A Messy Breakup (Private)

[Astares Amauricanum]

Malditas 03 Island
Rear Admiral Owen McAwarall Office

As I take another sip of my cup of tea, my eyes wander to the large window of my office. In front of me lies a true postcard view, with just a few buildings, and then the beaches and the open ocean. And there, beyond the horizon, lies a possible threat that I have the charge to keep an eye on.
Those Hyena fuckers and their stupid games... I think for a second, before I hear someone knocking three times at my door.

"Come in." I say, my eyes not leaving the window.
As the person enters, I finally turn my head towards them. Meeting my gaze is Lieutenant Gerald Bizo, one of my staff orderlies. He salutes me and stands at attention.
"At ease Lieutenant." I say with a smile, while I put down my tea mug on my desk. "What have you got for me?" I ask as I look to the file he carries under his arm.
"We have a new player in the vicinity, the Mervayans have joined the game Admiral." he replies while handing me the file.
Opening it, I browse through the pages. Various satellite pictures showing their Carrier Battlegroup, some intelligence reports, etc. I take some time to review it, walking a few steps in the room, before closing it and giving it back to Bizo.
"To me, it does not seem preoccupying. They have nationals in the UIS, they are the official mediators in this affair, so it seems pretty normal that they would send at least a small naval force to keep an eye on things."
"So, do we need to be prepared to lock them as well on our missiles?" asks Gerald.
"Not at all, in fact I forbid you to do so. Just keep an eye on them. Our main concern is with the Kyrenaians, nothing else. Continue as usual. Dismissed."
"Yes Sir!" replies the Lieutenant as he clacks his heels together, before turning around and getting out of the room.

[AHSCA]

Shirin Waradra.
Rose Gardens, Darqaeidin-Palace near Utica.
Laying it on a bit thick there, lass - if there was one person, who did not need a lecture about how times had changed, then it was the former Grand Vizier, the guy who, at least in Kyrenaia, orchestrated some of these changes.
Be that as it may, al-Zahir was smiling under his beard.
"Next Monday.", he said, "You'll be given a practice week under one of the Handmaidens assigned to my Gardens. After that, and your performance has been compared to and evaluated with the performances of the other applicants, I will make my decision." He let that creep in, smiling and motioned for me.
I rose and joined his side as he rose politely, packing up the folder and putting it to what I had brought him.
"Of course, you will be compensated for your time. If you will now excuse me, I must contemplate age, wisdom and the changes to the global work market since my youth.", he added, sounding more amused then anything. "Shirin will bring you to the nearest bus stop."
"Of course, Grand Vizier.", I replied and bowed my head lightly.
He smiled. "Unless of course there is still a question remaining, Miss Esenco-Stenson?"

Well it was finally sealed and in the bag, she finally got the job. Good lord, that somehow was actually more difficult than spy school! Standing with a smile and a slight bow she spoke, "Your Grace, or Honor or however you so wish to be addressed, I thank you so much for your time and thank you for considering me. Let me promise you, you won't regret it. I have no further questions but should any spring to mind, I'll be certain to ask them when I report for training here." Well she was happy but the passive aggressive slight rather cheesed her off a bit but she kept up her poker face. "Miss Shirin, I appreciate you bringing me and seeing me out." She had thought to just take off but maybe a good time to feel up Shirin a bit, uh that's feel up metaphorically speaking of course. "I must admit, that was a tough interview. Probably one of the hardest I've had. I guess he just has some really high standards huh?"

The Kitan
There were a few silent seconds before the Chancellor spoke finally.

"Mervay's angle in this whole situation is that it was an unfortonate event, one which can be solved and mended step by step." It was automatic and in line with the official line the answer the Chancellor gave, criticisms aside as to the poor handling of the Duchess to the entire affair, but the same can be said of the Sultana's harsh truth in rejecting the offer. "Lady Villa admitted her poor handling of the situation, something that is respectable in a leader to understand when they made a mistake and a honest truth in that she will collaborate with us on ensuring that the UIS can come to an agreement with the Sultanate. Which goes in line with our next point." After the Chancellor spoke, it was soon the turn of the Princess, which nodded.

"Like the Chancellor explained, the next point will be the action of Mervay as a mediator." Her Highness told to the journalist with a regal and serious attitude. "We will understand that an restoration of relations in the form of embassies could be out of the question for the time being, which is why one of the solutions that will be presented to ensure a quick line between Utica and Aurora is that the Mervayan Government acts as their protecting power, using their embassies. And to explain what it is... A protecting power is a country that represents another sovereign state in a country where it lacks its own diplomatic representation. It is common for protecting powers to be appointed when two countries break off diplomatic relations with each other and is responsible for looking after the protected power's diplomatic property and citizens in the hosting state." It was always better to explain it in order for everyone to understand, as sometimes Diplomacy had it's oddities.

"Alongside such line, we will ensure that the nation acts as the mediator in the negotiating table, something possible now that we had recived the permission from both parties involved to ensure an agreement is settled." The line was understandable and clear that the Chancellor now explained. "As for what will be needed to solve the crisis; that will be seen in the mediation, but for now an Mutual Agreement between the two nations is needed. As to, how the situation will affect our nations and if we are concerned, we can answer that they will not affect the relations between our countries and that while we were surprised of the explosion, we are confident in that explanations will appear and that we are already taking steps to maintain an eye in the situation around the waters of the UIS."



Residence
And the silence broke.
Tess couldn't blame Satou on asking, since they did thought about it a hour or so ago; but she wasn't in any hurry to leave and would rather stay for the duration her summer rather than go back to Mervay already.
As such, she smiled reassuringly and patted her wife's hands, linking them with hers.

"Thanks Satou, I appreciate it." She thanked her, leaning to kiss her forehead. "But I trust what you said, that it will be all be alright and things will solve out; besides, had things went south the door might had been blasted already by Embassy personnel to take us to Mervay."

The Kitan

Nodding and listening closely, pretty standard so far, good though, these were a bit beyond the usual soundbites most reporters would get at your typical press conference. Sometimes the last thing they want to do at a press conference is answer a lot questions. "Direct line with Mervay as the communicator, now that is interesting as that's very similar to our arrangement with our old adversary of Stevid, with Lamoni and Mokastana acting as our mediators with them. Granted incidents with them have been rare in since the days of the war. Anyway, next set of questions, right now the Sultanate has mounted an increased naval presence around the international waters, this has prompted a similar response by the Lamonian and Mokastanan Armed Forces, what is Mervay's take on this? You did mention your nation has increased eye on the waters? What is Mervay's next steps if further reaction is prompted from any side including those of the Astarians who possess significant territory in the region? How does Mervay feel about the Astarians as the the Sultanate seems to regard them with distrust? As I understand, the daughter of Mervay Chancellor
Dileva is a resident in the islands and married to a AHSCAian citizen, does the Mervayan government intend to evacuate the Chancellor's Daughter as a precaution if not what concerns if any are for her general safety and welfare? What would that mean for her spouse and extended family by marriage she may have, if any?"

Residence

Satou giggled just a bit that was both comforting and frightning to think about! She had to believe though, Tess' family only wanted what was best for her, her status was simply too important, probably greater than Satou's own, she hated to think about it, putting herself down was not her style but unfortunately geopolitics is like that. Well she didn't want to think about that right now, "Hehe you're right. Always right about these things. So I guess all that's left is to wait." she returned the kiss to Tess' own forehead in exchange as their hands tightened. Probably both were a bundle of nerves right about now but faith would carry them through this.

"Good move from Kurago." replies Alicia. "Even though we are taken balls-deep in the Geonal War, with thousands of our soldiers already dead, what we have in the Malditas has been put on high alert, especially our anti-ship missile batteries."
What the female Colonel didn't mention, was that if something happened, there were tactical nuclear warheads ready to be mounted on said antiship missiles. That would surely come up later.

"We know the Shadow Knights are having their baptism of fire right now."continues Pavel. "As we are also part of Adrean and Anna's staff, we are privy to many state secrets. I just hope they won't get caught, otherwise the Stars only know what the Kyrenaians might do with them." says the male Morozov with a sigh, as they now turn right and enter a small veranda.
Inside, the rest of the Phantom Squadron, including Adrean and Anna, are busy filling up plates with various pieces of meat, sausages, vegetables, and potatos, as well as toasting some bread and preparing butter and jams for the breakfast. In a corner, various pots of tea and coffee and a large number of white mugs await to be filled
Like Pavel and Alicia, they are wearing casual clothes, consisting for the most part of polo shirts with jeans, combat boots, and their pistols in a thigh holster.

As soon as they see the AHSCAian group enter led by their friends, they all stop what they are doing. Then, without hesitation, Adrean and Anna, wearing respectively a dark blue polo shirt with a black jean, anda a red polo shirt with a grey jean, walk towards Marcella and Noir... and grab them in a ferocious bear hug.

"It's so good to see you again Marcella." says Adrean as he puts the smaller Duchess back on the ground. "And welcome to our lands Noir. No need for formalities if you don't want to, we are all among friends." he says to the Foreign Officer.

"Hey Asuna, Hello Miss Yoshi." says Anna to the two other UIS women. "Welcome back".

Yikes, there was something both impressive and frightening about how on top of things the Astarians were, AHSCA could thank its lucky stars they were on their side, Marcella had to make sure hse kept it that way, she already alienated one ally. "indeed, I'm hoping I can keep it a brief mission depending on how things go in the conferences ahead. I'll admit I also hoped to get something to at least keep an edge during this but intel has been slow to roll in but that is what it is, I get it."

"Of course they well understand the risks of their occupation. But given how quick things are moving now, we suspect we'll know as much as anyone else does. With Mervay involved we have a good arbiter to rely on." Adrean and Anna, the familiar faces of their state visit a year ago. They quietly nodded in acknowledgement, wishing it could be under better circumstances.

[Kyrenaia]

[...]
Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
Aurelia did had a point, so I conceaded she was right in that regard as I was sure I would be catching one.
My eyes soon saw her fastening the bathrobe tight enough to emphasize and loose to keep it simple, I could certainly feel my face heat up before wandering away once more, and I will not deny that I liked what I saw, ok? I felt that either she did it for teasing or who knows. Then Aurelia just walked past me confidently with an smile that matched it before she gave a peck on my cheek, asking me in that teasing tone of hers if we should have something brought here or go with the rest. Truth to be told, both had their appeal, but, my mind had other ideas and I really wanted some payback; so, untying down the bathrobe and tying back again to be tight enough emphazise and loose enough to maintain things comfortable, after all, I knew well that an alluring figure; years of countless activities had been and will still be worth it after all.
I turned to face Aurelia's back and hugged her from behind tightly, I could feel myself letting a cheshire grin and a mischievous glimpse, almost half-lidded.

"You may not know, but I'm quite the jealous type." Soon a hand streched to her chin, making the beauty that was the Kyrenaian princess look at me. "So let's just say that with either case I might be little clingy." Soon I kissed her again, it was a quick one before I tapped my feet behind and with a teasing smile, I shurgged.

"But in any case, both sound fine by me." I smiled carefree, before thought got to my head. "Albeit we should at least tell them we are still alive, considering we were a few hours in the hammam."

---

Pandareos III of Mervay/Luciano Marcello Da Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
I laughed a bit at the question from the princess, as I let myself relax in the water.
My head soon turning over and looking at her with an sheepish smile.

"Well, it's kind of similar to the hammam mostly." I begun while looking at the roon before focusing back in the Princess. "You have the cold, warm and hot rooms, but there's some differences; such as that they also have steam baths and saunas or dry rooms if you like to call them." It was kind of an nusthell explanation basically, but there was no way I would let it there.

"Of course you had to enter through some place, and for that we had the undressing rooms, or apodyterium if you want to call them. It was similar except we had private cubicles to change and leave our belongings. Plus atriums where people could exercise or just use it as a promenade for visitors; another areas included the oecus or oikos and the exedra, which served for those who were waiting for their acquaintances return from inside. And then we had the service areas..." You may think they would still be used, and you're right... However. "Unfortunately, they are relics of the past with the existance of modern bathrooms or modern facilities with a similar purpose, like a spa." My eyes then soon locked into the walls.

"The ones still in service are used as tourist spas or some use it for the exotic charm of it with everyone having a bathroom in their own houses." I smiled as my head tilted back to look at Lady Yasmin. "So you can say they are mostly an historic relic that save a few exceptions, many people doesn't use."

---

Somewhere in the Open Ocean
Ghost Leader-1/Captain Erin Walker
For what as fairly calm year across the seas for our fleet, we were lucky to not deal with any incidents beyond the usual in our deployment.
This time we were deployed around Taiteiyun and Yeongian in another of our joint exercises operations to coordinate with the two navies of the Eastern Continents and to ensure they could cooperate without fears of escalation, and so far so good! Mission complete and we were preparing to sail back home.
Until the Breakup Crisis begun...
So our unofficial peace enforcement-exercise was soon replaced with orders to mobilize and sail as soon as possible to an area close to the UIS Waters, so the moment we were done resupplying we had to sail to AHSCA and hopefully keep an eye on the situation rather than intervine in any of both sides. The admiralty made it clear we were forbidden from intervining unless orders were given by the Prime Minister himself... For the love of Solaria.

We are certainly playing arbiters.
And for now, the only orders are that the Hera and the 1st and 2nd Frigate Squadrons led by the Islip and Zeffiro, alongside the 4th Cruiser Squadron led by the Asteria, and the attack submarines S-01 and S-02; will sail back to Mervay under the concern that the fleet could present itself as an threat to the process, and there were already news from Asteria to be prepared for the worst.
Still, as soon as this ended the better for us to return to Rosaria and Mervay; I just hope that the people on Asteria or the Rear Admiral communicates with the UIS of our possible presence to act as witnesses and enforcers if needed.

[...]

RKN Eanqa, Ready Room of the Commander, Air Group.
Lioness 1-1/Commander Shaira Katakut.
We were unaware of what the Astarians in their colony were up to, but the Mervayans... it had been a question of time, really, about how long it would take for ships of them to arrive to secure the situation. They were the mediators, they had, officially, more of a claim to being here then us, admittedly.
Our reason, WAR 20, was not ideal, yet we used it - there was only minimal sea traffic under Kyrenaian Flag in the area to begin with, even less was Kyrenaian trade to the UIS, which was now not going to come again.
Maybe never.
I leaned back behind my desk, a messege from the ship's intranet on the screen:

Mervayan Battlegroup sighted on Maritime Patrol. Composition unknown. Intention and Mission unknown. Presumed Peacekeeping Operation. Inform Pilots of possible Mervayan Aircraft in the sky. Order from Nazir: Treat with respect. Until Intention clear, friendly and cooperative. Lahia, Muhit.

I nodded. Well, if these were my orders, I had nothing against them.
I just wondered, what the people in Utica were up to, what the plan was. Would CG9 come to replace us? Or would we stay here for a while? Or abandon WAR 20 in this area?
We would not attack the UIS, old Safina made sure that everyone knew that, and at this point, it would be counterproductive: For one thing, we promised, that we would someone mediate a peaceful solution, the Mervayans, and attacking the UIS would go against that promise. Kyrenaia had always maintained with some pride, that we stuck to our word unless unfeasable and not only would that betray that, but also alienate us from our friends and allies. For the other, it was a bit like when the dog shat onto the carpet - you needed to punish him immediately, so that he would make the connection "shitting onto the carpet = bad, mommy angry, not good" immediately. Humans were not much different. The "immediately" was not now anymore.
Whatever would happen, we had little to loose.

---

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
While I waited for a reply, advancing towards my dressing table, Agus retied her bathrobe and caught me from behind, fabric rustled, as she slung her arms tightly around me from behind. I knew her figure well enough by now and I enjoyed the feeling of her pressing up to my back.
Oh, her voice... a feline purr, almost.
"You may not know, but I'm quite the jealous type.", she purred, her hand going to my chin and turning it so that I could look at her, I let her do. "So let's just say that with either case I might be little clingy."
And with a kiss, she seperated.
"But in any case, both sound fine by me.", she added with a carefree smile, "Albeit we should at least tell them we are still alive, considering we were a few hours in the hammam."
I nodded, a light red dusting on my cheeks - if she had wanted payback, then she had quite the success.
"Yeah, that might be a prudent course of action.", I said and sat down in front of the dressing table, where there was also an internal telephone. A few moments later, I spoke in Kyrenaian to Sarina: "Hi, Sarina, it's me. Agus and I are still alive." Agus would hear a pause, then I chuckled. "Yeah, we're fine. We just lost track of time." Another pause. "That'd be ideal, thank you. See you in a few minutes!"
I hung up and turned to Agus.
"Sarina will be here in a few minutes with a light dinner, a salad.", I gave her the brief, "She was worried a bit, but I'll get my due punishment for making her worry soon enough, or so she promised." I shrugged. "Most likely gonna don a maid dress and serve the staff for a day or something. Nothing I haven't done before."

