Spring in the Principality (MT/Applicated/IC)

[Saalenia]

"You notice that there is a little less ceremony here," noted the Saalenian princess.

"Yes, but you've certainly got the bureaucracy to make up for it," Celeste replied, making Veroniek laugh again slightly. The princess's attendant usually maintained a formal and reserved personality, but she also had a witty sense of humor, and wasn't afraid to crack a joke if the opportunity came up.

"Indeed, many of the traditions in Alzatia have changed very little since the medieval period. As an example, whenever the Princess makes an official proclamation, this is always announced by a fanfare of trumpets. And the streets are lit up by candle lamps, rather than gas or electric lights. Some practices are more recent, like a daily changing-of-the-guard ceremony outside the princely palace, which was established in the 1700s. But basically, you won't find anything made after the Industrial Revolution, such as computers and automobiles. The few foreigners who've been to Alzatia, often say that it's like being magically transported into a fairy tale, or traveling back in time. Perhaps one day, you'd like to come see it for yourself?"

"Yeah, thou art always welcome in my castle," Veroniek agreed. "We could even have a tea party or sleep-over!"

"And hopefully," Celeste added, "your government will have approved the treaty by then, so we can both officially ratify it."

Veroniek and Celeste (March 20, 2023)

"I would like to visit Alzatia again, this time as a princess," Katarina replied. "I can assure you that the draft contract is already through."
She leaned back in her chair now. "What will the future of your principality look like? You have opened the curtain to the outside world, will new technologies come into the country or are you still regulating it? "I can tell you, 21st century technology makes some processes faster, but it also decentralizes power, which is why it could challenge an absolute monarchy."

Henrietta kept her eyes down as they approached the High Priestess, it felt as if she couldn't raise them. Letting Annika speak, Henrietta took note of the High Priestess's long hair, eyes slowly trailing up to her face. Once Henrietta was looking at the High Priestess properly, she seemingly couldn't take her eyes off the figure before her. She swore she wasn't even blinking, thinking she'd miss something if she closed her eyes for even a second. Of course, this was only Henrietta's thinking, those around would see she was still blinking and acting natural, if highly anxious.

Seeing the High Priestess hand a key off to Annika, Henrietta bowed her head. "Thank you, er," she realized she didn't know how to properly address the High Priestess, "High Priestess." It would work, hopefully. "I don't mind. In fact, it will help me to better understand local customs." The last sentence spilled out. Damn. It was likely the Saalenians had not yet gotten the context necessary for that to make sense, and as such Henrietta knew it might sound offensive at first or make her seem like some sort of spy. She had always wanted to be a member of the National Security Bureau, but was never able to get past the encryption/decryption requirements. Besides, the Imperator had given strict orders that no military intelligence was to be gathered. A rare occurrence, usually the Minister of War would try to push for the gathering of such information, but the Imperator had threatened Minister Smith. Henrietta knew of the relationship between the two and how much the Imperator trusted the Minister, so for Samuel (Imperator) to threaten to beat the snot out of the other meant this was a serious affair.

Henrietta snapped back to it, giving an explanation for her previous statement. "It is a custom of Hebronians to get to know the traditions and customs of foreign countries while we are on their land. We think it provides..." she couldn't think of the words, "well, we think keeping to our own customs while on foreign territory is rude, and so we usually wish to adhere to local customs as a sign of goodwill and peace."

Henrietta (March 20, 2023)

"It's always noble to explore foreign worlds. That allows us to understand better why others take certain paths and thoughts and makes us more tolerant," said the High Priestess. "Annika, please accompany the imperial envoy to our chambers and lead her to the clothes".

Annika's eyes began to shine, as if she was incredibly touched that the High Priestess knew her name. "It's an honor, Your Excellency," she now turned to Henrietta. "Shall we? Just follow me."

Annika led Herietta into a rather hidden side entrance and unlocked a small wooden door in the masonry. Then they went down a spiral stone staircase. Annika always counted up one while going down, as soon as a corridor left the spiral staircase. After going down a few floors, they stopped and went into the hallway off the stairs. Annika operated a light switch and the two were in a medieval cellar vault. Despite the ancient facade, it was lit with modern electric lights, modern being a bit broad as the wiring and lamps were also quite a few years old.

