A Hunting Lodge Soiree (MT, IC)

[Greater Orcadia]

Louise decided to make her move on the professor as the sea and history of the sea and seafaring has been an interest of her, or more likely a passion which is no surprise as being brought up on and around luxury yachts to now working as a captain of a ferry to gain sea time to move to a cruise ship. Prior to this Louise graduated as a first officer at Southampton Marine Acadamy and before that she was at a marine college in the United States. The manner in which she is standing by the table is one that shows that Louise is a no nonsense person, even when off duty away from the ship she calls home when she is trying to relax.

Turning to the professor, she smiled "Professeur, excusez-moi monsieur..." she says, "I would like to introduce myself, Louise Lombard, captain of Atlantic Dynasty, how are you this evening?" she asks politely with an aire of curiosity and in very fluent French.

With their plates full, Penny, Evan and Nick join Louise by the professor
"Good evening" says Nick as Evan listenned on carefully, trying to catch what is being said as Penny took a sandwich off the plate

---

this colour text denotes Speaking French

[Austria-Bohemia-Hungary]

Eiraku-no-miya Satoko Naishinnō

Satoko, the thirty one year old Princess of an East Asian Empire and eternal happy bachelorette finds herself on this early summer's occasion in the Principality of Teressien. A Central European-style plot of land about half the size of Fusō. She was not on any particular business here in Teressien beyond attending yet another foreign high society soiree and socialise, or that's what the foreign ministry guy was telling her when he forwarded the invite to her via their consulate in the Free Lands. Frankly, scheduling this one with her on firstly short notice and secondly within a week of the Anglo-Fusō Treaty Anniversary was just a little bit on the haphazard side, maybe.
Dressed in a Western ankle-length blouse and skirt assembly, and with her hair up in a typical gibson tuck, Satoko looked just about as plain and possible and with no furisode with her in the luggage this was one of the easier undertakings. Unlike a heavy furisode however her Western attire today probably wouldn't keep her warm for very long when the evening cold came, but that was a problem she'll deal with when it arrives.

A dozen minutes or so after the initial toast Satoko found herself besides the bar with her empty cup of tea demonstratively held in her left hand as she waited for refilling. She had walked past a few CEO's, other businessmen, bureaucrats, lawpersons... but very few actual persons of rank.
Like a sizeable faction of the House of Yamato Satoko didn't think too highly of banksters and their species in particular and was beginning to think that there were only bourgeoisie guests to this allegedly aristocratic party. The third cousin once removed of the Reigning Sovereign of Fusō let out an almost inaudible sigh as she gently tugged her ascot tighter. When a Hausmädchen came around Satoko gave her what she hoped was a pleasant smile and simply said: "The usual gyokuro, please."

---

Mina Mollinary von Lohenstein

Unlike Satoko who came in pure civil clothes, Hermina Mollinary von Lohenstein, Countess Immediate of the Holy Romangnan Empire was dressed in a sombre dark business suit, with the small decoration of the Order of the Iron Crown, second class adorning her left breast-pocket alone, and unlike Satoko Mina didn't particularly mind the oncoming evening cold. Her evening as the sole representative of the Monarchy had gone well so far, given the company they had - amongst them a few individuals which Mina would swear was from Kenmoria. Officially, the Monarchy still considered Kenmoria a barbarian realm for that little unsightly affair down Posteastan a good while ago, unofficially however Mina wasn't going to start a major diplomatic incident on the soil of a mostly friendly Central European-ish nation just for the sake of one barbarian, hell she could probably tolerate a lot more than just one tonight, given enough drinks that is.
Settling down together with her dinner of the day on one of the small tables provided, our Air Arm Major went for the quiet, disinterested look as she started on her food, having chosen to watch people mingle rather than join in herself.

[Teressien]

Judas continued to scan the crowd, his eyes narrowed as his head moved from side to side. I can't recognize anyone, he thought to himself. Not that it would matter, with the number of foreign nations to which Menassa was allied being rather small, it was unlikely that anyone he actually knew would be here. In addition to that, him being the head of the War Room meant that if he was to come in contact with foreign leaders it was not a pleasant situation in which he intended to remember faces.

Judas stood at six feet and seven inches tall, a veritable giant in Menassa, towering at least a head and shoulders over his peers, sometimes two heads when the hunchbacked scholars were in question, their bodies permanently disfigured from the amount of time they spent peering over books and scrolls. So much for God, 'freeing the bound' Judas often thought. so he was used to looking down on people, not the pejorative sense more in the biological reality sense, yet

With his arms still folded, he noticed that some sort of person with a tray of drinks was approaching him. "She seems rather oddly dressed," he thought to himself. Then he remembered that servitude in foreign lands often came with different entire. Whereas in Menassa you could usually tell a bondsman or a bondswoman by a certain pierced ear or a foreign slave by their gait, in other locales it was not so simple. When she inclined his head to him he grinned slightly, inadvertently flashing one of his metal teeth. Grabbing a small glass of water Judas said "That will be all for me, thank you" and then resumed peering at the crowd.