---

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Princess Yasmin bint-Atif.
I frowned slightly.
"I find that sad.", I said, "I mean... sure, in Kyrenaia, showers are getting more and more widespread, but the Hammam is so much more then just a place to get clean. It is a communal meeting place, there are barbers, masseurs - we call them tellaks - and a whole lot other of things." I let a beat pass. "But, yes, time does not slow down for anyone, even for well-liked traditions."
I made an encompassing wave of the hand.
"In a short time, all this might be a relic, too.", I said.

---

[...]
Well it was finally sealed and in the bag, she finally got the job. Good lord, that somehow was actually more difficult than spy school! Standing with a smile and a slight bow she spoke, "Your Grace, or Honor or however you so wish to be addressed, I thank you so much for your time and thank you for considering me. Let me promise you, you won't regret it. I have no further questions but should any spring to mind, I'll be certain to ask them when I report for training here." Well she was happy but the passive aggressive slight rather cheesed her off a bit but she kept up her poker face. "Miss Shirin, I appreciate you bringing me and seeing me out." She had thought to just take off but maybe a good time to feel up Shirin a bit, uh that's feel up metaphorically speaking of course. "I must admit, that was a tough interview. Probably one of the hardest I've had. I guess he just has some really high standards huh?"

[...]

Shirin Waradra.
Rose Gardens, Darqaeidin-Palace near Utica.
After she had said her goodbye, the old Grand Vizier dismissed us and I led her out of the garden to where my bike still stood.
"I must admit, that was a tough interview. Probably one of the hardest I've had. I guess he just has some really high standards huh?", she said and I snorted.
"Actually, he has mellowed quite out a bit.", I said and handed her a helmet, "When I applied for my job here, initially as a normal Handmaiden and not his Personal Handmaiden, he almost tore me a new one when I dared to show a slight hint at emotions, in my case nervousness." That was now two years ago. He had taken me as his Personal Handmaiden from the beginning, though not on the spot. "I guess, that has something to do with being the former Grand Vizier. He is used to having the best of the best around and wants to make sure of that."
I swung myself onto the bike and looked at her.
"Hop on.", I said and placed the helmet on my head. "Oh, and by the way, the proper style of address to him is simply 'Sir' or 'Milord' these days. He is, technically, nobility, after all, even if he doesn't insist." He had been ennobled, technically, and it was not herediary. Not that he had direct heirs he knew of, but that was another story. "Colleagues are called by their first name. So, I am...?"
I smiled at her.

[Astares Amauricanum]

Yikes, there was something both impressive and frightening about how on top of things the Astarians were, AHSCA could thank its lucky stars they were on their side, Marcella had to make sure hse kept it that way, she already alienated one ally. "indeed, I'm hoping I can keep it a brief mission depending on how things go in the conferences ahead. I'll admit I also hoped to get something to at least keep an edge during this but intel has been slow to roll in but that is what it is, I get it."

"Of course they well understand the risks of their occupation. But given how quick things are moving now, we suspect we'll know as much as anyone else does. With Mervay involved we have a good arbiter to rely on." Adrean and Anna, the familiar faces of their state visit a year ago. They quietly nodded in acknowledgement, wishing it could be under better circumstances.

"Don't worry, your spies are not bakas, they'll make it just fine." says Adrean, before inviting the four AHSCAian women to take a seat at one of the tables. "You must be famished after the flight. Patrick, two ribs portions for each of them, with your secret sauce!" he exclaims to his friend Patrick Leonhart, manning a grill on the side with his wife Alexandra.

"On the way!" replies Patrick with a smile. Marcella and Asuna might remember that from the year before, they were considered as the cooks of the group.

"So, even though we have one week, it's best to not lose any time." says Anna as she takes a seat with her husband at the same table as Marcella, Noir, Asuna and Yoshi. "First, let's go back to the beginning. Marcella, Noir, Asuna, you three were there when the breakdown happened. We need you to tell us in detail what happened and what was said. Please do not omit any part, every detail has its importance in the story." says the Keisaerina with a serious tone.

Meanwhile, without a word, Yuri and Patricia put a mug filled with tea in front of each AHSCAian. By the smell, Marcella and her group would recognize that it is Jasmine Tea.

[AHSCA]

Shirin Waradra.
Rose Gardens, Darqaeidin-Palace near Utica.
After she had said her goodbye, the old Grand Vizier dismissed us and I led her out of the garden to where my bike still stood.
"I must admit, that was a tough interview. Probably one of the hardest I've had. I guess he just has some really high standards huh?", she said and I snorted.
"Actually, he has mellowed quite out a bit.", I said and handed her a helmet, "When I applied for my job here, initially as a normal Handmaiden and not his Personal Handmaiden, he almost tore me a new one when I dared to show a slight hint at emotions, in my case nervousness." That was now two years ago. He had taken me as his Personal Handmaiden from the beginning, though not on the spot. "I guess, that has something to do with being the former Grand Vizier. He is used to having the best of the best around and wants to make sure of that."
I swung myself onto the bike and looked at her.
"Hop on.", I said and placed the helmet on my head. "Oh, and by the way, the proper style of address to him is simply 'Sir' or 'Milord' these days. He is, technically, nobility, after all, even if he doesn't insist." He had been ennobled, technically, and it was not herediary. Not that he had direct heirs he knew of, but that was another story. "Colleagues are called by their first name. So, I am...?"
I smiled at her.

"Wow." She chuckled "Sounds like I got off easy then if even you had a tough time. I mean you seem to have a strong air of confidence and grace around you, but perhaps that's from working here a long while. Though I wouldn't put it past for it to be ingrained in you. And if I'm not mistaken then Shirin it is. You can call me Mola which well on my home island you would anyway because technically my last name is made up." You'd think she just blew her cover but it was true, "What I mean is, my mother when she moved us overseas adopted a surname and then a married name when she re-married. Anyway, I appreciate the ride and for giving me the chance here."

---

"Don't worry, your spies are not bakas, they'll make it just fine." says Adrean, before inviting the four AHSCAian women to take a seat at one of the tables. "You must be famished after the flight. Patrick, two ribs portions for each of them, with your secret sauce!" he exclaims to his friend Patrick Leonhart, manning a grill on the side with his wife Alexandra.

"On the way!" replies Patrick with a smile. Marcella and Asuna might remember that from the year before, they were considered as the cooks of the group.

"So, even though we have one week, it's best to not lose any time." says Anna as she takes a seat with her husband at the same table as Marcella, Noir, Asuna and Yoshi. "First, let's go back to the beginning. Marcella, Noir, Asuna, you three were there when the breakdown happened. We need you to tell us in detail what happened and what was said. Please do not omit any part, every detail has its importance in the story." says the Keisaerina with a serious tone.

Meanwhile, without a word, Yuri and Patricia put a mug filled with tea in front of each AHSCAian. By the smell, Marcella and her group would recognize that it is Jasmine Tea.

Both Asuna and Noir had to give a look at Marcella a sort of Is this okay? But Marcella nodded, might as well get it out there.

Noir explained everything, "I'm sure The Duchess had hoped she could reason with the Sultana but as such it wasn't. I also hoped she might sleep on a decision before terminating relations but in the heat of the moment she ordered it so."

Well it stung but it was true what else could be said, "I admit, I've stubbornly held out." Marcella replied "But everything she's said is perfectly true. Well it is just that, I'm ready to make amends and put it behind us. Even if the Sultana only accepts the apology and nothing more, than fine."

[Astares Amauricanum]

Both Asuna and Noir had to give a look at Marcella a sort of Is this okay? But Marcella nodded, might as well get it out there.

Noir explained everything, "I'm sure The Duchess had hoped she could reason with the Sultana but as such it wasn't. I also hoped she might sleep on a decision before terminating relations but in the heat of the moment she ordered it so."

Well it stung but it was true what else could be said, "I admit, I've stubbornly held out." Marcella replied "But everything she's said is perfectly true. Well it is just that, I'm ready to make amends and put it behind us. Even if the Sultana only accepts the apology and nothing more, than fine."

Adrean, Anna and the others listen intently to the retelling of Noir and Marcella. Then, fora few seconds, the Keisaer and Keisaerina look at each other, then sigh and look back to the AHSCAians.

"You are perfectly right Noir, it's always useful to sleep on a difficult situation." replies Anna. "Although we can't blame you on this one Marcella, we've been though situations like this ourselves back at the beginning of our reign, due to the impulsiveness of our Bodark persona mixing with our role as heads of state. But back then, we had two things to help us: the status of our nation as a superpower, and the amazing work of our staff at the Department of State who managed to solve every issue."

"But here, it's a mess." continues Adrean. "From the start, it was - and still is- a truly shitty situation. There can't be a good or bad way to end it, just two bad ways. Either cancer or AIDS as one of my medicine teachers told me."

"While the Sultana didn't phrased her arguments in the nicest way, she still raises some truths. Kyrenaia was hit hard by COVID, and in times of need, who do the people look up to to guide them? That's right, us heads of state, be we Monarchs, Presidents, etc. Add in the mix how Kyrenaian society views homosexuality, Aurelia's escapades in the past, their Hyena Game where every person of power will try to cloak and dagger with the other, especially the Ilkhans considering they are all possible Sultan or Sultana candidates, given they are an elected monarch, and you get quite the shitstorm indeed.

And on the other side, the UIS, a young nation, but hardly a superpower. While no one here agrees with Razia when she told you you weren't of a proper lineage, you can't deny that your five Islands are not on our level Marcella. It's a fact, surely not pleasant to here, and I don't take pleasure to tell it to you, but it remains." says Adrean, before taking a sip of his coffee mug.

"There was no good situation out of this." says Norman Whitaker from a nearby table. "Either you Duchess kept your relation with Aurelia, but it would have weakened the Sultanate politically and with its internal affairs, or you let her go, but while the situation would have been solved politically, you end up with a heartache. But while a heartache can be healed naturally by time, political matters often do not."

"Indeed." continues Anna with a semi sinister tone as she looks down for a few seconds. "Personal feelings and politics should never mix. But here they did."
Then, suddenly, the Keisaerina raises her head back up, and looks straight to Marcella, her eyes seemingly boring into the sould of the young Duchess with an intense expression.

"Rest assured Marcella, we will always defend the UIS. But for your sake, you will note that we had to do many things.
First of all, among all the arsenal we have in the Malditas, we have tactical nuclear warheads." Anna says with a very serious tone, telling the last three words more slowly so that they sink well in Marcella's mind. "Those are ready to be mounted on our antiship missiles should the Kyrenaians try anything funny.
Secodnd, we took the risk to break the diplomatic codes of Mervay, which worked for a time and allowed us to gain some very useful intel, but now they seemingly have caught onto us and changed their codes. So we will have some explaining to do with them in one week, and this will surely impact the relations between our two countries."

"Yup, that's not a meeting we wish to have." adds Adrean with a sigh. "But Anna is right, we're putting a lot on the line for the UIS sake here Marcella. I'm not saying this to ask for favors afterwards, just so that you remember that next time, you may not always have friends who can help you out of situation where you're partly at fault."

"And to add insult to injury, some of Aurelia's letters regarding you leaked in the Kyrenaian yellow press, so that will get the public's attention even more on this affair." says Pavel from the side as he crosses his arms.

"That's not important right now man." replies Adrean to his friend, before turning back to the AHSCAians. "What we need to focus on right now is to prepare the negotiations. The Kyrenaians are very proud people Marcella, you've surely heard of their infamous Kyrenaian Pride. In our opinion, Razia won't simply accept an apology, she may need to find a balance between being firm but forgiving, to appease both the hawks and the others among her subjects."

"We got a message by our ambassador/ ACI agent, Daniel Vincao, that you have writtent and sent an apology letter to the Sultana. What did you told her exactly? Did she give you an answer? And also, did another member of your family or government send her a letter too? We realy need to know this first before we start working on our options Marcella." says Anna with a smile.

[Mervay]

The Kitan

Nodding and listening closely, pretty standard so far, good though, these were a bit beyond the usual soundbites most reporters would get at your typical press conference. Sometimes the last thing they want to do at a press conference is answer a lot questions. "Direct line with Mervay as the communicator, now that is interesting as that's very similar to our arrangement with our old adversary of Stevid, with Lamoni and Mokastana acting as our mediators with them. Granted incidents with them have been rare in since the days of the war. Anyway, next set of questions, right now the Sultanate has mounted an increased naval presence around the international waters, this has prompted a similar response by the Lamonian and Mokastanan Armed Forces, what is Mervay's take on this? You did mention your nation has increased eye on the waters? What is Mervay's next steps if further reaction is prompted from any side including those of the Astarians who possess significant territory in the region? How does Mervay feel about the Astarians as the the Sultanate seems to regard them with distrust? As I understand, the daughter of Mervay Chancellor
Dileva is a resident in the islands and married to a AHSCAian citizen, does the Mervayan government intend to evacuate the Chancellor's Daughter as a precaution if not what concerns if any are for her general safety and welfare? What would that mean for her spouse and extended family by marriage she may have, if any?"

Residence

Satou giggled just a bit that was both comforting and frightning to think about! She had to believe though, Tess' family only wanted what was best for her, her status was simply too important, probably greater than Satou's own, she hated to think about it, putting herself down was not her style but unfortunately geopolitics is like that. Well she didn't want to think about that right now, "Hehe you're right. Always right about these things. So I guess all that's left is to wait." she returned the kiss to Tess' own forehead in exchange as their hands tightened. Probably both were a bundle of nerves right about now but faith would carry them through this.

The Kitan
It was true this was an entire unorthodox approach that has landed more responses than in a press conference, even if they would had loved if this was outside the baths.
The Chancellor and Princess looked at the journalist with an blank expression on their faces as she gave the next questions in regards to the buildup from the Kyrenaians with one of their carrier groups present around international waters, an chain reaction followed soon enough in the form of the UIS Protectors deploying their own forces to the region and the Astarians, alongside the possibility of Mervay's own forces in the area, if they weren't already present in the area and knowing the current situation they will be en route at least. It was fair to say that negotiations needed to be a success and that the Astarians do not try anything crazy; but alas, a tense question had to appear.

"I would wisely suggest that we do not talk about my daughter, her wife and family if possible." The chancellor soon spoke, looking coldly at the journalist before continuing. "I reserve my right to reject that question due to the personal links and I hope that anything said in regards to it do not appears in the paper." She will not link the personal relation and connection enough as she did through diplomatic channels with the Kyrenaian Government and the paranoic wackos at Columbia through the leak, no matter how open it was that she loved her daugher and daughter-in-law, nor that the ill temper of both the Old Dreadnought and Ill Tempered Duchess begun the mess that everyone is trying to clean while gaining something as the main parties are busy with damage control. If one asked Jessica Dileva something, was that the moment she's done with this work is that she will ask for vacations and a bonus. But this had to go on and so she decided to answer the questions.

"In regards to the increasing presence of Foreign Military Forces around the UIS and their surrounding waters, the Mervayan Government understands the concerns of the respective parties and we aren't concerned by the Kyrenaian Naval Presence as long as they follow their word in that they are partaking in anti-piracy operation, but; we hope the moment negotiations finalize we will see a complete reduction of military presence from all parties and their allies." Diplomatic and skipping in a way the point of any possible Mervayan Presence in the area, but that will be rectified. "Of course, that does include any Mervayan Military presence in the region as well, this one as peacekeeper as to ensure that both the UIS and allies, and, The Kyrenaian Government; understand that we are commited to an peaceful solution while prepared for a quick reaction to defend our nationals in the islands and evacuate them alongside any other that wish to do so in the process as refugees, that means we are prepared should any possible escalation threatens the region." The talk of supporting either one or the other was something to be discussed in the future if war does break out, they were at crossroads with both nations.

"As for our opinion in the Astarians, no comment."

---

Residence
Tess could only smile warmly as she held her wife's hand, the grip tightening for a little while due to the nerves running high, of course, it had to come to an end.
Tess soon took off her hand with an soft smile as she begun to grab her dishes.

"I'm going to wash my dishes, I'll get back for yours when you are done with dinner dear." She kissed Satou's forehead before going to wash the dishes, something that wouldn't take long alongside cleaning the kitchen.

---

RKN Eanqa, Ready Room of the Commander, Air Group.
Lioness 1-1/Commander Shaira Katakut.
We were unaware of what the Astarians in their colony were up to, but the Mervayans... it had been a question of time, really, about how long it would take for ships of them to arrive to secure the situation. They were the mediators, they had, officially, more of a claim to being here then us, admittedly.
Our reason, WAR 20, was not ideal, yet we used it - there was only minimal sea traffic under Kyrenaian Flag in the area to begin with, even less was Kyrenaian trade to the UIS, which was now not going to come again.
Maybe never.
I leaned back behind my desk, a messege from the ship's intranet on the screen:

Mervayan Battlegroup sighted on Maritime Patrol. Composition unknown. Intention and Mission unknown. Presumed Peacekeeping Operation. Inform Pilots of possible Mervayan Aircraft in the sky. Order from Nazir: Treat with respect. Until Intention clear, friendly and cooperative. Lahia, Muhit.

