I assume it's alright for me to just copy paste what you said, with a few adjustments?
"You see, my lady, I can charm a snake into giving me his teeth, a goat into giving me his horns, a poor old lady into handing over her cane." That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but it's sure to impress her. A civilized looking woman like herself would appreciate a civilized assistant.
"I see. If you can prove this, then perhaps I would take you."
"My lady, how would you have me prove my skill and loyalty to you?"
She smiles at you. It's a cordial enough smile, it would have been friendly had you not noticed the look in her eye. It's the look a cobra would get just before spitting at you.
Before you stop yourself, you stiffen slightly, your hands raise a miniscule amount, as if you're trying protect yourself. You stop yourself before you flinch, no need to show fear.
Suddenly, the snake-like look in the lady's eyes disappears and she breaks out into a grin, an honest looking one.
"You were afraid then weren't you. You're a perceptive young man, that's good. You'll need your wits for the job I'm offering."
Inwardly, you are relieved. The snake-like look on her face was a test, an almost imperceptible look, and you noticing it has helped prove your worth, almost accidentally.
"You really should learn to maintain a more impassive face all the time though. That is hardly court standards, a peasant would not notice any reaction, but believe me, there are many within this court that would notice even a slight twitch in the eye."
You nod, understanding.
"Well, now that we have that out of the way, are you willing to hear my offer", she says, knowing full well that you'll say yes.
"Of course, my lady".
"Hmm. Well, there is a slight problem with my husband's people. He is planning an expedition to the east, and for that, he has hired a band of...well, let's call them mercenaries. More like wildmen...", she mutters with disgust.
"These "mercenaries" have been quite uncooperative, uncooperative to the highest degree. Normally, my husband would handle it, but he's quite busy preparing other things, and so I promised to resolve it. Can, and will, you negotiate with these mercenaries?"
You blink, and struggle not to make any facial expression, except one of complete calm. You're pretty surprised by this, it's an unusually large job for a novice in politics like yourself. But if you do this, and do it well, it could mean good things for you.
"I'd be honored, my lady, to aid you in this act."
"Yes, all well in good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go.", she says, before leaving through a door to her back.
You head out through you entered the room. Instantly, the bureaucrat creeps up to talk to you, in that exasperated, bored voice of his.
"This is the location." he says brusquely, before walking away.
You look at the scrap of paper he handed you, neat, but plain. It says:
Lian City, the keep in the center of the city.
You wonder if they had been listening to your conversation. It seems likely, they couldn't have known you had the potential to be a negotiator before the interview, unless this entry test is one they gave to the other hopefuls who chose Lady Emerfarth. No matter. What should you do, go ahead immediately, or stay in the city?
A side note, Gorgod has no money left, and the city of Lian is close to Tur, but not exactly walking distance.
Author
Topic: Ambition: Courtier's Quest (Read 20344 times)