The young priestess led Henrietta to a door over which was written "Clothes and Fabrics" in German and opened it with the key she had been given by the High Priestess. Behind it was a closet full of closets, chests and clothes racks, with the clothes glowing in all colors.

[url]Alyx followed Kaisa into the inn, glancing around at the dark panelled walls and sayings all written around the room. She could pick out a few words, but no full sentences. A man just a bit younger that her spoke to Kaisa. Alyx caught "two" and "madames" but nothing else. She assumed Kaisa had asked for a table, as a minute later she was being escorted to a table by the window and given a menu to look through.[/url]

Alyx Tsuda (March 20, 2023)

Alyx and Kaisa sat at a seat by the window and could see the street and University Square. The waiter gave them the menu cards, lit a tea light on the table and then disappeared again.

"I think he's new," Kaisa said to Alyx. "Anyway, I haven't seen it here yet. Shall I help you with the menu and try to translate?". The student sat up from the seat and walked over to Alyx to look at her menu. She got quite close physically to Alyx, which allowed her to smell Kaisa's sweet-smelling perfume."

The menu seemed to consist of classic Central German cuisine. Meat, dumplings and cabbage determined the dishes and were available in all sorts of variations.

[Alzatia]

"Actually, the concern that you mention is nothing new to us," Celeste replied, smiling. "The issue of social and technological progress has come up time after time, century after century. Now it's computers, but before that, it was cars. And before that, factories and public schools. And even earlier, the printing press. All of those innovations have consistently been rejected by Alzatians, as being representative of a godless urban worldly-dependent society, in their eyes."

"That's something we, and the Amish, and the Portuguese all agree with," she continued. "Innovation by itself isn't necessarily a bad thing. But if that innovation threatens to destroy our traditions or self-subsistence, as with gas-powered cars and airplanes, that's where we draw the line. In addition, culture isn't the only thing that gets destroyed—cars and planes are also terrible for nature, and they're noisy too."

"Safe to say, there likely won't be any significant policy changes during this reign, except for the decriminalization of homosexuality which I mentioned earlier. Progress should be something that develops naturally in a society, not artificially imposed against their will by a government edict."

"Although," she added, "it's definitely possible to have an absolute monarchy and a free open society simultaneously—the modern Spanish Empire is an example of such. While the Emperor has the final say, their citizens have many of the same freedoms as in a democracy, and media isn't restricted at all. There are also other monarchies, such as Thailand and Dubai which, though not as free as Spain, are just as modern. Perhaps Alzatia could eventually grow in that direction, but first it would need the economic resources for that."

[Obrela]

Alyx Tsuda

Alyx grew hot as Kaisa stood at her shoulder, her cheeks flushing pink, though you could barely see it with her dark complexion. She looked over the menu as Kaisa ran her finger down the rows of food, translating and explaining each one in turn.
"These all sound delicious, but I think I might have the Sauerbraten. It's been a long overnight flight, and plane food isn't the most nutritious thing, and it definitely doesn't foll you up. I need some good warm meat right now."

[Saalenia]

"Actually, the concern that you mention is nothing new to us," Celeste replied, smiling. "The issue of social and technological progress has come up time after time, century after century. Now it's computers, but before that, it was cars. And before that, factories and public schools. And even earlier, the printing press. All of those innovations have consistently been rejected by Alzatians, as being representative of a godless urban worldly-dependent society, in their eyes."

"That's something we, and the Amish, and the Portuguese all agree with," she continued. "Innovation by itself isn't necessarily a bad thing. But if that innovation threatens to destroy our traditions or self-subsistence, as with gas-powered cars and airplanes, that's where we draw the line. In addition, culture isn't the only thing that gets destroyed—cars and planes are also terrible for nature, and they're noisy too."

"Safe to say, there likely won't be any significant policy changes during this reign, except for the decriminalization of homosexuality which I mentioned earlier. Progress should be something that develops naturally in a society, not artificially imposed against their will by a government edict."

"Although," she added, "it's definitely possible to have an absolute monarchy and a free open society simultaneously—the modern Spanish Empire is an example of such. While the Emperor has the final say, their citizens have many of the same freedoms as in a democracy, and media isn't restricted at all. There are also other monarchies, such as Thailand and Dubai which, though not as free as Spain, are just as modern. Perhaps Alzatia could eventually grow in that direction, but first it would need the economic resources for that."