Alma Haffer.
I bowed my head at his words of that glass being enough and went off - he might not know it, but I was an employee, not a slave. Sure, I worked in domestic services and in times past, my predecessors could have been slaves, but that was many long centuries in the past.
I certainly did not know of his thoughts, though, and left him alone.
The Gentleman with the metal teeth might not recognize anyone, but with the many people present, he might find someone, who would pique his curiosity - while not many soldiers were here (in fact, there were none present), there were artists of several descriptions, like Heda Streech, Teressien's most renowned violinist, or Otis Sassa, an actor known both for his acting and his philanthropic work.
The guest list was long and also included Rena, Prinzessin von Wißenthen, a woman so good with her lance on horseback, that the Marcach Guild of the Free Lands had accepted her in their ranks - an honour, which not many foreigners could boast.
Maybe he knew of that?
Who knew, as the evening progressed, he might not join someone, but someone joined him?
Who knew... I certainly didn't. And if I was honest, I had duties to attend to, so I had little time to find out. But I was still a curious woman...

It is amazing how the most asinine things could change a person's life, nor how one may reflect on such things at a later date. Perhaps it was Lady Fortuna, or one making one's own luck, that the Dancerian met the gaze of the Hausmädchen, and then to the woman who sent her.

While Lord Vayne kept a low profile outside of Danceria, he knew very much of the Princess von Bucktend. In fact, she was on Vayne's "short list" of persons he would enjoy speaking at length with.

Ghosting across the group, the Menassan would inwardly scoff at the Dancerian from his high perch. Perhaps the long haired man looked far too effeminate for his stoutly Semitic disposition, perhaps he might recall the mixed reputation of the Greeks-Septuagint, Alexander, and John Chrysostom came from their ilk. Perhaps he, or others may note the calm almost panther-like gait as he waded through the crowds with an absentminded and practiced prowl. One who kept to heart that all war was based on deception. Or perhaps not, perhaps nobody other than the good Princess would notice the arrival of Lord Vayne.

"Madam." he began, a slight bow when addressing the woman. He knew very well who he was dealing with, but wanted to see how she would deal with him and "the game" as he would state had begun. The drink had been swiftly downed, but a servant was petitioned for some harder apple cider for the two of them "when appropriate". "I appreciate sampling the local specialty." he concluded, smiling gently at her but observing her.

Naya, Prinzessin von Bucktend.
With a small hand gesture, I had told the Hausmädchen, that the gentleman could get all the hard cider he wanted - I stayed with normal apple juice.
He had downed the apple juice quite quickly, though.
"Which is quite a good idea, Sir.", I replied, "Both Dorch and Bucktend are known to be more agrarian and rural then, for example, Hammacker. It has its charme, though I must admit, that I am not too fond of liquid bread. Fruits and their juices are more my thing." I let a beat pass. "I am Naya. Who do I have the pleasure with?"
The Hausmädchen returned with an apple juice for me and a harder cider for the gentleman.

Elizabeth Marie Ahn
Terrace of Jagdschloss Rehkitzsprung

At the mention of cases in Teressien, Elizabeth nodded sagely; the Confederation had seen twenty-seven cases of COVID-19, four of which ended up in death for the patients involved.
"Your Highness," Elizabeth began in response to Nela's question, "officially I'm here as the Visayan delegation; it was seen as prudent to have a coronavirus survivor sent out on international missions, and since I'm one of only two high-profile Visayan government officials who fell ill with the virus--the other is a member of our Federal Council, and she's been assigned to represent the Confederation at a different occasion next month--the Chief Justice and the Council agreed on sending me here." Which was true: Allison Sanchez, the Secretary of Finance, was the other high-profile coronavirus survivor; she would represent the Confederation in Kuronami's Winter Ball, an event scheduled for the following month.

Nela, Prinzessin von Zieselhaven und Elms.
I nodded.
"Lucky you, then, I guess - you get a free vacation!", I joked, then turned a bit more serious again: "Though, among the two of us, while this is officially not a diplomatic event, you will find a few people with... interests around here - of course, interested in broadening their horizons." I let a beat pass, looked around for a moment, then spotted a good example: "See that tall man with the long mane over there? With the beautiful olive-skinned woman at his side?"
Indeed, around ten meters away, the Ilkhan and the Ilkhana of Sarepta were conversing with Nolwenn Gluaisrothar of the Tribe of Wexford, the Company Heiress of Gabha Motorworks Limited.
"Idris and Amina, the Ilkhan and Ilkhana of Sarepta in Kyrenaia.", I explained, "They, too, have little to do with foreign politics and diplomacy, usually, but they have everything to do with keeping their Ilkhanate running. And that includes said Ilkhanate's economic interests. Word has it, that they are looking for foreign companies and businesses to set up shop in the Yurza Bay Industrial Area." In the distance, Miss Gluaisrothar laughed at a joke of the Ilkhan, but even at the distance, one could see, that she did not find the joke to be too funny. "They are talking with her, because they believe, that with Gabha's aid, they can maybe get a larger share in the automotive market, especially considering that Yurza is theirs and Gadir center of both a Khanate and Walaea Motorworks. A rather simple, yet interesting thing."
I smiled.
"Now, the question is...", I said and raised my glass for a sip, stopping midway and looking at Elisabeth. "...what are your interests?"
I took the sip.

