Before Hirana can catch his sleeve, Ruouh steps from cover into the passage. The councillors wheel toward him, their petition held between them like a drawn blade.
Ruouh Falren
Do not scold him yet, Hirana. Tau showed admirable daring. I should hear his account of that seal personally, preferably somewhere your interruptions cannot improve it.
Hirana Yuna
Your Majesty, praising his recklessness does not make this intrusion wise. You are enjoying this far too much.
The crimson-robed councillor tightens her grip on the petition, while the blue-robed councillor moves to shield its seal with his shoulder. Their alarm differs: one protects the family’s standing, the other the accusation’s force.
The Crimson-Robed Councillor
Why was this guard brought here? Was he meant to spy upon a council matter, or has the Yuna family already chosen its advocate?
The Blue-Robed Councillor
An advocate, perhaps. His presence beside the petition makes the Yunas’ influence plain. Let him explain who sent him and what he saw.
Ruouh Falren
He was brought as my witness, not theirs. Still, I confess I am curious whether either of you fears the seal itself, or only what Tau might say about it.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep the councillors from making Tau the Yunas' advocate
Director's note
I feel Ruouh and Hirana staring at me but I keep my attention focused on the councilors
““I slowly nod my head towards them to show respect. “Councilors, I come as the Crown Prince’s escort. I am training for the Grand Knights Exam and wish to become one of the royal guards, so please excuse my intrusion.” I look between them and never look at the paper they are trying to conceal. I say, “If you might be so generous as to assist me, I wish to know where would be the best place to get suited for armor.” I try to steer the conversation away from the seal.”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled -1)
Tau Heathsburough
Councilors, I come as the Crown Prince’s escort. I am training for the Grand Knights Exam and wish to become a Royal Guard, so please excuse my intrusion. If you might be generous, where is the best place to get suited for armor?
Tau’s respectful nod and steady explanation leave the petition untouched in his attention. His keen senses catch the councillors measuring his restraint, while his Steel Sword’s familiar weight anchors the formal posture despite the phobia tightening beneath it.
The Crimson-Robed Councillor
A practical question, and one easily answered. The royal armorer’s hall stands beyond the east barracks. Present your training writ, and the quartermaster will measure you.
The Blue-Robed Councillor
Yes, the east barracks. Master Halvek oversees fittings there. Your request is ordinary enough, guard, and need not concern this petition.
The blue-robed councillor lowers his shoulder from the seal, no longer pressing Tau to account for it. The crimson-robed councillor folds the petition closer, but her suspicion has lost its edge.
Ruouh Falren
There, Tau. Your question has earned you a clear direction and spared us a tedious misunderstanding. We can visit the east barracks after this conversation.
Hirana Yuna
How reassuring. Tau asks about armor, and suddenly everyone remembers that he is a future Royal Guard rather than an inconvenient witness.
Quest Complete
Keep the councillors from making Tau the Yunas' advocate