Scenario:Aglovale and Tor - For Family's Sake

For Family's Sake

Shortly after the investigation into the cabal, Aglovale thinks back on the day he met Tor. After being informed by Tor of a planned uprising, an intrigued Aglovale had decided to enlist the merchant in the search for the missing Lamorak. This reminiscence causes Aglovale to realize just how much their relationship has evolved.

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Some time has passed since the nations of Feendrache, Wales, and Dalmore entered into an alliance.

Following a solo investigation, Aglovale discovered that his brother Lamorak was operating under the guise of Lusor—an elite member of a hostile faction known as the cabal.

After realizing the truth, Aglovale set out for the cabal's base, which Tor had successfully identified.

However, Lamorak had escaped moments before he arrived, leaving him unable to uncover any additional information about the mysterious organization.

One afternoon, shortly after the investigation into the cabal had been conducted...

Aglovale peers through the gates of the Wales Castle training grounds to see a man swinging his sword diligently.

Tor: Hah! Hup!

Aglovale: (It seems the rumors of Tor practicing at this time of day were true. He's nothing if not committed.)

Aglovale: (Though he may be considered a knight on paper, I've never once urged him to go into battle. What could have driven him to such lengths?)

Aglovale: (Actually... I can make an educated guess.)

Aglovale: (In the past, every interaction between us was a constant battle of wits. I can remember the day I met him as if it were yesterday...)

Nearly a year prior, Wales had transformed drastically following a series of reforms put in place by Aglovale.

One day, Aglovale and his attendants had come to inspect the marketplace outside the castle in order to see the results of his policies firsthand.

After witnessing an incident involving a dishonest shopkeeper, he lavishes praise upon a particular merchant operating a stall alongside his mentor.

Aglovale: Tor, was it? The finesse with which you dispensed of that scoundrel was magnificent.

Tor: I hardly deserve such praise. He only withdrew because you were nearby, my lord.

Aglovale: It's true that I would have punished him severely for demanding an unreasonable sum from a customer who damaged his merchandise...

Aglovale: But not many merchants would have intervened in my presence, encouraging him to make a graceful retreat if he didn't want to face the king's wrath.

Merchant: My deepest apologies. This fellow can be oddly strong-willed at times. I'll make sure to give him a stern talking-to.

Aglovale: Not to worry. If that rogue had not been dealt with, his actions would have cast a stain upon this market's reputation.

Aglovale: Part of the reason I have come here with my retinue is to maintain public order. If my authority can be of use to that effect, then by all means.

Tor: Such generosity of spirit! Your virtue exceeds even my highest expectations.

Aglovale: Humph. Well, since the opportunity has presented itself, let me see your wares.

After carefully examining the goods shown to him, Aglovale decides to purchase a number of products that caught his interest.

Merchant: I'm delighted you were able to find several items to suit your taste. I'll have your purchases wrapped up in just a moment.

Merchant: I'll be right back, Torry. Good luck.

Tor: Thank you, master.

Aglovale: ...?

Following an exchange of meaningful glances, Tor straightens up and turns to Aglovale as the merchant excuses himself.

Tor: My lord, forgive my impudence, but there is a certain matter I would like to bring to your attention.

Aglovale: What might that be?

Tor: Word has reached my ear that an uprising will soon take place in the southern district.

Aglovale: That is quite serious. Do you have evidence to support this claim?

Tor: The cost of armaments has dropped considerably since you chose to cease your invasion of Feendrache, my lord.

Tor: As a result, the nobles of the southern district who had been purchasing large quantities of weaponry suffered great losses.

Tor: It seems they intend to instigate war by staging an insurrection, all for the purpose of exacting revenge, as well as causing a surge in the price of munitions.

Aglovale: (Hmm... That certainly stands to reason.)

Tor: I understand that you are currently aiming to expand the market and strengthen the nation's influence by incorporating the knowledge of various regions.

Tor: Presuming such a revolt might be unfavorable in light of your plans, I decided it best to inform you.

Aglovale: (This information is undoubtedly valuable to me... but what a disturbing issue to disclose upon our first meeting.)

Aglovale: (If he is a superficial man who simply wants to earn my gratitude for the sake of a reward, I suppose I should just give him a small sum...)

Aglovale: Well done reporting this to me. Will this amount suffice as payment?

Tor: Oh, no, that was not my intent. I was merely expressing my concerns to you, my lord.

Aglovale: (He declined? So it seems he's not motivated by money after all...)

Aglovale: (Perhaps the reason he quelled the turmoil in such a showy fashion was to establish contact with me. He's far too dangerous to ignore.)

Aglovale: Ah, is that so? Well, I must say, I've taken quite an interest in you. In fact, I'd like to invite you to join me for tea.

Tor: Pardon? Me, my lord?

Aglovale: Tea is far more delicious when enjoyed with company, after all. I shall send for you at a later date. I look forward to your attendance.

Tor: Yes, my lord.

Brow furrowed, Tor watches as Aglovale accepts his goods and departs from the stall.

