An Examination of Oktotheio (Closed, TG for Entry)

[Sombreland]

The Royal Yacht Pachalis, Off Cape Wolodon

It was all light, dancing and music aboard the Royal Yacht. A band played a jaunty tune that people could dance to, and members of the Royal Court were enjoying this. Most Sombreland courtly dances involved a regular change of partners, high stepping or prancing, and no more intimacy than the touch of a hand or a glance. They were more dances of community than of courtship, and everyone enjoyed them. The Princess-Regent did as well, but in moderation. For she could only dance when the only persons there to be partners were descended of royal blood, and she did not want to deprive everyone of the opportunity to dance.

There was another matter too: the Princess-Regent was the delight and admiration of many. Alavaine had black hair and a brilliant complexion; a voluptuous eye, veiled by long lashes; delicate coral lips; a slender neck; a graceful, opulent figure, and concealed in a satin slipper a tiny foot. Even the most envious of the de Cressas were proud to see such a lovely flower flourishing in their soil, and those from the Provinces who returned home dazzled with her beauty if they had but seen her, and amazed at her knowledge if they had discoursed with her; for Alavaine was not only the loveliest, she was also the most erudite woman, having been schooled in the Royal Court by the most eminent scholars that could be obtained. She was known to be gentle in her normal manner, yet to have the quiet resolution and courage that her lineage had often possessed.

As she watched a number of courtiers laughing and dancing, she found herself approached by three men who had figured larger in her own reign and life than they had in the reign of her now ill and retiring grandfather, King Orian. One was the sleepy, artistic Prince Shaladew Kadav, the Minister of the Left and Minister of Death; another the Director of Foreign Affairs; a third was stern, powerful Grand Admiral Teroth.

They were announced by her Captain of the Guard, a handsome, slim young man who adored her beyond measure.

"Oh, gentlemen, behold the dancing! It is beautiful, like tropical birds under the moonlight! And the moon appears delighted with this, does she not?" exclaimed Princess Alavaine.

"Most exquisite, Your Majestic Highness," said the Minister of the Left with a smile. "It inspires me greatly."

"Oh, and shall we be graced by one of your paintings then?" she asked him.

He was about to reply when the Grand Admiral coughed loudly. The Minister glanced at him with faint irritation. "Well, perhaps a subject for another time, Majestic Highness? You had asked me to bring report of matters concerning Oktotheio."

Princess-Regent Alavaine immediately was interested. "Oh yes! The country that there is so much rumour about, that some KTO members wish to go to war with."

"These are rumoured only, Majestic Highness," put in the Director of Foreign Affairs. "They are not a reality yet. The idea, however, seems to be that Oktotheio is such a horrible nation that war may be inevitable. On the other hand, it has trading partners that may rise to defend it."

"What do we really know about the country, though?" asked the Princess Regent.

"Not much beyond what general information is published publicly, Majestic Highness," said the Grand Admiral. "No real intelligence. On the other hand, it is said that the people there are forced to go without clothing, may not have...um..marital relations in private, and that they harm children."

Princess-Regent Alavaine was greatly stricken by this, and she had to control her breathing with difficulty. "Well, all that sounds pretty awful. Still, we need to find out more. My goodness gracious, it sounds like a horrible place! But do we just go about supporting pressure on foreign nations because they are awful?"

"Not really, Majestic Highness. But that does not mean that it could not draw fellow KTO members into some kind of military adventure. And then rivals of the KTO might see it as an opportunity, and it might create a general war we may find ourselves involved in," said the Grand Admiral.

"Remedy, then, gentlemen?" she asked sadly.

"Intelligence gathering," said the Grand Admiral.

"Reaching out diplomatically," said the Foreign Affairs Director.

"And then forming a plan based on the information we gather. Letters, diplomatic exchanges, recommendations...these cost little," said the Minister of the Left, suppressing a yawn.

The Princess Regent considered gravely. The beauty of her still, solemn face captured the inspiration of the Minister of the Left; the Foreign Affairs Director found himself at a loss for words, the Grand Admiral felt a fierce devotion as one of the leaders of the military caste to put all effort towards making her and her Kingdom safe. She nodded then, and this was eloquent enough that all three men backed away, now bound to duty on the matter.

