>>6004749“Sir?” Asks the boy. Alfredo, or something, you’ve forgotten the name again.
You don’t make a habit of remembering names of people you don’t like. You remember the names of all of your Storks. You remember the name Gerald Hayner because he spent a great deal of money and favor to the royal court to make sure you remembered it. You’d like to get this over with and not have to think about that smug fucking bastard anymore.
“Sir, you seem troubled. Shall we go inside? Some merriment for your worries?” He asks again.
“That’s exactly what I don’t want to do…” You hang with your mouth open, you felt cool not remembering the liaison’s name, now you kind of feel like an asshole.
“Alphonse.”
“Ah, yes, that’s exactly what I don’t want to do, Alphonse. But I suppose enough’s enough…”
Alphonse smiles, with that same “how did I do?” sort of expression he wore after his puzzling little demonstration at your encampment. Maybe, he’s not so bad.
“After, you, Sir Metzen.” He then turns and pulls open one of the two double doors, gesturing for you to enter.
You scan the observation hall. It’s about three-quarters size of a typical ballroom. Along the southern and eastern walls are large glass windows, unadorned with any decorative flourishes and shined for visibility. It’s not the highest view of the city, but it’s the widest.
Your eyes lock with the Dane sitting with his wife (presumably, scandal does love to find Lord Hayner) at the table nearest the eastern observation platform. He smirks, you scowl, and then you both disengage. The exchange lasted maybe one second, if not less.
Shit. No way to blindside him anymore.
Social engineering isn’t exactly going to fly here. All these Grandmasters are at least vaguely familiar with you and your order. You won’t be defying any expectations, but maybe you can walk away with at least a vague imitation of cordial companionship with some of them…
How should you lead this off?
>Stand off to the side to begin with, and converse some with Alphonse. Maybe he knows what‘s up, despite lacking status.>You spy the Grandmaster of the Lion’s Lineage. You should go say hello to the guy you’re going to defeat at the joust.>Go right up to Gerald. You don’t have time for this mingling shit. He already knows you’re here, and that you’re late. Don’t give him the satisfaction. 