When Tropics meet the North (Closed)

[AHSCA]

"Favorite huh? Then I can hardly wait to taste it myself." she took her first bites and it was as good as it looked "My compliments it is tasty." She said after she swallowed her first bites.

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Thanks Stohersisia. This particular dish, no matter where I am, always makes me remember home." replies Adrean with a smile before taking another bite. "So, Ladies," he continues as he adresses the five AHSCAian women, "what dish do you like, to the point you feel at home?"

[AHSCA]

Marcella spoke first, naturally "Well natrually polished white rice which is home grown. Now mix that into Pozole soup and it's the best! Our father you well know probably, he's Mokastana. Given the presence of a Mokan base on soil, it's had a great amount of influence on our local foods. So you get a nice blend of old Island staples and Mokan food."

Gisella added "That's my favorite soup as well. Whenever sis and I had colds growing up, our parents would give us some soup and it just would make us feel good as new."

Asuna spoke now "Any kind of fish dish. Family of fisherman so natrually we figured just about every great way to prepare a fish. Saute, fry, sear, eat it raw, it's all good by me.Tempura and sashimi are also wonderful dishes. You, Saya?"

"I'm pretty bold with seafood, love me some Unagi! I do like to see what the Mokans are offering too though, I'm with Their Highness's on this."

Asuka got her say in, "Well i'm a Hoshino native so our foods are still pretty old school. But a quick easy dish that makes me happy wherever I am is onigiri. Rice balls. They're simple, tasty and easy. Dip them in sauce for extra flavor."

[Astares Amauricanum]

The Imperial Couple, as well as Pavel and Alicia, listen with smiles to the five AHSCAian women answers.
"I thank the fact that my stomach is already halfway filled," says the male Morozov with a smirk once the guests have finished talking, "otherwise I would want to try everything right now!" he adds with a small chuckle.
"Yeah, me too." replies Anna. "Anyway, thank you all for your answers. On our side, telling you about each and every favourite meal or dish of us fourty-four here would take some time," she continues as she points around to the other tables where the other Phantoms are sitting and eating, "but what I can tell you is that it is very diversified, like our cuisine in general. Whether meat or fish, accompanied by vegetables, corn, potatoes, or a mix of everything, it could take hours to list everything. And I'm willing to bet that it would make you salivate even more than what you told us did for us." adds the Stohersisia with a smile.
"Indeed." replies her husband, before taking a sip of water. "Now, we're glad that all of you appreciate our food here." continues Adrean as he turns to Marcella and co again. "Personnally, one of the things my friends, my wife and me enjoy the most when we travel abroad is trying new foods. And we'll be sure to try everything you mentioned when we come to the United Island States." he says with a wink to the five women.

[AHSCA]

"doesn't it all sound so wonderful? Then I'm sure you'll enjoy the many fine foods we have to offer when you pay us a visit."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"We will, you can be sure about that." replies Anna with a smile and a nod before the group resumes eating for about a minute.

"So, Marcella." starts Adrean again as he is nearly done with his plate, "call me curious, but in the UIS Congress, how would you describe the general atmosphere between the different Senators? Do opposite parties fight a lot, or do they manage to reach common ground to work together? And if a bad dispute has problems to be solved, what are your powers as Duchess to help solve the situation?"

[AHSCA]

"Well, I put a lot of trust in the Congress. I think for the most part there's a great deal of cooperation. Most who look at our two major parties feel they're not that much different from each other and the smaller third parties seldom make much trouble. I suppose there's always a chance, we have an election coming in the near future. As Duchess I can always issue a Decree if I feel the process is moving too slowly or lacking decisiveness. Of course i'd rather not. You probably know my ancestor Duchess Tamura ruled with an iron fist. But that was a different time, when Aurora was the one on top and of course that whole deal collapsed which is why we moved towards a federation."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"I see." replies the Keisaer with a nod. "People often think the same about the two major parties in the Imperium, the Imperium Federalis Party and the National Astarian Party. Although the first is more on the right and the second on the left, they're both pretty close to centrism too, so the differences do not seem evident to guess.
-Other parties have existed at times in the Imperium too," continues his wife," but they have never lasted long. Our guess is since it took our ancestors a long time to implement the system we have now, with a mix of both Nobility and Democracy leadership, on top of being a Federation, people nowadays want stability, and not fall again in the troubles of the past, with all the revolts, disobedience from rogue nobles, and civil wars that came with it.
Anyway, in the end, Adrean and me can also issue Decrees should the need arise.
-Yeah." says Adrean as he takes a bit of his bread. "Although that makes me think: as a monarch, are you allowed to vote Marcella? Because here, Anna and I can. Hell, we even have each a membership card of each party." he adds with a small chuckle.

