Qiao Ren’s acceptance seals across the record, and the court’s attention shifts toward the newly settled boundary. Clerk Vey’s hand slips beneath his robe.
A narrow blade flashes toward Empress Xifeng. Kareem sees the attack first and throws himself between them, taking the strike deep as the Empress recoils behind him.
Empress Xifeng
Kareem!
The Imperial Guard Captain crosses the chamber in a single rush, wrenching Vey away and forcing the knife from his grasp. Guards close around the throne.
Imperial Guard Captain
Clerk Vey is secured. No one leaves this chamber. Preserve the witness record exactly as it stands.
Kareem remains between Xifeng and the attacker, his wound darkening his clothing. The witness tablet flares above the record, binding Vey’s attempted murder to the authorization bearing Qiao Ren’s office mark.
the robed examiner
The ruling now depends on immediate action. The coercive office has revealed its purpose, and every responsible hand must answer before this record closes.
✓ Quest Accepted
Ensure Kareem survives the stabbing
“I put pressure on my wound while refusing to move away from the Empress while they are in the room”
SUCCESS (Good Health, rolled -1)
Kareem clamps both hands over the wound and holds his ground between the Empress and the secured clerk. Blood seeps through his fingers, but the cost is contained.
Empress Xifeng
Do not move him by force. Guard Captain, secure the room and summon the court physician.
The Imperial Guard Captain steps between Vey and the throne while two guards form a shield around Xifeng. No one passes Kareem without her command.
Imperial Guard Captain
Bishop remains under protection. The attacker is disarmed, the exits are sealed, and every witness stays in place.
the robed examiner
The record now contains both the attempted murder and Kareem’s deliberate defense of the Empress. His refusal to retreat is witnessed, not construed as defiance.
The tablet’s light steadies over Kareem’s blood-marked hands, preserving the authorization trail. Qiao Ren’s office seal darkens as Vey’s act becomes evidence against it.
Magistrate Qiao Ren
Clerk Vey acted without lawful instruction. I will not claim this attack for my office, but I will submit its records to examination.
“"If you dont back the fuck up, away from her majesty, so help me god, I will throw your ass out the window myself”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +1)
Kareem Bishop
If you don't back the fuck up, away from Her Majesty, so help me God, I will throw your ass out the window myself.
Kareem’s threat cuts through the chamber. Blood still darkens his hands, but his stance makes the danger unmistakable as he positions himself between Qiao Ren and the Empress.
Magistrate Qiao Ren
You threaten an appointed adjudicator before the throne?
Qiao Ren takes several deliberate steps backward, putting clear distance between himself and Xifeng. The Imperial Guard Captain immediately occupies the space he abandons.
Imperial Guard Captain
That is far enough, Magistrate. Face the record, not the Empress.
Empress Xifeng
Kareem, remain where you are. Your warning has been heard, and Qiao Ren has withdrawn.
The witness tablet records the retreat beside Kareem’s threat. Qiao Ren’s office seal dims, while the guards hold him behind the marked boundary and the physician hurries toward Kareem.
“I let the physician treat my wound but mever take my eyes of Qiao Ren”
FAILURE (Legendary Willpower, rolled -4)
The physician reaches Kareem and presses a folded cloth to the wound. He permits the treatment, keeping his body angled toward Qiao Ren as the room holds its boundary.
the physician
Hold still, honored witness. If you twist while I bind this, the wound will open again.
Kareem keeps his gaze fixed on Qiao Ren while the physician cleans and closes the injury. When the cloth tightens, pain forces his eyes shut for one brief instant.
Magistrate Qiao Ren
Your vigilance is noted, Bishop. I remain within the marked boundary and make no movement toward the throne.
The physician ties the final knot, but the brief loss of sight has changed the arrangement. Two guards now stand directly between Qiao Ren and Kareem, blocking a clear view.
the physician
The bleeding is controlled, but the binding must remain undisturbed. You may stand, though not safely without support.
Kareem can still track Qiao Ren’s position through the guards’ spacing and the tablet’s light, but watching the adjudicator directly is no longer possible.
Quest Complete
Ensure Kareem survives the stabbing
Skill Upgrade: Healing Good→Great