Approching the buffet, Louise scanned it before her eyes caught sight of the professor who had the run in with the law, she then turns to Penny before turning her eyes slightly towards said professor "Is that who i think it is?" she asks Penny, picking up a plate where she then begins loading the plate up, meat in the middle, items on cocktail sticks around the edge, everything has a place and there is a place for everything as when she has finished loading stuff onto her plate you could in fact get away with photographing the plate for a food blog due to how it has been presented!

"oh yes, that professor - rebuilds a ship and gets arrested, imagine the diplomatic who-har it might of caused..." replied Penny, "...in some contries now its still an offence to fly the skull and cross bones flag". Penny also takes a plate, then holding it with her natural hand she then points to Evan what she fancies with her cybernetic limb, which thanks to the more temperate climate is actually functioning. Due to the sweat caused by the tropical heat of Port Ember, the indirect neural interface which uses electrodes in the socket to detect the biologically generated micro electric signals were not able to detect the signals they should have done, rendering the arm useless. As Penny points, Evan puts the items onto the plate, which is then handed to Evan and so Penny and Evan share off the same plate.

Louise decided to make her move on the professor as the sea and history of the sea and seafaring has been an interest of her, or more likely a passion which is no surprise as being brought up on and around luxury yachts to now working as a captain of a ferry to gain sea time to move to a cruise ship. Prior to this Louise graduated as a first officer at Southampton Marine Acadamy and before that she was at a marine college in the United States. The manner in which she is standing by the table is one that shows that Louise is a no nonsense person, even when off duty away from the ship she calls home when she is trying to relax.

Turning to the professor, she smiled "Professeur, excusez-moi monsieur..." she says, "I would like to introduce myself, Louise Lombard, captain of Atlantic Dynasty, how are you this evening?" she asks politely with an aire of curiosity and in very fluent French.

With their plates full, Penny, Evan and Nick join Louise by the professor
"Good evening" says Nick as Evan listenned on carefully, trying to catch what is being said as Penny took a sandwich off the plate

---

this colour text denotes Speaking French

Professor Clais Levasseur.
I was enjoying a pleasant conversation with Beyeha Fadwa Faris, or rather, my wife was, as the two were swapping stories about being a mother, while I stood at the side and thought about what Armand and Gilles would say, if they heard these stories, when someone approached.
Surely, they had other interests along the buffet, and I continued listening, my arm linked to my wife, who was giggling at the story of the first girl Faris' son, Khalid, had brought home. Even to me, it sounded a lot like the first dinner with Armand's girlfriend Yvette - a wonderful young woman, sure, but the two couldn't have less in common even if they tried.
Then, the leader of the group planted her feet like a brat and... spoke to me in a language, which I did not understand. It was neither Langue nor English nor Selkie nor Kyrenaian nor German - all languages, which I had mastered, Langue as my mothertongue.
I smiled politely. "My apologies, Miss, but I am afraid, that I did not understand you.", I said, "Would you please be so kind and repeat that in English?"

Storström had nodded upon Mr. Saighead's brief explanation as to how well SDY's business was going - which he quite wasn't unaware of, especially since the major reorganization and reorientation SDY had undergone last year. It was also known, that the Lillorainian Federal Police operated 200 Corrán-class Offshore Patrol Vessels at their outpost in Nienhagen-Muerrath.
He also mentioned the Logistics business, as well as the JATRACO project, whereupon he mentioned the Railway Club of his daughter's high school, which Isla confirmed immediately.
And indeed, JATRACO was a huge thing, an El Dorado for railroad enthusiasts. For starters, JATRACO, the acronym meaning 'Janilaima Transport Corridor', was a trunk route connecting the seaports of Roefonteyn, Chaamerland, and Ulaanels, Sharulsi Khanate, thus running over the entire continent of Janilaima in east-west direction over thousands of kilometers, connecting four countries. The track consisted of six to ten parallel railways. While there had already been previous routes in Chaamerland and Saressidia which only had needed to be connected properly, the tracks in the Sharulsi Khanate and Tangrusia had required a bit more planning - especially in the latter, since Tangrusia, unlike its neighbors, didn't use the standard rail gauge of 1655 mm. Therefore, in order to avoid regauging at the borders, a completely new track with this gauge had been planned and built, as well as various new stations connecting the track with the rest of the Tangrusian railroad system properly in order to make it function. In the Sharulsi Khanate, the planning involved connections to the huge number of mining facilities all over the country, as well as a number of bridges, subways, and elevated sections in the territories known for being frequented by nomadic tribes - the part where Saran had come into play back then.
As the last section, a Tangrusian part close to the Sharulsi border, would go operational this summer, not only goods would be transported over the track, but also passenger trains, including high-speed trains mostly consisting of (you guessed it) LBB models, at least for the intercontinental express planned. But there were also Chaamerlandic, Sharulsi, and Saresside models involved, which used parts of the track to connect their own cities. Tangrusia, with said problem of using a different rail gauge, planned to regauge some of its trains, too, next to developing a new type specifically dedicated to usage on the JATRACO track.
Storström smiled. "JATRACO is quite a huge thing one could spend hours about - doesn't surprise me, that it's talked about in your school's club!" - he said. "I happen to know a high school in Luisensiel, Rigesöer, with a club similarly dedicated to classic as well as modern means of rail transportation, and I'd be surprised to not find a similar club in schools such as Vartrup."
That Storström had a son and a daughter in their mid-teens, from his now ex-girlfriend, that was well-known in public, at least within the circles dedicated to searching the Yellow Press for such information.
"As someone who grew up with the iconic yellow trams in Jillich, I can definitely relate to that ambition" - Saran Kiyat said, grinning. "I'll also never forget my first ride with an Interregio train - until then, I'd have assumed, that I would go crazy, given the high speed, but in fact, you stop noticing it once you get used to it."
"Although going with the classic ones is fun as well!" - Lauren now interjected. "I once went with a vintage train of the Visholmer State Railway, from 1905, if memory serves me right, one of Lillorainen's oldest inter-city high-speed trains still operating. From the era when 80 km/h were still considered an insane speed." She had to grin.

