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[b:lit][blue]Winner:[/blue][/b:lit] The write in plan
[b:lit][red]10 + 17 = 27 General Knowledge Nobility to keep your head and be political[/red][/b:lit]
With every word that comes out of Damien's mouth about young Trevor's ability to take on the responsibilities of a knight, the stony look upon your face deepens into a heavy frown. [b:lit][green]Who the hell does Damien thinks he is?[/green][/b:lit] Obviously a friend of the King's, to address him on such a familiar basis, but it pains you to let this stain upon your squire's honor stand. Upon your own honor. You understand that he has personal experience with how inheritance can fail the children who are not their heir, but his words imply that [i:lit]you[/i:lit] failed to prepare Trevor as his mentor.
You cannot let this stand.
But you would be failing your own mentor if you went the simple route and demanded that Damien retract his insult to your honor, to Trevor's honor. The rage that has boiled in the blood of your family for a dozen centuries must not be allowed to take hold. As you breathe in cycles of five as the Duke of Sonnenblume taught you, you consider his words to you upon the art of the debate: "[i:lit]If the opponent is wrong, prove your case true. If the opponent is right, flip the tables on them.[/i:lit]"
That last part is a metaphor, by the way. If you actually flip the table on your opponent during a debate, the judge gets angry with you and has you escorted to the detention hall. [b:lit][green]Even if the little shits deserved it[/green][/b:lit]. No, the actual meaning of the Duke's words was this:
First, never waste your breath trying to refute a claim made without evidence.
Second, just as on the battlefield, if your opponent has the upper hand you need to change the parameters of victory to rip that advantage away from him.
When the King asks you his question, your lips curl away from the frown and into a small smile. Not because you are eager to simply name someone and let the shadow of Damien's experiences and biases affect the King's judgment. Rather, because you have been given a splendid opportunity to act as the Duke would want you to act, and upend the table.
"If I may make a proposal, my Liege?" you ask the King, and wait for his approval.
Damien quirks an eyebrow at you, no doubt wondering what is going through your head. The King pauses for a moment, and the gives a short nod, "Let us hear it, Louise."
"Trevor had the opportunity to lead first troop under the advisement of Boric and his deans during the border skirmishes earlier this year," you tell the King. He nods for you to continue after you pause, so you say, "I see no harm in stretching this arrangement out to a fortnight, especially if relief is to be expected from the Countess Goldenbell. I assume one of her men will be taking command from Trevor upon their arrival?"
