>>6012248>>6012280>>6012310>>6013541You level a steady gaze at the guard commander, measuring your words carefully. "Tell me why I should trust you, considering the previous king you served met his demise under your watch."
The commander chuckles wryly. "Your survival and secure reign are in my best interest as well, your radiance. Should you fall, the five noble houses will plunge into conflict, each claiming their right to rule. The kingdom would fracture into civil war, and an old eunuch who served the previous king would likely not survive such a conflict."
You weigh his words. He is likely correct—the civil war would indeed threaten the capital, and a foreign eunuch with long service under Suial would find few allies.
The commander continues, "Moreover, there are rumors that I conspired with the foreign barbarian to end King Suial the Third. Should one of those noble families seize power, my head would surely be the first to fall. You might be the only person in this kingdom who understands that I had no part in Suial's death and was as shocked as anyone when that foreigner cut through a hundred guards to reach him."
"So you are saying I should trust you, simply because our interests align?" you press, skeptically. "Even after you served the worst tyrant this kingdom has ever seen?"
The commander meets your eyes, unflinching, his expression a blend of solemnity and resolve. "Your radiance, my loyalty to the throne is the cornerstone of my service, irrespective of who sits upon it. The old king's fate was sealed by your sword and the laws of conquest, not by my hand. My duty was to serve and protect him as king, and now, my duty is to serve and protect you."
He pauses, allowing his words to sink in. "I am a tool of the crown, wielded by whoever holds it. My allegiance is to the throne, to the stability of the kingdom, not to the personal whims or cruelties of its ruler. As a eunuch, I will never be accepted as king. I will never father a child or start a new royal bloodline. My only role is to serve, and I accept it, no matter how harsh or perverse my master's commands."
You consider his response, probing for any sign of deceit. His steadfast demeanor suggests a deep-rooted sense of duty and an understanding of the delicate balance of power within the kingdom. "You may indeed be as loyal as you claim," you concede cautiously. "However, Suial did die under your watch. How can I trust in your ability to protect me?"
"Please follow me, your radiance," the guard commander invites, leading you toward the dungeons. "There was an attempt on your life this morning. It is my honor to report that we have thwarted it and captured the would-be assassins."
> Interrogate the prisoners to uncover their motives for attempting your assassination.> Order a public execution for the prisoners to demonstrate the consequences of treason.> Inquire with the guard commander about how Suial would have dealt with such prisoners. 