>>6144582“Right, looks good to me.” Your Level 5 Knowledge assures you that there’s nothing to fear. It's worth noting that your nickname appears in this and is stated as such. Lady Steen’s first name is Meredith.
You get to keep the Painting, get homemade Cookies, and her phone number. Lady Steen gets the prisoner, all the items he has on his person, your services for a future mission that doesn’t go against your morals or allies, indications for the escape route you’re using, a delicious homemade cake, consultancy to find a way to recover her friend’s memories — And a means to contact you (your phone number too). That’s the deal.
“A firm handshake and the contract is valid.” Lady Steen extends her hand.
“A firm handshake it is.” You handshake her handshaking hand. You feel a tingling sensation going through your body, then through hers.
“We’re bounded by its rules.” Meredith Steen snaps her fingers. “Please, hand over the prisoner.”
“This way.” You lead the way into the prison cell.
Back inside the cell, nothing has changed, well, except for the prisoner cowering in fear. And Hubbard? Cowering behind you.
“Who… Who are you?!” The prisoner speaks.
“So this is the painting, a harrowing piece…” Lady Steen is glad to hand this over to you, then turns to the person speaking to her. “I’m here in the name of <span class="mu-s">Unno Ning</span> to take you out of this prison. I have the key for this cell, your shackles, and the iron mask. Allow me to take these off you.”
“Ning? Ning hired you to save me?” The prisoner doesn’t sound rattled anymore. “The mask… The mask first! Take this thing off me!”
“Very well.” Lady Steen opens the mask to reveal a young man with long frizzy hair.
“Free… at long last…” The young man smiles with relief. Now your new business buddy opens the shackle from his leg. He stands up by clinging to the wall. “You…” His eyes open wide upon seeing you. “You… This can’t be. On your toes, this man can’t be trusted.”
“What?” You get confused.
“He said you can’t be trusted.” Hubbard acts like he’s your advisor.
“Allying yourself with Cultist Scum? Appalling.” The man harshly judges you. “We can’t allow him to keep the painting.”
“Apologies, I have given it up.” Lady Steen says, hesitation in her voice.