I nodded. Well, if these were my orders, I had nothing against them.
I just wondered, what the people in Utica were up to, what the plan was. Would CG9 come to replace us? Or would we stay here for a while? Or abandon WAR 20 in this area?
We would not attack the UIS, old Safina made sure that everyone knew that, and at this point, it would be counterproductive: For one thing, we promised, that we would someone mediate a peaceful solution, the Mervayans, and attacking the UIS would go against that promise. Kyrenaia had always maintained with some pride, that we stuck to our word unless unfeasable and not only would that betray that, but also alienate us from our friends and allies. For the other, it was a bit like when the dog shat onto the carpet - you needed to punish him immediately, so that he would make the connection "shitting onto the carpet = bad, mommy angry, not good" immediately. Humans were not much different. The "immediately" was not now anymore.
Whatever would happen, we had little to loose.

---

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
While I waited for a reply, advancing towards my dressing table, Agus retied her bathrobe and caught me from behind, fabric rustled, as she slung her arms tightly around me from behind. I knew her figure well enough by now and I enjoyed the feeling of her pressing up to my back.
Oh, her voice... a feline purr, almost.
"You may not know, but I'm quite the jealous type.", she purred, her hand going to my chin and turning it so that I could look at her, I let her do. "So let's just say that with either case I might be little clingy."
And with a kiss, she seperated.
"But in any case, both sound fine by me.", she added with a carefree smile, "Albeit we should at least tell them we are still alive, considering we were a few hours in the hammam."
I nodded, a light red dusting on my cheeks - if she had wanted payback, then she had quite the success.
"Yeah, that might be a prudent course of action.", I said and sat down in front of the dressing table, where there was also an internal telephone. A few moments later, I spoke in Kyrenaian to Sarina: "Hi, Sarina, it's me. Agus and I are still alive." Agus would hear a pause, then I chuckled. "Yeah, we're fine. We just lost track of time." Another pause. "That'd be ideal, thank you. See you in a few minutes!"
I hung up and turned to Agus.
"Sarina will be here in a few minutes with a light dinner, a salad.", I gave her the brief, "She was worried a bit, but I'll get my due punishment for making her worry soon enough, or so she promised." I shrugged. "Most likely gonna don a maid dress and serve the staff for a day or something. Nothing I haven't done before."

---

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Princess Yasmin bint-Atif.
I frowned slightly.
"I find that sad.", I said, "I mean... sure, in Kyrenaia, showers are getting more and more widespread, but the Hammam is so much more then just a place to get clean. It is a communal meeting place, there are barbers, masseurs - we call them tellaks - and a whole lot other of things." I let a beat pass. "But, yes, time does not slow down for anyone, even for well-liked traditions."
I made an encompassing wave of the hand.
"In a short time, all this might be a relic, too.", I said.

MRNS Captain Aquile Carrier's Bridge
Rear Admiral Marciel Di Tulio Pandolfo
The MRNS Captain Aquile was the flagship of Task Force A, an combat force that was part of the Mervay Royal Navy's 1st Fleet. Commissioned in 2002, it was the second of the five ships of the Andersen Class of Aircraft Carriers, they were meant to complement the Callista Aircraft Carriers Class; an project that was jointly developed with the nations of the eastern continents in something of an collaboration for an strenghtening of cooperation between the nations, surprisingly enough they blended well with the style of the navy's doctrine, but; it can be discussed another day.
The ship had state of the art facilities on it despite it's relative age, also work of the constant upgrades that are given every maintenance and overhaul period, with the future one being the RCOH planned for early 2023, as such this would officially be the last deployment before that period; and for Rear Admiral Marciel Pandolfo it was going to be a lenghty one. The Officer in charge of Task Force A, Rear Admiral Pandolfo was known by many in the navy as an cheerful and charming man with an no-nonsense attitude expected of many officers, serving with the navy since his mid 20's the fourty-eight years old officer had seen many things in his life since serving with the navy, deployed around many places over the world and took part in operations where the country was involved, the most recent event of all being around Yuktobania and Apotos between 2012 to 2017; alongside many ships, sailors, officers, pilots and soldiers in the peacekeeping and sometimes enforcement of it, rotating to then be on port and other deployments such as anti.piracy operations, freedom of navigation, operations against mercs, deployments to the eastern continents or the current mission in ensuring, both AHSCA and Kyrenaia kept at each other's distance, with an worrying and weary glance to the Astarian Forces around the Malditas and caution with the Lamonians as to ensure this did not end with an international conflict.
His sigh could be heard in the Bridge as he watched the current situation, all stations were completely working at full rate, from the CIC and CVIC to the Hangar Bay. Everyone on the region surely knew of their presence already; at least after talks with the admiralty, Asteria dropped off the tight leash to maintain the traditional flexibility in the group, however the orders remained in place to not get involved should hostilities from either party begin and evacuate all nationals in the region, which meant all non-essential personnel in the embassy, the Chancellor and the Princess of Slyvan alongside civilians of which the Chancellor's daughter and heiress to the Dileva Group, her wife and family included as well.

Soon enough the noise of the catapults was heard as the last of the CFA-44's from the 531 Squadron took off from the carrier for an Patrol around the Task Force, an AWACS was already in the air before they took off. Soon enough, he ordered for a message to be relayed through an safe channel for their counterparts.

"Attention to all foreign ships and forces in the Area; this is Rear Admiral Marciel Di Tulio Pandolfo of the Kingdom of Mervay and it's Navy, commander of Task Force A. Our presence isn't meant for an escalation of the conflict, on the contrary, our operation in the area is meant to de-escalate as a peacekeeping force until the current crisis comes to an end, that is our mission in this area and our only mission. We will leave the waters around the UIS the moment the negotiations end in success and the crisis can be considered over. That is all. Over and out."

---

Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
Bullseye!
Aurelia's blushing cheeks are enough of an confirmation that my payback worked. Of course she then sat in front of the dressing table and spoke with her handmaiden in Kyrenaian, which, while I knew my way with it, I'll admit the language was not my forte of all the ones I knew due to my position; it was something I should rectify in the future to be honest.
Of course then she gave a brief explanation of what happened and that our dinner will be here soon, that being salad; and that due to taking too long in the hammam which worried her -hopefully they won't notice anything off from what happened down there- she will be punished by helping with the chores of the house and take out of the closet that maid uniform of hers for it.

Something to which I could only grin as I sat on the Princess bed with my legs crossed.

"Got it! So that means normal work huh? Well it isn't so much of a punishment to be honest, I mean, back at home I also help with the work around the palace, like cleaning the place, my clothes, my room and office, garden, making the food and so on." It was something I could admit without worry, it was common for everyone in the family to do so rather than leave it all to the staff, we weren't like those spoiled families that were the sterotype of royalty after all, but either way. My fingers went to my chin as I remembered something. "Albeit that is without the maid dress to be honest, but I do have one as well from an old event I helped back at college."

---

Pandareos III of Mervay/Luciano Marcello Da Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
"I will have to disagree with you there." I commented as I looked at her. "I believe that there are traditions that pass the test of time, and this one does and will do." My eyes then looked around the ambient of the place and it's people with an smile creeping out of my face before turning back to the Princess.

"Sure, bathrooms will become the norm in the everyday homes of the average Kyrenaian, but that won't necessarily take away what the hammam represents to the country and it's people. Like you said, it's a meeting place, a place where people of all levels of society meet and interact with the other, where friends can use as point of encounter or to spend time around or somewhere where they can be after a workout session and so on." It was a true I've learned during my entire young life. There were traditions that are meant to stay.

"Sure, it might not be on it's current form, but it can evolve to something more. So perhaps you should take differently and see it from another perspective, baths back at home might have died out, but many traditions or places from that era are still as important as they were back in the past that only elvens and spiroads can confirm with their own eyes as we rely on accounts of those that lived through these periods."

[Kyrenaia]

"Wow." She chuckled "Sounds like I got off easy then if even you had a tough time. I mean you seem to have a strong air of confidence and grace around you, but perhaps that's from working here a long while. Though I wouldn't put it past for it to be ingrained in you. And if I'm not mistaken then Shirin it is. You can call me Mola which well on my home island you would anyway because technically my last name is made up." You'd think she just blew her cover but it was true, "What I mean is, my mother when she moved us overseas adopted a surname and then a married name when she re-married. Anyway, I appreciate the ride and for giving me the chance here."

[...]

Shirin Waradra.
Darqaeidin-Palace near Utica.
I raised an eyebrow at the surname-bit - well, apparently, other countries other manners, but I will still tell the Tabardariyya about that. They had a small intelligence section, usually closely associated with Naval Intelligence, so if there was a truth to her claim and it checked all out, they'd know.
"That's right, I'm Shirin... Mola.", I said and got comfortable, "And you're welcome... though the question is, if you will feel welcome, once the Garden's Mistress is through with you..."
It sounded ominous because it was.
Mola would have little chance to reply because once she had parked her rear onto the back of the bike, I revved the engine and began our ride, first to the next bus stop for her, then to the motor pool for me.
I let her off at the bus stop and grinned. "The next one should come in a few minutes. See you next Monday!"

[...]
MRNS Captain Aquile Carrier's Bridge
Rear Admiral Marciel Di Tulio Pandolfo
The MRNS Captain Aquile was the flagship of Task Force A, an combat force that was part of the Mervay Royal Navy's 1st Fleet. Commissioned in 2002, it was the second of the five ships of the Andersen Class of Aircraft Carriers, they were meant to complement the Callista Aircraft Carriers Class; an project that was jointly developed with the nations of the eastern continents in something of an collaboration for an strenghtening of cooperation between the nations, surprisingly enough they blended well with the style of the navy's doctrine, but; it can be discussed another day.
The ship had state of the art facilities on it despite it's relative age, also work of the constant upgrades that are given every maintenance and overhaul period, with the future one being the RCOH planned for early 2023, as such this would officially be the last deployment before that period; and for Rear Admiral Marciel Pandolfo it was going to be a lenghty one. The Officer in charge of Task Force A, Rear Admiral Pandolfo was known by many in the navy as an cheerful and charming man with an no-nonsense attitude expected of many officers, serving with the navy since his mid 20's the fourty-eight years old officer had seen many things in his life since serving with the navy, deployed around many places over the world and took part in operations where the country was involved, the most recent event of all being around Yuktobania and Apotos between 2012 to 2017; alongside many ships, sailors, officers, pilots and soldiers in the peacekeeping and sometimes enforcement of it, rotating to then be on port and other deployments such as anti.piracy operations, freedom of navigation, operations against mercs, deployments to the eastern continents or the current mission in ensuring, both AHSCA and Kyrenaia kept at each other's distance, with an worrying and weary glance to the Astarian Forces around the Malditas and caution with the Lamonians as to ensure this did not end with an international conflict.
His sigh could be heard in the Bridge as he watched the current situation, all stations were completely working at full rate, from the CIC and CVIC to the Hangar Bay. Everyone on the region surely knew of their presence already; at least after talks with the admiralty, Asteria dropped off the tight leash to maintain the traditional flexibility in the group, however the orders remained in place to not get involved should hostilities from either party begin and evacuate all nationals in the region, which meant all non-essential personnel in the embassy, the Chancellor and the Princess of Slyvan alongside civilians of which the Chancellor's daughter and heiress to the Dileva Group, her wife and family included as well.

Soon enough the noise of the catapults was heard as the last of the CFA-44's from the 531 Squadron took off from the carrier for an Patrol around the Task Force, an AWACS was already in the air before they took off. Soon enough, he ordered for a message to be relayed through an safe channel for their counterparts.

"Attention to all foreign ships and forces in the Area; this is Rear Admiral Marciel Di Tulio Pandolfo of the Kingdom of Mervay and it's Navy, commander of Task Force A. Our presence isn't meant for an escalation of the conflict, on the contrary, our operation in the area is meant to de-escalate as a peacekeeping force until the current crisis comes to an end, that is our mission in this area and our only mission. We will leave the waters around the UIS the moment the negotiations end in success and the crisis can be considered over. That is all. Over and out."

---

Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
Bullseye!
Aurelia's blushing cheeks are enough of an confirmation that my payback worked. Of course she then sat in front of the dressing table and spoke with her handmaiden in Kyrenaian, which, while I knew my way with it, I'll admit the language was not my forte of all the ones I knew due to my position; it was something I should rectify in the future to be honest.
Of course then she gave a brief explanation of what happened and that our dinner will be here soon, that being salad; and that due to taking too long in the hammam which worried her -hopefully they won't notice anything off from what happened down there- she will be punished by helping with the chores of the house and take out of the closet that maid uniform of hers for it.

Something to which I could only grin as I sat on the Princess bed with my legs crossed.

"Got it! So that means normal work huh? Well it isn't so much of a punishment to be honest, I mean, back at home I also help with the work around the palace, like cleaning the place, my clothes, my room and office, garden, making the food and so on." It was something I could admit without worry, it was common for everyone in the family to do so rather than leave it all to the staff, we weren't like those spoiled families that were the sterotype of royalty after all, but either way. My fingers went to my chin as I remembered something. "Albeit that is without the maid dress to be honest, but I do have one as well from an old event I helped back at college."

---

Pandareos III of Mervay/Luciano Marcello Da Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
"I will have to disagree with you there." I commented as I looked at her. "I believe that there are traditions that pass the test of time, and this one does and will do." My eyes then looked around the ambient of the place and it's people with an smile creeping out of my face before turning back to the Princess.

"Sure, bathrooms will become the norm in the everyday homes of the average Kyrenaian, but that won't necessarily take away what the hammam represents to the country and it's people. Like you said, it's a meeting place, a place where people of all levels of society meet and interact with the other, where friends can use as point of encounter or to spend time around or somewhere where they can be after a workout session and so on." It was a true I've learned during my entire young life. There were traditions that are meant to stay.

"Sure, it might not be on it's current form, but it can evolve to something more. So perhaps you should take differently and see it from another perspective, baths back at home might have died out, but many traditions or places from that era are still as important as they were back in the past that only elvens and spiroads can confirm with their own eyes as we rely on accounts of those that lived through these periods."

Command Center of the Commanding Admiral, RKN Muhit.
Admiral Abbas Lahia.
The situation got more and more interesting by the day.
There was a Lamonian Battlegroup in the area, there was a Mervayan Battlegroup in the area, the Astarians were paddling around, there was a lot of civilian traffic in the area as well... the question was, how long would it take until they would de-arse the area, both in the event of hostilities and in the event of posturing contests.
The fun part was, that we weren't here for posturing.
We were WAR #20 Patrol.
Completely different matter entirely.
We had been here before the two cunt munchers screwed up, we had patrolled and we had done our job splendidly. Patrolling, stopping suspicious vessels, being there for the odd photo-op. Then the whole crisis began.
One had to give one thing to Princess Aurelia, though: She stayed by her course. She already announced her intention to continue working for a change in the Law of Marriage. I just hoped, that she would one day marry a guy and find her happiness.
What happened to that Atif Qalb anyway?
Wouldn't want to be in his shoes anyway.
Be that as it may be, here in the Command Center of the Commanding Admiral, things were calm, collected, not easy, but specialists did their jobs with precision and skill. I was observing, especially the big plotting table with the real-time updates.
The UIS were at the opposite end of the table from my perspective.
If we wanted to burn them to cinders, we would have long since done so. That we didn't should dissiduate many fears, especially since there was the Sultana's word, that we wouldn't do so.
That it didn't told me, that there were enough, who simply didn't understand us.
"Sir.", an officer spoke up as he stepped up to me, a Lieutenant with a printout in his hand, "We just received a communique from the Mervayans."
I nodded and took the sheet:

"Attention to all foreign ships and forces in the Area; this is Rear Admiral Marciel Di Tulio Pandolfo of the Kingdom of Mervay and it's Navy, commander of Task Force A. Our presence isn't meant for an escalation of the conflict, on the contrary, our operation in the area is meant to de-escalate as a peacekeeping force until the current crisis comes to an end, that is our mission in this area and our only mission. We will leave the waters around the UIS the moment the negotiations end in success and the crisis can be considered over. That is all. Over and out."