To: Lady Sulfur Sapphira Frasch
From: Princess-Regent Alavaine de Cressa
Subject: Diplomacy

---

Dear Lady Sulfur,

I hope that this message finds you in good health. As leaders, we do not know one another, and have not had direct dealings with one another. However, it is my understanding that your country is influential in some parts of the world, and yet that it has also been a cause for some concern.

From what I have read, your country has ways of life so different from our own that I can scarcely comprehend them, and this has given way to rumours about your country that cannot be readily confirmed without clarity.

Because of this, and to avoid misunderstanding or confusion before pursuing any degree of diplomacy or trade, I would like to propose that I should send a diplomatic mission to your country to find out more about it. One could say that this is a kind of fact finding mission to see if friendly relations are possible between our two countries.

I hope you will consider this and give me an answer as to whether or not this might be possible.

Sincerely,

Princess-Regent Alavaine de Cressa

"

[Oktotheio]

To: Princess-Regent Alavaine de Cressa
From: Queen Sulfur Sapphira Frasch
Subject: Re: Diplomacy

---

Dear Princess-Regent Alavaine,

Firstly, thank you for nice words in your letter, it makes a change from all the wannabe crusaders who would see my nation wiped out, and secondly, I would love to receive your mission, The Holy Queendom of Oktotheio is always ready to potentially make new allies. I shall see to it that when your diplomats arrive they are welcomed lavishly, and that any questions they might have will be answered.

Sincerely,

Queen Sulfur Sapphira Frasch

[Sombreland]

Skies

Prince Shaladew Kadav, the Minister of the Left and Minister of Death, who had power over the departments concerned with foreigners, after careful consultation with his directors, particularly the Director of Foreign Affairs, but also with people from the office of the Minister of Divinity, to determine who was best suited by their pedigree and harmonious nature, appointed Prince Horadin Galo to be the Ambassador Extraordinary to the Queendom of Oktotheio.

The Ambassador, Prince Horadin, was a very energetic man, a bit short in height but so lively that most overlooked it. His particular interest was in the seashore. That included everything from sea birds to shellfish to tides to tidal rocks...many of the fascinating things of the seashore were written down in the 2 dozen books he had written. He was also known to be a fine dancer, an elegant courtier, and a very observant man. Who could be better to be an ambassador to such a strange place?

The Ambassador was to be accompanied by people representing the different ministries and directorates, but the most important were:

Kelvis Andesan, the Assistant Director of Foreign Affairs for Trade, a soft plump man with a well rounded double chin who was wise in the ways of bankers and industrialists, of good family but interested in merchants. It was said that he even had friends in the merchant caste.

Orobor Gaves, the old but still healthy Assistant Director of the Oracles. No one quite remembered how old he was, and he often walked younger men into the ground, yet his hair was white as snow, and his eyes clear as dawn. The hoary old Minister of the Right still called him "That boy, Gaves." He would, in particular, be reviewing the foreign Queendom for moral concerns.

The third was Lieutenant-General Segly Pron, an Air Force officer who came from a very good family and was known to be a devil with the ladies. Though of the military caste, he was at ease in drawing rooms and ballrooms, was considered charming, and could even write a little verse and comment handsomely on such events as the Celebration of the Turtles. On top of that, he knew a great deal about military matters, and was there to assess what kind of threat was represented by the Queendom of Oktotheio.

The three men and their attendants looked forward to touching down in the strange place, so unlike their own, it was said, that it would be as though they were landing on the moon. They were all, in their own way, apprehensive, but also all resolved to do their duty by their Princess-Regent.

[Oktotheio]

Oktotheio International Airport

Waiting in the gate reserved for VIPs, in contrast to the four men soon to arrive, stood four women accompanied their own attendants, foremost among them being Berenice Metaxas who had been chosen by the Queen herself to be the Oktotheioan ambassador to The Kingdom of Sombreland. Both radiantly beautiful and well-learnt, she had served in the government's upper house for 4 years before receiving this appointment along with the white and yellow striped sash she was wearing that served as her badge of office.