[AHSCA]

"No, I do not get to vote. Neither does Gisella. It's the same reason neither of us belong to the political parties, our job is to be objective and look at the bills presented before us and the issues that we have. Loyalty to a single party can seriously compromise that. It's the same as showing favor to one candidate in an election. of course ballots are secret but still it's the underlying principal of the idea. My job is to lead and make decisions when needed. I can perseid over Congress and enact certain agenda items in place of the Speaker and I can cast a tie-breaking vote when needed. Maybe you disagree as you each belong to parties? I mean doesn't the party line get in the way of your duty to fairly rule in the law? Ideology is ideology but the will if your people cannot be ignored and I would fear that would lead to obstructionism more than cooperation."

[Astares Amauricanum]

The Imperial Xouple listens attentively to Marcella's explanation, munching a bit on their food, deep in thought.
After the AHSCAian Stohersisia has finished talking, a few seconds pass in silence, during which Anna drinks some water, while Adrean lightly taps his fingers on the table, thinking his answer thoroughly.

"Let's take it down item by item shall we?" finally replies the Keisaer as he looks again to Marcella. "First of all, regarding our right to vote, just like you, we are supposed to be objective. But, according to our laws and our moral code, the Astrum Lex, and its second principle Fraterskap, which means Brotherhood, we are also citizens of the Imperium, and therefore equal in rights like everyone else, including the right to vote. But tell me Marcella, what are two more or less votes in a country of one billion inhabitants?
Besides, even if we are allowed to vote, my ancestors and me have rarely used this every tipe it was available. I mean, my grandfather who ruled for about half a century only voted three times.
That aside, if we take the matter of favoritism, we Astarians think that in each debate, there is always a bit of truth on each side. So, in order to make the best decision, it is better to hear everyone and work towards a compromise rather than just favor one side instead of the other.

-That is true." continues Anna. "And that is why, ever since political parties started to be a thing in the Imperium, it has been common for Keisaers and Keisaerinas to have a membership in each one. But please not, Marcella, that when we say membership, it's not high-ranking membership, just a normal one, with no regards in the organization or whatever else.
Instead, it is a way of sorts to show that the people at the head of the country are willing to hear everyone out, and work with everyone to male the country advance.
And to top it of, regarding obstructionism, if for example we see that a person that has some views we don't like will get elected, we are not allowed to call for voters to not vote for him.
Now, regarding what my husband and me do in Congress, while we assist to sessions and are seated in the central podium with the chairman of either the Represae Huset or the Forsta Styres, aka the House of Representatives and the Senate, we are more 《active spectators》 " says the Keisaerina as she makes air quotations marks with her hands, " we do not lead them. We can ask questions and answer, debate, but we do not lead the sessions."

"That being said, aside from the Imperial Decrees we can pass," continues Adrean as he takes back the lead role in the speech, "you should know Marcella, that as Keisaer and Keisaerina, we zre authorized to do many things with little to no oversight, which, as I don't have to tell you, could lead to dire consequences if the people allowed to carry such powerz weren't seriously educated about how to use them responsively. Which my grandfather did when I was crowned after my father's death, so that I do not make any mistakes, or at least the fewest and not serious possible.
The prime example I can give you to illustrate this, is the Keiserlig Custos, aka the Imperial Guard. As you already know, it's an army in its own right, with armor, infantry, artillery, air assets, etc. Well, unlike the rest of the Astarian Armed Forces who answer to the Cabinet and swear loyalty to the Imperium, the Keiserlig Custos only swears loyalty to me and my wife, they are ours to use as we see fit. Of course, as a way of trust, the Cabinet and the Congress have the right to look into what is done by the Keiserlig Custos, but they can't say anything about it, approve nor dissaprove."

