The five days of preparation were a blur of focused anxiety. The homestead, once a place of quiet industry, became a stage for rehearsing the most critical roles of their lives.
Alistair was the director. He drilled them on the story until it was a second skin. "We are a family who got lucky with a clever design. Father's strength built the wall. Lyra's sharp eye found the market. Mother's care keeps us healthy. My... curiosity brought it all together. We are humble, we are grateful for the Baron's protection, and we are deeply honored by his notice."
He used his System-given knowledge of human psychology and his past life's understanding of corporate presentations to craft their narrative. He even had them practice their body language: respectful bows, eyes slightly downcast but not shifty, hands kept still to show calmness.
Lyra, with her innate perception, took to it instantly. Kaelen struggled, his pride chafing at the act of forced humility, but for his family, he practiced. Elara's natural gentleness was her greatest asset, and Bren was coached to be seen and not heard, a difficult task for the energetic boy.
The System provided subtle aid, not with new powers, but with quiet, guiding prompts.
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[Skill Improved: Diplomacy (Novice) - You are learning the art of presentation and persuasion.]
[Clan-Wide Effect: 'Calm Nerves' - The Strength of the Hearth boon slightly reduces anxiety for all members when together.]
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They chose their best chair, one with elegant curves and a flawless finish, as their gift. They packed their simplest, but cleanest clothes. On the morning of the fifth day, they set out for Stonekeep, a knot of nervous tension wrapped in a veneer of calm.
The journey was a revelation. The Eastern Marches gave way to more settled lands, and then the formidable stone walls of Stonekeep itself rose before them. The sheer scale of the castle, the bustling town at its feet, and the sight of armored knights on patrol sent a clear, intimidating message: this was the heart of power in the region.
They were ushered through the gates, their humble wagon drawing curious stares. After what felt like an eternity in a stark antechamber, the massive doors to the Great Hall swung open.
The hall was vast, with high, vaulted ceilings. Tapestries depicting battles and hunts lined the walls. At the far end, on a raised dais, sat Baron Valerius, flanked by his stern-faced captain and a few other advisors. Scribe Valon stood to the side, ledger in hand. The air was cold and smelled of stone and smoke.
"Presenting the Ironwood family of Oakhaven," a herald announced, his voice echoing.
They walked forward as one, the sound of their footsteps swallowed by the cavernous room. Alistair felt the weight of a hundred unseen eyes. He kept his gaze fixed ahead, his posture straight but not defiant. He carried the chair.
They stopped at the appropriate distance and bowed in unison, as practiced.
"Rise," the Baron's voice was calm, but it carried an undeniable authority. His sharp eyes scanned them, lingering on Alistair and the chair he held. "So, you are the ones causing a stir in my eastern territories."
Kaelen stepped forward, just a half-step, as they had planned. "My Lord Baron. We are but humble subjects, trying to provide for our family. We are deeply honored by your summons." His voice was steady, a credit to his inner strength.
The Baron's gaze shifted to the chair. "And this is the famous 'Ironwood Ease'?"
Alistair stepped forward and placed the chair carefully before the dais. "A small token of our respect and gratitude for your rule, My Lord," he said, his voice clear and respectful. "We hope it brings comfort to your household."
The Baron gestured, and a servant brought the chair up to the dais. He ran a hand over the smooth wood, tested the rocker's motion. He did not sit, but his appreciative nod was genuine. "Fine work. Uncommonly fine. My scribe tells me you are the craftsman, boy."
"I am, My Lord," Alistair said, meeting the Baron's gaze for a brief, respectful moment before lowering his eyes. "Though it is a family effort. My father prepares the wood, my sister manages the trade, my mother inspires the designs with her care for comfort."
The Baron leaned back, steepling his fingers. "He also tells me you built a wall. A substantial one for a woodcutter's homestead."
"It was necessary, My Lord," Kaelen answered. "A large wolf pack roamed too close. We could not afford to lose our livestock, not with the children trying to build this small business."
"Resourceful," the Baron mused. His eyes narrowed slightly. "Lordling Falkan has taken an interest in your... resourcefulness."
The air in the hall seemed to grow colder. This was the moment of danger.
Lyra, on cue, gave a slight, helpless curtsy. "We have heard such, My Lord. It has caused us no small worry. We are simple people. We wish only to work in peace and pay our fair dues to the rightful authority." She perfectly embodied the image of a frightened, but respectful, commoner.
The Baron watched them, his expression unreadable. He was looking for a crack, for a hint of arrogance, of rebellion, of hidden power.
He found none. He saw a strong, stoic father; a gentle, nervous mother; a clever but appropriately fearful daughter; a quiet younger brother; and a talented, intelligent son who knew his place. He saw a valuable asset: a family that could generate wealth and inspire others through their ingenuity, all while being utterly dependent on his protection.
The Baron finally smiled, a small, calculated gesture. "Your loyalty is noted. And your gift is appreciated. It seems the Eastern Marches hold more promise than I thought." He looked directly at Alistair. "You have a gift, boy. Do not waste it. You have my permission to continue your enterprise. And my protection from... local interference." The glance he gave his captain was all the order that was needed. Lordling Falkan would be receiving a message.
Relief, so potent it was dizzying, washed over the family. They bowed deeply.
"Thank you, My Lord Baron," Alistair said, his voice thick with genuine emotion.
As they were led from the hall, the System's notification was a silent fanfare in Alistair's mind.
```
[Primary Quest: 'Audi et Alteram Partem' - Completed!]
[Success! You have successfully navigated the audience and gained the Baron's Favor.]
[Reward: Baron's Favor - You now operate under the Baron's implicit protection. Lordling Falkan is neutralized as an immediate threat.]
[Reward: 1000 Sovereign Points Awarded!]
[New Title Available: 'Cautious Founder' - +5% to all Diplomacy and Stealth related skills.]
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They had done it. They had passed the test. As they walked out of Stonekeep into the sunlight, the weight lifted from their shoulders. They had faced the eagle and not been found wanting.
But as they began the journey home, Alistair knew this was not an end, but a new beginning. They had traded the threat of a snake for the watchful eye of a hawk. They had the Baron's favor, but that favor came with expectations. And expectations were a chain of their own.
The performance was over. Now, the real work of building their future, under the Baron's gaze, could truly begin.