The open record brightens beneath their joined hands. Silver script climbs the walls, revealing two final lines: the pact may be witnessed by the court, or sealed between its chosen pair.
Ruouh Falren
The archive offers concealment or revelation. If we bring this before the court, the hidden council loses its advantage, but every faction will know you stand with me.
The silver lines divide across the floor, one path leading toward the sealed entrance and the other toward a narrow stair ascending into the palace. The magic waits without forcing either course.
Ruouh Falren
I will not use your oath to make this decision for you. You are my sworn guard, but this choice concerns what you are willing to become beside me.
Ruouh withdraws his hand from the book, leaving the choice visibly open. The archive dims to a patient glow, while the unseen palace continues above them, unaware of what has awakened below.
Ruouh Falren
Tell me, Tau. Do we reveal this pact to the court, or protect it until we understand who created it and why it chose us?
The question settles over the hidden archive. Ruouh waits beside the divided silver paths, and the ancient record remains open before Tau for his answer.
““It… depends. How quickly do we need to have an advantage over this hidden council?” I ask. I remember the hidden council is deciding the fate of the Yuna family and I want to announce it publicly to protect them, but I restrain myself and continue, “I will stand with you publicly, if that is what you wish. But which do you think is better for this situation?””
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +0)
Tau Heathsburough
It depends. How quickly do we need an advantage over this hidden council? I will stand with you publicly, if that is what you wish. Which course is better?
Tau keeps his voice measured, though the archive’s patient darkness tightens his breath. Courtly Insight separates Ruouh’s strategic question from its personal weight, while Knightly Etiquette preserves the respectful form of his challenge.
His Royal Guard Armor settles heavily across his shoulders, grounding his stance as Deep-seated Phobia presses at the edges of his composure. Legendary Willpower holds the fear behind a disciplined gaze.
Ruouh Falren
We need an advantage before the hidden council can turn the court against the Yunas. That means days, not weeks. Quietly studying the pact gives us certainty, but leaves them time to shape the story first.
Ruouh Falren
Your instinct is sound. We should reveal it publicly, but in a controlled audience before the king and queen. The archive’s record protects the Yunas, and my presence makes the crown answer for what follows.
Ruouh opens the narrow stair and offers Tau the first step upward. The silver script remains visible behind them, no longer a private secret but evidence ready to defend the Yuna family.
− Story Quest Removed
Learn how to survive the royal palace
Ruouh opened the narrow stair. Behind them, the archive’s silver script continued to shine, bearing witness before any court could deny it.
Ruouh Falren
Then we bring the truth to the crown, carefully, and together.
Tau Heathsburough
Together.
Ruouh offered the first step upward, not as command, but as recognition.
The pact left the archive in their keeping and entered the world as evidence, no longer a secret for the hidden council to shape. Before king and queen, Ruouh’s succession and Tau’s place beside him would stand in the open, guarded by truth and by choice. Behind them, the awakened archive remained luminous and still, its testimony preserved.