Veroniek and Celeste (March 20, 2023)

Katarina had to laugh briefly. "I apologize for my reaction, but progress at the expense of fundamental values is basically what my political opponents constantly accuse me of. My mother often said it sometimes needed a fresh breeze to blow the dust off the old one. I stuck to that very much."

She thought for a moment. "I might have to take a look at the Spanish Empire, it sounds interesting. How about you? What are your plans for the rest of the day?".

Alyx grew hot as Kaisa stood at her shoulder, her cheeks flushing pink, though you could barely see it with her dark complexion. She looked over the menu as Kaisa ran her finger down the rows of food, translating and explaining each one in turn.
"These all sound delicious, but I think I might have the Sauerbraten. It's been a long overnight flight, and plane food isn't the most nutritious thing, and it definitely doesn't foll you up. I need some good warm meat right now."

Alyx Tsuda (March 20, 2023)

Kaisa smiled, got up and went back to her seat. After a while the young waiter came and seemed a little out of breath. Kaisa placed the order for her and Alyx and the waiter, wrote it down and went on his way.

When he was gone, Kaisa leaned back in the seat. "Would you like to tell me a little bit about Obrela?" she asked Alyx.

[Alzatia]

"Yes," Celeste agreed. "An occasional breeze is welcome, to take away the dust and stale air. But not a hurricane, haha."

"There are also some in Alzatia who think the Princess is unfit to rule, either due to her age or her gender. But those are typically horrible people in general—you know, the type who get drunk and beat their wives and children—and hated even in their own villages. In addition, you won't really find any major opposition to the monarchy, since lèse-majesté is still enforced in Alzatia, and most people don't care for politics all that much. So critics of her Serene Highness are quite few and far between, and aren't a significant presence at all."

"Anyway," Celeste continued, "I recall that during the ride here, you mentioned something about a celebration taking place at the cathedral. If foreigners are invited to attend, Veroniek and I would definitely love to drop by for a visit. I hope our attire is adequate." The Alzatian princess nodded.

"So I guess this wraps up our little meeting, unless there's anything else that your Highness wishes to show or discuss with us. If not, then we shall be on our way."

[The Grand Western Empire]

Angelo Themus (March 20, 2023)

It was midday when Angelo Themus came out of the station building in Matria. The parking lot in front of the building was full and everything was full of people, some of whom were probably tourists. However, there were many people in an unreasonably large number. There was a throng towards the public vehicles that Angelo did well to walk.A somewhat distant place behind a glass roundabout, where a hotel and some company buildings stood in block construction, was also a gathering place for the many people. On a bench, Angelo was able to scold a group of men in loose, slightly soiled cardigans and work trousers or jogging trousers, each holding a beer bottle, and in heavily dialect-colored German scolded the tourists.

A shopping street led away from this square, which according to the street sign was only called "Boulevard". People flocked to this street; she was paved. Shops and clubhouses were found in the Wilhelmine buildings. The street was interrupted about halfway by a cross street, on which stood an old, medieval defense tower, on the other side there was a sign on a pillar that bore the inscription "Altstadt". The boulevard continued, but from now on it was more winding than before. Among the Wilhelminian rows of houses, Baroque and Renaissance facades mingled. Between the houses, Angelo could already see a free-standing tower and a church, which signaled ahead that the boulevard ended in the market square. The Spring Festival took place there, which consisted of stalls, carousels and a large stage on which a band played".

The first thing Angelo noticed was the scent of car exhaust, or rather, the lack there of. He'd been so used to the nauseating stench of industry and gasoline cars that were ever-present in Kalvus that it was jarring to not smell them. The taste of fresh air alone tempted Angelo to never return to his homeland. Plus the land wasn't a barren desert, which was also a large plus. Slowly, the red-head made his way through the crowd, taking care not bump into anyone, and eventually arrived beneath a glass roundabout, a unique sight. The more he saw of Matria, the more he saw what the GWE could become one day, a paradise. However, that was soured by the irrespectable sight of several men dressed in urine-soaked attire. He walked by them with a disdainful headshake and grumbled, "Dress and act with some respect," in somewhat mispronounced German, partially caused by his very noticeable accent.

