As the messenger disappears into the hall, Ulrich steps out from the pillar shadows just as he did before, eyes flicking to the study door.
Ulrich
The gate may be watched. If you mean to reach the record, I can take you by a hidden way.
Magistrate Hauer does not look surprised. He folds his hands over the open packet, calm as stone, and lets Ulrich speak himself into the light.
Magistrate Hauer
No need. You have passed the test, chaplain. He is mine, not Eisenfaust's.
Ulrich goes still, then bows his head once, the nervous urgency draining from him like water from a cracked cup. The trap shows its shape at last.
Ulrich
Forgive the show. We needed to know whether you would keep to the lawful road, even with a quicker one offered.
Hauer turns the sealed report toward Frieda, his expression hard and loyal in the same breath.
Magistrate Hauer
Bishop or inquisitor, let them come. This court stands with the higher law, and your witness now reaches it.
✓ Quest Accepted
Confirm Ulrich's loyalty
“"Ulrich, you are surprisingly resourceful for a village guard, and I have taken you a long time from your duties. Will you now return to the village? I can recommend you for a position as squire with the Templars, if that is your desire. Or have you another mission?"”
SUCCESS (Great Oratory, rolled -1)
Frieda
Ulrich, you are more resourceful than a village guard ought to be. I have kept you from your duty long enough. If you wish it, I can recommend you for a squire's place with the Templars. If not, tell me what mission truly brings you here.
Ulrich
A squire's place... from a chaplain's mouth.
Ulrich
I had my orders once. Then I heard enough to know this court was no trap for you, but for him.
Ulrich takes a slow breath and straightens, the last of his test falling away. In the open doorway, the hall officials stay at their distance while the Clerk bends over the record, scratching on without looking up.
Ulrich
My duty is here, unless Hauer sends me elsewhere. But if you name me, I will stand where law and conscience agree.
Magistrate Hauer
Then let it be written. Ulrich has served this court faithfully, and I do not forget such service.
Hauer's hand settles on the packet, calm and certain. Ulrich's face softens with a guarded, almost disbelieving relief, as if he has been waiting to be seen for far longer than this hour.
Ulrich
Return to the village? In time, perhaps. For now, I would rather earn the right to wear better steel than a gateman's badge. If you will have me, chaplain, I would go where you can truly use me.
Quest Complete
Confirm Ulrich's loyalty
Quest Complete
Survive Imperial scrutiny
New Gift: Bureaucratic Resilience