Footsteps gather beyond the chapel panel, and the inner chamber tightens around the evidence. The Viscount Guard squares himself at the table, one hand near the sealed packets. Elizabeth stands rigid beside Arus, her eyes fixed on the door. Somewhere outside, Sir Alfred Billings is still under guard, unable to force his way back in.
The Viscount
Bring the ledger out. If there is more hidden in this house, I want it found before sunset.
The Viscount enters with clipped authority, his gaze taking in the packets, the torn receipt, and Arus in a single sweep. He does not look surprised, only satisfied that the trap has finally closed. The Viscount Guard steps aside at once, ready for orders.
Elizabeth Billings
Then let the house be searched, and let no loyal man be blamed for my father’s lies.
That lands harder than any blade. The Viscount gives a sharp nod, and two guards hurry off at once. Elizabeth’s chin lifts, defiant even now, while the maid at the doorway looks as if she has seen the whole estate tip over in a breath.
The Viscount
Arus, you have served this house well. Speak plainly, and I will see you rewarded. Money, passage, or silence, choose your bargain.
Arus Gandon
The offer is real, and the door is open.
“I answer the Viscount directly, with deference and respect. "There is something that I desire, my lord. Two, in fact, one minor and one more significant request. As the new Sheriff of Cornwall, there was an unfortunate, past misunderstanding of an inconsequential nature, but it did lead to authorities under Lord Billings' command to issue posters seeking my arrest on false charges... I would be eternally grateful if you would see it fit to declare my name cleared of suspicion of wrongdoing, as a local man in good standing, if my lord deems it a worthy request." Then I will kneel to one knee before him, "And the second is a place among your household as your man-at-arms, or sailing master, if my lord would accept me, so that I may have a worthy enough station to ask a now-disinherited maiden of remarkable character and beauty for her hand in marriage, and be a man of worthy status for her to grant me the happiness of becoming my bride, with your blessing of course, my lord..."”
SUCCESS (Superb Deception, rolled +2)
Arus Gandon
My lord, there is something I desire, two things, in truth. First, if you judge it fit, let my name be cleared of those false charges. Second, if you would have me, give me a place in your household, as man-at-arms or sailing master.
Arus Gandon
I ask it so I may stand as a man of proper station, worthy to seek the hand of a lady of rare character and beauty, with your blessing.
Arus lowers himself to one knee before the table, careful and formal, keeping his tone measured despite the candlelight and the waiting guards.
The Viscount
A bold petition, and a useful one. The boy knows exactly how to frame a bargain.
The Viscount
So be it. Your name is to be cleared, and the charges laid aside. You will be taken into my service, under my protection.
The Viscount’s gaze lingers on Arus a moment longer than courtesy requires, then shifts to the papers as if sealing the matter with a glance. Elizabeth’s hard line of defiance softens into startled relief, and the maid finally breathes again.
Elizabeth Billings
Then you have my thanks, my lord. And... mine, Arus.
The room settles into a rare, fragile quiet, the kind that follows a door being opened and kept open.
The chamber eased at last, though the air still smelled of ink, wax, and old fear.
The Viscount
Your service is noted, Arus. Your place in my household is granted.
Arus Gandon
Then I ask only fair use of my name, my coin, and my life.
Elizabeth Billings
At least one man in this room has chosen honor over rot.
Maid
Oh, thank heaven. I thought we should all faint before sunrise.
The Viscount's guards departed to search the estate, and the chamber's hard edges softened into something like peace.
By dawn, Arus stood diminished in neither courage nor standing, though the price of both was now plain. The Baron’s treason was being dragged into the light, and in its wake a new master settled over the house, polished and smiling, with corruption worn just as well as the old. Yet within the chamber, for one brief honest moment, relief had been enough.