After that, he walked down the simply named "Boulevard," it was an apt name, but a little boring. He still admired the Germanic architecture as he passed by houses and people. A few times, he almost wandered into the road. In particular, the ancient tower-turned-clock interested him. No architecture that old or of that type existed in the Grand Western Empire. Truly, Saalenia was beautiful, Angelo thought as he meandered into the market square.

[Obrela]

Alyx Tsuda

"Oh uh, yes. Obrela is so different from here. For one thing, you're almost never far from the ocean, so it's strange to not be near the sea. Also, everything isn't quite as big in Obrela. We have two big cities, Hundarwar and Kobe, and that's it. I go to the island university in Kobe, and though it's small, I quite like it. There's something almost cosy about it, you know?" Alyx puffed out her cheeks, and looked up sheepishly, "I'm waffling again, aren't I?"

[Saalenia]

"Yes," Celeste agreed. "An occasional breeze is welcome, to take away the dust and stale air. But not a hurricane, haha."

"There are also some in Alzatia who think the Princess is unfit to rule, either due to her age or her gender. But those are typically horrible people in general—you know, the type who get drunk and beat their wives and children—and hated even in their own villages. In addition, you won't really find any major opposition to the monarchy, since lèse-majesté is still enforced in Alzatia, and most people don't care for politics all that much. So critics of her Serene Highness are quite few and far between, and aren't a significant presence at all."

"Anyway," Celeste continued, "I recall that during the ride here, you mentioned something about a celebration taking place at the cathedral. If foreigners are invited to attend, Veroniek and I would definitely love to drop by for a visit. I hope our attire is adequate." The Alzatian princess nodded.

"So I guess this wraps up our little meeting, unless there's anything else that your Highness wishes to show or discuss with us. If not, then we shall be on our way."
Top

Princess Veroniek and Celeste (March 20, 2023)
"As I said, my critics are not many here either, but as a princess you have to make sure that it stays that way," said Katarina. "The Princess has a very high status in society here and I'm very media-savvy, so I know how to consolidate that."

"Oh, you mean the festivities of the aristocracy," continued the monarch. "You can get there easily from here. My youngest daughter Laura goes there too. You might meet her in the courtyard and she can go there with you. I really don't like such closed societies. There's not enough diversity for me. Although my best friend, the Countess von Nordenstein should be there. Maybe you'll meet her there".

She checked whether her guests had drunk, then she got up. "Then I hope to see you again soon. Hopefully our realms will be friends by then." She bowed slightly.

The first thing Angelo noticed was the scent of car exhaust, or rather, the lack there of. He'd been so used to the nauseating stench of industry and gasoline cars that were ever-present in Kalvus that it was jarring to not smell them. The taste of fresh air alone tempted Angelo to never return to his homeland. Plus the land wasn't a barren desert, which was also a large plus. Slowly, the red-head made his way through the crowd, taking care not bump into anyone, and eventually arrived beneath a glass roundabout, a unique sight. The more he saw of Matria, the more he saw what the GWE could become one day, a paradise. However, that was soured by the irrespectable sight of several men dressed in urine-soaked attire. He walked by them with a disdainful headshake and grumbled, "Dress and act with some respect," in somewhat mispronounced German, partially caused by his very noticeable accent.

After that, he walked down the simply named "Boulevard," it was an apt name, but a little boring. He still admired the Germanic architecture as he passed by houses and people. A few times, he almost wandered into the road. In particular, the ancient tower-turned-clock interested him. No architecture that old or of that type existed in the Grand Western Empire. Truly, Saalenia was beautiful, Angelo thought as he meandered into the market square.

Angelo (March 20, 2023)

The men who had waved to Angelo were amazed. Then he heard her scolding behind him and could say "What did the wanker say" or "Such a rascal should shut up".

When he got to the market, he saw quite a few stalls. Food, alcohol, souvenirs even clothes. He saw people from different countries there and noticed an increased presence of women in robes somewhat reminiscent of the robes worn by Russian Orthodox priests, but with loose blond hair of varying hair lengths. From military cut to hip length hair. The robes were indistinguishable from each other, except in colour.

