The Lotus Pavilion smells of wine, silk powder, and fear. Its doors are barred from within. Chen Kang steps into the lamplit hall and finds the room frozen mid-breath.
A broad-shouldered headman paces before the inner room, one hand resting on his blade. Around him, brothel workers cling to tables and screen posts, watching his every step.
Headman Guo
You all know what I want. One of you is hiding the prince. Speak now, and I may still be merciful.
At the doorway, Chen Kang is caught in the headman’s sightline. The pacing stops. The whole hall tightens around the pause.
Headman Guo
And you. You walk in uninvited. State your business, or leave this place before I decide you are part of the problem.
A young courtesan near the back lowers her eyes, fingers shaking against her sleeve. The workers are waiting to see whether Chen Kang answers with words, or with steel.
✓ Quest Accepted
Distract Headman Guo
“I step forward and offer a mocking bow, keeping my hand near my own blade.”
SUCCESS (Superb Agility, rolled +1)
Chen Kang advances with measured steps, then folds into a sharp bow that reads more insult than respect.
His hand stays near his own blade, calm and ready. The motion cuts the hall’s silence without breaking it.
Headman Guo
Bold. Or foolish. Which are you?
Guo’s gaze narrows onto Chen Kang instead of the room. Several workers let out the smallest breath, seizing the chance to stay unseen.
The Young Courtesan
Headman, please, he has only just arrived.
The plea lands in the middle of the hall, fragile but useful. Guo’s attention shifts, and the courtesan keeps her head low, trembling but visible.
Quest Complete
Distract Headman Guo