[AHSCA]

"That's all reasonable." She replied then took a sip of her beverage. "Far be it from us to tell you your business or anything, I was going for a discussion and I'd say we're having a fine one this moment. Of course your system is different, your country is far larger than our own and with far more legislators. You have a bicameral system, am I correct? The UIS is a unicameral system with an equally small body. Two senators for each state. I know some in the world rather have a proportional system but this was the system we thought best when it was devised. That is why it's important for us to maintain neutrality best we can."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Oh no, don't worry, we didn't took it as if you were telling us how to behave." replies Adrean as he waves his hands in front of him to clear the misunderstanding. "Just like you, wer're in for a nice and calm discussion, and that's exactly what we have here." he continues with a smile. "As for our system, yes, it is bicameral. The Represae Huset, or House of Representatives, is the lower chamber and made of 635 Represae from every state in the Imperium. The number of members per state is based on population, the more a state is populated, the more it gets representatives.
The Forsta Styres, or Senate, on the other hand, is made of 200 members, with the same member of Styresman per state, that is four."

"We could go on about every role each chamber has," continues Anna, " but that would take too much time. But to give you two examples, the Represae Huset is the only one that votes the annual budget, while the Forsta Styres holds the sole privilege to ratify treaties."

[AHSCA]

"That is quite a bit. It seems like you place a great deal in your Legislative body. Frankly we do too, to the surprise of many. But Monarchs can't possibly rule a whole country on their own, no matter how many advisers they have. Frankly those that do are asking for trouble."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Oh, but we do not only place a great deal on the Congress, but also on the Secretaries of the Cabinet." replies Anna with a smile, a bit proud. "Since our... other activities which we'll tell you about later in private, take us about one third to half of the year, we have chosen from the start competent people to assist us. They know what we think, how we would react on most things, so in most cases, they only come to us in the end with a summary about the topic at hand, what they plan to do, and we say what we would change or in most cases, we just outright approve the thing. That does not mean we stay completely away from our job as monarchs when we're away of Columbia District however."

-"And we also agree with you, one person can't do our job on her own, she has to delegate certain tasks to other people. Even in the most brutal of dictatorships, you will find some people handling things alongside the leader. That's a fact as old as humanity itself." continues Adrean.

[AHSCA]

"Yes, that's quite right, I agree for sure. I feel we're not too different and we understand each other very well. We agree on many subjects even"

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Indeed, we're not too different." replies Adrean with a nod, as he swallows the last bite of his dish, before his expression turns very serious. "If you don't mind Marcella, I would like to make things clear between us.
As heads of state, you know that there are times we have to order and keep certain things secret. To that end, we sometimes have to lie or keep quiet to others, whether it is our own citizens or to foreigners.
What I do though, is that despite all the lies I could have said over the years, I've always kept clear inside my mind what really happened, the difference between the secret truth and the public truth. My father has always repeated to me that if I start to believe in my own lies, I'll be doomed.
So, What I ask of others such as you, before working with them, is to assure me they do the same. So, Marcella, can you assure me of that?" asks the Keisaer as his eyes focus with seriousness and attention on Marcella, detailing her and awaiting her answer.

[AHSCA]

"I intend to keep all things told to me in confidence, just that. Perhaps you would also like to dismiss my entourage then if you intend to tell me anything, if you plan on doing so. But I give you my assurance, what you discuss that you want to keep secret, I will keep secret."

[Astares Amauricanum]

The Imperial Couple listens to Marcella's answer with a raised eyebrow, before looking at each other for a second.
"No no Marcella, you didn't understand our question, that's not what we're asking about. We know that you, your sister, your guards and Miss Kotobuki will keep things secret when told to.
-Now, I will rephrase my question more slowly, so please listen carefully." continues Adrean.
"You Marcella, my wife and me are heads of state. As such, we sometimes have to give our approbation for very important and secret matters,let's say for example the assassination of a very dangerous terrorist." The Keisaer says before letting a beat pass, letting the information sink in Marcella's mind.

"In the event that such events are discovered, leaked to the general public, and we end up being asked about it, we have to give an answer that makes us appear more or less clean about the matter at hand, so that we are not considered badly by others." He lets another beat pass.

"As you may guess, this kind of answer we give to the general public is often a lie, more or less. As the Astarian Keisaer, I've always kept in my mind the difference between the truth of what really happened, and the official answer you give to the public.
So Marcella, what I would like to be sure before anything else is if yes or no, deep inside you, you make that difference, between what has really happened and what the public thinks has happened based on what you said." finishes Adrean.

