Morning light spills across the kitchen as Hunter finishes showing Nora the pantry shelves, labeled jars, and the order of the backup tins. Joy trails after them, wooden wedge tucked under one arm.
A sharp knock snaps through the house. Hunter pauses at the pantry door, and the room goes still.
The Courier stands on the threshold with a sealed envelope in hand, posture neat and professional. Her eyes flick from Hunter to the others, waiting to be received.
Courier
Hunter McCready? I have a formal notice from the market office. I need a signature on delivery.
Hunter McCready
Hunter takes the envelope and asks what it concerns.
Courier
It is marked for review of household sale compliance. Nothing for me to explain, just to deliver.
Nora steps in beside Hunter, reading the seal at a glance, while Joy peers around his hip with serious curiosity. The Courier keeps her place at the door, neutral and patient, ready to log the handoff and move on.
✓ Quest Accepted
Defy the market office's latest notice
“I firmly tell the courier that we do not accept mail from the market office.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +1)
Hunter holds the envelope steady for one second, then sets it back toward the Courier without taking it in full.
Hunter McCready
We do not accept mail from the market office.
The Courier pauses, hand hovering over the envelope, then draws it back against her chest.
Courier
Then I log a refusal. That is your choice to make.
Nora's eyes sharpen on the routing marks, her shoulders easing only after the words land. Joy stays tucked close, wedge under her arm, watching the exchange in silence.
Nora
It is addressed the way they always do it, too. They want the house to feel official before anyone even opens a page.
Courier
I only need the record. If you want it returned untouched, I can note that as well.
The kitchen stays quiet, bright, and ordinary around the sealed envelope, but the morning now belongs to Hunter's refusal.
Quest Complete
Defy the market office's latest notice