Upon Jirou's inquiry as to if anyone was as thirsty as he was, Heda suggested going for an Aoswoater, a term that didn't wish to ring a bell with him, but sounded promising enough to just go for it.
Shihori, who had bowed her head upon Vin's kiss on the back of her hand, now replied to Heda, "Whatever on earth an ... Aoswoater might be, it sounds quite enjoyable, so consider me aboard!"
Jirou nodded and accepted Heda's offer to link arms with him. "Then, let's go, I'd say!" As they would certainly move on in a moment, Jirou asked Heda, "So basically, you start the game, press F3 - unless you've altered the control key for the debug screen -, and march into any direction, I take?"
"And start rivalries, obviously" - Shihori added, grinning.
"Obviously so." Jirou nodded. "May I inquire as to whom you got yourself as a rival?"

Isla Saighead of the Tribe of Westmeath.
Dad smiled and basically left the conversation to me - I was friends with some lassies of the Railway Club and of course shared in their hobby a bit, even if horseriding was more my thing.
"For us, 70 km/h is considered a good and solid speed for a train to this day.", I said, "For the Minor Networks, that is. The Major Network, interregional trains, are usually around 120, 130 kilometers per hour. Not exactly ludicrous speeds, that's true, but it works fine. With a good book or nice company, you can spent weeks on the rails and not realize, that they are passing by."
I let a beat pass.
"Alaina is more into freight-hauling trains, though.", I said, then blushed lightly, "My apologies, Alaina Saoiste of the Tribe of Antrim is the Club's President. A nice lass."

Heda, Prinzessin von Dorch.
With my arm linked to Jirou, and Vin seriously thinking about offering his arm to Shihori, I nodded at his question: "Yeah, basically. And my rival is none other then Jida..."
"Tariqa bint-Ilia.", Vin explained with a smile, "The Mother of the Kyrenaian Sultana and formerly Ilkhana of Utica. She is nowadays engaged mostly in charity work and found a love for computer games - Schwesterherz took her as her rival after they met during a charity stream."
His smile had a certain mocking note, especially since he knew, that Jida had given a gaming magazine an interview, in which she had said, that she didn't see me as her rival, but as her apprentice...
I just hoped, that Jirou didn't know of that one.

Eiraku-no-miya Satoko Naishinnō

Satoko, the thirty one year old Princess of an East Asian Empire and eternal happy bachelorette finds herself on this early summer's occasion in the Principality of Teressien. A Central European-style plot of land about half the size of Fusō. She was not on any particular business here in Teressien beyond attending yet another foreign high society soiree and socialise, or that's what the foreign ministry guy was telling her when he forwarded the invite to her via their consulate in the Free Lands. Frankly, scheduling this one with her on firstly short notice and secondly within a week of the Anglo-Fusō Treaty Anniversary was just a little bit on the haphazard side, maybe.
Dressed in a Western ankle-length blouse and skirt assembly, and with her hair up in a typical gibson tuck, Satoko looked just about as plain and possible and with no furisode with her in the luggage this was one of the easier undertakings. Unlike a heavy furisode however her Western attire today probably wouldn't keep her warm for very long when the evening cold came, but that was a problem she'll deal with when it arrives.

A dozen minutes or so after the initial toast Satoko found herself besides the bar with her empty cup of tea demonstratively held in her left hand as she waited for refilling. She had walked past a few CEO's, other businessmen, bureaucrats, lawpersons... but very few actual persons of rank.
Like a sizeable faction of the House of Yamato Satoko didn't think too highly of banksters and their species in particular and was beginning to think that there were only bourgeoisie guests to this allegedly aristocratic party. The third cousin once removed of the Reigning Sovereign of Fusō let out an almost inaudible sigh as she gently tugged her ascot tighter. When a Hausmädchen came around Satoko gave her what she hoped was a pleasant smile and simply said: "The usual gyokuro, please."

