Kasai leaves the classroom as the accused student remains behind beneath the council’s watch. In the corridor, a folded paper trick snaps open, scattering printed articles and rumor sheets across the polished floor.
Theodore “Theo” Lawinsky
Oops. Terrible luck for the paperwork.
Theodore “Theo” Lawinsky, an athletic teenage boy with pale skin, tousled chestnut hair streaked copper, and bright reddish-brown eyes, drops into a crouch, laughing as he gathers the pages.
Theodore “Theo” Lawinsky
Most of these are harmless. Gossip, exaggeration, the usual bloodless entertainment.
He separates a smaller stack and fans it just enough to show Kasai’s name repeated across several headlines. The ink lists old contacts, private favors, and questions about his influence.
Theodore “Theo” Lawinsky
These ones are about you. I thought you might appreciate the journalism.
At the far end of the corridor, Hazel Forrest stands beneath the classroom windows, immaculate and smiling faintly. Her warm-brown eyes remain fixed on Kasai, weighing whether he laughs, investigates, or reveals something by reacting.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep Kasai's reputation under his control
✓ Quest Accepted
Find out what Hazel knows about Kasai
“I study the pages naming me, Knowing they cant even be published without my permission "It's such a laughable thought to think someone would try to bring down my own reputation with MY methods, knowing it can't be published without my permission, considering my position." I then watch Hazel’s reaction to my statement.”
SUCCESS (Great Investigation, rolled +2)
Kasai studies the pages spread across the polished floor. Each headline names his contacts, favors, and influence, but none bears the authorization that controls their publication.
Kasai Minoru
It's laughable that someone would try to damage my reputation with my own methods, knowing it cannot be published without my permission, given my position.
Theodore “Theo” Lawinsky
Oh, I know. That is what makes it funny. The articles are powerless until you decide they are useful.
Theo’s grin stays bright as he offers the stack forward, but his reddish-brown eyes track Kasai’s hands, searching for any sign that the pages struck deeper than expected.
Hazel’s faint smile remains in place beneath the classroom windows. Her warm-brown eyes move from the headlines to Kasai, then settle on Theo with polished disapproval.
Hazel Forrest
How reassuring. Your authority protects you from bad journalism, Kasai. I wonder whether it also protects you from becoming its subject.
Theodore “Theo” Lawinsky
Careful, Hazel. If he approves the story, everyone will assume you helped write it.
For one measured second, Hazel’s smile tightens. Then it smooths away, leaving Kasai with the clear reaction he was watching for: irritation carefully disguised as concern.
Quest Complete
Keep Kasai's reputation under his control