[AHSCA]

"I think I understand now, you're intent is to stretch the truth when you have to." Maybe that was part of the job, honestly Marcella could put it as they gotta lie when they get caught with their pants down but best not push her luck with that. "It's something that often comes with the territory, it's not as though I don't understand."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Okay, we'll make do with that. Thanks for your answer." simply replies Adrean, before some of the Phantoms take away the empty plates at their table.

"While we wait for dessert," continues the Keisaer, "I would like to know if you would be okay for us to partake in a few protection exercises this afternoon, so tha we know how to move together as a unit to ensure your protection durng this stay." he says to the five AHSCAian women. "Don't worry, nothing too difficult, but It would allow us to see how you two work to protect Marcella and Gisella." he continues as he turns his head to Asuna and Sayaka specifically.

[AHSCA]

Marcella allowed Asuna to accept or reject this particular request

"I'll admit, it's a bit unusual, but I'm open for a drill. Sayaka?"

"I'm open for it too, if Their Majesties have no objections."

"None from me." Marcella then agreed , "I think an exercise would be interesting to really show off. Asuna, I'm counting on you."

"Without fail, Your Grace, you can count on me 100%. I am after all, Your Loyal Guard."

"Your Majesty" Sayaka addressed Gisella "Count on me as well to ensure your safety here. I'm prepared to lay down my life for yours." A bit much? Well it was best for them to get in the mindset this was the real thing so they could bring their A-Game to this.

[Astares Amauricanum]

"That's the spirit." replies Anna with a nod and a serious tone, before her features relax a bit. "Don't worry though Ladies, if you had to lay down your lives for the Duchess and the Princess, that would mean we would have all died trying to protect you. And that is not happening any time soon. Am I right?" asks the Keisaerina with a loud voice as she looks to the other tables.

"RAH!" The poerful cry echoes as one voice in answer, showing the dedication of the Phantoms to their task.

"Good, good." says Adrean once things have calmed down a bit. "So, since all five of you will be participating," he says to the five AHSCAian women, in case they had misunderstood that only Asuna and Sayaka would be participating, "I gotto ask to be sure. Do any of you has problems such as claustrophobia, physical problems, difficulty to breathe when in a stressful situation? And also, has any of you put on a gas mask?"

[AHSCA]

"Of course, just psyching ourselves up!" Asuna grinned and then answered the question for the both of them, "To answer, there are no issues between us. We're both familiar with various hazmat gear including masks and the like. Whatever we have to wear, we'll wear if needed. Our priorities are to their Majesties so we're also just as willing to give them our masks if needed."

Sayaka nodded then took further charge, "Your Majesties, if you'd please stand. You too, Miss Kotobuki." Given they knew this was going to happen, they could assume this was advanced intelligence of some kind of imminent attack. The other three stood up as Sayaka and Asuna corralled them together and stood back to back. "Be alert and stay with us." Asuna commanded all of them.

[Astares Amauricanum]

As the five AHSCAian wome stand up, ready for action, it's at the same time as Patrick and Alexandra who approach the table with a tray holding a cake and a fruit salad bowl in hand.

"Are you leaving now Ladies?" asks the male Phantom cook with a raised eyebrow. "You haven't even had dessert yet!" he adds with a falsely pained tone.
"Don't worry Patrick, they're just psyching themselves up for this afternoon's exercise." replies Adrean with a small laugh.
"Everyone, please sit down." continues the Keisaer as he gestures to the UIS guests to sit down. "No need to rush things through now. We're going to first finish lunch, then we'll take some time to digest, for going through such exerciqlses with a full stomach is not good for you, and only then we'll go to the training grounds."
"So, what delicious dessert did you prepare us?" asks Anna to the Leonhart Couple.
"Nothing too difficult." replies Sasha. "A chocolate cake with oranges and cranberries, topped by vanilla cream, and accompanied with a side of fruit salad of oranges, mango, pears and strawberries."

[AHSCA]

The others sat but Sayaka and Asuna stood still at attention. "Well now you have them on alert, they're going to stay that way." Marcella nodded "Please save some for them if you would."

"Thank you, Milady, that is kind of you. Enjoy your dessert, we'll be at attention." Asuna replied.