Ruouh coils the measuring cord and sets the fitting slate aside. The attendants remain dismissed, leaving only the prince, Hirana, and Tau amid the quiet gleam of unfinished armor.
Ruouh Falren
The fitting is complete. Tau, will you accompany me now, or remain under Hirana’s protection? Choose plainly. I would rather hear your answer than have courtesy make it for you.
Hirana Yuna
Do not dress this as courtesy, Ruouh. You are asking whether he will leave my protection for your company, and you expect the room to pretend those choices are equal.
Ruouh’s smile sharpens, but he does not answer. Beneath Tau’s trouser cloth, the small wound at his healing palm seeps again, darkening the fabric where his hand rests.
Ruouh Falren
You see, Hirana? I offer him company, not custody. Yet you guard even the manner of his answer. Is that protection, or control?
Hirana Yuna
It is discretion. Something both of us would value if you stopped turning Tau’s smallest difficulty into a contest between us.
Another stain spreads through the cloth, now too visible to dismiss. Hirana notices first; Ruouh notices her noticing, and both princes’ rival attention settles on Tau, waiting for his choice.
Director's note
Ruouh still notices it but says nothing while Hirana is around
“I laugh nervously as I try to discretely tear a piece of my shirt off to turn it into a bandage for my hand. I tie the bandage around my hand as I talk to them to try and pull their attention away from it. “I would greatly appreciate if I gained more experience in the palace, Crown Prince.” I turn towards Hirana. “Princess, I will return to the Yuna residence before sundown, as I have to train for the Grand Knights exam in 2 days. I will look forward to your instruction then.” I nod towards her, showing her I will be fine when she goes, and say this to try and appeal to both groups by choosing Ruouhs company now and Hiranas later.”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled +0)
Tau laughs nervously and fingers the lower hem of his shirt, tearing free a narrow strip beneath the folded edge. He winds it around his hand while keeping his body angled toward the unfinished armor.
Tau Heathsburough
I would greatly appreciate gaining more experience in the palace, Crown Prince.
His keen senses catch the cloth tightening unevenly, and the familiar weight of his Steel Sword steadies his hand long enough to finish the knot. The phobia still constricts his composure, making his laugh come out thinner than intended.
Ruouh Falren
Then palace experience you shall have. I accept your company, Tau, and I will see that the hours are worth your training.
Tau Heathsburough
Princess, I will return to the Yuna residence before sundown. I must train for the Grand Knights Exam in two days, and I will look forward to your instruction then.
Tau turns to Hirana and nods, showing her the bandage and the steadiness beneath it. His hesitation lingers in the pause before he lowers his hand, and she notices the cost of his controlled choice.
Hirana Yuna
Before sundown, then. Do not let palace lessons make you forget where your real instruction began. Ruouh, bring him back in one piece and without another contest.
✓ Quest Accepted
Return to the Yuna residence before sundown
+ New Item Acquired
Cloth Bandage
Director's note
Ruouh notices the bandage and takes it into account. He also wants to discretely flirt with me to test me
“Hirana turns to leave, leaving me and the prince alone. Once she is gone, I bow towards the prince and say, “I await your instruction.”. I put one hand on my sword hilt and rest my injured hand behind me.”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled +2)
Hirana gives Ruouh one last guarded look, then turns toward the barracks doors. Her dress whispers across the floor as she leaves the fitting hall and closes the door behind her.
Alone with the prince, Tau bows from the waist. His uninjured hand settles on the Steel Sword’s hilt, its familiar balance anchoring the disciplined posture while his bandaged hand rests safely behind him.
Tau Heathsburough
I await your instruction, Crown Prince.
The phobia constricts beneath Tau’s ribs, but his will holds firm. Keen senses catch the prince’s measured breathing and the faint shift of cloth at the door, letting Tau maintain stillness without looking away.
Ruouh Falren
Rise, Tau. I had expected eagerness, but that composure is considerably more compelling. I may have to make these lessons difficult to leave.
Ruouh steps closer, though he leaves respectful space between them. His deep-blue gaze drops briefly to the hidden bandage, then returns to Tau’s face with a knowing smile.
Ruouh Falren
Your first instruction is simple: walk beside me to the practice court. There, I will judge whether your sword arm is as disciplined as your manners.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach the practice court with Ruouh
− Scene Quest Removed
Return to the Yuna residence before sundown
““Of course, your majesty.” I smile at the prince and say, “You will see that my manners are as sharp as my loyal sword.” I rise, but then look around. I notice the prince is wearing fine clothes, while I am wearing rags. I raise my hand to my neck nervously. “Are you sure it would be fine for me to accompany you as I look right now? I would not want to bring scrutiny towards your direction by looking out of place.””
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled +3)
Tau Heathsburough
Of course, Your Majesty. You will see that my manners are as sharp as my loyal sword. Are you sure I may accompany you dressed like this? I would not bring scrutiny upon you by looking out of place.
Tau rises and glances over the fitting hall. Ruouh’s fine royal clothes contrast sharply with Tau’s worn garments; Tau’s hand lifts nervously toward his neck, while the familiar Steel Sword steadies his posture.
The phobia tightens beneath Tau’s ribs, but his keen senses catch the prince’s softened breathing and the faint shift of cloth at his shoulder. That detail lets Tau hold his composure.
Ruouh Falren
Your concern does you credit. But no scrutiny will reach me through the private arcade. Come closer, Tau, and wear this over your shoulders. It will suit my escort better than rags ever could.
Ruouh removes a dark, finely cut court mantle and settles it around Tau without touching the bandaged hand. The garment conceals the worn clothes and marks Tau as an authorized companion.
Ruouh Falren
There. Now anyone watching will see precisely what I intend them to see: a disciplined swordsman under royal instruction. Try not to make me regret making you presentable.
His deep-blue gaze lingers briefly on the bandage, then returns to Tau’s face with a restrained, testing smile. Ruouh opens the side door toward the practice court and waits.
+ New Item Acquired
Court Mantle
“I show my gratitude and follow behind the prince. I look around and see we are still alone. I use this to try and set a friendly atmosphere between us by respectfully teasing him about making me presentable.”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled +0)
Tau Heathsburough
My gratitude, Your Majesty. Though if this mantle is your idea of making me presentable, I fear your standards are dangerously generous.
Tau follows through the side door, the dark court mantle settling neatly over his worn clothes. The private arcade remains empty, its pale arches opening toward the practice court.
His Steel Sword rests familiarly at his hip, lending confidence to each step, while the mantle’s royal cut makes him look deliberately chosen rather than misplaced. Keen senses confirm no listening footsteps nearby.
Ruouh Falren
Dangerously generous? I had thought the mantle was merely compensating for the distraction of your face. Clearly, I underestimated the challenge.
The phobia tightens at the prince’s pointed attention, but Tau’s controlled breathing and the mantle’s reassuring weight keep the unease contained. His posture remains easy rather than defensive.
Ruouh Falren
Walk beside me, then. If you continue improving my judgment this quickly, Tau, I may insist on personally overseeing every fitting you receive.
Ruouh’s smile turns warmer as they reach the practice court. The private exchange has softened the air between them, and the prince opens the courtyard gate with an inviting gesture.
Quest Complete
Reach the practice court with Ruouh
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Great→Superb