You give Mira a single, subtle nod — the only signal she needs.
Mira steps forward gracefully, Starfang sheathed at her hip, and bows politely to the Duke and Duchess. Her voice is calm and respectful, but her emerald eyes flick back to you every few seconds, making it crystal clear where her true loyalty lies.
"Thank you for the offer, Your Grace," she says. "I will accept a small reward — nothing more. A modest pouch of gold for traveling expenses, and perhaps a simple letter of safe passage through Azure Kingdom lands. That is all I require."
The Duke, still catching his breath and holding his tearful daughter, looks surprised but nods quickly. "Of course! It is far less than you deserve, Sword Mage Mira. You saved our lives." He gestures to a surviving guard, who hurries forward with a heavy coin pouch and a sealed scroll bearing the Duke's crest. Mira takes them with another small bow, then immediately steps back to your side, tail curling discreetly around your wrist in hidden affection.
You remain exactly where you are — hood low, plain merchant cloak dusty from the road, bronze guild card visible on your belt. The Duke's gaze barely brushes over you before returning to Mira. To him (and the guards), you are still just the unremarkable F-rank "Granting Wish" partner who somehow tags along with an S-rank legend. No one questions it. No one suspects anything deeper.
The Duchess smiles warmly at Mira. "Should you ever wish for more — a noble title, lands, even a place at the royal court — the von Azure family will honor it. You have only to ask."
Mira smiles politely but shakes her head. "I serve only my master, Lord Grim. That is enough."
The Duke's family exchanges glances but says nothing more. They are alive, the wyverns are dead, and the pass is safe again. Mira slips the gold and scroll into her pouch and returns fully to your side, leaning in close enough that only you hear her soft whisper:
"It is done, my lord. They see only what you want them to see. I remain yours completely."
With the reward accepted and the thanks given, you and Mira turn away from the carriage. The guards begin repairing it with what magic they have left. No one follows you. The Duke's family waves gratefully as you disappear down the trail back toward Willowbrook, your secret still perfectly intact.
By late afternoon you are back inside the town walls. The sun is warm, the market still bustling, and no one in Willowbrook yet knows what just happened on the Skyroad Pass (news travels slowly without magical messengers). Mira walks beside you, coin pouch lightly clinking, her body brushing yours with quiet intimacy.
She glances at you with those devoted eyes, fox ears perked. "The reward is yours to use as you wish, my lord. Or we can simply leave it behind. What would you have us do now?"