Various groups came together at the stands. You saw people dressed more simply, people in smart clothes and people whose clothes were reminiscent of the roaring twenties.

"Oh uh, yes. Obrela is so different from here. For one thing, you're almost never far from the ocean, so it's strange to not be near the sea. Also, everything isn't quite as big in Obrela. We have two big cities, Hundarwar and Kobe, and that's it. I go to the island university in Kobe, and though it's small, I quite like it. There's something almost cosy about it, you know?" Alyx puffed out her cheeks, and looked up sheepishly, "I'm waffling again, aren't I?"

Alyx Tsuda (March 20, 2023)

"No, you're not rambling," Kaisa said in a warm, friendly voice. "I'm really interested. We don't even have a sea here. Saalenia is in the middle of the continent. Instead, we have meadows and meadows here that are very fertile. You haven't seen anything of that here in Matria, but if I tell you others Should show parts of the country, you will see it."

She had to smile at a comment from Alyx. "I think it's cute that you think Matria is big. People from metropolitan cities in other states think this is a cow town. Matria is a big city, but it's the only big city in the principality. After all, more than half of the inhabitants of Saalenia live here. " She thought for a moment. "How is student life in Obrela? Can everyone study there?"

[Obrela]

"I'd love to see some proper green countryside. In Obrela, everything is mainly rainforest or beach. It's lovely of course, but I've never really seen a really green crop field." She sat back, thinking about Kaisa's question, "Well yes, everyone is allowed to study of course. Everyone either picks to study abroad or at the small uni, or they can choose to do what I did, where they spend a few months to a year studying abroad. I hope this doesn't come across as offensive, but I find it quite interesting how your society works here. In Obrela, we can have both kings and queens of the clans, and anyone can run for parliament, vote etc. And in history it's always been male dominated across most of Europe. When did it change for you?" She looked up as the waiter returned with her food and thanked him in German.

[Saalenia]

"I'd love to see some proper green countryside. In Obrela, everything is mainly rainforest or beach. It's lovely of course, but I've never really seen a really green crop field." She sat back, thinking about Kaisa's question, "Well yes, everyone is allowed to study of course. Everyone either picks to study abroad or at the small uni, or they can choose to do what I did, where they spend a few months to a year studying abroad. I hope this doesn't come across as offensive, but I find it quite interesting how your society works here. In Obrela, we can have both kings and queens of the clans, and anyone can run for parliament, vote etc. And in history it's always been male dominated across most of Europe. When did it change for you?" She looked up as the waiter returned with her food and thanked him in German.

Alyx Tsuda (March 20, 2023)

"So here in Saalenia, the matriarchy goes back to the early Middle Ages," Kaisa began. "The area around this town here was ruled by a Christian nunnery. At some point the nuns rebelled against patriarchal Christianity and reinterpreted it as matriarchal. Gayanism arose from this reinterpretation, and it is still the national religion today".

The waiter came with the food and looked very stressed. "There you are, did I already take your drinks? I apologize if I forgot." After they reordered their drinks the waiter left.

"I really can't imagine having a prince or a male fellow student. That's how most of the principality thinks. But I find it interesting that such a fundamental part of our culture and identity is unknown in other places. This world is big ". She swallowed hard and then smiled nicely, her black eyes looking straight at Alyx. "Now I'm starting to ramble on."

[Obrela]

Alyx listened intently as Kaisa described the history of Saalenia, drinking it all in, "It's funny how different parts of the world develop isn't it? The way you see things versus people in Obrela. But I think it's good to understand other people's culture and world views. It prevents war, I think."
She stopped to take a bite of her food, letting the roasted meat warm her insides, "This is delicious, by the way. Very filling, but delicious none the less. And don't worry about the rambling. I'm sure you've already seen that I do it often enough. One of the thinks about a history degree, you learn how to think in essays." She laughed.

[Alzatia]

Princess Veroniek and Celeste (March 20, 2023)
"As I said, my critics are not many here either, but as a princess you have to make sure that it stays that way," said Katarina. "The Princess has a very high status in society here and I'm very media-savvy, so I know how to consolidate that."