This messege was interesting, especially when surrounded by all the markings and additional data.
"Log it. Reply as follows...", I ordered, then turned the paper around and wrote on the back:

Rear Admiral Pandolfo, this is Admiral Abbas Lahia, RKN, aboard RKN Muhit. From my point of view, de-escalation is unnecessary. Carrier Group 5 of the RKN is in the area under the World Assembly Resolution 20 and we will remain on station until ordered otherwise. As the Government of the Sultanate of Kyrenaia has pointed out, we have no aggressive intentions towards the United Island States of AHSCA. I took the liberty of informing the pilots assigned to my carriers of your presence. Should anyone of them misbehave or treat your people not with the utmost respect afforded to Friends of the Sultanate, I expect to be informed immediately. Punishment will be rendered in accordance with the transgression. Lahia, over and out.

This promised to be interesting.

---

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I raised an eyebrow.
So Agus did regularly help in her household, eh...? Granted, we did clean up after ourselves, orderly desks, making the bed, getting the old socks into the hamper, that kind of thing, but Agus made it sound as if she was half a Handmaiden herself...
I did smile at her mentioning her own old maid dress.
"Mine is actually from my Grandmother... mother's side, that is. She owns an inn.", I explained, "When I was little, I bettered up my pocket money by helping out, the cutest maid in the entire house, and when I went to Utica, she made a point out of it to send me a new maid dress once every year. The newest is... fun."
I smiled at Agus.
"If you want, I can bring it along for the Return Visit.", I added with a wink.

---

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Princess Yasmin bint-Atif.
I listened to Pandereos with a smile.
Passionate young man, that was for certain. If he would apply the same passion to anything he did, he would be a splendid Prince, someone his Queen (and sister) could really depend on.
That being said, I replied: "Yet there are many things, which the ancient eyes of the Spiorad have seen, but which have long since been forgotten.", I told him, "In some cases luckily, in others, not so much. We could now throw examples at each other with reckless abandon, but the fact remains, that time marches on and if time decrees, that certain traditions or structures served their course, there is little what we can do."
Our two Fidchell players concluded their game, Damir with the sour expression of someone, who had lost by a narrow margin extended his hand, Mahmut taking it with the grin of a winner.

[AHSCA]

Adrean, Anna and the others listen intently to the retelling of Noir and Marcella. Then, fora few seconds, the Keisaer and Keisaerina look at each other, then sigh and look back to the AHSCAians.

"You are perfectly right Noir, it's always useful to sleep on a difficult situation." replies Anna. "Although we can't blame you on this one Marcella, we've been though situations like this ourselves back at the beginning of our reign, due to the impulsiveness of our Bodark persona mixing with our role as heads of state. But back then, we had two things to help us: the status of our nation as a superpower, and the amazing work of our staff at the Department of State who managed to solve every issue."

"But here, it's a mess." continues Adrean. "From the start, it was - and still is- a truly shitty situation. There can't be a good or bad way to end it, just two bad ways. Either cancer or AIDS as one of my medicine teachers told me."

"While the Sultana didn't phrased her arguments in the nicest way, she still raises some truths. Kyrenaia was hit hard by COVID, and in times of need, who do the people look up to to guide them? That's right, us heads of state, be we Monarchs, Presidents, etc. Add in the mix how Kyrenaian society views homosexuality, Aurelia's escapades in the past, their Hyena Game where every person of power will try to cloak and dagger with the other, especially the Ilkhans considering they are all possible Sultan or Sultana candidates, given they are an elected monarch, and you get quite the shitstorm indeed.

And on the other side, the UIS, a young nation, but hardly a superpower. While no one here agrees with Razia when she told you you weren't of a proper lineage, you can't deny that your five Islands are not on our level Marcella. It's a fact, surely not pleasant to here, and I don't take pleasure to tell it to you, but it remains." says Adrean, before taking a sip of his coffee mug.

"There was no good situation out of this." says Norman Whitaker from a nearby table. "Either you Duchess kept your relation with Aurelia, but it would have weakened the Sultanate politically and with its internal affairs, or you let her go, but while the situation would have been solved politically, you end up with a heartache. But while a heartache can be healed naturally by time, political matters often do not."

"Indeed." continues Anna with a semi sinister tone as she looks down for a few seconds. "Personal feelings and politics should never mix. But here they did."
Then, suddenly, the Keisaerina raises her head back up, and looks straight to Marcella, her eyes seemingly boring into the sould of the young Duchess with an intense expression.

"Rest assured Marcella, we will always defend the UIS. But for your sake, you will note that we had to do many things.
First of all, among all the arsenal we have in the Malditas, we have tactical nuclear warheads." Anna says with a very serious tone, telling the last three words more slowly so that they sink well in Marcella's mind. "Those are ready to be mounted on our antiship missiles should the Kyrenaians try anything funny.
Secodnd, we took the risk to break the diplomatic codes of Mervay, which worked for a time and allowed us to gain some very useful intel, but now they seemingly have caught onto us and changed their codes. So we will have some explaining to do with them in one week, and this will surely impact the relations between our two countries."

"Yup, that's not a meeting we wish to have." adds Adrean with a sigh. "But Anna is right, we're putting a lot on the line for the UIS sake here Marcella. I'm not saying this to ask for favors afterwards, just so that you remember that next time, you may not always have friends who can help you out of situation where you're partly at fault."

"And to add insult to injury, some of Aurelia's letters regarding you leaked in the Kyrenaian yellow press, so that will get the public's attention even more on this affair." says Pavel from the side as he crosses his arms.

"That's not important right now man." replies Adrean to his friend, before turning back to the AHSCAians. "What we need to focus on right now is to prepare the negotiations. The Kyrenaians are very proud people Marcella, you've surely heard of their infamous Kyrenaian Pride. In our opinion, Razia won't simply accept an apology, she may need to find a balance between being firm but forgiving, to appease both the hawks and the others among her subjects."

"We got a message by our ambassador/ ACI agent, Daniel Vincao, that you have writtent and sent an apology letter to the Sultana. What did you told her exactly? Did she give you an answer? And also, did another member of your family or government send her a letter too? We realy need to know this first before we start working on our options Marcella." says Anna with a smile.

Yet again, the UIS had to be reminded they weren't a superpower and weren't in the best place to bargain, it's the sort of thing that rather set Marcella off the last time but she kept quiet on this one but Noir had to sigh in frustration at that. "I know you're right on that but to hear it constantly is getting rather irksome. While I do wish for a cooler head to have prevailed part of me doesn't miss yet another nation that just regards us as a spec..."

"Noir...Easy does it." Marcella this time talked her down.

"I'm sorry." She said tersely then calmly "I am sorry, I know again you're right, from a global standpoint, we need the Sultanate more than they need us but I still get tired of being treated like we don't matter. People like my parents, like Marcella's mother who all fought, died and were prisoners to gain our freedom. I hate to think their sacrifice means nothing in the end."

"I must agree," Asuna spoke out "I've kept my silence until now but there was no reason for The Sultana to insult My Lady or our country the way she did. But her Highness wants to make some sort of amends we shall help her. Or rather, Noir will."

Noir muttered something in native tongue out of frustration along the lines Maybe we oughta to get a few dozen nukes to earn respect.

"Anyway, you say the Sultana might want something more. Along the lines, what are you thinking? Oh yes I did write a letter, sincerely working to say I'm ready to make amends. I'll admit, the open letters of Aurelia hurt me pretty hard to the point I almost thought of writing a revenge piece but I've done enough damage so I just bucked up and wrote to the Sultana saying I am sorry for losing my temper with her, hoping we can at least start to mend things together and that I've agreed to Mervay's mediation in the matter and that I will formally apologize to her and her Court if she so desires. She wrote back. Noir?"

"I have a copy of her letter for you."

Your Royal Highness,
You are gravely mistaken as You are far from the last person We want to hear from right now. In fact, We are grateful to hear from You directly instead of by the ways of press releases and relayed messages.

To Our understanding, the Kingdom of Mervay is still willing to, indeed, mediate, a service rendered upon the Sultanate We can not forget nor recompense. Furthermore, said mediation is to take place in Mervay, on neutral grounds, and ensure, that both sides leave with a diplomatic solution in hand, which they can live with.
The Sultanate is willing to attend such a mediation – We will, however, send a delegation, led by Our sons, Prince Damir ibn-Razia and Crown Prince Ilia ibn-Razia. They will speak Our Will.

Allow Us to close with a few personal words, Young Khana:

I 'put up with' (to borrow your phrasing) the relationship between you two not because of any obligation, but because it made Aurelia happy. What Grandmother would I be, if I wanted to see my Granddaughter unhappy?
At the same time, it was reasons of state as to why I ended it. I told you of them and I will not repeat them. What Sultana would I be, if I allowed the Sultanate to be divided?
In time, I hope, that both of you will understand and that, maybe, we will eat at the same table again.


May the winds carry a cool, gentle breeze and not too much water (to adapt the usual blessing),
Razia,
Sultana, Mother of the Nation, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

---

The Kitan
It was true this was an entire unorthodox approach that has landed more responses than in a press conference, even if they would had loved if this was outside the baths.
The Chancellor and Princess looked at the journalist with an blank expression on their faces as she gave the next questions in regards to the buildup from the Kyrenaians with one of their carrier groups present around international waters, an chain reaction followed soon enough in the form of the UIS Protectors deploying their own forces to the region and the Astarians, alongside the possibility of Mervay's own forces in the area, if they weren't already present in the area and knowing the current situation they will be en route at least. It was fair to say that negotiations needed to be a success and that the Astarians do not try anything crazy; but alas, a tense question had to appear.

"I would wisely suggest that we do not talk about my daughter, her wife and family if possible." The chancellor soon spoke, looking coldly at the journalist before continuing. "I reserve my right to reject that question due to the personal links and I hope that anything said in regards to it do not appears in the paper." She will not link the personal relation and connection enough as she did through diplomatic channels with the Kyrenaian Government and the paranoic wackos at Columbia through the leak, no matter how open it was that she loved her daugher and daughter-in-law, nor that the ill temper of both the Old Dreadnought and Ill Tempered Duchess begun the mess that everyone is trying to clean while gaining something as the main parties are busy with damage control. If one asked Jessica Dileva something, was that the moment she's done with this work is that she will ask for vacations and a bonus. But this had to go on and so she decided to answer the questions.

"In regards to the increasing presence of Foreign Military Forces around the UIS and their surrounding waters, the Mervayan Government understands the concerns of the respective parties and we aren't concerned by the Kyrenaian Naval Presence as long as they follow their word in that they are partaking in anti-piracy operation, but; we hope the moment negotiations finalize we will see a complete reduction of military presence from all parties and their allies." Diplomatic and skipping in a way the point of any possible Mervayan Presence in the area, but that will be rectified. "Of course, that does include any Mervayan Military presence in the region as well, this one as peacekeeper as to ensure that both the UIS and allies, and, The Kyrenaian Government; understand that we are commited to an peaceful solution while prepared for a quick reaction to defend our nationals in the islands and evacuate them alongside any other that wish to do so in the process as refugees, that means we are prepared should any possible escalation threatens the region." The talk of supporting either one or the other was something to be discussed in the future if war does break out, they were at crossroads with both nations.

"As for our opinion in the Astarians, no comment."

The Kitan


Oooh she might have just hit journalism pay dirt when she clearly struck a nerve with the fact she found the mother of Lady Tess. Usually she'd try to push it but best not test the luck with that cold response, she somehow felt a chill even in the hot water. "Sure sure, off the record, I hear ya." She maybe had a few questions but the door opened up with the tense voice asking, "What's going on in here?" It wasn't THE manager but it was probably the next worse thing, her right hand, second-in-command. Busted cold. "N-N-Nagisaaaaa.....Didn't know you were working tonight...." Standing in the doorway was Nagisa along with another trainee attendant.

"Fumio, if you know what's good for you, you'll get out now, but don't go far."

"All right all right. Ladies, thank you for your time." She hastily made her retreat weaving around the two ladies. "Mina, see that she does as told."

"Yes ma'am." The young trainee went along to do as instructed.

Entering further she bowed, "Miladies, please accept my humblest apology for her interrupting your time and if she bothered you in any other way. I believe your time with us is already comped but if there's anything further we can do, please let me know. Again I am so truly sorry. Manager Tsubaki is out for the night but if you wish to speak with her I will make sure you speak with her first thing tomorrow morning."

Residence

Satou noticed she still hadn't finished while Tess already cleared her plate, "Oh well okay. But if you need help just say so." Satou took her time still thinking and contemplating but feeling a bit better and relaxed now, the more scary thoughts from just a moment ago fleeting just as quickly as they arrived. No time to be scared, gotta be the rock.

---

Shirin Waradra.
Darqaeidin-Palace near Utica.
I raised an eyebrow at the surname-bit - well, apparently, other countries other manners, but I will still tell the Tabardariyya about that. They had a small intelligence section, usually closely associated with Naval Intelligence, so if there was a truth to her claim and it checked all out, they'd know.
"That's right, I'm Shirin... Mola.", I said and got comfortable, "And you're welcome... though the question is, if you will feel welcome, once the Garden's Mistress is through with you..."
It sounded ominous because it was.
Mola would have little chance to reply because once she had parked her rear onto the back of the bike, I revved the engine and began our ride, first to the next bus stop for her, then to the motor pool for me.
I let her off at the bus stop and grinned. "The next one should come in a few minutes. See you next Monday!"

"Another demon spawn I have to deal with? Ah forgive my frankness, don't worry about me, I'll be fine and ready but I assume I'll survive and if I don't well then I don't but I won't know until I do it. Thank you again, I'll see you then." This Shirin gal, she might be one to watch out for.

It was some time of walking, bus hopping and that she made it "home" and was able to regale her group with everything that happened today. "How I wanted to reach over the desk and give him one good punch in the face. But I didn't do that."

"Ahahaha" IF had to get a good laugh out of it "You sure you're up for this, based on what you said the gal told you, you're in for another rough time."

"Easy peazy, they don't scare me."

"Ya know we could just save a lot of time and drum up a scandal of some kind. An old duft like that is bound to have a few skeletons in his closet. If not we just circle a few rumors to the tabloids. They had plenty of fun reporting on Aurelia back then."

"Mmm we'll keep that as Plan B, but remember we're really here as the eyes and ears more than to engage in operations. Took a lot of arm twisting just to get the HO to agree to let me become a mole."

"Well watch your back, meantime the rest of us will keep our beats going out on the street."

"You be careful out there too. Kyrenaians are for sure sharp, even the Sirin woman seemed to be eyeballing me the whole time."

"Maybe she thinks your hot"

"You're impossible, I.F.."

"I'm kidding. Of course we can't let our guard down but at least we got Paramara with us, makes me feel better if we gotta get out in a hurry."

"I hear ya. What about our contact who put us on to this whole new op?"

"Like the first time, I'll assume she'll get in touch with us when she's good and ready. Meanwhile, I'll let you sleep."

"Where you off to this time of night?"

"Figure I'd hit the local pubs. Don't look at me like that, it's business. No better place to eavesdrop. Might not learn anything but can't hurt/"

"All right, be careful."

"I will."

[Astares Amauricanum]

Yet again, the UIS had to be reminded they weren't a superpower and weren't in the best place to bargain, it's the sort of thing that rather set Marcella off the last time but she kept quiet on this one but Noir had to sigh in frustration at that. "I know you're right on that but to hear it constantly is getting rather irksome. While I do wish for a cooler head to have prevailed part of me doesn't miss yet another nation that just regards us as a spec..."

"Noir...Easy does it." Marcella this time talked her down.

"I'm sorry." She said tersely then calmly "I am sorry, I know again you're right, from a global standpoint, we need the Sultanate more than they need us but I still get tired of being treated like we don't matter. People like my parents, like Marcella's mother who all fought, died and were prisoners to gain our freedom. I hate to think their sacrifice means nothing in the end."

"I must agree," Asuna spoke out "I've kept my silence until now but there was no reason for The Sultana to insult My Lady or our country the way she did. But her Highness wants to make some sort of amends we shall help her. Or rather, Noir will."

Noir muttered something in native tongue out of frustration along the lines Maybe we oughta to get a few dozen nukes to earn respect.

"Anyway, you say the Sultana might want something more. Along the lines, what are you thinking? Oh yes I did write a letter, sincerely working to say I'm ready to make amends. I'll admit, the open letters of Aurelia hurt me pretty hard to the point I almost thought of writing a revenge piece but I've done enough damage so I just bucked up and wrote to the Sultana saying I am sorry for losing my temper with her, hoping we can at least start to mend things together and that I've agreed to Mervay's mediation in the matter and that I will formally apologize to her and her Court if she so desires. She wrote back. Noir?"

"I have a copy of her letter for you."

Your Royal Highness,
You are gravely mistaken as You are far from the last person We want to hear from right now. In fact, We are grateful to hear from You directly instead of by the ways of press releases and relayed messages.

