Tau reaches the palace with silver dust still clinging to his Royal Guard armor. Inside the guard registry, the blue-robed councillor speaks quietly with the scarred captain beside the duty ledgers.
The Blue-Robed Councillor
Temporarily reassign several knights. Their current posts are no longer suitable, and Guard Tau is among those I require moved.
Royal Guard 1
I will record the changes, Councillor. You may leave the registry to me.
The blue-robed councillor withdraws through the registry door. Tau turns after him, but the scarred captain catches the movement and steps from behind the ledger desk.
Royal Guard 1
Not so quickly. The High Councillor’s usual guard is sick. You will escort her until he returns.
The High Councillor, a human of slight build with pale skin waits just beyond the registry, an elderly woman in layered violet robes, with silver-braided hair and a narrow, watchful face. Tau accepts the reassignment and falls into escort position, keeping the palace corridors open for a search for Ruouh.
the High Councillor
Guard, before we begin, tell me whether you know which royal corridor leads most directly to the crown prince.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep the High Councillor from restricting Tau’s investigation
− Story Quest Removed
Expose the altered cure request
““I cannot say, as I don’t know where he is right now.” I silently question why the High Councilor wishes to know. She sighs, then walks on. I try to respectfully ask what sickness her guard has come down with. She says a cold is going around the castle and has already claimed some guards and councilors and to watch out. I nod and keep a lookout for Ruouh. Suddenly, I spot Nashia Lambeau. I tell the High Councilor that Nashia might know where the Prince is if she still wishes to know. I silently hope she asks so that I may gain this information as well.”
SUCCESS (Mediocre Persuasion, rolled -1)
Tau Heathsburough
I cannot say. I do not know where he is right now.
the High Councillor
Then neither do you know what you are being asked to protect. Come along.
Tau Heathsburough
Why does she need the prince’s location?
the High Councillor
A cold is passing through the castle. Guards and councillors have already fallen ill. Watch yourself, Guard.
Tau nods and scans each branching corridor for Ruouh. Courtly Insight weighs the Councillor’s question, Knightly Etiquette keeps his inquiry measured, and his Royal Guard Armor lends it official gravity.
Tau Heathsburough
That court suitor, Nashia Lambeau, may know where the prince is, if you still wish to find him.
the High Councillor
Very well. Ask Nashia where Ruouh is, and bring her answer to me. I will remember that you made yourself useful, but I will also remember that you withheld your own knowledge.
✓ Quest Accepted
Bring Nashia’s answer to the High Councillor
− Scene Quest Removed
Keep the High Councillor from restricting Tau’s investigation
“I bow and head over to Nashia. She sees me and frowns, remembering be from our last encounter. I tried to put on a friendly face and tell her that the High Councilor wishes to know where the Prince may be at, and would appreciate if you share any knowledge you have. Nashia smirks, and sees this as something she can hold over me until she spots the High Councilor not far away talking to someone. He face goes neutral again and she shares what she knows. I return to the councilor and share what I learned”
SUCCESS (Mediocre Persuasion, rolled +0)
Tau bows to the High Councillor, then crosses the corridor toward Nashia. The tearful court suitor spots him, remembers their last encounter, and frowns before he can reach her.
Tau Heathsburough
The High Councillor wishes to know where the prince may be, and would appreciate any knowledge you have.
The Tearful Court Suitor
How considerate of you to ask on her behalf. I might have made you wait for that answer, Guard, but she is watching.
Nashia's smirk fades when she sees the High Councillor speaking nearby. Tau's phobia makes the scrutiny difficult, but Courtly Insight reads the shift, while etiquette and armor keep his request official and calm.
The Tearful Court Suitor
Ruouh went to the north royal apartments. He said he was checking on the physicians, but he ordered the corridor cleared. Tell the Councillor I gave you that answer, and remember who made it possible.
Tau returns to the High Councillor and reports Nashia's information precisely: Ruouh is in the north royal apartments, checking on the physicians, with the corridor cleared. The answer is delivered, but Nashia now holds a favor over him.
Quest Complete
Bring Nashia’s answer to the High Councillor