---

Mina Mollinary von Lohenstein

Unlike Satoko who came in pure civil clothes, Hermina Mollinary von Lohenstein, Countess Immediate of the Holy Romangnan Empire was dressed in a sombre dark business suit, with the small decoration of the Order of the Iron Crown, second class adorning her left breast-pocket alone, and unlike Satoko Mina didn't particularly mind the oncoming evening cold. Her evening as the sole representative of the Monarchy had gone well so far, given the company they had - amongst them a few individuals which Mina would swear was from Kenmoria. Officially, the Monarchy still considered Kenmoria a barbarian realm for that little unsightly affair down Posteastan a good while ago, unofficially however Mina wasn't going to start a major diplomatic incident on the soil of a mostly friendly Central European-ish nation just for the sake of one barbarian, hell she could probably tolerate a lot more than just one tonight, given enough drinks that is.
Settling down together with her dinner of the day on one of the small tables provided, our Air Arm Major went for the quiet, disinterested look as she started on her food, having chosen to watch people mingle rather than join in herself.

Celina Ollamh of the Tribe of Monaghan.
The Hausmädchen nodded.
"One moment, please.", she said and returned a moment later with a fresh cup, bowing slightly as she served it. The smile, apparently, had been pleasant enough.
I watched from a few meters away with a small smile and as the Hausmädchen passed me, I told her, that I would take the same. The young woman nodded and was off.
I meanwhile approached the woman, who I would put into the direction of Fuso or Shikonjima or someplace like that - I was sure, that I had seen her somewhere before.
In any case, I joined her at the bar-buffet-hybrid, wearing a bit of a practical attire as well, a blouse and a jacket above it, a cravat distracting from the fact, that I had no chest to speak of, my short, brown-blonde hair the usual, messy mop. The skirt was about calf-length, showing, that my legs (and myself) led an active lifestyle.
Blue eyes shone as I joined the woman, who attempted to look as plain as possible.
"So... another tea drinker, while everyone else goes for the local beers... glad I'm not alone!", I said with a smile, bowed my head lightly, "Professor Celina Ollamh. I teach Old Selkie History at the University of Leuda. Who might I have the pleasure with?"

Elfi Reck.
There was a woman nearby, in a business suit, who watched the proceedings, too.
She seemed so much more self-assured then I was. I did not lack self-confidence, exactly, but I had trouble approaching people - if I could only be as brave as Princess Sunna, who looked for the most intimidating people at any party and approached them to overcome her shyness...
I, on the other hand, was silent, mousy, stuttered and the Teressian Minister for Civil Service and Sports. Born in Dorch, I had known Herzog Malte for quite some time, he had recommended me to Fürst Alrich, when the post became free, but that did not mean, that I particularly enjoyed being at parties like this.
Had to, though.
So, I, too, watched the proceedings, yet while she looked ready to engage in conversation at a moment's notice, I looked a lot like someone, who wanted to be like a mouse and scurry away, especially since there were some quite large cats around...

[Danceria]

Naya, Prinzessin von Bucktend.
With a small hand gesture, I had told the Hausmädchen, that the gentleman could get all the hard cider he wanted - I stayed with normal apple juice.
He had downed the apple juice quite quickly, though.
"Which is quite a good idea, Sir.", I replied, "Both Dorch and Bucktend are known to be more agrarian and rural then, for example, Hammacker. It has its charme, though I must admit, that I am not too fond of liquid bread. Fruits and their juices are more my thing." I let a beat pass. "I am Naya. Who do I have the pleasure with?"
The Hausmädchen returned with an apple juice for me and a harder cider for the gentleman.

Bizarrely, the cider would barely be touched as the Dancerian observed the Princess's own drinking habits. Peculiar, but he's not going to get drunk in front of someone he doesn't know.

"Vayne of Archades." the brown haired man answered. "I presume that your home also has many fruits, or is it simply out of taste?"

[New Visayan Islands]

Elizabeth Marie Ahn
Terrace of Jagdschloss Rehkitzsprung

"I see what you mean," Elizabeth said, taking note of the Kyrenaian couple Nela pointed out. With that bit of information in mind, she wondered how many Visayan companies would jump at the phrase "Industrial Area." Realizing there would be a long line, she chuckled; there would be quite the legal gauntlet to run before Visayan companies could establish themselves in Kyrenaia, owing to the lack of formal diplomatic relations between both nations. The same could be said vis-a-vis Teressien, but the soiree would eventually change things.
"Now, to answer your question, my interests involve numbers. Before taking up law, I was an accountant with Lauzon and Pinili, specializing in forensic accounting; this was during the antebellum era, you see. Even after marrying and having a son, numbers were a big part of my life." Having been born in 1955 to an ethnic Korean father descended from Catholics escaping persecution--Francisco Ahn could trace his ancestry to contemporaries of the Martyrs of Korea--and a mother who fled the Red Chinese in 1949, Elizabeth knew that the decade leading to Civil War was indeed trying, both as an accountant in a company that had since been absorbed into a larger Royal Philippine firm and as a lawyer who found herself on retainer for some of the Founding Fathers of the Confederation. When she wasn't doing accounting work for said Founding Fathers, she was called to represent key members in the nascent movement for a Free Visayas--the precursor to the modern Confederation.

