Reward and Responsibility

Aldous informs you that the duke has a mission for you. If you're ready to undertake something of this scale, walk upstairs and seek the duke. He's in his solar, the room on the western side of the second floor. Talk to him and then follow the duke through the castle. He goes down to the treasury and presents a wealth of coins and chests with several valuable items. Loot everything!

A Long Trip
Don't fret if you feel you are not ready to begin this quest. There is not very much to do during this mission. Aldous warns that this is going to be a long campaign. However, that doesn't end up being true because of the circumstances that intervene. Don't worry about being locked into anything at this time.
 * Begins: As soon as you accept Aldous' offer, after completing the quest Honor and Treachery.
 * Ends: Once you accept the duke's gifts.
 * Reward: The duke's treasury, 20,000 experience, and 35 Rift Crystals.