Privately offer to help him out

"Albina," you say, pretending that it's an idle thought, "I find myself rather parched, and the wine jug's empty. Would you mind refilling it for me?" She glances at you, puzzled.

"Well...of course, Gaius. I'll be right back." She stands, taking the jug with her, and departs. You catch Castor watching her go with a little smile on his lips, as he goes to take another drink of wine.

"Quite the piece of ass, isn't she?" you ask him drily. Your question catches him off-guard, and he chokes on his wine. You wave away his spluttering, stammering protestations. "No, no, don't pretend you haven't been eyeing her. I've seen you do it. I suspect that she knows you're interested, too. But of course, it's not really about what you or she wants, is it?" You lean forward. "It's about her father. Adolphus."

Castor looks confused. You reach out and lay a hand over his in a gentle, reassuring manner. "Castor. You seem like a good man, and I can tell Albina likes you. I don't know you well, but I wager you're not a Legion man for life, are you?" After a moment, he shakes his head. "Of course not. When you're done with your service here, you'll be looking to move on - you'll want a bit of land to farm, a stable life, and of course a dutiful wife to warm your cock and bear you children. Albina could be that wife! I could put in a good word for you with Adolphus. But in return...I need your help. I know that the Legion has more information than you're giving me right now. I want to make this area safe! It's in my interests, and yours as well. Tell me what you know, and I promise it will never get back to you. And I'll tell Adolphus how helpful you've been, as well. He's been driven nearly to distraction by these bandits."

Castor licks his lips, his eyes flicking off in the direction that Albina went. "You...you promise you'll tell Adolphus about this? You'll convince him to support me in my suit?"

"Of course! Just tell me what you know."

"Very well. A bargain." He grasps your hand, then leans in, urgently. "It's common knowledge in the Legion that our scouts haven't actually picked out much - not as much as would be hoped, anyway. But there is _some _news to share. First, we know that the bandits are lairing in the southwest of this region; it's a series of rocky hills, not good for farming, so there are fewer people there. We haven't found their exact location, though. But we do know that they're not selling the vast majority of what they steal. They must need it to feed and equip themselves; if you could disrupt their supply lines, it would do a great deal to weaken them."

You nod, listening carefully. {if Bandit Clues < 3}"Wonderful. That's incredibly helpful information, Castor. I thank you."{else if Bandit Clues >= 3}"Thank you, Castor. I've heard as much before, but I still appreciate you sharing what you know. I'll not forget my promise."{endif} You glance over as Albina returns, and Castor leans in to you. "Don't forget to speak to Adolphus," he murmurs.

Albina arrives with the jug of wine, and pours you each a cup. "There we are! Fresh wine. What did you two talk about while I was busy?"

You chuckle. "Nothing much. In fact, I think we should go soon. But Castor has been most helpful, and I look forward to seeing where he goes from here."

Castor smiles at you. "Aye - and I've a great respect for Lord Gaius. He strikes me as a...deeply honest man."

"Well!" Albina beams. "I'm glad you two are getting along so well. It's been so good to see you again, Castor..."

You pass a few more minutes in cheery conversation before you and Albina have to (reluctantly, in her case) depart for home. On the walk home she's sunny, cheerful, even bubbly - clearly seeing her old friend did her good.