Ruouh and Tau leave the silent kitchens with the physician’s original note and copied route ledgers secured beneath their arms. The palace records vault lies beyond the eastern gallery.
At the vault passage, Hirana walks beside Corwell Ringuard, a well-dressed young adult man, lean and olive-skinned, with a sharp-chinned face with dark hair, a narrow smile, and a silver-trimmed blue coat. Her face brightens when she sees Tau.
Hirana Yuna
Tau. I was beginning to wonder whether the palace had swallowed you whole. You look remarkably intact for someone investigating its secrets.
Corwell Ringuard
How reassuring. The newest Royal Guard has survived a walk through a kitchen. Perhaps the vault will provide a sterner test than carrying papers.
Hirana’s warm glance lingers on Tau, and Corwell’s easy familiarity tightens into polished disdain. Ruouh watches him without slowing, while the sealed vault doors wait ahead with the evidence trail inside.
Corwell Ringuard
Do take care, Guard. If a few courteous words can distract you from your duty, the council’s records may be safer from you than from any conspirator.
Hirana Yuna
Corwell, that is enough. Tau has earned his place beside the prince, and you know perfectly well that courtesy is not the same as weakness.
✓ Quest Accepted
Expose the altered cure request
“I quickly turn my head as I walk by and say to Corwell, “flamboyant possessiveness will not win over the approval of a Yuna. I would take this into account, Corwell.” I politely smile, but show a smirk through my eyes as I continue on. I catch Hirana’s gaze as she looks at Corwell, then me, and rolls her eyes. I hold back a laugh as I follow Ruouh to the vaults. He seems tense about my encounter with Hirana, but I don’t say anything and let him think I don’t notice.”
SUCCESS (Mediocre Persuasion, rolled +2)
Tau Heathsburough
Flamboyant possessiveness will not win over the approval of a Yuna. I would take this into account, Corwell.
Tau’s polite smile stays measured, while the smirk in his eyes delivers the sharper edge. Courtly Insight selects the vulnerable point, and Knightly Etiquette keeps the barb courtly rather than crude.
Corwell Ringuard
How considerate of you to advise me, Guard. I will remember that your counsel is most useful when offered before you mistake rivalry for wisdom.
Hirana looks from Corwell to Tau and rolls her eyes, her lips twitching despite herself. Corwell’s narrow smile falters, and the exchange leaves his standing diminished before her.
Tau follows Ruouh toward the vaults, holding back a laugh. The sudden scrutiny had made his phobia constrict his breath, but composure and formal manners kept his face controlled.
Ruouh Falren
You seemed remarkably entertained by Corwell’s discomfort. I trust that amusement will not distract you from the records ahead.
Ruouh remains tense as they reach the vault doors, but Tau offers no explanation. The prince unlocks the records vault, and the physician’s note and copied ledgers are carried inside.