[Draycora]

Antti & Alea - Jagschloss Rehkitzsprung

Alea had a lovely voice with a Greek accent. Valentine blushed faintly at the compliment.
"Thank you very much. They're jade, I bought them on a trip to India several years ago." She took a sip of her martini. "Markaa . . . is your husband the candy tycoon?"

"Oh, I've never been to India," she replied. "Oh, indeed, I am the wife of Antti Markaa, the owner of the confectionery company of the same name".
When Alea said this, it should be noticed that Greek is actually not a language spoken in Draycora.
"I have heard your last name before, but I cannot assign it exactly".

[Kuronami]

Princess Dschamila bint-Fadi.
I bowed my head lightly to both.
"Ah, a Lady and her Personal Handmaiden.", I said with a small smile, "I would introduce you to my faithful right hand Tariqa, but she is exchanging tricks and talking shop with the Hausmädchen."
I looked at Sirin.
"Canno...", I repeated, "You are from Kuronami, right? Clothes industry, if I remember correctly?"
I did study Economics and while the clothes manufacturing industry was not my strong suit, I thought, that I knew the name from there.
Either that or the yellow press.
Both were possible.

"Ah." Eleanore nodded "I shall hope to talk with her sometime while we're here. It'd be nice to also talk shop with a fellow maiden."

"Eleanore does take her job quite serious, she does. And you're dead on, Milady, we're from Kuronami and I am indeed in clothing and textiles manufacturing and distribution and a whole lot of other things. That's why I'm here, well part business part pleasure if you know what I'm sayin'."

"Madam is the owner of Canno Textiles it's a rather sizable holding company."

"Either way, didn't realize my reputation preceded me."

[Brettenwald]

Antti & Alea - Jagschloss Rehkitzsprung

Alea had a lovely voice with a Greek accent. Valentine blushed faintly at the compliment.
"Thank you very much. They're jade, I bought them on a trip to India several years ago." She took a sip of her martini. "Markaa . . . is your husband the candy tycoon?"

"Oh, I've never been to India," she replied. "Oh, indeed, I am the wife of Antti Markaa, the owner of the confectionery company of the same name".
When Alea said this, it should be noticed that Greek is actually not a language spoken in Draycora.
"I have heard your last name before, but I cannot assign it exactly".

"Ah. Oh, that would be Teissëdre Enterprises. Global corporation. We do a lot of aerospace & defense engineering, as well as IT services like cloud storage and server hosting, cyber-defense, data encryption and cybersecurity and cyberdefense." Another sip of the martini. Excellent drinks service here, she thought. "We've also moved into super-/quantum computing and artificial intelligence." Valentine laughed. "Sorry, I shouldn't fire technobabble at you like that. It's a bad habit, I do try my best not to mix business with pleasure. Father and I are going to be in Dorch for at least the next two months negotiating the takeover of a Teressian cybersecurity firm, so I thought I'd drag him here to break up the monotony of lawyers and conference rooms. What brings you here tonight?"

[Lillorainen]

Isla Saighead of the Tribe of Westmeath.
Dad smiled and basically left the conversation to me - I was friends with some lassies of the Railway Club and of course shared in their hobby a bit, even if horseriding was more my thing.
"For us, 70 km/h is considered a good and solid speed for a train to this day.", I said, "For the Minor Networks, that is. The Major Network, interregional trains, are usually around 120, 130 kilometers per hour. Not exactly ludicrous speeds, that's true, but it works fine. With a good book or nice company, you can spent weeks on the rails and not realize, that they are passing by."
I let a beat pass.
"Alaina is more into freight-hauling trains, though.", I said, then blushed lightly, "My apologies, Alaina Saoiste of the Tribe of Antrim is the Club's President. A nice lass."

Isla, whom her Dad now seemed perfectly fine with leaving most of the conversation to, talked about the speeds that were considered appropriate in the Free Lands nowadays, and mentioned her Railway Club's President, who was more into freight-hauling trains.
Lauren nodded. "The regional networks in Lillorainen usually tend to go with a speed of around 80 km/h as well, sometimes up to 100 or down to 60, depending on where you are. As for the Major Network, this is vastly different - Interregio trains have a design speed well beyond 300 km/h. At least this is what I know from the Silberpfeil, which goes from Nienhagen over Pontrath to Preetz, with some sections having a default speed limit of 330 km/h. I've also already gone with the Ostexpress from Pontrath to Lysköping, going with 250 km/h even in the submarine railroad tunnels." She shrugged. "Lillorainian efficiency, perhaps, or simply the need for speed. I'm not sure."
"Many countries have a high-speed railroad network going with such speeds" - Saran now said. "But I also think, that it has a lot to do with the cultural differences between Selkie and other nations when it comes to transportation. It's just a theory of mine, but I'm inclined to believe, that in Lillorainen, like in many other countries, the railway as a means of transportation has seen the need to upgrade its speed and services a lot over the years in order to compete with the automobile, which, at least in Lillorainen, has already become very popular in the 1920s, and even more so in the following decades - whereas in countries like the Free Lands or Konjićevo, the primary means of individual transportation is still the horse to this day - which, by the way, never ceases to amaze me! -, so the railroad doesn't face this situation of competition there. As I said, just a theory."
"It does have merit, though" - Storström added. "Even though one could argue, that even amongst highly motorized countries, one can spot differences in how well railways are doing in said situation of competition. Take Kyrenaia, for instance, where the railway has never really lost its importance despite automobiles being a widespread thing - as opposed to Lillorainen, where there was an era where the car seemed to replace the railroad all but completely, especially in the 1950s and 1960s, and the railway has been gradually regaining its meaning since the Founding of the Federation and the creation of the LBB."