Tor is summoned to the castle a few days later, where he finds himself seated at a table with Aglovale, the scent of herbal tea wafting through the air.

Aglovale: You're here as my own personal guest, so make yourself comfortable.

Tor: Yes, my lord.

Aglovale: Humph... I assume you are wise enough to recognize that I didn't invite you here today on a mere whim.

Aglovale sets aside his steaming cup and smiles icily, an appraising look in his eyes.

Aglovale: Let's stop trying to sound each other out, shall we? Answer me honestly. Why did you choose to blow the whistle?

Aglovale: What do you stand to gain by deterring an uprising in the southern district?

Tor: ...

Tor: (The pressure he exhibits is tremendous. If there is but a single flaw in my logic, my argument will fall apart in an instant.)

Tor: The southern district is a important point of travel to and from neighboring countries. If it were to become inaccessible, the flow of goods would be impeded as well.

Aglovale: I see... And that is your sole motivation?

Tor: Well... I am afraid this is a more personal incentive, but the trade association I belong to has been purchasing a great number of recreational goods...

Tor: We have been doing so on the assumption that they would continue to increase in value as Wales moves toward peace.

Tor: If the nation were to be engulfed in the flames of war once more, there is no doubt that we would suffer a considerable loss.

Aglovale: ...

Tor: (I am sure I haven't uttered a single lie... but then why does the pressure emanating from him seem to be increasing?)

Aglovale: I believe I asked you to answer honestly. Avoiding lies and telling the truth are not one and the same.

Aglovale: First and foremost, if you are seeking to take advantage of me for the sake of your business, know that I will not accept your demands.

Aglovale: If the ruler of a nation provides backing for a single merchant, there can be no semblance of equity. It undermines the very foundation of a free market.

Aglovale: Business requires trust, does it not? Do you think I would engage in such folly?

Tor: No, my lord.

Aglovale: Then allow me to ask you again, Tor. What is your true aim?

Aglovale: I want the whole unvarnished truth.

Tor: ...

Tor: The southern district is my home. I still have family there...

Aglovale: In other words, you want to put a stop to the rebellion in order to protect your loved ones?

Tor: I apologize for acting upon such a selfish reason. My family shares a rigidly subordinate relationship with the nobles in question, you see.

Tor: If rumors were to circulate and the source was identified, my family's position would be in jeopardy. Therefore, I made the decision to inform you...

Aglovale: Heh... Hahaha!

Tor: My lord?

Aglovale: Well, I must say that comes as a surprise.

Aglovale: Clever as you are, you would use everything at your discretion for the sake of your family. Even going so far as to use the king himself for your purposes...

Aglovale: You are far bolder than you appear.

Tor: I cannot express the shame I feel...

Aglovale: Your actions just show that it was worth the risk. I do agree that family is important.

Aglovale: But taking my nature into account, I wouldn't be satisfied with you claiming it was all in the interest of your family, now would I?

Tor: I can assure you, I am not lying. It's the honest truth!

Aglovale: I know.

Aglovale reaches for the cup of tea he had set aside and quietly takes a sip.

Aglovale: Forgive me. Please relax and enjoy yourself.

Tor: Yes, my lord. Thank you for the tea.

The pair proceed to engage in idle conversation as they partake of their herbal tea and confections.

Although on the surface they wear pleasant smiles, neither man lets his guard down as they continue to scrutinize each other.

Aglovale: (Hmm. I believe I have the gist of things.)

Aglovale: (He hails from a family of merchants, but his parents wield little influence. Though he entered the business world through their connections, he has since been managing on his own.)

Aglovale: (Rather than working toward owning a store, he peddles wares in order to support his family.)

Aglovale: (He possesses a keen sense for recognizing critical junctures, as well as a vast network of connections he established himself. As a result, he excels at gathering intelligence.)

Aglovale: (It would be a pity to cast aside such a diamond in the rough. If he were to gain a broad range of experience, he would surely contribute to the nation's development.)

Aglovale: (Above all, he has a clear weakness—his family. Shall I try entrusting him with that matter, then? It may be a bit premature, but...)

Tor: (Lord Aglovale must be an incredibly busy individual. I cannot see him inviting a humble merchant such as myself to tea without a specific reason in mind.)

Tor: (There must be some purpose to all this. Word has it that he has appointed a number of attendants since he began his reforms...)

Aglovale: (Perhaps the time is right to clue him in. Let us see how he fares.)

Aglovale: Incidentally, I hear that merchants have their own information network. Apparently any time an item is purchased, that news reaches all the way to the other side of the island.

Aglovale: Would it be possible to use those connections to search for a certain individual?

Tor: You want to find someone?

Aglovale: That's correct.

Tor: It is indeed possible to collect information on shoppers to some degree... but who exactly is it that you looking for, if I may ask?

Aglovale: The elder of my brothers, Lamorak.

Tor: Lord Lamorak? His whereabouts are unknown, then?

Aglovale: It has become rather... difficult to contact him. That's all I can say at present.

