The verdict

Jan calls you up early in the morning to see him. Dressed in your finest, you do your best not to show how nervous you are. Jan is in his usual spot, glowering at you from his throne. "Did you have a restful sleep, peaceful enough for you?" he asks. You have reason to doubt that he is asking with sincerity. "Yes, sufficiently so" you say with your best poker face. You don't know what he's playing at yet, so you try not to emote. "Hmph. You sure those monks didn't snip you?" So he's going the obvious route. His sarcasm won't get to you. "No, I'm sure they didn't." Jan's face becomes exaggeratedly thoughtful. "Well, would you mind telling me what kind of a red-blooded man turns down a willing wench then?" His voice is caustic.

You won't be cowed by a duke, elector or no. "The kind that saved your life, perhaps?" Jan doesn't flinch, though he softens very slightly. "Yes, and it's only on account of that little episode that I've decided, at great length, to let you court my daughter. Don't expect a glowing recommendation." Jan doesn't get up, but merely dismisses you with a wave of his hand. You leave quietly, not wanting to make a scene over the petty man's insults. You feel a genuine hatred growing for your potential father-in-law, but more than that you feel elated. Finally you have gotten past this burdensome obstacle and can actually do what you came here for!

Later, a messenger tells you that the duke-elector has arranged your first meeting with Sonya. The two of you will be walking the gardens together as Jan supervises from the nearby balcony. It's a decent way to start getting to know her, but so painfully formal. If only Jan weren't around it might be fun. More parental interference, hooray.