Keep the mill open, keep her family fed, and keep the riders from finding the hidden shortfall.

The party can help Maren hide the real count, pay the shortfall, or clear her brother's name before the riders inspect the books.

• Promise protection from the tax riders.
• Offer coin, grain, or a clean replacement ledger.
• Reveal who forged the tally and why.
• Get the mill hands on her side.
• Show a writ, seal, or favor that can buy time.

• Make a calm, practical offer.
• Read the room and name what Maren fears.
• Use a local connection or shared name.
• Press the legal risk of the false tally.
• Offer a trade that solves her problem, not yours.

• She answers fast, clipped, and tired when respect is shown.
• She goes cold if anyone talks like a magistrate.
• She softens when the party mentions hunger, children, or debts.
• She looks for the first sign that the party means to leave her holding the blame.