Aglovale: Those who reside in Wales know his face well. A merchant in particular should have no trouble identifying him.

Aglovale: I intend to offer compensation, of course. If you agree to work as my attendant, rest assured that you will be able to send more than enough funds to your family.

Tor: I beg your pardon, but why entrust such knowledge to someone like me? Is this not confidential?

Aglovale: If you want to misuse this information, be my guest. However, bear in mind that the following scenario is still possible...

Aglovale: I heard nothing from you in the marketplace. I summoned you to the castle, but that was merely as a companion for tea.

Aglovale: Therefore, the uprising in the southern district comes as a complete surprise. Having been caught off guard, I am greatly delayed in dispatching troops.

Tor: So that is your strategy...

Aglovale: I am not so credulous as to naively trust a man that I've only just met.

Aglovale: I only revealed what I did because I believed it would give me the upper hand. And this way, you can trust me as well, correct?

Tor: Well... I suppose it's preferable to gain the faith of someone who has you over a barrel than to be trusted without any grounds.

Aglovale: Spoken like a true merchant. If I had threatened you to obey, my other brother would have certainly not remained silent on the matter.

Aglovale: Therefore I wish to proceed with your consent. I will do everything in my power to meet your demands. So will you accept my offer?

Tor: (This is quite an opportunity. It would be enormously helpful if I could earn enough money to send to my family...)

Tor: (Disclosing confidential information is akin to making yourself vulnerable. I'm sure he was prepared for any possible repercussions when he did so.)

Tor: First, I have two conditions.

Aglovale: Let me hear them.

Tor: I would ask you to leave the entire search for Lord Lamorak to me.

Aglovale: I see. If I were to personally intervene, it would create problems for the other merchants, correct? Very well. And your second condition?

Tor: I would like you to appoint me not as an attendant, but as a knight.

Aglovale: Oho? A knight?

Tor: Well, I suppose it doesn't have to be that particular title...

Tor: But as this matter is highly classified, it would be troublesome if someone were to catch wind of it.

Tor: That being said, an endless stream of private tea parties will spark wild rumors. After all, my own social status is not particularly high...

Tor: Once you are suspected, in the worst case, the situation concerning Lord Lamorak could come out into the open.

Aglovale: I see. Yes, that should be avoided at all costs.

Tor: As a knight, it would not be at all strange if I were to visit you frequently as a member of your guard.

Tor: Even if something did seem off, no one would think for a moment that you were cooperating with a merchant to search for someone.

Aglovale: Hmm, so the more brazen the camouflage, the more effective it will be? You make a compelling argument.

Tor: Indeed. Furthermore, a civil servant acting alone would undoubtedly turn heads, but under the guise of a knight, no one would think twice about it.

Tor: For these reasons, I believe the most favorable course of action would be to appoint me as a knight.

Aglovale: (He thought through all that in such a short span of time? His mind truly is quick.)

Aglovale: I understand your point. However, Tor...

Aglovale: The primary duty of a knight is, of course, to fight. Do you believe you possess the necessary strength?

Tor: Well... I typically hire mercenaries for protection...

Aglovale: I'm sure you do. Your bearing alone leaves you full of openings.

Tor: Is it that obvious at a glance?

Aglovale: Yes. I could overpower you with one hand tied behind my back, without the use of a blade or magic.

Tor: Then do you think my being a knight would appear too implausible?

Aglovale: No, it's not a bad suggestion.

Aglovale: An ordinary civilian won't be able to deduce your physical ability from the way you stand. Provided you are clad in armor, they will not think you powerless.

Aglovale: On the other hand, those who know the art of battle understand that it involves more than wielding a sword. Even if it is clear that you are weak, they will not question it.

Aglovale: As long as you don a suit of armor and are courteous, those around you will infer your role for themselves.

Aglovale: Who knows? You might even get away with it.

Tor: Does that mean...

Aglovale: I will request a custom-made suit of light armor, much like an actor would use, and you will be employed as part of my royal guard.

Aglovale: The official story will be that I saw in you the qualities of a military officer and personally appointed you. How does that sound?

Tor: I have no objection.

Aglovale: Then we have a deal.

Shaking hands across the table, Aglovale and Tor share an intense stare, as though each is trying to read the other's mind.

Aglovale: (That's right. In the beginning we were probing each other's true intentions and sharing only information that was absolutely necessary.)

Aglovale: (As he came to report on the search for Lamorak, we began to converse. Tor was talented at winning people over with his highly adaptable conversation skills.)

Aglovale: (Placing my trust in his penchant for negotiation, I gave him a variety of assignments. He worked diligently and never failed to exceed my expectations.)

Aglovale: (At some point along the way, I stopped sounding him out... It's truly amazing how much a person can change.)

Steeling his expression, Aglovale opens the gate and strolls out onto the training grounds.

Tor: (He typically attends to his official duties at this time of day. Did he come to observe my progress?)

Feeling Tor's gaze on his back, Aglovale sets to work on his own training schedule in silence.