[h2]Shirley - Castle Tepes[/h2]

"Ah..."

Shirley was quick to give a respectful bow, before straightening. After all, if these people were assisting... Though they did not seem to be from around here. They were neither one of those of the night, as far as she could tell, nor did they appear to be any of the townsfolk. While assistance from the townsfolk would be as appreciated, Shirley feared(as she did many things) that it would not be very useful as all they ever seemed to have was farm implements. Usually the only reason townsfolk ever appeared at the castle was, well...

They always left quite lightheaded and somewhat richer. They were at least compensated for their time and... difficulties. To directly refer to just why Queen Tepes required their presence was rather impolite.

To discuss your mistress's eating habits would be quite strange in any case.

"Well... well, Her Majesty Queen Tepes is currently busy with her other guests," Shirley replied, another unnecessary breath taken to calm herself, "They were sent from... u-um... some... where to assist in halting the attempted thefts."

Shirley was not among those particularly able to understand the UMMA. Nox was indeed part of it, but had not volunteered for much in the way of active assistance. Similarly, they had rarely required any assistance from the UMMA. Shirley was hard-pressed to recall a time when the Queen had ever requested any kind of assistance at all from anyone outside the castle. Well, aside from when it came to matters of food.