feels like far too little compensation. I will ask one more time—are you certain? You may take a moment if you need." "No need," Aiden answered. Citizenship stood at the top of his priorities. "In that case, I will grant your request." Lady Riley accepted his answer without further probing, though a hint of curiosity lingered. His straightforward nature and calm demeanor left a favorable impression.People uninterested in fame or profit were rare. Ding! Your noble actions and striking charm raised Lady Riley's favorability by a full twenty points.