Behind her, two of the other three women were members of the Oktotheioan cabinet, the first being the Foreign Secretary Tasia Nikolaou, her skin well tanned from her many trips to surrounding nations to shore up Oktotheioan relations with them, and now she was here hoping to continue to do the same again.

Second was the Secretary for Trade Petroula Aslamas, a bright eyed young lady who was relatively new to the job and fittingly the youngest of the four there, her goal was to see what kinds of goods and services Sombreland could supply Oktotheio with and visversa.

Last but not least, a rare appearance from the Grand Mistress of the NDIS Despina Karra, here to see what Sombreland could provide in terms of defence. Although like the others she wore no clothes, just a glance would tell you she was deep into the gothic aesthetic, her black eye liner and eye shadow complementing her raven black hair and dark brown eyes while the sunshade she held shielded her light skin - in fact, it wouldn't be a stretch to say if you were asked to imagine what the leader of a organization rumoured to be made up of seductive spies and assassins looks like, she'd be who you would picture.

All together they watched as the visiting plane touched down and taxied up to park, eager to show their guests what Oktotheio had to offer their homeland.

[Sombreland]

It is one thing for a person to imagine something, or see pictures of it. It is another thing altogether to be confronted with it in the flesh. In this case, literally.

There were several apparent officials waiting for them. At least, one of them wore a sash of office, if nothing else. One looked as though she was normally dressed, but it was difficult to tell. Attractive women, and all presented as the day of their births. All the little details of motion and posture revealed.

This was unreal to the Sombreland officials. Some of them had never even seen their wives fully unclothed.


Kelvis Andesan, the Assistant Director of Foreign Affairs for Trade, nervously tugged at his double chin and fidgeted with his pockets. He did not no where to look. His reaction, his deepest instinct, was to reach for something to cover the poor ladies with. He could not get out of his head that they had been forced to do this.

Orobor Gaves, the old but still healthy Assistant Director of the Oracles looked upon them sternly, perhaps more than he intended to do, his expression one of barely contained disapproval. In a way, their state of undress troubled him less than his worry that they would be uncivilized. The one was...unfortunate, awkward, unpleasant...but his was not a religion horrified by the human body, but, rather, disturbed by it without proper civilized regulation. This was...most irregular.

Lieutenant-General Segly Pron felt as he had once when accidentally seeing his wife's sister in her dressing gown. He felt that he had somehow intruded upon these poor ladies who had no clothing. Like Andesan, he wanted to rush to find something to cover them with. Naturally, he stood stiffly, with a grave expression.

The only one not disturbed was Prince Horadin Galo. He was very curious about them. He had many questions. One of the things he immediately looked at was their feet; he had been wondering if they were permitted footwear. But then, remembering not to let his curiosity outpace his manners, he bowed, and immediately the other three men bowed as well, slightly more deeply.

"Berenice Metaxas?" he asked in a warm and polite tone. "I am Prince Horadin Galo, the Ambassador." He introduced the other officials with him. "How nice of you to meet us here yourselves. In the name of the Princess-Regent Alavaine, we are grateful. Well..." he said with an easy laugh, "It is very plain to see that you all take your laws very seriously! I am very interested in them; it is one of the things that we were sent to investigate! May I ask, as we walk, if you are permitted to speak of it, what do you all think of your mandatory laws concerning clothing? And how do you feel about dealing with those who wear them?"

[Oktotheio]

On the Oktotheioan side Tasia smirked as she noticed only two of the Sombrelandians look at them disapprovingly, thinking "Of course only the old guys aren't into this, but if the other two are truly neutral then this'll actually be a little easier then I thought~" Petroula meanwhile was blushing slightly from nerves, wanting to give a good impression but unsure whether to pose a bit to show off like the goddess does or just stay standing formally, and at the same time Despina kept a emotionless face as she eyed up the Lieutenant-General, slightly annoyed that this guy clearly wasn't an intelligence agent and silently hoping there'd still be something the two of them could discuss.

