Flores receives you beneath chandeliers of enchanted crystal. Ancient houses fill the riverside hall, their silks and jewels moving to the music while servants pour wine with practiced silence.
Your royal pin draws measured glances. Before the formal introductions conclude, Rin steps from the gathering, her silver-white hair and oni horns unmistakable amid the noble crowd.
Rin
Prince Jericho, allow me a moment away from these rehearsed courtesies. My family seeks a political marriage, but I would rather begin with a private alliance.
She guides you only as far as a secluded archway overlooking the dark river, leaving the hall plainly visible behind her. Her posture remains composed, but her attention never leaves your face.
Rin
Flores rewards those who recognize opportunity before it becomes public currency. Your faction needs strength, and my house needs a future worthy of its name.
Across the room, several nobles abandon their conversations. One raises a wine cup without drinking; another murmurs behind a jeweled hand. They have noticed Rin's choice and await your answer.
Rin
You may accept, bargain, or make my interest known to everyone here. Choose carefully, Prince. This room remembers every promise.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure an alliance with Rin.
“"I am indeed looking for a marriage alliance and your house certainly qualifies you for that." I inspect her more closely, recognize the political implications of the situation, and then give her a friendly smile. "However I am also familiar enough with you and your reputation to accept you as just an ally and member of my faction." My face then becomes a bit more serious. "Though if you are seeking the position of head of my harem, then you should know that it won't stay open forever and it takes more than just familial connections to earn."”
SUCCESS (Great Persuasion, rolled +0)
Jericho Font Helmsworth
I am indeed seeking a marriage alliance, and your house certainly qualifies. I would accept you as an ally and member of my faction.
Jericho studies Rin more closely, then offers a friendly smile. The watching nobles recognize the shape of the bargain before either house can disguise it as mere courtesy.
Jericho Font Helmsworth
If you seek the position of head of my harem, know that it will not remain open forever. Familial connections alone cannot earn it.
His expression turns serious. Behind the archway, a jeweled cup slips against its saucer with a sharp crack, and several conversations die at once.
Rin
Then let us name this plainly. I accept the alliance, and I will place my house's strength within your faction.
Rin
As for marriage, I will negotiate in good faith. As for your household's highest place, I will earn consideration through what I build, not merely through my family's name.
The agreement settles between you with the weight of witnessed ink, though the cost is immediate: every noble in the hall now knows Rin has chosen Jericho's side.
Quest Complete
Secure an alliance with Rin.