>>5309767The inside of Castle Charon has more in common with a military fort than the dwellings of a prominent noble. The walls are bare, save for the occasional weapon rack and tapestry honoring the Goddess. There are more soldiers walking about than there are noblemen or even serving staff. After going through several similar looking halls, you find yourself in what must serve as the Castle’s audience chamber, in front of who you assume is Margrave Charon.
“My ladies.” The Margrave bows his head, respectfully. He appears to be an older man, albeit one still in remarkably good shape. He stands proudly tall, meeting you dressed in full plate armor, with a full mane of blond hair covering his head. “I am the ruler of this land, Margrave Richard Charon. My men have informed me you have journeyed here from Garreg Mach. I would have questions for you, but first, I must inquire as to your health. Given the current state of your uniforms, you both appear to have suffered much.”
>You’re beginning to feel self-conscious at how you and Corrine must appear to everyone. You’ll need to make finding a new set of clothes a top priority. “We are well, my lord. Our journey from Garreg Mach was a hazardous one, but we’re at least glad to have made it in one piece.” You introduce yourself and Corrine to the Margrave, using the same fabricated backstory that she had come up with on the ride over.“There is not a single person within my dwelling that has not seen that black smoke emanating from the monastery’s direction, yet we lack answers as to the origin. I’ve sent some of my men to investigate, though none have yet to return. Please, I must know. What fate has befallen Garreg Mach that would cause you to flee to Charon in such a condition?”
You inform the Margrave of the Empire’s invasion of Garreg Mach. The man’s face turns rigid, his hands clenched into fists. It doesn’t take a too detailed retelling of the events that transpired to send him into a rage.
“Inconceivable!” He shouts, red in the face. “Garreg Mach has long been neutral ground for all three nations! And you say this new Emperor brought an army upon such a sacred place?! What of Prince Dimitri? Are you aware of his whereabouts? Was he able to escape!?”
>“I’m afraid I do not know, my lord. It was all my sister, and I could do to escape with our lives intact.” You've never even met the Prince. You can hardly recall what the boy even looks like.