Paul has dressed and remains beside the table, while Christopher stands rigidly near the shelves with his notebook held against his chest. Chenevix-Trench gathers the punishment list.
Beneath the list lies a sealed envelope bearing an outside postmark and the school’s address. Its paper is creased from handling, and a corner shows the wording about the disputed money order.
Chenevix-Trench breaks the seal with his thumb. He unfolds the letter carefully, then pauses when a paragraph near the middle appears blacked out, with another section torn away altogether.
Anthony Chenevix-Trench
This concerns the order placed in the school’s custody. The correspondent confirms its receipt, its disputed handling, and the necessity of a proper administrative account.
He reads on, but the missing passage interrupts the argument. Christopher leans forward despite himself, watching the torn edge rather than the housemaster’s face.
Christopher Brooker
There is a paragraph missing, sir. Whatever it said may explain why the letter was sealed and why someone removed it.
Anthony Chenevix-Trench
You will not speculate about correspondence you have not been invited to inspect. Foot will remain where he is while I determine what this document requires.
✓ Quest Accepted
Accept Chenevix-Trench’s right to take the money order for himself or other purposes
“I affirm Chenevix-Trench's right to use the money order as he sees fit.”
SUCCESS (Mediocre Oratory, rolled +2)
Paul Foot
Sir, I affirm your right to use the money order as you see fit, provided it remains within the school’s proper custody.
The words give Chenevix-Trench exactly the authority he claims. Christopher’s expression tightens, and his notebook sinks slightly against his chest.
Anthony Chenevix-Trench
A sensible affirmation, Foot. You acknowledge that the order is no longer yours to direct, question, or reclaim.
He folds the letter around the damaged paragraph and places it beside the order. Paul’s assent secures the housemaster’s control, but abandons any useful claim to contest his handling of it.
Christopher Brooker
You have given him the strongest sentence he could want, Foot. He will cite it whenever anyone asks who authorised this.
Anthony Chenevix-Trench
Brooker, be silent. Foot has shown proper judgment, and I shall enter his affirmation with the custody papers.
He writes the statement beneath the order’s receipt, preserving Paul’s cautious qualification only in the surrounding record. The money order remains secured, while Paul’s standing as an independent challenger is plainly diminished.
Quest Complete
Accept Chenevix-Trench’s right to take the money order for himself or other purposes
Skill Upgrade: Oratory Mediocre→Fair