Berenice nodded in response to the Prince's questions as her group turned to walk, in doing so showing that they all were wearing sandals, explaining "Of course we're allowed to talk about it~ It's not a big deal to us, our Goddess knows what's best for us and thus as her subjects we must follow."
"Yep." Tasia chimed in, adding "No clothes means I get to feel the hot hot sun right on my skin wherever I go~ Even when I'm abroad and have to dress up some, when the end of the day come and I'm able to ditch all that junk, that feels incredible."
"Agreed Tasia~" Petroula spoke up, daydreamingly saying "When the debates are televised and I know the whole nation is seeing every part of me, it's a thrill unlike any other~"
The last to speak, Despina glanced at the other women, then the Sombrelandians, then sighed and curtly replied "It's useful for my work. I can't say much more because that's top secret."
"Ha ha, I think some of you guys got a little off topic..." Berenice remarked. "As for the second question, we don't mind that either, the liberation of nudity is not something everyone can accept into their hearts right away and so the Goddess teaches us to respect all people, no matter their level of dress."

[Sombreland]

Berenice nodded in response to the Prince's questions as her group turned to walk, in doing so showing that they all were wearing sandals, explaining "Of course we're allowed to talk about it~ It's not a big deal to us, our Goddess knows what's best for us and thus as her subjects we must follow."

As they began walking and talking, Prince Horadin Galo was interested to notice that when people were not wearing clothes, their bodies moved even when they just spoke in interesting ways. The individual characteristics and imperfects showed.

"How does your Goddess determine what is best for you?" he asked, walking along with her.

"Yep." Tasia chimed in, adding "No clothes means I get to feel the hot hot sun right on my skin wherever I go~ Even when I'm abroad and have to dress up some, when the end of the day come and I'm able to ditch all that junk, that feels incredible!"

"Agreed Tasia~" Petroula spoke up, daydreamingly saying "When the debates are televised and I know the whole nation is seeing every part of me, it's a thrill unlike any other~"

"What about sunburns though?" asked Lieutenant-General Segly Pron. "And surely excessive sun is bad for anyone, regardless. The sun spreads harmful radiation if it is not taken in moderation."

"And goodness, I would feel very odd without clothing!" exclaimed Kelvis Andesan. "What if you are fat, like me?"

The last to speak, Despina glanced at the other women, then the Sombrelandians, then sighed and curtly replied "It's useful for my work. I can't say much more because that's top secret."

"How do you keep something top secret without any pockets?" chuckled General Pron.

"Ha ha, I think some of you guys got a little off topic..." Berenice remarked. "As for the second question, we don't mind that either, the liberation of nudity is not something everyone can accept into their hearts right away and so the Goddess teaches us to respect all people, no matter their level of dress."

"Clothing is very important," Prince Galo replied, with a smile. "Why, it helps determine, at a distance, who is of what caste in our country. It helps determine what kind of work people can do, what kind of tools they can handle, how they enter vehicle, even such things as when they have lunch."

[Oktotheio]

"How does your Goddess determine what is best for you?" he asked, walking along with her.

"Oh, she has her ways that us mortals just wouldn't understand." Berenice answered, adding "Although now she also has the People's Harem to advise her."

"What about sunburns though?" asked Lieutenant-General Segly Pron. "And surely excessive sun is bad for anyone, regardless. The sun spreads harmful radiation if it is not taken in moderation."

"And goodness, I would feel very odd without clothing!" exclaimed Kelvis Andesan. "What if you are fat, like me?"

"Indeed, that is a problem, but like our cultural siblings Greece most people take a nap from 1-4pm, and we've also installed free use sunscreen stations all around to help reduce the damage when we do go out." Tasia explained before Berenice spoke up again. "As for weight, no-one really cares about that, and even if they did body shaming is classed as discrimination and thus is totally illegal."

"How do you keep something top secret without any pockets?" chuckled General Pron.

"How most other people do, with a briefcase, mine is in my safe at HQ." Despina said quickly, still without emotion, and in response Tasia giggled "Please excuse her gentlemen, she doesn't mean to be rude, she's just straight to the point."

