The Rich And The Average

[2 Hours Later]

"The protection quest, also named the bodyguard's quest. A highly important figure is in need of elite bodyguards most preferably S-class mages and above to escort them to their destination. What's so important about this person that they prefer S-class mages?" Hinata said with frustration as she read the details of the quest.

They travelled in a carriage and had already left the borders of the Nova District, the town where the Dancing Phoenix is located. There were a total of 32 towns altogether that made up the kingdom of Fiol and currently, they were headed to a town known popularly as the Black Creed.

A town famous for the high class blacksmiths and goldsmiths that lived in it, it was also argued to be one of the richest towns in Fiol.

"It did say a highly important figure is in need of bodyguards." Renji replied as he chowed down on the sandwich he held in hand.

"Yeah, those rich folks always want the best not caring how much they'll spend trying to get it. They make me sick." Haru chimed in as he yawned.

"Yeah right, it just pisses you off watching people waste money because they can." She giggled as she tried to annoy him a bit.

"Huh?? Even if I did had that much amount of money, I wouldn't waste it because unlike them I know the value of money." He said, placing his two arms over his head.

"Is that right." Renji spoke softly, remembering clearly that he was the same person who broke the floors of the guild hours ago.

"Damn straight!" He exclaimed.

[An hour later]

After hours of travelling, they finally arrived at their location and the carriage took them all the way to the house where the job request originated from.

"You've got to be kidding me." Haru said as they alighted the carriage, in front of them stood a huge mansion with it's compound larger than two fields combined. He knew the progenitor of the quest would be rich, but he never expected this.

"At least we know they weren't bluffing about paying that much amount of money." Renji muttered as they all walked towards the large gates of the mansion after paying the transportation fee.

He rang the doorbell right besides the gate and after a few moments of waiting, they received a response. "How may I help you?" The gentle voice of an elderly man spoke through the mini megaphones mounted at the top sides of the gates.

"I'm Hinata Anoha, I'm here with my companions concerning the job request you put up."

After a brief moment of silence, the large gates opened slowly granting entrance for the three mages.

They proceeded through the gates and owards the main doors that led into the mansion, although it was a hassle given the distance between the mansion and the gates. "When we get there, I'll do all the talking." Hinata said.

"Huh?"

"And why?" Renji asked.

"Because you both have the tendency to go out of line without even realizing it." She spoke from experience, remembering clearly what Renji did to her as well as say during the Reaper's pit quest.

As they got to the door that led into the mansion, they were greeted by a man who appeared to be in his 30s and also the family's butler. "The master has been expecting you." He wore a suit that was made out the highest quality fabric the kingdom had to offer.

He led them straight into the massively spacious living room of the mansion where an old man sat waiting for them. "Welcome." He smiled as the butler showed them to the moderately plush couches in the living room.

They all sat down as the old man picked up a cup of tea from the side table next to him and sipped from it. As he dropped the cup back on the table, he crossed his legs before addressing them.

"Welcome to my home young S-class mages, my name is Tanji and I appreciate you for finding time in your highly busy schedules to carry out this quest." He said acknowledging their presence.

"Um... We are not S-class mages sir." Hinata said.

"Your not? That's a big shame, it would have been less worrisome if you were S-class mages-" He couldn't believe his eyes as he saw the guild tattoo of the Dancing Phoenix on the back of Hinata's palm.

"We're done here." His mood and attitude changed as he arose swiftly from the couch.

"What?" They were all shocked by his sudden change in mood.

"I do not require any assistance from the likes of the Dancing Phoenix, please leave my property" He said.

"That's bullshit!" Haru exclaimed, ever since the guild lost the trust of the public little by little, they have been getting negative comments and insults which pissed Haru off every time.

"Haru!" Hinata almost in tears called out to him, this quest was her only hope in paying her rent on time.

"I won't stand for this insults anymore, what do you mean from the likes of us!?" He yelled even more as he was highly agitated.

Tanji found it pointless to argue with them and eventually began walking out of the living room, after all the Dancing Phoenix was made out of mages who were average in terms of financial status, excluding the S-class mages and above. All he could do was call his security guards to eject them from his house.

"There's no point in yelling Haru." Renji said with a soft sigh as he placed his hand on his shoulder. "Let's just go, it's clear that we are not welcomed here." He added.

"Tch." Taking a few breaths, Haru calmed down a bit as they all stood up and proceeded towards the door.

"If I may master Tanji." The butler said as Tanji passed by him. "You put that quest up two months ago and haven't gotten a response ever since thereby cancelling your daughter's departure each single day. Now that you finally found some mages who are willing to take the risk, how long do you think it'll be before you find another mage who'd willingly come along knowing the risks?" He added.

His butler was right and he saw sense in his words, furthermore delaying his daughter's departure once again would leave her very much displeased and he wouldn't want that. "Fine." He gave in.

"Alright, I'll accept the help of the Dancing Phoenix." He declared before they could leave through the door as he took a seat back down on the couch.