The celebration in the mountain clearing surrounding Isabelle was loud and passionate.
Yet, as warm as the atmosphere was, the Blood and Iron Brigade was still a high-security military unit protecting the single most valuable resource on the continent.
A tall female Beastkin with feline ears stepped forward, rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly.
"Lady Isabelle...Sir...Please don't take this the wrong way. We would happily throw a festival in your honor right now, but duty is duty."
"The Holyfield mines are a volatile zone. If even a single saboteur slips through the gates with an explosive rune, hundreds of miners working the deep shafts could be buried alive in seconds."
"So...could you please verify your identities with us?"
Isabelle blinked, her initial panic melting into understanding.
"Oh! Of course! You must do your job!"
Cassius simply smiled, reaching into his inner coat pocket without a hint of hesitation.
