>>6246598“Of course. I will get right to the point.” Patros says curtly. “In my capacity as representative of the Merchant’s Consortium of Morfis, we would like to sponsor you in the contest for Princess Yulia’s hand. Though the exact nature of this competition is still unknown to us, we would offer you the gold and resources necessary to ensure you appear as the most suitable candidate amongst the others.”
“That’s very generous of you.” Alvin says, arms folded and face devoid of emotion. “But as I understand it, the Consortium isn’t known for their charity. What would you want from this deal?”
“In exchange…” Patros continues. “Once you obtain the Princess’ hand in marriage, we would appreciate it if you helped establish relations between us and the Royal Family. As well as ensure that Shangri-La remains a free and welcoming place, with no interference from outside forces. In this case, neither the Yasha nor the Royal College.”
“And what reason would you have to keep them away?” Alvin asks. “Are you not running a clean and legitimate enterprise out here?”
Patros smiles politely, but you get the impression that he did not wish the Adjunct to be here. Perhaps he thought dealing with you would be far easier. But so far, it is as Chelsey thought. He wishes to make a deal with you, in exchange for protection from something he was involved in.
“I’m sure by now you’ve heard that there has been an incident regarding a Yasha and our Vault.” Patros says. “In our investigation of the matter, we found that a rogue mage had been smuggled below. I understand you might even be familiar with this man and his work, so I’ve allowed your colleague, Nadia, to inspect what was left behind. Such meddling from a former Ithaca researcher, as well as a brazen invasion of our facilities by the Yasha, is appalling to us. As such, we would like to ensure that whoever ascends to the throne has our best interests at heart. So that nothing like this ever happens again.”
>“Smuggled in? A mage had been smuggled into the most sensitive area of Shangri-La, was conducting research, and you didn’t know?”“It pains me to say that yes, that is the case.” Pathos says, bowing his head. “I am embarrassed at this lapse of security. If someone in the Consortium is responsible for this, I plan to find them at once and bring them to justice.”
You got the feeling this man knew more than he was letting on. Despite how cool he was trying to seem, you believed that he needed you more than vice versa.
>A): Intimidate Patros into telling you what he really knows. (STR/LCK x1.5: 81% Success)>B): Very well, you have a deal.>C): Sorry, not interested.>D): I would like to consult with Nadia and the rest of my colleagues first.>E): Write-in 