To Our understanding, the Kingdom of Mervay is still willing to, indeed, mediate, a service rendered upon the Sultanate We can not forget nor recompense. Furthermore, said mediation is to take place in Mervay, on neutral grounds, and ensure, that both sides leave with a diplomatic solution in hand, which they can live with.
The Sultanate is willing to attend such a mediation – We will, however, send a delegation, led by Our sons, Prince Damir ibn-Razia and Crown Prince Ilia ibn-Razia. They will speak Our Will.

Allow Us to close with a few personal words, Young Khana:

I 'put up with' (to borrow your phrasing) the relationship between you two not because of any obligation, but because it made Aurelia happy. What Grandmother would I be, if I wanted to see my Granddaughter unhappy?
At the same time, it was reasons of state as to why I ended it. I told you of them and I will not repeat them. What Sultana would I be, if I allowed the Sultanate to be divided?
In time, I hope, that both of you will understand and that, maybe, we will eat at the same table again.


May the winds carry a cool, gentle breeze and not too much water (to adapt the usual blessing),
Razia,
Sultana, Mother of the Nation, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Adrean and Anna listen to Noir, Marcella and Asuna, before the Imperial Couple lean back in their chairs and cross their arms.

"Noir, let me tell you something." starts Adrean with a calm but serious voice. "As you surely know, we have been trained as SF operators, with a slight touch of mysticism and a painful ritual including food-laced drugs and mental instability on top.
Ever since, we have been considered by many around the world, in both the general populace and circles of power, as psychopaths, monsters, and a few other flowery names. Of course, not everyone thinks this about us. And the ones who think it are intelligent enough to not say it in our face, unless they invoke our wrath. It's a fact we have tried many times to change, but to no avail.

When we tell you that the UIS are not a superpower, do we say, at any point, that we regard you as such and that you do not matter? The answer is: No.
Every nation on this Earth deserves to be respected the same, no matter their size, influence, the number of nukes they have, etc. And for us Astarians, AHSCA is certainly NOT a small spec not worthy of our attention.
You, Marcella, and every other UIS citizen matters to us Astarians, okay? Otherwise, do you think we would have given you an Intelligence Agency without many counterparties? Would we be risking important military assets to protect you right now?
We do not do it to give you the bill later, but because we want to. Because even if from a global standpoint, the UIS is small, in our hearts, it's big."

As Adrean finishes, be can see that everyone of his friends around the room nod in approval and give him some thumbs-up.

"You are completely right Asuna, the Sultana did not have to insult Marcella or the UIS the way she did." says Anna. "Had it happened in the Imperium, she would have ended with a broken jaw courtesy of me or my husband.
As for what the Sultana might want Marcella," continues the Keisaerina as she turns to the Duchess, "honesty, we don't know. Our knowledge of Kyrenaian culture and manners, even at the Department of State, are not complete.
And we have to consider another fact: in her letters that were leaked by the press, Aurelia makes it quite clear that you might be advised by the wrong people, and those wrong people, even though she does not say it out loud, are us.
So, we are ready to give you some advice if you still want to, but please note that when the time of negotiations come, the Kyrenaians will think that you are maybe manipulated."

"They'll think this either way when they see arriving us all together in one week, we can't turn back now." adds Adrean. "Personally, I don't think she will try something big. Maybe a few diplomatic moves to favor her interests." he says, before taking the letter Noir hands him, and taking some time to read it with Anna.

After a few moments, during which they take a few bites of their meal, the Imperial Couple looks back to their guests.

"Based on the listening device reports in your office, we were indeed told you were working on a revenge piece on Aurelia, but that you decided to throw it away and instead write an apology to the Sultana. Smart move.
As for what we can make of this letter, honestly, I don't see why we would ever need a mediation right now. I mean, this seems to me like we are 99% in solving the problem, what do you think Honey? he asks his wife.

"I don't see what the problem would be either. Mervay's mediation seems almost fruitless and useless to me since Marcella and Razia both exchanged messages directly.
Anyway, based on this, we may be tempted to think the counterparts she will ask - or rather, her two sons Ilia and Damir will ask- during the mediation will be light. She made her point clear on both the personal and political issues, which are correct to a certain extent."

"Now, the main question you have to ask yourself, and that we also ask you Marcella, is this: how far are you willing to go for the negotiation to succeed? What sacrifices or concessions are you ready to make?" asks Adrean with a serious tone, but with a gentle smile to the Duchess.

[Mervay]

The Kitan


Oooh she might have just hit journalism pay dirt when she clearly struck a nerve with the fact she found the mother of Lady Tess. Usually she'd try to push it but best not test the luck with that cold response, she somehow felt a chill even in the hot water. "Sure sure, off the record, I hear ya." She maybe had a few questions but the door opened up with the tense voice asking, "What's going on in here?" It wasn't THE manager but it was probably the next worse thing, her right hand, second-in-command. Busted cold. "N-N-Nagisaaaaa.....Didn't know you were working tonight...." Standing in the doorway was Nagisa along with another trainee attendant.

"Fumio, if you know what's good for you, you'll get out now, but don't go far."

"All right all right. Ladies, thank you for your time." She hastily made her retreat weaving around the two ladies. "Mina, see that she does as told."

"Yes ma'am." The young trainee went along to do as instructed.

Entering further she bowed, "Miladies, please accept my humblest apology for her interrupting your time and if she bothered you in any other way. I believe your time with us is already comped but if there's anything further we can do, please let me know. Again I am so truly sorry. Manager Tsubaki is out for the night but if you wish to speak with her I will make sure you speak with her first thing tomorrow morning."

Residence

Satou noticed she still hadn't finished while Tess already cleared her plate, "Oh well okay. But if you need help just say so." Satou took her time still thinking and contemplating but feeling a bit better and relaxed now, the more scary thoughts from just a moment ago fleeting just as quickly as they arrived. No time to be scared, gotta be the rock.

The Kitan
It seemed like she would make another question after being warned by the Chancellor to not ask anything in regards to her daughter and having recived answers in regards to the rest.
However, nothing of the sort happened as the resort personnel finally appeared; the journalist from the The Hanasaku Press had to leave if she did not want to be faced with a ban; something she did as the aide from the woman left to ensure she did as told while she apologized for the ordeal.

"We would pretty much like so." The Princess interceded for the two of them as she looked back at her partner, which if to be honest; wasn't up to talk after dealing with that. "Just please make sure this does not repeat again, it would be bad for everyone if this did so." It was an honest request and it would all be left fine, they had commend the journalist for her determination to get the exclusive and facepalm themselves for accepting the offer than rejecting it and telling her to contact them in the morning.

"I would like that she does not suffer an ban from the establishment. While this whole incident was tense, we also were responsible in allowing it in the first place." It was fair and to admit their share of the blame, since they could had talked about it later on, plus like it was said, they had to commend her determination, even if the method was as unorthodox as possible.

---

Residence
"Got it." She smiled, continuing her work on the dishes without trouble.
It was all calm, without any other hiccup after earlier today with that talk; Tess wondered if common sense returned into the two of the heads of state, perhaps if they did Mervay wouldn't need to act as mediator and nor her mother and father would be scared of her well being like they were after the hurricane, she got off without a hitch that one and well... It worked like a charm! Since here she was. Married with the woman she deeply loved with passion and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

She begun to hum a song to pass the time, to enjoy it and have fun with an smile on her face as she did so, the homely feeling and the presence of Satou helping her a lot.

L is for the way you look at me

She soon begun to sing it softly, all while drying up everything; there was someone who was meant to hear it of course. Her heart beating like an orchestra as her eyes soon fell in that person.

O is for the only one I see

She soon begun to think on Satou as a person, her smile, her radiant eyes, that determination combined with kindness, her whole if she didn't wanted to make her mind present a list too long she wouldn't have any trouble on citing everything as she loved all of it; she was...

V is very, very extraordinary

That; she was extraordinary. She loved her madly, made her heart flutter like it was the first time they met.

E is even more than anyone that you adore can-
Love is all that I can give to you

Tess loved Satou a lot and tried her best to show it, trying to see if she sometimes could leave those self-depreciating thoughts if even they were small in regards to the difference between the two in their upbringings.

Love is more than just a game for two
Two in love can make it

It was more than that, love was what united them, fate brought them here; through a simple dinner when she was alone and she on a break was how it all begun and what could had ended in a short stand became something more with that hurricane; commitment, loyalty, passion, care; it was the ultimate sign of love and one she wore proudly as she tried to balance her life in the two countries.

Take my heart and, please, don't break it
Love was made for me and you

Soon, Tess went behind her wife as she gently leaned in to kiss her.

"je t'aime, Satou."

---

Command Center of the Commanding Admiral, RKN Muhit.
Admiral Abbas Lahia.
The situation got more and more interesting by the day.
There was a Lamonian Battlegroup in the area, there was a Mervayan Battlegroup in the area, the Astarians were paddling around, there was a lot of civilian traffic in the area as well... the question was, how long would it take until they would de-arse the area, both in the event of hostilities and in the event of posturing contests.
The fun part was, that we weren't here for posturing.
We were WAR #20 Patrol.
Completely different matter entirely.
We had been here before the two cunt munchers screwed up, we had patrolled and we had done our job splendidly. Patrolling, stopping suspicious vessels, being there for the odd photo-op. Then the whole crisis began.
One had to give one thing to Princess Aurelia, though: She stayed by her course. She already announced her intention to continue working for a change in the Law of Marriage. I just hoped, that she would one day marry a guy and find her happiness.
What happened to that Atif Qalb anyway?
Wouldn't want to be in his shoes anyway.
Be that as it may be, here in the Command Center of the Commanding Admiral, things were calm, collected, not easy, but specialists did their jobs with precision and skill. I was observing, especially the big plotting table with the real-time updates.
The UIS were at the opposite end of the table from my perspective.
If we wanted to burn them to cinders, we would have long since done so. That we didn't should dissiduate many fears, especially since there was the Sultana's word, that we wouldn't do so.
That it didn't told me, that there were enough, who simply didn't understand us.
"Sir.", an officer spoke up as he stepped up to me, a Lieutenant with a printout in his hand, "We just received a communique from the Mervayans."
I nodded and took the sheet:

"Attention to all foreign ships and forces in the Area; this is Rear Admiral Marciel Di Tulio Pandolfo of the Kingdom of Mervay and it's Navy, commander of Task Force A. Our presence isn't meant for an escalation of the conflict, on the contrary, our operation in the area is meant to de-escalate as a peacekeeping force until the current crisis comes to an end, that is our mission in this area and our only mission. We will leave the waters around the UIS the moment the negotiations end in success and the crisis can be considered over. That is all. Over and out."

This messege was interesting, especially when surrounded by all the markings and additional data.
"Log it. Reply as follows...", I ordered, then turned the paper around and wrote on the back:

Rear Admiral Pandolfo, this is Admiral Abbas Lahia, RKN, aboard RKN Muhit. From my point of view, de-escalation is unnecessary. Carrier Group 5 of the RKN is in the area under the World Assembly Resolution 20 and we will remain on station until ordered otherwise. As the Government of the Sultanate of Kyrenaia has pointed out, we have no aggressive intentions towards the United Island States of AHSCA. I took the liberty of informing the pilots assigned to my carriers of your presence. Should anyone of them misbehave or treat your people not with the utmost respect afforded to Friends of the Sultanate, I expect to be informed immediately. Punishment will be rendered in accordance with the transgression. Lahia, over and out.

This promised to be interesting.

---

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I raised an eyebrow.
So Agus did regularly help in her household, eh...? Granted, we did clean up after ourselves, orderly desks, making the bed, getting the old socks into the hamper, that kind of thing, but Agus made it sound as if she was half a Handmaiden herself...
I did smile at her mentioning her own old maid dress.
"Mine is actually from my Grandmother... mother's side, that is. She owns an inn.", I explained, "When I was little, I bettered up my pocket money by helping out, the cutest maid in the entire house, and when I went to Utica, she made a point out of it to send me a new maid dress once every year. The newest is... fun."
I smiled at Agus.
"If you want, I can bring it along for the Return Visit.", I added with a wink.

---

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Princess Yasmin bint-Atif.
I listened to Pandereos with a smile.
Passionate young man, that was for certain. If he would apply the same passion to anything he did, he would be a splendid Prince, someone his Queen (and sister) could really depend on.
That being said, I replied: "Yet there are many things, which the ancient eyes of the Spiorad have seen, but which have long since been forgotten.", I told him, "In some cases luckily, in others, not so much. We could now throw examples at each other with reckless abandon, but the fact remains, that time marches on and if time decrees, that certain traditions or structures served their course, there is little what we can do."
Our two Fidchell players concluded their game, Damir with the sour expression of someone, who had lost by a narrow margin extended his hand, Mahmut taking it with the grin of a winner.

Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
I looked at Aurelia raising an eyebrow at me due to how nonchantly I said I aided in the chores.
We all did that without any trouble as it also gave us independence of relying entirely on the staff, we knew we also needed to get around without them and was more pleasant to aid in the work than let others do it for yourself.
Aurelia soon told me from the maid dresses she recived from her grandmother from her mother's side, the biological one to be specific; she worked as one of those maids you saw in the Inn's of the Free Lands to have pocket money for herself, it was nice of hearing her talk of those times and how it became a tradition from them that she's gifted a new dress each year and from her tone, the one she was gifted this year was something and with the tone that Aurelia mentioned and how she offered to bring it along for the return visit, I couldn't help but agree with an slight blush on her cheeks.

"Y-yeah. That sounds fun." It was something I had to admit, I really looked foward to seeing Aurelia dressed like a maid, the sole image in her mind already makes me go full tomato. And before I had a comeback, I remembered something.

"Ohh." Yeah... I was already betting she will be around here with Sarina soon. "By the way, you think Sarina might had told my staff, you know my butler and maid?"

---

Pandareos III of Mervay/Luciano Marcello Da Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
I smiled at the Princess as she mentioned that.
Some things will be forgotten, they will be history, but they will be remembered through the accounts of those that lived throught those times, be elvens or humans and the evidence that can be brought; and some? Well, perhaps they were meant to be forgotten.

"Perhaps, we also have our own people that walked this earth for far too long. Elvens had been walking this earth as long as spiroads have in our home; a sizable minority that saw a lot of things in their time around, some young as us, others from the time of my ancestors and beyond." I said, an slight smile on my face as I continued. "Many remember things that aided us in the reconstruction of history, traditions and costumes that were able to be kept alive to today, the best of those ideals while remembering the worst to never commit them again; but those that weren't able to be saved, they were left behind to be forgotten." Soon after I finalized my explanation, the sound of two people startled me to glance upon it and I've found Prince Damir with a sour expression after losing narrowly his game and Prince Mahmut with a wide grin of victory.

"A while longer and I would had been concerned if you two were still in the realm of the living." I said dryly at the two of them before looking at Lady Yasmin with an amused shrug before returning my focus to the two Prince's politely. "I'll take it we can be assured there will be no rematch for today aren't we?"

[AHSCA]

Adrean and Anna listen to Noir, Marcella and Asuna, before the Imperial Couple lean back in their chairs and cross their arms.

"Noir, let me tell you something." starts Adrean with a calm but serious voice. "As you surely know, we have been trained as SF operators, with a slight touch of mysticism and a painful ritual including food-laced drugs and mental instability on top.
Ever since, we have been considered by many around the world, in both the general populace and circles of power, as psychopaths, monsters, and a few other flowery names. Of course, not everyone thinks this about us. And the ones who think it are intelligent enough to not say it in our face, unless they invoke our wrath. It's a fact we have tried many times to change, but to no avail.

When we tell you that the UIS are not a superpower, do we say, at any point, that we regard you as such and that you do not matter? The answer is: No.
Every nation on this Earth deserves to be respected the same, no matter their size, influence, the number of nukes they have, etc. And for us Astarians, AHSCA is certainly NOT a small spec not worthy of our attention.
You, Marcella, and every other UIS citizen matters to us Astarians, okay? Otherwise, do you think we would have given you an Intelligence Agency without many counterparties? Would we be risking important military assets to protect you right now?
We do not do it to give you the bill later, but because we want to. Because even if from a global standpoint, the UIS is small, in our hearts, it's big."

As Adrean finishes, be can see that everyone of his friends around the room nod in approval and give him some thumbs-up.

"You are completely right Asuna, the Sultana did not have to insult Marcella or the UIS the way she did." says Anna. "Had it happened in the Imperium, she would have ended with a broken jaw courtesy of me or my husband.
As for what the Sultana might want Marcella," continues the Keisaerina as she turns to the Duchess, "honesty, we don't know. Our knowledge of Kyrenaian culture and manners, even at the Department of State, are not complete.
And we have to consider another fact: in her letters that were leaked by the press, Aurelia makes it quite clear that you might be advised by the wrong people, and those wrong people, even though she does not say it out loud, are us.
So, we are ready to give you some advice if you still want to, but please note that when the time of negotiations come, the Kyrenaians will think that you are maybe manipulated."