Heda, Prinzessin von Dorch.
With my arm linked to Jirou, and Vin seriously thinking about offering his arm to Shihori, I nodded at his question: "Yeah, basically. And my rival is none other then Jida..."
"Tariqa bint-Ilia.", Vin explained with a smile, "The Mother of the Kyrenaian Sultana and formerly Ilkhana of Utica. She is nowadays engaged mostly in charity work and found a love for computer games - Schwesterherz took her as her rival after they met during a charity stream."
His smile had a certain mocking note, especially since he knew, that Jida had given a gaming magazine an interview, in which she had said, that she didn't see me as her rival, but as her apprentice...
I just hoped, that Jirou didn't know of that one.

While both Jirou and Shihori knew Tariqa bint-Ilia, in Shikonjima generally nicknamed 'Sultana Mum', and her passion for videogames, which amazed huge chunks of the gamers' scene, given her age (with that said, many loved how the former Grand Vizier Mahmut al-Zahir, 23 years younger than her, already referred to himself as 'Ancient'), they weren't aware of her referring to Heda has her apprentice - however, over in a nice Lillorainian city named Trinesholm in Rigesöer, there was a certain someone, who would be very likely to know about that.
"I've heard about that" - Shihori said, grinning. "Where we're from, not few were surprised about a woman, who's going to be at a three-figure age soon, being into videogames as much as she is."
Jirou nodded. "Especially if you take into account, that, for example, my Dad is 68, and barely capable of handling a smartphone!" - he said.
"Sounds familiar" - Shihori said, nodding.

[Kenmoria]

Alechandro Nieto.
I smiled, relieved, that I did not hurt him.
And I recognized the small talk as small talk.
"Indeed it is quite a nice weather.", I replied with my accent still in full force, "Very different from the plains of our native land." I offered my hand for a shake. "I am Alechandro Nieto, from Paísancho. This..." I motioned to the young woman at my side. "...is my daughter Cariba."
She did a small curtsy, then replied in English, which had a far lighter accent, a charming melody: "It is a pleasure, Senhor."
I smiled, proud of my daughter - and I knew, how Prince Damir felt.

Lewitt could have kicked himself for not noticing the young woman standing next to the man he now knew as Alechandro, were it not for the fact that such a movement would inevitably cause him to fall over. The two were from Paísancho which was, from what he could vaguely recall, was a fairly successful country, and had something to do with cattle. Such introductions of course merited a response in kind, which Lewitt was happy to provide. He shook the other man’s hand warmly before launching into his introduction.

“It is a real pleasure to meet you both. My name is James Lewitt, from Kenmoria. Compared to the weather of my homeland, this is most certainly lovely. It isn’t raining, for a start.” The rain was a common stereotype of the Kenmorian lands, despite the fact that it wasn’t any more prone to precipitation than any other European country.

[Greater Orcadia]

Professor Clais Levasseur.
I was enjoying a pleasant conversation with Beyeha Fadwa Faris, or rather, my wife was, as the two were swapping stories about being a mother, while I stood at the side and thought about what Armand and Gilles would say, if they heard these stories, when someone approached.
Surely, they had other interests along the buffet, and I continued listening, my arm linked to my wife, who was giggling at the story of the first girl Faris' son, Khalid, had brought home. Even to me, it sounded a lot like the first dinner with Armand's girlfriend Yvette - a wonderful young woman, sure, but the two couldn't have less in common even if they tried.
Then, the leader of the group planted her feet like a brat and... spoke to me in a language, which I did not understand. It was neither Langue nor English nor Selkie nor Kyrenaian nor German - all languages, which I had mastered, Langue as my mothertongue.
I smiled politely. "My apologies, Miss, but I am afraid, that I did not understand you.", I said, "Would you please be so kind and repeat that in English?"

Louise, quite apologetically replied "Oh I am sorry, I would like to introduce myself, Louise Lombard captain of Atlantic Dynasty, how are you this evening Professor Levasseur? and I have a curiosity to settle over the pirate frigate, what happened to it in the end?" she asked. Louise is not the leader of the group, that in many ways falls to Sir Nick, who is currently making small talk with Evan about Port Ember.

Penny turned to face Louise and the professor but kept reaching over to the plate with her cybernetic arm, the attatched hand can be heard whirring as the mechanism that controls the fingers and thumb goes about its task of picking things up. It is however not as good as her natural arm but after someone was polite enough to throw a hand grenade and hurl some bullets in her general direction, the cybernetics are now something she has to live with and use on a daily basis.

