"Ah, yes, the word of an Iron Rose. Never before have I seen one of my illustrious peers bring ruin and calamity by good intentions, regardless of the supposed strength of their word," the witch's words were mocking, but the tone was more one of disappointment, "Tell me, why should I think any of you to be better? Would you not be tempted to tell another knight if they ask after your improvement? Try to ascertain the accuracy of your teachers?
"Ah, you think, but perhaps that's fine; no harm could really come of that. That all the great mysteries of the past, from Talderia's fall to your own order's fame, have their answers in one place. Nobody could possibly exploit that," the witch shook her head, "Some things must come to light on their own."
"Does that mean I can't visit? That one's got funny magic! And I brought him a cake, he owes me."
"… anyway, Hagen is correct. I could simply bind you and allow the goddess to determine whatever punishment is appropriate, or you can be simply bound by contract. Unless you have a better argument? These aren't my secrets to protect, but I would still need more assurance than the mere notion of knighthood."
"Ah, you think, but perhaps that's fine; no harm could really come of that. That all the great mysteries of the past, from Talderia's fall to your own order's fame, have their answers in one place. Nobody could possibly exploit that," the witch shook her head, "Some things must come to light on their own."
"Does that mean I can't visit? That one's got funny magic! And I brought him a cake, he owes me."
"… anyway, Hagen is correct. I could simply bind you and allow the goddess to determine whatever punishment is appropriate, or you can be simply bound by contract. Unless you have a better argument? These aren't my secrets to protect, but I would still need more assurance than the mere notion of knighthood."