"They'll think this either way when they see arriving us all together in one week, we can't turn back now." adds Adrean. "Personally, I don't think she will try something big. Maybe a few diplomatic moves to favor her interests." he says, before taking the letter Noir hands him, and taking some time to read it with Anna.

After a few moments, during which they take a few bites of their meal, the Imperial Couple looks back to their guests.

"Based on the listening device reports in your office, we were indeed told you were working on a revenge piece on Aurelia, but that you decided to throw it away and instead write an apology to the Sultana. Smart move.
As for what we can make of this letter, honestly, I don't see why we would ever need a mediation right now. I mean, this seems to me like we are 99% in solving the problem, what do you think Honey? he asks his wife.

"I don't see what the problem would be either. Mervay's mediation seems almost fruitless and useless to me since Marcella and Razia both exchanged messages directly.
Anyway, based on this, we may be tempted to think the counterparts she will ask - or rather, her two sons Ilia and Damir will ask- during the mediation will be light. She made her point clear on both the personal and political issues, which are correct to a certain extent."

"Now, the main question you have to ask yourself, and that we also ask you Marcella, is this: how far are you willing to go for the negotiation to succeed? What sacrifices or concessions are you ready to make?" asks Adrean with a serious tone, but with a gentle smile to the Duchess.

Marcella prepared to answer but again Noir took control, "If I may further, I've been discussing this matter with Her Highness thoroughly. Now we all want what is best and we aren't going to go to the moon with any demands here. But at present I feel it's best we wait on what the Sultana says next or rather see if they placate demands. Of course, Her Highness is not going to get on her knees and grovel and she's already shown a willingness to give her apology. If the Sultana accepts that, so be it we can go from there."

"I will leave the door open to see if they wish to reclaim their old establishment on Aurora but should they decide otherwise, do consider the land to be yours for the taking in their place. For now, I want to follow Noir's lead and play things carefully. I'll show my due respect and I will give the Sultana my humblest of apology for my outburst. Another thing I would like is them to start scaling back their activities in the South Seas. They claim to be apart of some WA activity but I fear it's starting to make our regional neighbors nervous or agitated and last thing I want is a firefight in our part of the world. But as such, it has little to do with the matters at hand so I worry it may not be proper to ask."

"Unless our spies uncover anything that shows this patrol is really an excuse to saber rattle but being non members of the WA I feel there's little we could do in that case unless you feel differently?"

The Kitan
It seemed like she would make another question after being warned by the Chancellor to not ask anything in regards to her daughter and having recived answers in regards to the rest.
However, nothing of the sort happened as the resort personnel finally appeared; the journalist from the The Hanasaku Press had to leave if she did not want to be faced with a ban; something she did as the aide from the woman left to ensure she did as told while she apologized for the ordeal.

"We would pretty much like so." The Princess interceded for the two of them as she looked back at her partner, which if to be honest; wasn't up to talk after dealing with that. "Just please make sure this does not repeat again, it would be bad for everyone if this did so." It was an honest request and it would all be left fine, they had commend the journalist for her determination to get the exclusive and facepalm themselves for accepting the offer than rejecting it and telling her to contact them in the morning.

"I would like that she does not suffer an ban from the establishment. While this whole incident was tense, we also were responsible in allowing it in the first place." It was fair and to admit their share of the blame, since they could had talked about it later on, plus like it was said, they had to commend her determination, even if the method was as unorthodox as possible.



Residence
"Got it." She smiled, continuing her work on the dishes without trouble.
It was all calm, without any other hiccup after earlier today with that talk; Tess wondered if common sense returned into the two of the heads of state, perhaps if they did Mervay wouldn't need to act as mediator and nor her mother and father would be scared of her well being like they were after the hurricane, she got off without a hitch that one and well... It worked like a charm! Since here she was. Married with the woman she deeply loved with passion and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

She begun to hum a song to pass the time, to enjoy it and have fun with an smile on her face as she did so, the homely feeling and the presence of Satou helping her a lot.

L is for the way you look at me

She soon begun to sing it softly, all while drying up everything; there was someone who was meant to hear it of course. Her heart beating like an orchestra as her eyes soon fell in that person.

O is for the only one I see

She soon begun to think on Satou as a person, her smile, her radiant eyes, that determination combined with kindness, her whole if she didn't wanted to make her mind present a list too long she wouldn't have any trouble on citing everything as she loved all of it; she was...

V is very, very extraordinary

That; she was extraordinary. She loved her madly, made her heart flutter like it was the first time they met.

E is even more than anyone that you adore can-
Love is all that I can give to you

Tess loved Satou a lot and tried her best to show it, trying to see if she sometimes could leave those self-depreciating thoughts if even they were small in regards to the difference between the two in their upbringings.

Love is more than just a game for two
Two in love can make it

It was more than that, love was what united them, fate brought them here; through a simple dinner when she was alone and she on a break was how it all begun and what could had ended in a short stand became something more with that hurricane; commitment, loyalty, passion, care; it was the ultimate sign of love and one she wore proudly as she tried to balance her life in the two countries.

Take my heart and, please, don't break it
Love was made for me and you

Soon, Tess went behind her wife as she gently leaned in to kiss her.

"je t'aime, Satou."

The Kitan

They seemed understanding, kind of but there was still a bit of ominousness behind it would be bad for everyone but perhaps Nagisa was already frazzled for this to happen on her watch.

"Yes, Miladies, of course. I'll be sure you are undisturbed and again, please accept my apologies. I shall deal with her on my own but still arrange a meeting for you tomorrow morning. And yes I'll take your request to heart. The decision rests with Manager Tsubaki but I trust she will. Please excuse me, my trainee will be with you momentarily." She made her leave just like that. Fumio as instructed didn't go far. "Mina, please stand ready to ensure our VIP guests have assistance if they need."

"Yes ma'am."

"Fumio....I oughta pound you into the sands of the beaches right now"

"Easy does it, Nagisa." Fumio put her hands up defensively, "Just part of the job. People need to know and be informed..."

"Pedal your rag sheet on your own time, don't drag me or the staff into it. You're lucky honestly they've already put in a good word for you that you may be spared a full banning from here. But you know the decision rests with my boss, the very boss who could also fire me for this."

"I doubt she will, besides you didn't help me and I didn't register under my own name so you couldn't know anything about me being here. I was just here by sheer happenstance and coincidence and I just sort of took advantage of the moment that's all. You have full plausible deniability, Nagisa. Look, I'll come tomorrow and also apologize but I think you'll be fine. I got the story, your latest trainee gets to gawk at some VIPs for a few minutes everyone wins, right?"

"Ugh, beat it!"

"All right all right. My time is fully paid for too by the way but I'll leave a little extra for the trouble."

"Yeah, you better."

Everyone was already on edge enough with this whole drama between the Duchess and Sultana, somehow this just felt like more sand in the eyes on top of that. For the young trainee, well this already was quite a first night on the job but for now she just did was instructed waited for their guests by getting fresh towels ready for them as needed. She honestly had no clue who they were, besides being deemed VIPs. Maybe they were really rich or something, maybe they worked in government? Well either way.

Residence

Satou still lost in thought was brought back to her senses by hearing Tess humming a song. Tess really did have a soothing pretty voice and her singing wasn't bad either but honestly she could be terribly off key and Satou would love her anyway. But humming gave way to actual sinning and what lovely song it was about love. "Aaah Tess." she repeated it back though her Mervayn French was still a work in progress, hopefully she got the words across fine enough to express the same for her beloved and one thing she was able to say clearly in native Auroran daisuki.

[Kyrenaia]

[...]

"Another demon spawn I have to deal with? Ah forgive my frankness, don't worry about me, I'll be fine and ready but I assume I'll survive and if I don't well then I don't but I won't know until I do it. Thank you again, I'll see you then." This Shirin gal, she might be one to watch out for.

[...]

Shirin Waradra.
Darqaeidin-Palace near Utica.
Demon Spawn, huh?
Well, someone certainly did not like my boss, that was for sure. Either that or she had the wrong impression of me.
Either way, after saying our goodbyes, I brought the bike to the motor pool and then dressed into my 'uniform', the characteristic bands of silk and pants and veil. That done, I asked on the radio net, where the Grand Vizier was and the answer was... in the Hammam.
He was apparently talking with the head of security of the Darqaeidin-Palace, Lieutenant Iindahara, there. I steeled my nerves, undressed in the changing room and entered, the blue silken towel wrapped around me.
The Hammam was a Cold-Warm-Hot-Style Hammam, the Cold Room being at room temperatures with a shallow pool of hot water in the center. The two men sat there, their towels at their side.
The Lieutenant was delicious to look at, while al-Zahir... he had been a good-looking man in his youth, but time had not been kind to him. A job chaining him to a desk had done its worst as well. He was an old man, slightly pudgy, his skin crinkly.
"Ah, Shirin.", he greeted me and motioned for me to sit next to him. Neither men looked as I did so, shedding the towel. Naked as the day I was born, I sat next to the former Grand Vizier and only took a moment to catch up with the conversation: It was about the applicant. "Now... where was I?" He took a moment to remember. "Eager to please, the lass... but also... I don't think, that she told us the whole truth about her previous employments. She knows, that it does not look good, and she knows, that her walking in from the street can be read either positively or negatively."
"She sounds smart.", the Lieutenant said. "But will you read it negatively?"
"She seems impulsive, yet in control of her impulses. She did struggle with her emotions. Grante, I did try to find a few buttons to push.", al-Zahir added, in thought, "Give her the usual check-up, let's see, what comes from it. Ask Commander Jamkija, if you feel the need to." The Lieutenant nodded. Al-Zahir was not only warranted this service because he held old secrets, but because he often enough received guests with news not suited for the public. "We do not need a leak."
"Of course not.", the Lieutenant said and then asked: "Will you take her?"
"Her practice week must be stellar.", the Grand Vizier made clear, "I have several applications on my desk, which I honestly like more, by the sounds of it. What do you think, Shirin?"
"If she gets taken and if she accepts the job, I don't think, that she'll remain with us for long.", I prophezied, "She already has either you or me booked as a demon spawn... not to mention the Garden's Mistress."
"Madame Aurelia is a strict woman.", al-Zahir added with a small smile.
"With the duest of respect, Wise Grand Vizier...", the Lieutenant spoke, "...but my drill Sergeant at the Qalat was less strict then her."
The old man laughed.

[...]
Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
I looked at Aurelia raising an eyebrow at me due to how nonchantly I said I aided in the chores.
We all did that without any trouble as it also gave us independence of relying entirely on the staff, we knew we also needed to get around without them and was more pleasant to aid in the work than let others do it for yourself.
Aurelia soon told me from the maid dresses she recived from her grandmother from her mother's side, the biological one to be specific; she worked as one of those maids you saw in the Inn's of the Free Lands to have pocket money for herself, it was nice of hearing her talk of those times and how it became a tradition from them that she's gifted a new dress each year and from her tone, the one she was gifted this year was something and with the tone that Aurelia mentioned and how she offered to bring it along for the return visit, I couldn't help but agree with an slight blush on her cheeks.

"Y-yeah. That sounds fun." It was something I had to admit, I really looked foward to seeing Aurelia dressed like a maid, the sole image in her mind already makes me go full tomato. And before I had a comeback, I remembered something.

"Ohh." Yeah... I was already betting she will be around here with Sarina soon. "By the way, you think Sarina might had told my staff, you know my butler and maid?"

---

Pandareos III of Mervay/Luciano Marcello Da Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
I smiled at the Princess as she mentioned that.
Some things will be forgotten, they will be history, but they will be remembered through the accounts of those that lived throught those times, be elvens or humans and the evidence that can be brought; and some? Well, perhaps they were meant to be forgotten.

"Perhaps, we also have our own people that walked this earth for far too long. Elvens had been walking this earth as long as spiroads have in our home; a sizable minority that saw a lot of things in their time around, some young as us, others from the time of my ancestors and beyond." I said, an slight smile on my face as I continued. "Many remember things that aided us in the reconstruction of history, traditions and costumes that were able to be kept alive to today, the best of those ideals while remembering the worst to never commit them again; but those that weren't able to be saved, they were left behind to be forgotten." Soon after I finalized my explanation, the sound of two people startled me to glance upon it and I've found Prince Damir with a sour expression after losing narrowly his game and Prince Mahmut with a wide grin of victory.

"A while longer and I would had been concerned if you two were still in the realm of the living." I said dryly at the two of them before looking at Lady Yasmin with an amused shrug before returning my focus to the two Prince's politely. "I'll take it we can be assured there will be no rematch for today aren't we?"

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Oh, that was cute - Agus apparently liked the thought of me in a maid uniform... if the red dusting on her cheeks was any indication.
She then remembered, that she had come with a butler and a maid.
I thought for a moment.
"I'd think so, yes.", I said, "If only to alleviate their worries." Before I could continue, there was a small knock on the bedroom's door. I called, in Kyrenaian: "Enter, please."
Sarina entered, didn't bat an eyelash at the sight of both Agus and myself in bathrobes, and bowed her head: "Miladies, dinner is ready." She motioned to the outside, to the Main Room, where I could already see a small serving cart. She then turned to Agus: "Callista-Shahana, I took the liberty of informing your attendants of your whereabouts. Shall I call them to bring you something to wear and your toothbrush?"
I went red as a tomato.
"Sarina..."
"Whatever you two did in there...", she cut me off, "...it is not my business. So please don't make it mine." She let a beat pass, looked at me and smiled slightly, like a big sister would. "Besides, too much Aragh is bad for your liver."
I blushed even redder, if that was even possible.
I did tell her earlier, before I got news of Agus' visit, that I'd get myself a bottle of Aragh and drink all my worries away for a night, once I got the chance... she was right, though.
"Shall I leave you alone for dinner?", she added.

---

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Princess Yasmin bint-Atif.
Damir smiled a bit sheepish.
"No, most likely not.", he said and grinned at Mahmut. "I want the young man enjoy the victory before I wipe the floor with him next time."
"Hah.", Mahmut made, grinning himself, "You wish."
"Boys...", I made before the two could try and one-up each other. "...if I may introduce, Prince Pandareos of Mervay. Pandareos, these are Prince Mahmut ibn-Idris, Prince of the Ilkhanate of Sarepta, and my husband, Prince Damir ibn-Razia."
"It's a pleasure.", Damir said and extended his hand with a friendly smile. After the exchange of handshakes, Damir added: "Thank you for keeping my wife company. You can imagine, that one is not very talkative when engrossed in a game."
"I believe Aurelia once told me of a Mythical High King so fascinated by the game, that the Gods literally decided to tell him, that he had a job, too.", Mahmut said after he had shaken Pandareos' hand. Damir joined my side with a smile, pecking me on the cheek. "That being said, I hope, that the two of us are far away from that status."
"I am reasonably certain, Mahmut.", I reassured him, "Your Uncle would set you straight anyway. Either him or Soraya..."
Mahmut smiled, a slight strain entering it.

[Astares Amauricanum]

Marcella prepared to answer but again Noir took control, "If I may further, I've been discussing this matter with Her Highness thoroughly. Now we all want what is best and we aren't going to go to the moon with any demands here. But at present I feel it's best we wait on what the Sultana says next or rather see if they placate demands. Of course, Her Highness is not going to get on her knees and grovel and she's already shown a willingness to give her apology. If the Sultana accepts that, so be it we can go from there."

"I will leave the door open to see if they wish to reclaim their old establishment on Aurora but should they decide otherwise, do consider the land to be yours for the taking in their place. For now, I want to follow Noir's lead and play things carefully. I'll show my due respect and I will give the Sultana my humblest of apology for my outburst. Another thing I would like is them to start scaling back their activities in the South Seas. They claim to be apart of some WA activity but I fear it's starting to make our regional neighbors nervous or agitated and last thing I want is a firefight in our part of the world. But as such, it has little to do with the matters at hand so I worry it may not be proper to ask."

"Unless our spies uncover anything that shows this patrol is really an excuse to saber rattle but being non members of the WA I feel there's little we could do in that case unless you feel differently?"

"Smart move, given the situation we're in now, especially with the letters exchanged, waiting on the Sultana's requests might be the best approach. But that must not stop us from thinking about them." replies Adrean with a nod.
"However, I fear that even though you will not grovel, you might still have to go down on your knees to deliver the apology. That's how they show respect to the monarch in Kyrenaia after all."

