The corridor narrows to a cold strip of stone and oak. Roald has barely taken a step toward the prep room when a master fills the passage, cane tucked under his arm, eyes sharp as pins.
The Master
You there. Stop. What business have you in this corridor?
The Prefect lingers a few paces back, watching in silence. On the floor between them lies a crumpled paper ball, kicked near the wall.
Roald Dahl
I am on an errand, sir.
The Master
An errand, is it? Then say whose errand, and be quick about it.
The Prefect
He comes from Foxley’s study, sir. The boy has been sent about as usual.
The master’s gaze flicks from Roald’s face to the Prefect and back again. He does not lower the cane, but his suspicion eases by a shade.
The Master
Very well. Stay out of the way, then. And pick up your litter, whoever dropped it.
✓ Quest Accepted
Deflect the master’s suspicion
“I stoop down quickly to retrieve the crumpled paper ball from the floor.”
FAILURE (Fair Agility, rolled -2)
Roald bends for the paper ball, but the stone bites at his shoes and his hand skids short. The scrap rolls under the master’s shadow instead of into his grasp.
The master’s cane shifts a fraction. He looks down at the fallen scrap, then at Roald, and the room tightens around that tiny mistake.
The Master
Mind your footing, boy. I said pick it up.
The Prefect’s stare stays flat, but his eyes flick once toward the far end of the corridor, where the prep room door stands clear.
The Prefect
It’s only litter, sir. I can see to it.
The master gives a brief, satisfied nod, already bored by the matter. His cane remains tucked in place, but his attention eases off Roald.
For one heartbeat, the scrap is visible beside the wall, and the open prep room lies beyond the master’s shoulder, unobstructed.
“I let the Prefect handle the litter”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +0)
Roald stays where he is, shoulders held still, letting the moment belong to the Prefect.
The Prefect steps in at once, bends, and scoops up the scrap before the master can take interest in it again.
The Prefect
Just waste paper, sir. I’ll see it thrown away.
The master gives a short, dismissive grunt and turns his gaze down the corridor, already done with the business.
Roald keeps his hands empty and his eyes lowered. The path to the prep room stays open.
The Prefect
Move along, then. Don’t make a habit of dawdling.
The Prefect straightens with the paper in his fist, his face flat and unreadable, while the master’s shadow slips away from the scrap.
Quest Complete
Deflect the master’s suspicion
Attribute Upgrade: Agility Fair→Good