As everyone gathered out from the baron's carriage made its way down the lane, the graceful chestnut horses brayed upon seeing home and Lucky, who they associated with food and other needs.  Veronica, who had been giddy with the lance's ride watched with joy as the carriage got closer.  She returned Lance's grip and looked back at Lucky when he said his piece.

[color=f49ac2]"See ya Lucky!"[/color]  She waved with her free hand and watched him as he readied himself to take care of the carriage before turning her eyes back to her dad.  The rather modest carriage  turned to the side when it got close and the baron stepped out.  

The baron was a fairly average looking man, with short black hair, strong blue eyes, and a fairly impressive mustache that had some curl to it at the ends.  Average in height and build, he was certainly not someone who would make an impression, expect maybe for his eyes, in plain clothes.  Still he had a certain air about him that told others he was important and had very good posture.  If nothing else his clothes were decently expensive, though hardly flashy as he preferred a more modest look, but there was some fur on his collar as well as an emerald ring on his finger.  The only other thing about him out of the ordinary was a special sword strapped to his waist in a scabbard, if one was to look closely at the handle a person would notice gears embedded in the handle which meant it was a modified weapon.

The baron, who had at least a bit of a noble air about him before, suddenly broke down into the grins of fatherhood.  The baron rushed forward, grateful that Lance was taking such care with her, but now it was his turn as he scooped her up in his arms and gave her one twirl before stopping, just in case.  [color=6ecff6]"My sweet pea how are you!  Daddy has missed you so!"[/color]

Veronica gave a giggle when she was twirled around and looked as if all the stars had aligned just for her.  [color=f49ac2]"I'm so glad to see you dad!  I've been waiting so long for you to come back!"[/color]  Veronica hugged her father around the neck once he brought her close for a hug.

[color=6ecff6]"Yes, I've been wanting to see you too.  Also where is your mother?"[/color]  The baron asked, though of course he knew where his wife was, she was helping set up the location for the picnic.

[color=f49ac2]"I don't know, I've hardly seen anyone around today."[/color]  Veronica looked puzzled as she noticed a twinkle in her dad's eyes.

[color=6ecff6]"Well we'll see everyone soon enough I suspect."[/color]  The baron started to put her on the ground, noticed a hole in the ground, and quickly shifted position to firm ground.  [i][color=6ecff6]"Hmm I'll need to have that filled."[/color][/i]  He grumbled and then turned to the ones still around, Lance, Gear Heart, Noella and Jack.  [color=6ecff6]"I take nothing has happened to my lovely daughter while I was away?  She certainly seems energetic enough."[/color]  It was nice to see her so full of life, unfortunately often times when he returned from a trip she was sick with something so it was a good change.

[color=f49ac2]"Don't worry dad, they've all taken good care of me!"[/color]  Veronica proudly stated with a thump to her chest as if she had something to do with it.

[color=6ecff6]"Hmph, well I'll have to take your word for it my daughter.  Thank you all for your continued service."[/color]  The baron bowed to them all, the gratitude evident on his face since he could not be there personally.  He straightened up and smiled.  [color=6ecff6]"Now, I believe we all have somewhere to be if I am not mistaken."[/color]  The baron frowned a little at Jack, still not sure if he could fully trust the lad but he was certainly skilled and nothing had happened yet.  At least Lance and the golem were nearby and he had great faith in them both.  [color=6ecff6]"Can you lead us to where the festivities are?  I'm sure things must be getting close to ready by now."[/color]

Veronica looked up at her dad unsure of what he was talking about.  She was certainly going to be surprised.

[hr]
"If our information is correct the target should be coming to that location."  A grizzled looking man peered through an eyeglass at a location in the distance where some blankets were being laid out along with tables and utensils.  It was the location of the picnic near the pond the mansion had.  There were lookouts around so they were keeping their distance, the man and three other cohorts.

"Certainly not the easiest target but with these little beasts I think we'll be able to kill her without having to do anything ourselves."  Another man held what appeared to be a squirming bag, with who knew what was inside.  "Frankly I'm still confused why the client wants her dead, I don't think his noble is exactly important or anything."

"Well its not our job to ask questions."  The grizzled man grunted, then pointed at the biggest member of their group.  "Get the magics ready, we'll have to program the monsters first to make sure they go straight for the target.  We want this done quick and clean after all."

The large man nodded and started preparing scrolls and charms for their preparations.