"Thank you very much for offering us the land of their former base Marcella." continues Anna with a grateful tone. "However, if I may suggest, it might not be a good idea to consider the possibility of them to retake the land if they want. As we have been made aware, their base is a bit of a dividing issue among the AHSCAian populace, and even the political class. Not to mention the fear the base destruction caused among Aurora's population, as well as the other islands.
So, if you offer the land back and they retake it, we fear that you may very well find yourself with large protests on your hand, which could result in inecesary chaos. We're all for sending riot units if you need the help, but with many nations seeing us as potential agressors right now, this is not something we would like to find ourselves thrown in right now.And on top of this, we are currently embroiled in a huge war elsewhere anyway." adds the Keisaerina.

"Yup." says Adrean. "As for your request for them to scale back their maritime patrols, it's a fair and understandable one. From a legal viewpoint though, they are operating in international waters, and they could very well argue that the distance they are operating from does not pose an immediate threat to you or your neighbors."

"Not to mention that they might see it as a request not emanating from you truly Duchess, but a request of us in disguise, transmitted by you." adds Patrick from a nearby table.

"Exactly." answers Adrean with a nod to his friend. "There's also this possibility.
However, one thing is sure: they won't try anything or use this patrol as a cover. We must still be careful, but in the end, it would not benefit them in any way. With Mervay acting as the current mediators, and the ties the Kyrenaians have with them, it would be a huge international down move if they tried anything so open. Plus, with our tactical nukes in the Malditas, even if they don't know it, it would escalate quickly in a situation neither side, nor us, them, Mervay or you wants.
What we should be careful of instead, might be moves coming from the underground. But in this case, and if we look back at the Chandshar's history, everything is possible then, so we can't do anything major to prevent it, or else we turn the UIS in a totalitarian police state for an unknown duration." says the Keisaer as he rubs his eyes for a few seconds, before taking a sip of his coffee.

"In the end, your request of them scaling back their naval patrols is reasonable, but they have to be convinced it truly comes from you, and not influenced by us. Nations such as Brettenwald would be too eager to call us agressors again if they are not convinced by this." finishes the Keisaer, before raising an eyebrow to his guests as if to ask: So, what do you think?

[AHSCA]

"Smart move, given the situation we're in now, especially with the letters exchanged, waiting on the Sultana's requests might be the best approach. But that must not stop us from thinking about them." replies Adrean with a nod.
"However, I fear that even though you will not grovel, you might still have to go down on your knees to deliver the apology. That's how they show respect to the monarch in Kyrenaia after all."

"Thank you very much for offering us the land of their former base Marcella." continues Anna with a grateful tone. "However, if I may suggest, it might not be a good idea to consider the possibility of them to retake the land if they want. As we have been made aware, their base is a bit of a dividing issue among the AHSCAian populace, and even the political class. Not to mention the fear the base destruction caused among Aurora's population, as well as the other islands.
So, if you offer the land back and they retake it, we fear that you may very well find yourself with large protests on your hand, which could result in inecesary chaos. We're all for sending riot units if you need the help, but with many nations seeing us as potential agressors right now, this is not something we would like to find ourselves thrown in right now.And on top of this, we are currently embroiled in a huge war elsewhere anyway." adds the Keisaerina.

"Yup." says Adrean. "As for your request for them to scale back their maritime patrols, it's a fair and understandable one. From a legal viewpoint though, they are operating in international waters, and they could very well argue that the distance they are operating from does not pose an immediate threat to you or your neighbors."

"Not to mention that they might see it as a request not emanating from you truly Duchess, but a request of us in disguise, transmitted by you." adds Patrick from a nearby table.

"Exactly." answers Adrean with a nod to his friend. "There's also this possibility.
However, one thing is sure: they won't try anything or use this patrol as a cover. We must still be careful, but in the end, it would not benefit them in any way. With Mervay acting as the current mediators, and the ties the Kyrenaians have with them, it would be a huge international down move if they tried anything so open. Plus, with our tactical nukes in the Malditas, even if they don't know it, it would escalate quickly in a situation neither side, nor us, them, Mervay or you wants.
What we should be careful of instead, might be moves coming from the underground. But in this case, and if we look back at the Chandshar's history, everything is possible then, so we can't do anything major to prevent it, or else we turn the UIS in a totalitarian police state for an unknown duration." says the Keisaer as he rubs his eyes for a few seconds, before taking a sip of his coffee.

"In the end, your request of them scaling back their naval patrols is reasonable, but they have to be convinced it truly comes from you, and not influenced by us. Nations such as Brettenwald would be too eager to call us agressors again if they are not convinced by this." finishes the Keisaer, before raising an eyebrow to his guests as if to ask: So, what do you think?

Marcella nodded, "You're right about that, my decision to give the land has ruffled a few feathers to be certain. I don't imagine things would devolve into riots but I suppose we should think carefully about that before handing over the land to anyone else, forgive me but I feel that must include you as well."

"Her Majesty will consider things carefully before deciding the final fate of the area. But it was an economic boom to North-East Aurora to be fair, so it's easy to see why maybe establishing a new facility there. If anything I'd also like her to consider a new UISDF Facility there but all in good time of course."

"As for how Brettenwald, Mervay and the Sultanate perceive you, I will quell their concerns by showing the UIS chooses what allies to affiliate with. You are not pulling our strings nor are they, we associate freely. Admittedly, it may be hard to convince them I'm sound minded in this, given my foolish outburst but I will walk out of this head high. No matter what Princess Aurelia thinks she may have on me now. I'll get serious. Noir, again on their maritime activities?"

"They do have the point that it being international waters, but we can argue it runs in AHSCA and neighbors shipping lanes and thus poses a concern to civil maritime operations."

"Noir, if possible, see if you can raise concerns out of all nations in the Meridional who may feel the same?"

"I'll do my best, Milady. It's certainly possible Mervay may feel the same that this many ships in the area is amounting more to saber rattling under the guise of counter-piracy and terrorism operations, though I can only speak hypothetically on that matter."

[Mervay]

The Kitan

They seemed understanding, kind of but there was still a bit of ominousness behind it would be bad for everyone but perhaps Nagisa was already frazzled for this to happen on her watch.

"Yes, Miladies, of course. I'll be sure you are undisturbed and again, please accept my apologies. I shall deal with her on my own but still arrange a meeting for you tomorrow morning. And yes I'll take your request to heart. The decision rests with Manager Tsubaki but I trust she will. Please excuse me, my trainee will be with you momentarily." She made her leave just like that. Fumio as instructed didn't go far. "Mina, please stand ready to ensure our VIP guests have assistance if they need."

"Yes ma'am."

"Fumio....I oughta pound you into the sands of the beaches right now"

"Easy does it, Nagisa." Fumio put her hands up defensively, "Just part of the job. People need to know and be informed..."

"Pedal your rag sheet on your own time, don't drag me or the staff into it. You're lucky honestly they've already put in a good word for you that you may be spared a full banning from here. But you know the decision rests with my boss, the very boss who could also fire me for this."

"I doubt she will, besides you didn't help me and I didn't register under my own name so you couldn't know anything about me being here. I was just here by sheer happenstance and coincidence and I just sort of took advantage of the moment that's all. You have full plausible deniability, Nagisa. Look, I'll come tomorrow and also apologize but I think you'll be fine. I got the story, your latest trainee gets to gawk at some VIPs for a few minutes everyone wins, right?"

"Ugh, beat it!"

"All right all right. My time is fully paid for too by the way but I'll leave a little extra for the trouble."

"Yeah, you better."

Everyone was already on edge enough with this whole drama between the Duchess and Sultana, somehow this just felt like more sand in the eyes on top of that. For the young trainee, well this already was quite a first night on the job but for now she just did was instructed waited for their guests by getting fresh towels ready for them as needed. She honestly had no clue who they were, besides being deemed VIPs. Maybe they were really rich or something, maybe they worked in government? Well either way.

Residence

Satou still lost in thought was brought back to her senses by hearing Tess humming a song. Tess really did have a soothing pretty voice and her singing wasn't bad either but honestly she could be terribly off key and Satou would love her anyway. But humming gave way to actual sinning and what lovely song it was about love. "Aaah Tess." she repeated it back though her Mervayn French was still a work in progress, hopefully she got the words across fine enough to express the same for her beloved and one thing she was able to say clearly in native Auroran daisuki.

The Kitan
If they had to consider a bigger headche so far today, it would be this experience.
The talks with the Duchess went well and as concerned as they were of dealing with the Astarians after that massive blunder, they didn't show up. The two of them decided to strech and get up, wrapping the towels around their bodies as their time was up; the chancellor looked at the princess before sighing to herself, she only needed to get to her room and rest comfortably while adapting herself to the timezone once again as to evade the jet lag; something Ariadna also desired and as such the two women simply smiled at the young trainee.

"May you please prepare our rooms for us miss, we would like... To double-check if everything is in order with them, just in case." The princess asked, letting a beat pass at the mention of double-checking.

---

Residence
There was an smile beaming of happiness and care as she looked at her beloved, any worries of the foreign powers fighting against the other washed away deep into Davy Jones Locker.
Tess has been helping Satou with her french and, for a country whose people had to be by obligation polyglots due to everyone having to learn the four national languages, Satou could do it without trouble; a work in progress, true, but she would be able to hold her own in a conversation with an natural speaker to get her point.

"You've gotten better with your french." She grinned. "You can surely get your point with a natural citizen without trouble." The Dileva Heiress continued before looking at her wife's dishes, blushing as she forgot Satou wasn't done with them yet.

"S-sorry to interrupt your dinner hehe." Tess looked away embarassed as she played with her hair. "I'll leave you end your food, tell me when you are done so I can wash it, alright?"

---

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Oh, that was cute - Agus apparently liked the thought of me in a maid uniform... if the red dusting on her cheeks was any indication.
She then remembered, that she had come with a butler and a maid.
I thought for a moment.
"I'd think so, yes.", I said, "If only to alleviate their worries." Before I could continue, there was a small knock on the bedroom's door. I called, in Kyrenaian: "Enter, please."
Sarina entered, didn't bat an eyelash at the sight of both Agus and myself in bathrobes, and bowed her head: "Miladies, dinner is ready." She motioned to the outside, to the Main Room, where I could already see a small serving cart. She then turned to Agus: "Callista-Shahana, I took the liberty of informing your attendants of your whereabouts. Shall I call them to bring you something to wear and your toothbrush?"
I went red as a tomato.
"Sarina..."
"Whatever you two did in there...", she cut me off, "...it is not my business. So please don't make it mine." She let a beat pass, looked at me and smiled slightly, like a big sister would. "Besides, too much Aragh is bad for your liver."
I blushed even redder, if that was even possible.
I did tell her earlier, before I got news of Agus' visit, that I'd get myself a bottle of Aragh and drink all my worries away for a night, once I got the chance... she was right, though.
"Shall I leave you alone for dinner?", she added.

---

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Princess Yasmin bint-Atif.
Damir smiled a bit sheepish.
"No, most likely not.", he said and grinned at Mahmut. "I want the young man enjoy the victory before I wipe the floor with him next time."
"Hah.", Mahmut made, grinning himself, "You wish."
"Boys...", I made before the two could try and one-up each other. "...if I may introduce, Prince Pandareos of Mervay. Pandareos, these are Prince Mahmut ibn-Idris, Prince of the Ilkhanate of Sarepta, and my husband, Prince Damir ibn-Razia."
"It's a pleasure.", Damir said and extended his hand with a friendly smile. After the exchange of handshakes, Damir added: "Thank you for keeping my wife company. You can imagine, that one is not very talkative when engrossed in a game."
"I believe Aurelia once told me of a Mythical High King so fascinated by the game, that the Gods literally decided to tell him, that he had a job, too.", Mahmut said after he had shaken Pandareos' hand. Damir joined my side with a smile, pecking me on the cheek. "That being said, I hope, that the two of us are far away from that status."
"I am reasonably certain, Mahmut.", I reassured him, "Your Uncle would set you straight anyway. Either him or Soraya..."
Mahmut smiled, a slight strain entering it.

Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
Just as Aurelia mentioned that, someone knocked on the door.
Speaking of Solaria.
Sarina appeared in front of us to deliver our food, which was in the main room over a cart; paying no mind to the fact we were only in bathrobes. The loyal handmaiden to the Princess soon glanced at me in her ever serene expression as to mention that she informed Celia and Darius of my whereabouts, I could certainly imagine they did had a clue after that incident before we went upstairs, but Aurelia informing the handmaiden sealed the deal... Especially when we add that we got lost in time... And our lust.
So with as much grace as I can muster while having my entire face being a lighthouse, I reply.

"Only the toothbrush and toothpaste, please." I smile before looking at Aurelia in regards to that other comment, an conversation for later when Sarina leaves. "That would be nice, we will go to the main room shortly."

---

Pandareos III of Mervay/Luciano Marcello Da Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
I inwardly sighed.
They would go at it unless stopped; it kind of reminded me of the verbal jabs I've had with a friend of mine from abroad, I wonder how Tayana has been doing, perhaps I should talk with her later. While I was lost in my thoughts, Lady Yasmin came to aid in the endeavour of ensuring the two Princes wouldn't enter in an passive-aggressive conversation that evolved in them going for another endless round in their game that would surely last until dinner.
There was an smile in my visage as I shook hands with both princes, holding a sigh of relief and remembering to give thank the Princess from maintaining them away their verbal jabs at the other for now.

"The pleasure is mine." I responded with an slight bow added while gesturing with a hand to the Princess. "Your wife has been an excellent conversation partner and someone pleasant to spend the time with." It was a sincere answer with a tone of gratitude, respect and friendly demeanor. Soon I've heard from the young prince spoke of a tale which could describe the situation with honesty, which for the sake of ourselves, it's something we don't need in the current climate; nor with one of the people involved in that game being one of the diplomatic members to be sent to Mervay.
Looking at the strained smile from the young prince says a lot that there's trouble in paradise and that my best option would be to leave it alone and steer the conversation to another point, just in case.

"I think a rematch of such proportions should wait." I explained, a nervious smile in my face as my hands are slightly raised defensively, an metaphorical sweatdrop appearing with it as well. "Besides, Prince Damir will be busy in the next few days as he will be one of the members Lady Razia will send to the talks with the UIS in Mervay."

---

[Astares Amauricanum]

Marcella nodded, "You're right about that, my decision to give the land has ruffled a few feathers to be certain. I don't imagine things would devolve into riots but I suppose we should think carefully about that before handing over the land to anyone else, forgive me but I feel that must include you as well."

"Her Majesty will consider things carefully before deciding the final fate of the area. But it was an economic boom to North-East Aurora to be fair, so it's easy to see why maybe establishing a new facility there. If anything I'd also like her to consider a new UISDF Facility there but all in good time of course."

"As for how Brettenwald, Mervay and the Sultanate perceive you, I will quell their concerns by showing the UIS chooses what allies to affiliate with. You are not pulling our strings nor are they, we associate freely. Admittedly, it may be hard to convince them I'm sound minded in this, given my foolish outburst but I will walk out of this head high. No matter what Princess Aurelia thinks she may have on me now. I'll get serious. Noir, again on their maritime activities?"

"They do have the point that it being international waters, but we can argue it runs in AHSCA and neighbors shipping lanes and thus poses a concern to civil maritime operations."

"Noir, if possible, see if you can raise concerns out of all nations in the Meridional who may feel the same?"

"I'll do my best, Milady. It's certainly possible Mervay may feel the same that this many ships in the area is amounting more to saber rattling under the guise of counter-piracy and terrorism operations, though I can only speak hypothetically on that matter."

The Imperial Couple nods at Marcella and her group as they give their explanation, finishing their plates in the process, and getting another round of food and coffee.

"Thank you very much for your consideration towards us Marcella." says Anna as she finishes her bite of meat and bread. "If in the end, we get the land, you can be sure we will do something there that would keep a good part of the economic boost in the area."

"Maybe a joint UISDF - Astarian Coast Guard facility, if we go with Noir's idea." continues her husband. "This way, everyone feels happy about it.
To counter the possible doubts of other parties regarding your sound mind, Marcella, try to have Officer Gozen or other people in her field to spin up some pieces reminding of some achievements you did at the start of your reign, and who were received well by a vast majority of the population. Surely there must be some?" asks the Keisaer with a raised eyebrow.

[AHSCA]

The Imperial Couple nods at Marcella and her group as they give their explanation, finishing their plates in the process, and getting another round of food and coffee.

"Thank you very much for your consideration towards us Marcella." says Anna as she finishes her bite of meat and bread. "If in the end, we get the land, you can be sure we will do something there that would keep a good part of the economic boost in the area."

"Maybe a joint UISDF - Astarian Coast Guard facility, if we go with Noir's idea." continues her husband. "This way, everyone feels happy about it.
To counter the possible doubts of other parties regarding your sound mind, Marcella, try to have Officer Gozen or other people in her field to spin up some pieces reminding of some achievements you did at the start of your reign, and who were received well by a vast majority of the population. Surely there must be some?" asks the Keisaer with a raised eyebrow.