"Clothing is very important," Prince Galo replied, with a smile. "Why, it helps determine, at a distance, who is of what caste in our country. It helps determine what kind of work people can do, what kind of tools they can handle, how they enter vehicle, even such things as when they have lunch."

Berenice nodded. "A very good point dear Prince, just as your ways of doing so may be strange to us, so too might be how we Oktotheioans have adapted and learned how to express those things without clothing."

[Sombreland]

"Oh, she has her ways that us mortals just wouldn't understand." Berenice answered, adding "Although now she also has the People's Harem to advise her."

"That is something that we would like to talk about at greater length," said Orobor Gaves rather formally, looking straight ahead and not at the women. "We will want to understand your basis of government better, and how it has come to take the moral positions it has."

Code: Select all

"Indeed, that is a problem, but like our cultural siblings Greece most people take a nap from 1-4pm, and we've also installed free use sunscreen stations all around to help reduce the damage when we do go out." Tasia explained before Berenice spoke up again. "As for weight, no-one really cares about that, and even if they did body shaming is classed as discrimination and thus is totally illegal."

Andesan exclaimed "Really! I wonder if someone is keeping track of how much sunscreen is spent by the government in a year. Does the government purchase all the sunscreen from companies or does it produce it?"

"As for being fat, being fat is an indication of prosperity and peaceful nature in my country, so I'm not sure where shame comes into it." continued Andesan. "It is simply more aesthetically pleasing when fat people are clothed rather than naked, though sometimes I expose my tummy for religious ceremonies. Speaking of which, I am hungry."

"How most other people do, with a briefcase, mine is in my safe at HQ." Despina said quickly, still without emotion, and in response Tasia giggled "Please excuse her gentlemen, she doesn't mean to be rude, she's just straight to the point."

"Then it is obvious that a briefcase is a target for interest, But there is no need for the excuse, Ma'am. I am a military officer, used to brusqueness to a greater degree than my companions." observed General Pron. "Indeed, you have fewer places of concealment. But I did hear it said that your people wear clothing when abroad?"

Berenice nodded. "A very good point dear Prince, just as your ways of doing so may be strange to us, so too might be how we Oktotheioans have adapted and learned how to express those things without clothing."

Prince Galo nodded. "Yes, that is true. For I have studied many crabs, and yet they are all different in their behaviour and ways. I must admit, I am quite fond of the seashore. Our seashores, though, they are sometimes cold, chilly, and dangerous, at other times warm and pleasant. And what are yours like?"

[Oktotheio]

"That is something that we would like to talk about at greater length," said Orobor Gaves rather formally, looking straight ahead and not at the women. "We will want to understand your basis of government better, and how it has come to take the moral positions it has."

"Ah, of course~" Berenice replied. "I'll do my best to summarise it as it's an interesting story."

Andesan exclaimed "Really! I wonder if someone is keeping track of how much sunscreen is spent by the government in a year. Does the government purchase all the sunscreen from companies or does it produce it?"

"As for being fat, being fat is an indication of prosperity and peaceful nature in my country, so I'm not sure where shame comes into it." continued Andesan. "It is simply more aesthetically pleasing when fat people are clothed rather than naked, though sometimes I expose my tummy for religious ceremonies. Speaking of which, I am hungry."

"Yep, that'd be the Medicine Corps." Petroula giggled. "They've got a contract with a big factory over in Hawleyite City to make the stuff while they distribute it all around, and during the summer when demand is much higher my department is tasked with importing a stockpile just in case."

"Oh, is it?" Tasia responded surprised. "My mistake then, but at least that's something I've learned about your nation in exchange for us telling you all about ours~ As for getting food, we've plenty of restaurants around for you to pick from."

"Then it is obvious that a briefcase is a target for interest, But there is no need for the excuse, Ma'am. I am a military officer, used to brusqueness to a greater degree than my companions." observed General Pron. "Indeed, you have fewer places of concealment. But I did hear it said that your people wear clothing when abroad?"

