Ruouh reaches the east barracks before Tau can settle. The fitting hall smells of oiled leather and hot metal, with attendants waiting beside racks of unfinished armor.
Ruouh Falren
Leave us. I will oversee the fitting personally. A future Royal Guard deserves instruction in royal service, not merely a measurement and a receipt.
The attendants bow and withdraw together. Ruouh takes a measuring cord from the worktable, turning it between his fingers as his attention remains fixed on Tau.
Ruouh Falren
Besides, Hirana has had you to herself through every lesson today. Surely the crown prince may claim one hour of your attention without causing a diplomatic crisis.
Footsteps sound beyond the open doors. Hirana arrives moments later, composed but quick, her hazel gaze moving from the dismissed attendants to the measuring cord in Ruouh’s hand.
Hirana Yuna
You may be crown prince, Ruouh, but you are not Tau’s commanding officer. He remains under the Yuna family’s protection, and you will not quietly turn a fitting into another private contest.
Ruouh Falren
Then stay and observe, Hirana. Unless you fear that royal service might teach Tau something your family’s lessons have missed.
✓ Quest Accepted
Complete the royal armor fitting
“I slightly nod towards Hirana, showing her that I will respect whatever decision she decides to make. However, I also look at her with a slight pleading look, showing her that I need to win the princes favor if I am to achieve my dreams. I try to say this all through eye contact. I then look at the prince and, standing still, I nod and let him measure me. The cut in my palm stings and I clench my fist tighter. I catch the drop of blood that falls and quickly wipe it on my pants to try and avoid Ruouh or Hirana’s attention.”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled -1)
Tau gives Hirana a slight nod, then meets her gaze with a quiet plea before turning toward Ruouh. The prince watches the exchange, measuring more than height.
He stands still as Ruouh draws the cord across his shoulders and chest. The old phobia tightens beneath the prince’s scrutiny, but Tau’s Steel Sword rests familiar at his hip.
Keen senses track the cord’s movement, the leather creak, and the exact moment Ruouh’s attention shifts toward Tau’s clenched hand. Tau adjusts before the glance becomes inspection.
A drop from the recently healed palm gathers despite the pressure. Tau catches it and wipes it discreetly against his trousers, keeping his posture steady and his expression composed.
Ruouh Falren
Good. You understand that royal service begins with discipline, even when no command is spoken.
Ruouh finishes the measurements without interruption and records them on the fitting slate. Hirana’s guarded look softens by a fraction as the prince gives Tau an approving smile.
Hirana Yuna
A promising lesson, then. Try not to let his approval become your most expensive piece of armor.
Quest Complete
Complete the royal armor fitting