Mist beads on the Hachiman Gate. Arimari and Reina stand ready to leave, but the Steward hurries in with a sealed scroll clenched tight.
Hidetada
Arimari-dono, one final word. This bears Lord Matsudaira's crest. It must reach Nomaru before dusk, and it must not pass through unsteady hands.
He stops just short of them, eyes flicking to Reina, then back to the seal in her lap. The weight of the household seems to press on his shoulders.
Hidetada
If you go now as you are, you go as two people. If you go with this order, you go as Matsudaira's chosen blade. Which is it to be?
Arimari Tiarasan
Nomaru's loyalty will decide how far this house can move.
Beyond the gate, the road waits in pale morning light. Behind them, the estate holds its breath, and the Steward keeps the scroll extended, forcing Arimari to choose whether his promise to Reina can live beside his duty to the clan.
“Is Matsudaira testing my loyalty too?”
EXCEPTIONAL NO (Likely, rolled 96)
Hidetada
You look at me as if I am a judge, Arimari. I am merely a servant of a man who has run out of options, not a man who doubts your heart.
Arimari Tiarasan
He speaks with a weariness that carries no malice, only the heavy burden of a house in decline.
Hidetada
My name is Hidetada. I have served this house since before the ink on those scrolls was dry, and I know that Lord Matsudaira does not test those he has already chosen to trust.
“I ask Hidetada what Nomaru wants”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled -1)
Arimari Tiarasan
What does Nomaru want?
Hidetada
Security, first. He wants to know whether Matsudaira can keep faith with old allies, and whether a seal from this house means support or sacrifice.
Hidetada
He also watches for disrespect. If a messenger arrives proud, he closes his ears. If one arrives honest, he listens.
Hidetada eases the sealed scroll back into his sleeve, his gaze turning toward the gate as if measuring the road beyond it.
Hidetada
Nomaru values plain words. He remembers debts, but he trusts the hand that admits a burden more than the hand that flatters.
Reina
Then the seal must arrive with humility, not ceremony.
A pause settles between them, softer now, and Hidetada waits as though he has already said the most useful truth he can give.
Quest Complete
Learn where Nomaru's loyalty may bend
New Gift: Political Intelligence