Once again Tasia answered, sighing "Yeah, it sucks but it's what I gotta do to make a good impression, plus like I said before getting to the end of the day makes it all worth it~"

Prince Galo nodded. "Yes, that is true. For I have studied many crabs, and yet they are all different in their behaviour and ways. I must admit, I am quite fond of the seashore. Our seashores, though, they are sometimes cold, chilly, and dangerous, at other times warm and pleasant. And what are yours like?"

"Oh, our beaches are awesome~!" Berenice beamed, continuing "They're always nice and sunny and hot, but the sea breeze means it's not too hot... Maybe someday when you and me are off duty we could visit together?"

[Sombreland]

Prince Galo said, “Yes.perhaps it would be a good dea to make sure our luggage is taken ahead to whatever you have prepared for us. My secretary can see to the details. If we could go to this restaurant, that would be fine.”

Gaves said, “Indeed sir, Ambassador Metaxas was about to tell us what will no doubt be an interesting story, and I think it may be a good one to hear, as apparently it explains something of the national morals.”

“I would be interested to see what kinds of restaurants are here, and which you recommend,” said General Prom.

“Lead on, then, ladies. It will also give us a look at ordinary citizebs interacting…” said Prince Galo.

[Oktotheio]

By now the 8 of them and their entourage had reached outside the airport where there was a limo waiting for them and a steady stream of people, both dressed and not, could be seen going in and out of the non-VIP doors, while in the distance the many skyscrapers of the city centre were visible. "Ha ha, oh yes, I can say for sure you'll love the rooms that've been prepared for you, and that's a great idea, I can tell it while we dine~" Berenice smiled as she got in, closely followed by the other women who gestured for them to get in while their luggage was packed into other waiting cars.

[Sombreland]

The sea of human flesh before them was stunning to the Sombrelanders. They could not help but stare. It was so shocking to them that in spite of all their preparations for it, even Prince Galo had to force himself to maintain his dignity. However, they were all giving rather stiff smiles, standing out in their fine suits.

His secretary stood like a statue, his mouth slightly open.

"Alatsy," said Prince Galo gently.The secretary jumped a bit and turned towards him, bowing.

"Your Serene Highness' luggage is all prepared for transport to where you are being lodged," said the secretary, blushing deeply.

"Thank you, Alatsy," said Prince Galo.

"Gracious, I did not realize what being in a place with such tall buildings was like," said Andesan, tearing his eyes away from the crowd of people leaving and go into the non-VIP doors. '"The buildings where we come from, there are none taller than great temples or palaces. Your country is very modern."

"well, lead on ladies," said Prince Galo. "I am anxious to hear this story and to enjoy some of your country's much reputed hospitality."

[Oktotheio]

"Indeed, we pride ourselves on being a modern Western nation despite our differing views on modesty from the rest of the world, so hopefully you can see that any claims that we're 'uncivilized' or 'barbaric' just because we enjoy nudity are quite simply untrue." Berenice replied proudly as the men got in, the limo quickly bringing them all into and though the city where they'd see many more people of all genders, races and sizes going about their daily lives, the only thing in common being that the vast majority of adults were totally nude save for the occasional hat or accessory. Eventually the limo stopped outside one of the skyscrapers to which Berenice announced "Here we are gentlemen, the Sulfur Tower, and at the top our restaurant The Royal Skyview~"

[Sombreland]

The Sombrelanders were all feeling the effects of the culture clash as they drove through the city. The sight of so many people behaving so differently; the very informal (yet friendly) manner of the women, the fact that they all were women, the skyscrapers and the sense of what to them was strange, blank modernity was all overwhelming. They were rather quiet during the trip. Their companions, though kindly and friendly from what they could see, did not help since they were very strange too.

It was Prince Galo who mostly kept up the conversation on the way to the restaurant. It was not because he did not find it all very strange; indeed, it was because it was all strange that he was fascinated. There were more oddities than he could count just driving from the airport to the restaurant.

"Ah, this place," he said, "It is named for your Queen?" he asked this as he got out of the car to approach the restaurant. The other three followed quietly, trying not to bump into anyone or stare too much. In point of fact, this was something that Gaves wanted to ask about, and he did.