"Oh, you mean the festivities of the aristocracy," continued the monarch. "You can get there easily from here. My youngest daughter Laura goes there too. You might meet her in the courtyard and she can go there with you. I really don't like such closed societies. There's not enough diversity for me. Although my best friend, the Countess von Nordenstein should be there. Maybe you'll meet her there".

She checked whether her guests had drunk, then she got up. "Then I hope to see you again soon. Hopefully our realms will be friends by then." She bowed slightly.

"Well then," said Celeste. "If that is everything, then the two of us shall continue on our journey. We would like to thank your Highness for the kind hospitality you have shown us—it was an honor to meet you and learn about your country's culture. And hopefully we can meet again in the future, here or in Alzatia."

"Yeah!" added Veroniek. "'Twas really nice to see another Princess like me, and go to her castle. Hope thou com'st visit me soon!"

The pair got up from their seats, and Celeste collected her briefcase. On the way out the door, she offered her hand for Katarina to shake. "Once again, thank you for inviting us." She and Veroniek then went down the staircase, the same one from which they entered, and exited back out to the palace courtyard. Once outside, they decided to wait for Laura and go to the celebration together.

[Ardchu]

[nope]

[Saalenia]

Alyx listened intently as Kaisa described the history of Saalenia, drinking it all in, "It's funny how different parts of the world develop isn't it? The way you see things versus people in Obrela. But I think it's good to understand other people's culture and world views. It prevents war, I think."
She stopped to take a bite of her food, letting the roasted meat warm her insides, "This is delicious, by the way. Very filling, but delicious none the less. And don't worry about the rambling. I'm sure you've already seen that I do it often enough. One of the thinks about a history degree, you learn how to think in essays." She laughed.

Alyx Tsuda (March 20, 2023)

"It's no different with us sociologists," laughed Kaisa. "It is definitely important to get to know the culture of other peoples. Education is important in any case." She ate her food too. "You know, I really enjoy being your teacher for Saalenia. I can show and tell you everything you want to know and maybe need for your studies. I'm not a historian, but I still know the history of the Landes roughly from school, but I know today's society very well".

When the two have eaten, the waiter comes back and clears away. "I would basically pay you if you want," she said while eating.

"Well then," said Celeste. "If that is everything, then the two of us shall continue on our journey. We would like to thank your Highness for the kind hospitality you have shown us—it was an honor to meet you and learn about your country's culture. And hopefully we can meet again in the future, here or in Alzatia."

"Yeah!" added Veroniek. "'Twas really nice to see another Princess like me, and go to her castle. Hope thou com'st visit me soon!"

The pair got up from their seats, and Celeste collected her briefcase. On the way out the door, she offered her hand for Katarina to shake. "Once again, thank you for inviting us." She and Veroniek then went down the staircase, the same one from which they entered, and exited back out to the palace courtyard. Once outside, they decided to wait for Laura and go to the celebration together.

The sky was clear as the two Alzatians emerged from the castle. It was warmer than before, even if it was still spring cool. In the middle of the courtyard stood the Countess Laura and spoke to an older man, about the age of Katarina II. She wore a red fabric dress.
The man gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead and approached Veroniek and Celeste, bowed as they passed and said "Gaya greetings, ladies" and then walked into the house they came from.

When Laura saw the two, she smiled at them and bowed. "Hello, dear princess and hello, dear lady-in-waiting," she said to the two. "Do you also want to come to the festival in the garden of the cathedral?"

[Obrela]

Alyx nodded, "Indeed. And having you as my teacher in Saalenia has been so helpful thus far. I'm glad you're my roommate."
She smiled at Kaisa as the waiter came to clear away their plates, "I appreciate the generosity, but there no need. I can pay for my own meal, and I'll probably try and get a part time job, seeing as I'll be here for a couple of months, just to earn a little extra cash."

[Alzatia]

Laura, the youngest daughter of the Saalenian princess, was already waiting for them in the courtyard. A man (apparently her father, and the consort of Katarina II, due to the way he tenderly kissed her) greeted them and disappeared through the door. The Alzatian princess couldn't help but be slightly jealous, when she saw how lovely and happy this family was—her own parents had never given her any love, and had treated her quite abusively. But at least she had Celeste to count on.

