Hadrian stared for a moment, growing self-conscious of the restless crowd behind him. He couldn't wander here for long, that much was certain. Someone in his house would catch word of his dawdling, or worse...his exposure. On secret missions such as these, a Prince really was to stay hidden. Revealing himself like this was already jeopardizing his duty.<span style="font-style: italic">This will not please father...oh well. No use moping over spilt whine I suppose.</span>It was after his quick thought that the red cloaked figure in front of him responded. She did not baulk, but her stance made Hadrian's hand drop back to his side.<br/><br/>"I am the Scarlet Arrow. That is what I am called, and there is no need to say anything more."<br/><br/>Hadrian had to think about it, but then he was able to successfully place the memory. This must be the vigilante his wretched family was always complaining about. This was the individual responsible for sticking up for commoners everywhere around the country. Secretly he had always cheered on this mysterious person inside his head. Anyone who was willing to circumvent his father's wishes had to be on his side. The Scarlet Arrow spoke again in the same odd voice.<br/><br/>"I have no intention of giving my identity away."<br/><br/>"That's agreeable," Hadrian began. "I have no desire to obtain your identity nor do I wish to turn you in." He paused a moment to let his words penetrate. "All I wish is that you not attack my guards, as that would take a bit of explaining to handle." His own words caused him to remember his other companions. "You three." He spoke using a harsher tone. "What is the meaning of your advance upon this family?" He asked, gesturing towards the still trembling woman. The guard in the center moved forward slightly.<br/><br/>"We...well you see, they didn't pay the full tax amount, sire..." Hadrian walked serenely over to the woman so that he was standing closer to her than the guards now. The Scarlet Arrow did not so much as move.<br/><br/>"Sweet woman, how much did you pay my father?" He asked encouragingly.<br/><br/>"Tw-twenty pieces, sire!" She said, more forcefully after her initial stammer.<br/><br/>"So it is...to my knowledge, that is the required penance towards my house hold. And how many pieces do you hold footman?" He questioned, returning his attention to his father's guard. This time, the smaller one on his right responded.<br/><br/>"Well sire, she gave us the full twenty...but last week--"<br/><br/>"Silence, I'll hear no more of this." The guard quickly cut off and the others' faces were downcast. "Clearly you were attempting to cheat her for more money." Hadrian didn't say anything further, except to return a tentative smile from the lady he had defended. "No matter." He exhaled roughly, thinking of a plan. "I have a message to deliver."