"What is the etiquette for looking at other people here?" he asked. "In our country, we rarely look at people fully, and it is mostly done through occasional eye contact. This is called "the visual drift" in our country."

[Oktotheio]

"Correct~" Berenice smiled as the tower's yellow walls shined in the afternoon sun. "Today she is staying at the palace, but she often enjoys dining here, hence the restaurants name too."

"Oh, as long as you're looking at who you're speaking to then you'll be fine." Petroula spoke up. "In fact because beauty is a blessing from our goddess, the more you look at a part of sometime, the more you imply that you think that part of them is beautiful."

[Sombreland]

"Extraordinary," said Gaves. He glanced at Prince Galo, who smiled.

"We shall look forward to when the Queen deigns to grant an audience," said Prince Galo. "But...ideally not on an empty stomach! Shall we?" he gestured, indicating that they should go in.

In fact, the Sombrelanders generally wanted to not be outside; it was a shock to their systems and a bit exhausting being outside. However, Prince Galo tried an experiment, as did General Pron; each tried to see if anyone would react badly if they stared a little. Prince Galo glanced up and down Berenice's body, and then looked at her and smiled. He tried to do this as though she had on a nice pair of shoes, and as though his glance was merely complimentary.

General Pron, by contrast, looked at Petroula carefully, but the startling license and admission from her suddenly made him profoundly uncomfortable, for he had a personal reaction that came upon him unbidden, which he could no more control than a young body, and he shifted his body, hoping it was not obvious. "Let us by all means go in, sir," he said, annoyed by the sudden hoarseness of his voice.

[Oktotheio]

"Indeed, I'm sure you all will love her when you get the chance to speak with her in person~" Berenice replied as she looked back at the prince while they entered the building and returned a smile, as did Petroula to the General, luckily failing to notice his unfortunate reaction. To get to the restaurant the 8 of them got into an express elevator that would take then right to the top floor, and as it lurched to life and started carrying them up Despina admitted "This will actually be my first time up here... a lady in my position can't normally dine in places like this, too dangerous."

[Sombreland]

"Indeed, I'm sure you all will love her when you get the chance to speak with her in person~" Berenice replied as she looked back at the prince while they entered the building and returned a smile, as did Petroula to the General, luckily failing to notice his unfortunate reaction. To get to the restaurant the 8 of them got into an express elevator that would take then right to the top floor, and as it lurched to life and started carrying them up Despina admitted "This will actually be my first time up here... a lady in my position can't normally dine in places like this, too dangerous."

Gaves looked at her sharply. "Then why are we doing it? We were not expecting such a thing either."

"Yes...were security checks done?" asked General Pron. "I apologize for asking..." he shifted uncomfortably.

Prince Galo said, "Well, General, from what I have heard this is a safe enough place. It is not as if anyone can hide a pistol in their coat!"

Andesan was looking at the elevator itself, and he would be very interested to see what the decor in the restaurant was like, how people without trousers or dresses sat on chairs, and what kind of food the restaurant would serve. He also asked another question, "What is the purpose of this building? Why do we have to travel high up to get to the restaurant?"

[Oktotheio]

"Oh yes, it's all been looked over while we were inbound." Berenice reassured them, while Tasia nodded in agreement and added "I'm sure you can understand that being the head of an intelligence agency like she is would make one quite paranoid, but as I've tried telling her before the windows are bullet proof and the staff is checked and double checked regularly to be sure they've not been compromised."

"Ah, it has several~" Berenice explained once more. "The first few floors are a shopping mall, then there's some offices, and everything between those and the restaurant is apartments!" Soon after the elevator started to slow as they reached their destination, opening up a few moments later to an open plan room that was incredibly extravagant, as if it as been taken right out of a 5* hotel, with windows all around the outside edges, and no sooner had they stepped out that a waiter greeted them and lead them to their table.

[Sombreland]

Prince Galo looked around with interest. The open plan idea was interesting, as though it was a feast but with everyone being strangers to one another. The decor was something he looked to as well. As these people were open, so their seating plans were too. The Sombrelanders were curious about what would be served, how the place was decorated, and what kind of mood the place had.