[Austrysia]

Terrace of Jagdschloss Rehkitzsprung, Herzogtum von Dorch, Teressien

Princess Analiese von Klitz clapped with the other guests as their hosts finished their opening speech. The Princess was the second oldest child of Prinz von Klitz, and a member of one of the most prestigious aristocratic families of Austrysia. For as long as Analiese could remember her family was a strong public force throughout the Empire, specifically in the cultural and economic realms. Though, unlike her siblings, her focus had always been leveraging her privilege to help local communities in any way she can. She always joked it started back when she was a child, and was committed to donating as much as possible to her school's Coats for Kids campaign. Of course now she focused on other endeavors, like promoting green energy or helping animals.

"Do you recognize anyone here," her sister asked. Archduchess and Princess Adele of Austrysia, Vegzyor, Franzia, Pomerania and Tereboulia was her younger sister, and the one she considered herself closest to. Recently married off to the Emperor's younger brother, and only other sibling, Adele had fallen into the spot light both within our family, and with the general public. Though she rarely saw her sister now, Analiese always had felt bad for Adele, even with her renowned marriage. Adele was never one for the spotlight and usually preferred to keep to her books. Even now, while many truly believe she likes her husband, the change in lifestyle has had its toll. While this was not a small party, Analiese hoped that a change in scenery, along with a more intimate crowd, would help ease her anxiety.

Remembering her sister's questions, she responded, "Hm? Oh, I cannot say I have. Though, when reading over the guest book, I did spot a few names that looked familiar." She was of course referencing the names of current donors to her charities. While most of her philanthropy was focused on local issues, some of her work put her in contact with other influential individuals abroad. The Austrysian Renewable Energy Fund was the largest operation she was running internationally, which assisted undeveloped countries by providing grants and assistance with installing green energy sites.

Changing subjects, Analiese continued, "Where have our brothers gone?"

---

Prince Ruprecht von Klitz, exiting a bathroom, met up with his brother. As he maneuvered through the crowd, he slid his flask back into his pocket. What idiots hold back the cocktails until after an opening speech? As if I could barely care what they are saying when sober. Readjusting his causal, navy blue blazer, he pulled out his phone and began swiping threw various business news articles. In just one month, Ruprecht lost nearly a fortune in stocks as a shock wave of recessions took place in several countries. And yet, while he despised watching his income turn red, he knew no one would fire him. The Von Klitz family was one of the largest stockholders at GIG SM, his employer, and no one would touch him. Switching to a dating app, he could care less what was happening around him. Why he decided to come with his siblings to some remote lodge was beyond him. He should be back in Austrysia with his guys at the nightclubs.

Not looking up from his phone, he asked his brother, "Are they passing out the champagne yet?"

"I think so, but it will only be some local Teressien brands sadly. Too bad we do not have any connections here." Prince Baden von Klitz, dressed in a porcelain-print shirt and navy blue shorts, had his eyes dart from person to person. Desperately looking for anyone he might know, or someone who could say something mildly more interesting, he noted, "I will say, Prinz Vin's pictures online do not do him justice." The pair stood in place, clearly both focusing on different things.

[Greater Orcadia]

As Penny picked items off the plate, Evan and Sir Nick got talking, it seems that since returning back to Orcadia, Evan has not missed much, life for Nick as a diplomat is it seems quite boring however Evan feels somewhat uncomfortable in his surroundings however the food seemed to be to his liking but a few of the guests are unknown to Evan, less so to Nick.

"Over there in the corner, thats Princess Analiese Von Klitz, she's quite high up in the eco energy movement, always was a bit green fingered that one, next to her is the Archduchess" said Nick, quietly, carefully and politely, as he went through each of the guests that he knew, pointing them out descreetly to Evan. Some of these people were known to Penny, though he was looking to see if anyone who attended the opening of the Orcadian Embassy in Port Ember was here.

"green energy, sounds interesting. Since getting back to Orcadia, Penn and I have been working as box rats out of Grangemouth, we spent some time in Honningsvag Norway" replied Evan, the term Box rat being someone who hauls containers.

"nice, so that explains why you went quiet on the media front" replied Nick.

"nah, just busy, not having much time to set the videos up and such or do the editing. We have a backlog to upload though Nick, We'll get it done when we get some downtime"

[Draycora]

Antti & Alea - Jagschloss Rehkitzsprung

"Ah. Oh, that would be Teissëdre Enterprises. Global corporation. We do a lot of aerospace & defense engineering, as well as IT services like cloud storage and server hosting, cyber-defense, data encryption and cybersecurity and cyberdefense." Another sip of the martini. Excellent drinks service here, she thought. "We've also moved into super-/quantum computing and artificial intelligence." Valentine laughed. "Sorry, I shouldn't fire technobabble at you like that. It's a bad habit, I do try my best not to mix business with pleasure. Father and I are going to be in Dorch for at least the next two months negotiating the takeover of a Teressian cybersecurity firm, so I thought I'd drag him here to break up the monotony of lawyers and conference rooms. What brings you here tonight?"

"I'm sure my husband mentioned your company before," she said. "We are actually here for vacation reasons. My husband is a hobby hunter and also a member of a hunting club. He found a hunting lodge very suitable and I just like to travel to foreign countries."