The Asiaticus family reaches the Circus Maximus beneath a bright Roman sky. Narrow entrances spill them onto crowded terraces, where vendors cry over the thunder of racing hooves.
Castor and Pollux
Look, Nestor! The red chariots are already circling. Come on, we can see better from there!
The twins press eagerly through the spectators, darting toward an open place beside the rail. Nestor follows with one hand on the household purse and the other raised in warning.
Nestor
Stay where I can see both of you. A crowd may be excellent company, but it is poor at returning lost boys.
Aurelia keeps close to Valeria, her calm gaze moving between the track and the family. The outing feels ordinary, almost luxurious, despite the household’s careful economy.
Aurelia
They have needed this. Let them cheer without ledgers, seals, or magistrates for one afternoon.
A race official’s herald climbs onto a low platform and calls for attention. He announces a disputed wager recorded under the Asiaticus name, then looks toward the family’s section as nearby spectators begin to turn.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure dismissal of the disputed wager claim
“"Sir? Do I hear properly? The Asiaticus family has only just arrived, and we certainly have placed no wagers."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Oratory, rolled +0)
Valeria Asiaticus
Sir, do I hear properly? The Asiaticus family has only just arrived, and we have placed no wagers.
Valeria’s denial carries across the terrace. The herald pauses, lowering his wax tablet as the nearby spectators turn from the track to watch the exchange.
the race official’s herald
You hear correctly that your name was called, but the wager is not yours. I will verify the entry before repeating it.
He breaks the tablet’s reading seal and compares the written account with the public register carried by a clerk. Nestor steps nearer, keeping the household purse beneath his cloak.
Nestor
Let the record show that no member of this household authorized a wager. Our sealed accounts contain no such payment or obligation.
the race official’s herald
The register confirms it. This entry uses the Asiaticus name without your consent. It is struck from the announced wagers and referred for correction.
The herald marks the tablet before the watching crowd and announces the correction aloud. The family’s name is cleared, though murmurs linger around whoever tried to borrow it.
Identify who used the Asiaticus name without consent
Quest Complete
Secure dismissal of the disputed wager claim