The sight of the waiter, and him leading them to their table, was odd too. In fact, each and every one of the Sommbrelanders wondered at this point how others saw them. Were there any other clothed persons present? What was their reaction on seeing such a mixed group as this. When they sat down, they looked around curiously.

"Perhaps," suggested Gaves, "You might make recommendations for us. We are generally unaccustomed to your culture, of course, so a little guidance would be helpful."

"And once you have done so, tell us the promised story," said General Pron.

[Oktotheio]

The restaurants décor truly showed why it had "Royal" in the name, making the Sombrelanders feel like they were inside a European style palace with finely carved, golden coloured wood, paintings on the ceiling, Greek style columns with arches between them, and planters throughout that contained small lemon trees. All those who also happened to be currently dining were nude, and as the group passed-by about half of them would notice, and while most would only look for a moment before returning to what they were doing before, a few stared at the Prince finding his looks intriguing.

"Ah, sure~" Berenice smiled, pointing to the menus they had been provided with and the accompanying pictures as she spoke. "My usual choice of starter is the "Loutza" which are salted pork slices." "Oh yes, those are great, but I prefer the "Dolmadakia", those are leaves from grape vines stuffed with rice." Tasia chimed in while Petroula nodded in agreement. "My pick is "Kalamarákia tiganitá", aka Fried squid." Despina added, succinct as always.

[Sombreland]

The Sombrelanders were relieved to find that though the food was not familiar, it was not alien either. The manner of preparation might be different, but it was all recognizable foods that they had eaten before; pork, rice and squid.

"I wonder what kind of squid it is," mused Andesan. "Of course this is rarely disclosed. We are fond of eating the Reef Squid and the Firefly Squid in our homeland. These are usually prepared with a light sautee or delicately steamed just to tenderness. They are also eaten in pasta dishes, sometimes baked quickly with a dressing of seasoned and buttered crumbs. I am sure that this will be delicious."

"That is fine, but I am sure we will find the foods well served here," said Prince Galo. "Now: I think some wine would be very pleasant, ladies. And then...yes, all your recommendations sound fine."

"Might it be possible to touch on a particular matter?" said Gaves. "Why is privacy in the act of...marital intimacy forbidden to take place in public? We were somewhat concerned that we would see people fornicating everywhere, but there seems to be only ordinary activity, people shopping, traveling and so on."

"Also, the idea that senior members of your government," General Pron cleared his throat. "Are available...to...err, tourists, for intimate acts? How can they maintain their dignity and gravitas?"

[Oktotheio]

"Oh yes, we've got various kinds of homegrown lemon wine here, you all should try as many as you can because they're all great~" Tasia explained before turning to Gaves, replying "Ah, that's something only the goddess can answer as it's been in place since the founding of this nation, however I can say that we at the People's Harem have been working on some legislation that'd tone that law down a step, such that rather than being compulsory it's just legal."

"Ah, I was planning to go into that as part of my explanation of how our government came to be since I was there back when that was more of a thing." Berenice answered, continuing "First though let's order our mains as well, we've plenty of tasty things like 'Pastitsio' which also gets called 'Oktotheioan lasagne' due to being made almost the same but with pasta tubes rather than sheets; 'Gyro', meat, fries, vegetables and sauce in a bread wrap; 'Chaomiàn', noodles that have been fried with all kinds of meat and seafood; and one of our national dishes Lemon chicken, this place roasts the chicken in a mix of wine and lemon juice, but others deep-fry chunks and glaze it with lemon sauce."

[Sombreland]

Andesan smiled. "That sounds like a feast. Wonderful. I had heard that lemons figured strongly in your country's cuisines, but I had not known so creatively! I am looking forward to this!"

The Sombrelanders generally concurred with the choices of mains; they were unlike what they usually ate and so they were simply curious to sample a bit of everything.

"Ambassador Metaxas," said Prince Galo, "I do wonder though...is your law about public fornication so lost in time that there is no recollection of why it only takes place in public? What are the ramifications of this? Are there special places or times set aside, or can such things take place anywhere."

"And why is it that nudity is mandatory for that matter? And how was it waived on our behalf?" asked Gaves.