The mansion entrance room is very large and you can see up multiple stories. There is natural light from stained glass windows. The floors and the staircase at the far side of the room are made of fine marble. There are paintings of the baron and his family on the walls. There are ornate decorations and trinkets on tables against the wall.
mansion entrance, Inside Cottage
chef
guest
I am provided a special place to sleep. I may be tired after my travels. I am furnished with warm hospitality and a good meal.
Thank you! This sure is appreciated, I am so tired after traveling for weeks. Where did you travel from?  Was the road dangerous?  I heard the badger-cultists have been kidnapping along the roads again. I was heavily protected by some hired mercenaries, thank god. We did encounter some badger-cultists but they quickly fled when they started getting outnumbered. I come from the city of Talosia, all the way to the east. Have you heard of it? We have great spices you cannot find here. Talosia?  Only rumours that the small folk tell.  What can you tell me of it?  In truth, the rumours make it seem to be a magical place. Ha ha! It isn't magical at all, it is simply... different. It is in the middle of the desert, you can only see sand wherever you look. I can see why someone that has never traveled would find it mystical, though. The middle of a desert?  Hard to believe.  The only time I see sand is on the coast, where it is bounded by water as far as the ye can see. People from Talosia think the same about this kingdom. Most of them have only seen small oasis, they can't fathom that things such as forests and lake exist. They think I am a liar! Tell me, when will your master join us? Soon, he must finish negotiating with the Elven ambassador.  You know how much those people stand on ceremony - the slightest misstep, and you have made an enemy for five generations. Aye, I've had the misfortune of chipping one of their sacred plates once, you don't have to tell me about that.  How long do you intend to stay, if you don't mind my asking? I am trying to negotiate a trade contract. I believe this could take up to a month. If all goes well, you will soon receive regular shipments of our renowned spices! I must say, some of those are truly a delight on the tongue!  How bland my food must appear to you!