Lord Matsudaira rises from the low seat, one hand settling on his katana as a shout splits the estate from the Hachiman Gate. Footsteps pound over gravel outside. He turns toward the curtain, measuring the danger in the sound.
Lord Matsudaira
If the authorities have come, they may already be inside the walls.
Arimari Tiarasan stands in the room with the pamphlets still at hand, the low table crowded by the printed sheets. The parted curtain quivers with the draft from the hall.
The Steward
My lord, I will see who comes.
The shout outside sharpens into another voice, then silence. Lord Matsudaira does not sit. He keeps his gaze on the entrance, ready for either a servant or an armed report.
Lord Matsudaira
Stay where you are, Arimari Tiarasan. If this is trouble, I want to know whether it follows your papers, or my house.
✓ Quest Accepted
Inform Lord Matsudaira of the delivery
✓ Quest Accepted
Respond to Lord Matsudaira's questioning
“I bow low and tell him the shipment has arrived safely.”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +2)
Arimari lowers himself into a deep bow before Lord Matsudaira, rain still clinging to his sleeves from the gate.
Arimari Tiarasan
The shipment has arrived safely.
Lord Matsudaira
Good. Then the delay at Hachiman Gate has not ruined the day.
The Steward
The bundles are here as well, my lord. The printed sheets are intact.
Lord Matsudaira
Intact, and timely. That is better than I expected when the shouting began.
Lord Matsudaira
He studies Arimari a moment longer, his gaze settling on the calmness of the report.
The Steward
If you wish, my lord, he can tell us exactly what he saw at the gate.
Quest Complete
Inform Lord Matsudaira of the delivery
Quest Complete
Respond to Lord Matsudaira's questioning