Renato had already coordinated his "testimony" with Tristana, so he handled the questioning with ease, recounting the version of events they had prepared beforehand.
He was well acquainted with mixing nine truths with one lie. Renato easily concealed his true identity and passed the lie detection of the Zone of Truth.
Although the spell she had secretly cast seemed to have no effect on him at all, Renato feigned ignorance and answered every question.
After several more divine spells were used to examine him, the female guard before him seemed quite satisfied with his "complete candor."
At the end of their conversation, she promptly announced that Renato had passed the Nightwind Family's test, then "generously" revealed her identity.
Her name was Brichidi. Renato had heard that name from Tristana-the eldest daughter of the Nightwind Family, a sister more than two hundred years her senior.
According to the little cleric's subjective account, this sister of hers was an idiot who knew nothing but how to hover around their mother.
But after speaking with her in person, Renato disagreed.
"Renato, your swordsmanship is good." Brichidi sat on the bed without ceremony, her adamantine half plate giving a faint metallic clink. "Good enough to surpass most of the cowardly males in Samoriel City, who know only how to boast in bed."
"I heard about how you fought against multiple opponents and killed Fyvree's guards. That old captain may have been a commoner, but his swordsmanship was decent. He even received instruction from Weapons Master Aknath."
"And unlike those others plagued by inferiority, I won't belittle a male's strength to gain some pathetic sense of confidence. Even if you are a wanderer from the wilds, I acknowledge your strength, Renato."
Brichidi extended a hand, her tone sincere.
"Wield your sword for me. Stop playing