"Oh yes!" Veroniek replied. "I'd love to see it! Hope there's cake too."

"Yes, that would be lovely," answered Celeste, in standard German. "Perhaps your Highness could show us the way. And I presume that was your father, the Prince-Consort?"

[Saalenia]

[url]Alyx nodded, "Indeed. And having you as my teacher in Saalenia has been so helpful thus far. I'm glad you're my roommate."
She smiled at Kaisa as the waiter came to clear away their plates, "I appreciate the generosity, but there no need. I can pay for my own meal, and I'll probably try and get a part time job, seeing as I'll be here for a couple of months, just to earn a little extra cash."[/url]

Alyx Tsuda (March 20, 2023)
"You'll definitely find a part-time job here," said Kaisa with a friendly smile. "Female students are currently being sought in administration, be it public or in a company. Or you can be a consultant in a cultural institution". She thought for a moment. "I don't even know if you're entitled to the Female Basic Income as a foreign student. Although the application will certainly take a long time."

When the table was empty and everything eaten, they both left and said goodbye to the waiter. "So, next shopping or to the festival?".

Laura, the youngest daughter of the Saalenian princess, was already waiting for them in the courtyard. A man (apparently her father, and the consort of Katarina II, due to the way he tenderly kissed her) greeted them and disappeared through the door. The Alzatian princess couldn't help but be slightly jealous, when she saw how lovely and happy this family was—her own parents had never given her any love, and had treated her quite abusively. But at least she had Celeste to count on.

"Oh yes!" Veroniek replied. "I'd love to see it! Hope there's cake too."

"Yes, that would be lovely," answered Celeste, in standard German. "Perhaps your Highness could show us the way. And I presume that was your father, the Prince-Consort?"

Laura smiled. "Of course I can show you the way," she said, stepping forward. "It was actually my father that you just saw. He was out and about all day this morning and morning in the small towns for ceremonies for the Spring Festival. Now he longed for mother's presence."

When they left the castle courtyard, the two could now see that next to the prince's castle there was a much more pompous, white building on a hill, in whose shadow the medieval manorial castle looked almost barbaric.

The group headed south and after a few minutes came to the square in front of the cathetral. There they could see the entrance to the cathedral courtyard, with guards standing in front of it.

"Here it is, dear guests," said Laura.

[Obrela]

Alyx Tsuda

Alyx smiled, "That's good to hear. I don't want to be searching for work the entire time I'm here after all."
She thought for a moment, then answered Kaisa's question, "Festival. The shops will be there on any other day, and I really want to experience more of Saalenian culture."
As they set off towards the festival, she thought of another question, "Female Basic Income? What's that?"

[Alzatia]

Laura smiled. "Of course I can show you the way," she said, stepping forward. "It was actually my father that you just saw. He was out and about all day this morning and morning in the small towns for ceremonies for the Spring Festival. Now he longed for mother's presence."

When they left the castle courtyard, the two could now see that next to the prince's castle there was a much more pompous, white building on a hill, in whose shadow the medieval manorial castle looked almost barbaric.

The group headed south and after a few minutes came to the square in front of the cathetral. There they could see the entrance to the cathedral courtyard, with guards standing in front of it.

"Here it is, dear guests," said Laura.

"Thank you, your Highness," Celeste told Laura, then walked up to the guards at the gate. "Good afternoon," she said in standard German. "Celeste vu Drachaschtaa. Attendant to her Serene Highness, Princess Veroniek of Alzatia, who is here with me. We have come for the Spring Festival celebrations, which her Highness has graciously invited us to attend."

Turning back to Laura, she asked, "So will your Highness be joining us here, or do you have other events planned for today?"

[Saalenia]

Alyx smiled, "That's good to hear. I don't want to be searching for work the entire time I'm here after all."
She thought for a moment, then answered Kaisa's question, "Festival. The shops will be there on any other day, and I really want to experience more of Saalenian culture."
As they set off towards the festival, she thought of another question, "Female Basic Income? What's that?"

Alyx Tsuda

"Every woman who was born in Saalenia gets a basic income of 1,000 guilders a month from the age of 18," said Kaisa. "You get it automatically as a citizen, foreign women who are doing an apprenticeship here can apply for it at the office. I'm not sure if female students are among them".