Noir nodded, "Given our region's fickle weather, a coast guard station I think would be the best option and would minimize any blow back by members of the region or other people of the UIS. Milady, that is my suggestion."

"I think it is a fine idea, for now I will further consult with my other officers on that matter. Further, I like the idea that Shizuka to write up pieces of my accomplishments and remind how AHSCA has been a stable nation for these past 20 years now."

"Very good." Noir agreed.

The Kitan
If they had to consider a bigger headche so far today, it would be this experience.
The talks with the Duchess went well and as concerned as they were of dealing with the Astarians after that massive blunder, they didn't show up. The two of them decided to strech and get up, wrapping the towels around their bodies as their time was up; the chancellor looked at the princess before sighing to herself, she only needed to get to her room and rest comfortably while adapting herself to the timezone once again as to evade the jet lag; something Ariadna also desired and as such the two women simply smiled at the young trainee.

"May you please prepare our rooms for us miss, we would like... To double-check if everything is in order with them, just in case." The princess asked, letting a beat pass at the mention of double-checking.



Residence
There was an smile beaming of happiness and care as she looked at her beloved, any worries of the foreign powers fighting against the other washed away deep into Davy Jones Locker.
Tess has been helping Satou with her french and, for a country whose people had to be by obligation polyglots due to everyone having to learn the four national languages, Satou could do it without trouble; a work in progress, true, but she would be able to hold her own in a conversation with an natural speaker to get her point.

"You've gotten better with your french." She grinned. "You can surely get your point with a natural citizen without trouble." The Dileva Heiress continued before looking at her wife's dishes, blushing as she forgot Satou wasn't done with them yet.

"S-sorry to interrupt your dinner hehe." Tess looked away embarassed as she played with her hair. "I'll leave you end your food, tell me when you are done so I can wash it, alright?"

"Yes, ma'am, right away I shall do that." She nodded setting aside the freshly folded towels "Oh and uh, ma'ams, I truly hoped you did enjoy your soak, in spite of the rude interruption. Uh please accept our apologies and we continue to hope to have your business." She rather stumbled through the phrasing of how to apologize to a customer but she was learning. Scurrying off to do so, Nagisa returned a little wet from dealing with Fumio outside in the rain a bit.

"Once again, I really do want to apologize Miladies for my idiot half-sister barging in on you. Whatever I can do to make it right, we will do so to the best of our abilities." Looking around for her little trainee until she was told she was sent off to check the rooms. "Oh yes, of course. I'm glad she's taking care of that for you." She bit her lip, this was stressful, it felt unlikely she'd be fired or penalized, Ma'am Tsubaki was always an understanding and reasonable woman, it's more just because these people are essentially here to prevent hell fire raining down on them. "When ready I shall escort you, personally, if you wish."

Residence

Satou pushed aside her plate standing up "I'd say, I'm finished." She said in a serious tone. Taking Tess by the hand and twirling her around she laid in a long kiss to her. As for the remainder of the evening, well....We'll have to let the darkness overtake things here but let's say both girls let their hair down on this night.

The Hanasaku Press, A Private Independent Newspaper You Can Trust!

Mervay Officials Work to Clean Up After Duchess

by Fumio Taya
Editor in Chief



Good day, readers, in an exclusive scoop obtained by yours truly, two very high ups from Mervay have arrived in our islands to mitigate the ongoing issues between The Sultanate of Kyrenaia, and of course us the UIS, sparked in no small part from the Duchess' impulsiveness. Well they say what's in the past, is in the past I suppose but the question has been, going forward what will happen? After all, transgressions like these seldom slide, no matter how level headed leaders are. This is an era of everlasting peace for the UIS, which has left many scared and uncertain about the future ahead. But rest assured there's the share of those who for reasons continue to watch over us while this little issue presses on.

Last night, I have the privileged of talking to some of Mervay's most high on high representatives,Chancellor Dileva and Her Royal Highness Circe IV who so graciously granted me a short interview with them. My first major question was, how and why Mervay felt the need to mediate and intervene on our behalf, after all this was the Duchess' messup, the Chancellor spoke to me first, stating she was looking to mend things step by step. Admiring Duchess Villa's admission of the poor choices and handling of the Sultana as guests in her court. Her Royal Highness too spoke, reinforcing the claim made by the Honorable Chancellor, adding her desires to see a quick line of communication established between the two nations, should a restoration of former diplomatic relations prove to be unobtainable in the present time. Readers will remember, The Duchess declared that the Embassy offices of the Sultanate and vice versa be shuttered along with the the military base set up by the Sultanate.

In regard to Mervay's standing with the UIS and Sultanate, they stressed to me that both remain in good friendly terms with the Kingdom and will continue to be as such, acting as the bridge between them until if and when relations can mend. Now the noticable buildup of military forces has put many residents on edge, fisherman and commercial sailors alike express concern about the large round of military ships around the international waters adjacent to the UIS and other nearby nations, such as the Matildas Islands which belong to The Imperium. The Honorable Mervayans told to me, neither are concerned and continue to assure the Sultanate is engaging in anti-piracy operations, per their own World Assembly commitments. Further, the Royal Government of Mervay emphasizes its commitment to timely evacuation of Mervayan nationals in the event of catastrophe. This did lead me to inquire about the Chancellor's own young daughter, whom is a citizen by rite of marriage, but the Chancellor declined to comment further on that subject. As for the involvement of the Astarians, they also declined to comment on the matter. Due to further circumstances, I had to cut off my interview here, walking away with a lot of good information and ready to write it here.

Until our next headline grabbing front page news, dear readers, this has been Editor Taya.

[Astares Amauricanum]

Noir nodded, "Given our region's fickle weather, a coast guard station I think would be the best option and would minimize any blow back by members of the region or other people of the UIS. Milady, that is my suggestion."

"I think it is a fine idea, for now I will further consult with my other officers on that matter. Further, I like the idea that Shizuka to write up pieces of my accomplishments and remind how AHSCA has been a stable nation for these past 20 years now."

"Very good." Noir agreed.

Some time earlier...
Aurora Village
Walking down the streets of AHSCA's capital on her half-day leave, Erika Altis whistles to herself. A Diplomatic Security Agent officially, but in reality an ACI Special Activities Agent, and formerly a Petty Officer Third Class in the Astarian Navy GULs, the young woman is the actual head of security for the Astarian Embassy.

As she tries to clear her head of the current situation going up in the diplomatic circles both here and at home, her attention is drawn by a group of AHSCAian women talking excitedly about a newspaper, in front of a selling booth.
Approaching, she spots what has gotten the women so excited. In front of her, a pile of Hanasaku Press newspapers sits, with a eyecatching article on the front page.

Quickly getting her wallet out of her pocket, she hands the appropriate sum to the vendor, before grabbing a newspaper and walking away. Once she has gotten far enough from any crowds, she takes some time to read the article. When she's done, she takes a picture of it with her smartphone, before sending it up, then calling the one she sent it to. Daniel Vincao, the Astarian Ambassador, and ACI Agent too.

"Daniel, it's Erika. Check the photo I sent you, and send it the chain of command. This will surely get the attention of Their Majesties."

After hanging up, Erika folds the newspaper under her arm, before continuing on her way, enjoying her time off...

Back in Columbia

Before Anna or Adrean can answer, their Data Glove Paired suddenly start to beep, along with the ones of their friends.
Holding their hands in a waiting/apologizing gesture to the AHSCAian, the Imperial Couple reads the transmission they have just received. Once they're done, Adrean grabs a tablet computer and types something on it, before turning it ans showing it to Marcella, Noir and Asuna. On the screen Fumio's article.

"Our Embassy's head of security just caught this in Aurora on her day off." explains the Keisaer. "I won't comment on how Miss Taya managed to get close to Princess Circe and Chancellor Dileva, as we've heard before, they did not want any extra security.
What I'm going to ask Marcella, are two things. First, what can you and Noir tell us about the Hanasaku Press, and what would be their media angle in this.
And second, would you authorize us to dispatch a few ACI agents from the team we just sent in to investigate Fumio Taya? Do not worry, I'm not talking about kidnapping or anything, just interviewing her." says the Keisaer with a reassuring tone.

[Kyrenaia]

[...]
Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
Just as Aurelia mentioned that, someone knocked on the door.
Speaking of Solaria.
Sarina appeared in front of us to deliver our food, which was in the main room over a cart; paying no mind to the fact we were only in bathrobes. The loyal handmaiden to the Princess soon glanced at me in her ever serene expression as to mention that she informed Celia and Darius of my whereabouts, I could certainly imagine they did had a clue after that incident before we went upstairs, but Aurelia informing the handmaiden sealed the deal... Especially when we add that we got lost in time... And our lust.
So with as much grace as I can muster while having my entire face being a lighthouse, I reply.

"Only the toothbrush and toothpaste, please." I smile before looking at Aurelia in regards to that other comment, an conversation for later when Sarina leaves. "That would be nice, we will go to the main room shortly."

---

Pandareos III of Mervay/Luciano Marcello Da Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
I inwardly sighed.
They would go at it unless stopped; it kind of reminded me of the verbal jabs I've had with a friend of mine from abroad, I wonder how Tayana has been doing, perhaps I should talk with her later. While I was lost in my thoughts, Lady Yasmin came to aid in the endeavour of ensuring the two Princes wouldn't enter in an passive-aggressive conversation that evolved in them going for another endless round in their game that would surely last until dinner.
There was an smile in my visage as I shook hands with both princes, holding a sigh of relief and remembering to give thank the Princess from maintaining them away their verbal jabs at the other for now.

"The pleasure is mine." I responded with an slight bow added while gesturing with a hand to the Princess. "Your wife has been an excellent conversation partner and someone pleasant to spend the time with." It was a sincere answer with a tone of gratitude, respect and friendly demeanor. Soon I've heard from the young prince spoke of a tale which could describe the situation with honesty, which for the sake of ourselves, it's something we don't need in the current climate; nor with one of the people involved in that game being one of the diplomatic members to be sent to Mervay.
Looking at the strained smile from the young prince says a lot that there's trouble in paradise and that my best option would be to leave it alone and steer the conversation to another point, just in case.

"I think a rematch of such proportions should wait." I explained, a nervious smile in my face as my hands are slightly raised defensively, an metaphorical sweatdrop appearing with it as well. "Besides, Prince Damir will be busy in the next few days as he will be one of the members Lady Razia will send to the talks with the UIS in Mervay."

---

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
“Of course, Callista-Shahana.” A mischievous glint entered Sarina's eyes. “Or shall I say Callista-Beyeha?”
That one had been more directed at me, the implication, that I, as Beyeha of Malakiard, had chosen a partner, who would be a Beyeha, too, at least here. I blushed red hot as a tomato, stammered something or the other.
Sarina bowed her head. “If you would please excuse me, I'll inform our guest's attendants with posthaste.”, she said and went off.
I was still red-hot as I turned to Agus and said the first thing coming to my mind: “Eep.”
Very smart reply to the situation.
A moment later, and after clearing my throat, I added: “Wanna have dinner?”

---

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Princess Yasmin bint-Atif.
“Yeah, there was something, wasn't there...”, my husband replied and nodded, “Mother said, that I'd lead the delegation. We're gonna bring our A-Game. Myself, Ilia, Aurelia... I hope, that Marcella isn't going to do something stupid.”
“I am sure, that her heart is just as shattered as Aurelia's.”, I told him, putting a hand on his shoulder.
He glared, not as me, not at Mahmut, not at Pandereos, but at Marcella.
“Allow me to be frank, Yasmin.”, he said, slowly, “That little shite used my daughter and then threw her away like a used condom. My amount of pity for her is in rather limited.”
“I understand, how you feel, maybe even better then you might realize...”
“Oh? Has Dschafar's girlfriend dropped him like that?”, he asked, switching to Kyrenaian.
Oh, this was a discussion a few days in the making by now. No matter, what I'd do, I'd always be Aurelia's stepmother, not her real mother, who died in a riding accident. The story was known.
I was also only seven years older then my stepdaughter.
Although the two of us had a good relationship with each other, even sharing Damir's magnificent chest whenever Aurelia's nightly terrors could not be quelled by the big fluffy mass of fluff that was Aldhiyb, there was always this little word between us: Stepmother. That difference meant a lot around here.
I tried to reason with him, that he would not push for a harsh resolution to a matter of the heart, but this time, for all his diplomatic skills, for all his strength of mind and soul, he could not find it in himself.
In a way, I understood him: Aurelia, his little girl, had been hurt in a way, which was infuriating, to say the least. What was more, she had been hurt in a way, which let the whole wide world watch. He was her father. He had not been able to protect her, so he had to make right by her in another way.
As I retorted (“Damir... I'm a woman and you were not the first guy I had. I think we made that clear in our wedding night, didn't we?”) I did not notice Mahmut leaning over to Pandereos.
“I think, we should leave the two of them alone for a few minutes.”, he suggested in a hushed whisper.

---

[...]

The Hanasaku Press, A Private Independent Newspaper You Can Trust!

Mervay Officials Work to Clean Up After Duchess

by Fumio Taya
Editor in Chief
(Image)


Good day, readers, in an exclusive scoop obtained by yours truly, two very high ups from Mervay have arrived in our islands to mitigate the ongoing issues between The Sultanate of Kyrenaia, and of course us the UIS, sparked in no small part from the Duchess' impulsiveness. Well they say what's in the past, is in the past I suppose but the question has been, going forward what will happen? After all, transgressions like these seldom slide, no matter how level headed leaders are. This is an era of everlasting peace for the UIS, which has left many scared and uncertain about the future ahead. But rest assured there's the share of those who for reasons continue to watch over us while this little issue presses on.

Last night, I have the privileged of talking to some of Mervay's most high on high representatives,Chancellor Dileva and Her Royal Highness Circe IV who so graciously granted me a short interview with them. My first major question was, how and why Mervay felt the need to mediate and intervene on our behalf, after all this was the Duchess' messup, the Chancellor spoke to me first, stating she was looking to mend things step by step. Admiring Duchess Villa's admission of the poor choices and handling of the Sultana as guests in her court. Her Royal Highness too spoke, reinforcing the claim made by the Honorable Chancellor, adding her desires to see a quick line of communication established between the two nations, should a restoration of former diplomatic relations prove to be unobtainable in the present time. Readers will remember, The Duchess declared that the Embassy offices of the Sultanate and vice versa be shuttered along with the the military base set up by the Sultanate.

In regard to Mervay's standing with the UIS and Sultanate, they stressed to me that both remain in good friendly terms with the Kingdom and will continue to be as such, acting as the bridge between them until if and when relations can mend. Now the noticable buildup of military forces has put many residents on edge, fisherman and commercial sailors alike express concern about the large round of military ships around the international waters adjacent to the UIS and other nearby nations, such as the Matildas Islands which belong to The Imperium. The Honorable Mervayans told to me, neither are concerned and continue to assure the Sultanate is engaging in anti-piracy operations, per their own World Assembly commitments. Further, the Royal Government of Mervay emphasizes its commitment to timely evacuation of Mervayan nationals in the event of catastrophe. This did lead me to inquire about the Chancellor's own young daughter, whom is a citizen by rite of marriage, but the Chancellor declined to comment further on that subject. As for the involvement of the Astarians, they also declined to comment on the matter. Due to further circumstances, I had to cut off my interview here, walking away with a lot of good information and ready to write it here.

Until our next headline grabbing front page news, dear readers, this has been Editor Taya.

Watching the press of nations of interest was one of the most basic task of an intelligence service. Many things could be gleamed from it, from the current weather forecast (people in other nations usually had a better idea about the weather and its patterns then foreigners) to what bothered, what didn't bother and what was discussed by the people.
The Hanasaku Press was of special interest, mainly because it was not one repeating the government's opinion. The UIS' press system was... weird, as far as the Chandshar was concerned, but it yielded interesting results.
The first thing they noted, yes again, was, that not all of the media was firmly on Marcella's side. They put at least some of the blame for the falling out on her.
The Hanasaku Press' Chief Editor put also a lot of emphasis on the Mervayans and their mediation, maybe because the Astarians simply didn't factor into her argument or because she disliked them. Further articles would have to show that.
Said argument was, that the Mervayans could be trusted to mediate: Not only did they have good connections to either side, they also had vested, and personal, interests in both sides. They also believed the WAR-20-Commitments and anti-piracy patrols of the RKN, which was no issue, as that was their purpose. It also reassured the populace of the UIS (hopefully).
The military buildup had them concerned, however, both the citizens of the UIS and the Mervayans.
The Mervayan representatives also declined to comment on whatever the Astarians were up to. Either they were having suspicions of their own or they were in league, though the analyst bet the former.
All in all, a telling and interesting interview.
Maybe Miss Taya could, one day, find herself in Kyrenaian presence, too?