Kaisa and Alyx walked across the University Square, entering the old town of Matria, which Alyx could see from the elevated road. Through narrow side streets and alleys they came to the marketplace of Matria, where tens of thousands of people were and saw the stalls, music and spectacles.
There was a band playing on the stage. Women recognizable as priestesses were seen walking about and talking to people.
"This is the marketplace, this is where the Spring Festival is held," said Kaisa.

"Thank you, your Highness," Celeste told Laura, then walked up to the guards at the gate. "Good afternoon," she said in standard German. "Celeste vu Drachaschtaa. Attendant to her Serene Highness, Princess Veroniek of Alzatia, who is here with me. We have come for the Spring Festival celebrations, which her Highness has graciously invited us to attend."

Turning back to Laura, she asked, "So will your Highness be joining us here, or do you have other events planned for today?"

Princess Veroniek

The guards looked at each other and bowed. "Welcome, Princess of Alzatia and Welcome, Countess of Matria." They both said together and let her through.
Countess Laura replied, "Yes, I'll come to the festival with you. The festival is also hosted by the County and City of Matria, as head of which I am a quasi co-host."

In the courtyard garden was a large table with a buffet full of elegant cakes and cakes, as well as sparkling wine, wine and coffee and tea.

There were also stalls selling jewelry and expensive items. In the middle was a decorated tree in front of which is a small stage with a lectern. There were Gayanist priestesses everywhere, all wearing the same robes but different hair lengths.

The other guests were all smartly dressed and appeared to be nobles. Foreign guests could also be seen.

"Oh man," said Laura. "I don't like such exclusive events".

[Alzatia]

And with that, they were in. As expected for an event attended by high society, everything in the garden was opulently set up, including a big table offering refreshments such as cake and beverages, and everybody was well dressed too. "Ooh, how fancy!" exclaimed the Alzatian princess. "More than anything we have, back home."

"Oh man, I don't like such exclusive events," Laura commented.

"To be honest, we aren't big fans of such formality either," Celeste replied. "Most likely, we're just going to have a look around, talk to a few people, and try some of the desserts."

"Yeah," added Veroniek. "I'm mainly here for the cake, haha. And the flowers—I just love seeing gardens!"

As the Alzatian princess went off to admire and smell the flowers, Celeste said to Laura, "It was an honor for us to meet your Highnesses, and to be invited to partake in this festive occasion. Hopefully one day, we are able to return the favor."

[Obrela]

Alyx Tsuda

Alyx listen to Kaisa's explanation, "Right, I think I understand. I'll try and research more tonight, see if I can get it for a job."
As the pair reached University Square, Alyx fell quiet, marvelling at all the sights of the Old Town. The architecture was stunning, so beautifully stylish and elegant. Then, the full force of the festival hit her. There was so much to see! A band played on stage, singing in Saalenian German. Though she didn't understand, it was a catchy tune nonetheless. The smell of sweet desserts filled the air, and she suddenly felt hungry again, despite eating under 15 minutes ago. So many people were crammed into the square, and she shrunk back suddenly, trying to avoid contact with people.
"It's all a bit overwhelming." She admitted, "Where do you recommend we go first?"

[Saalenia]

Alyx Tsuda

Alyx listen to Kaisa's explanation, "Right, I think I understand. I'll try and research more tonight, see if I can get it for a job."
As the pair reached University Square, Alyx fell quiet, marvelling at all the sights of the Old Town. The architecture was stunning, so beautifully stylish and elegant. Then, the full force of the festival hit her. There was so much to see! A band played on stage, singing in Saalenian German. Though she didn't understand, it was a catchy tune nonetheless. The smell of sweet desserts filled the air, and she suddenly felt hungry again, despite eating under 15 minutes ago. So many people were crammed into the square, and she shrunk back suddenly, trying to avoid contact with people.
"It's all a bit overwhelming." She admitted, "Where do you recommend we go first?"

Alyx Tsuda
The crowd was really oversized. In addition to Saalenian German, Alyx could hear many other foreign languages.

"Where could we go first?" Kaisa repeated. "Well, we could play at one of the game stands, or we could go to one of the information stands...I don't feel like talking to the priestesses right now."