The Empire of Varsha submits a formal plea to allow the imdiate entry of three of our consuls as their safety has been threatened in neighboring Parsha. We submit this request under Soleil International Act Eight, Section Five, regarding ergency assistance to citizens of friendly nations.
Ambassador Das aide hastily finished a letter and stamped it before handing it to Ambassador Das to sign and then presented it to Piers.
Similarly, the Empire of Hong submits a formal plea to the Empire of Soleil to allow imdiate entry of two of our consuls as their safety has been threatened. We submit this request under Soleil International Act Eight, Section Five, regarding ergency assistance to citizens of friendly nations, and Soleil International Act Seven, Section Nine, regarding ergency assistance in Soleils sphere of influence to aid diplomatic relations, Ambassador Wu looked particularly pale as he signed the docunt his aide prepared. He had good reason to be shaken. The man took a deep breath and swallowed hard.
Piers, who sat at the head of the table in one of the eting rooms in the operations tent, looked down at the docunts and nodded with his lips in a tight line.
Captain OTuagh, he said, his eyes still fixed on the docunt. Deidre had changed from her breezy linen dress she liked to stroll around the Viclya in and into a standard OTuagh naval uniform. Not the formal one, but the everyday one worn in battle. How soon can you get to Pargath waters?
If we bypass the coast and cut directly through the sea, it will take us two and a half days, Your Highness, Deidre replied as she stood to attention. With the fastest naval ship available in the area.
Tori looked over at her cousin-in-law. What if you take the Ocean Queen?
She saw Deidres lips curl up a bit with a hint of pride. A day and a half.
Captain OTuagh, I am issuing imperial orders under Naval Code twenty-six. The empire will take responsibility for any damage done to your personal ship, provide any supplies you may need, and issue a crew mandate, Piers said. The ambassadors will have their delegations wait outside Pargath waters on a rchant vessel for pick up. Set sail imdiately.
Deidre slamd her fist over her chest and bowed her head. Yes, Your Highness.
She turned on her heel and marched out.
Tori-
Ive already ordered embarkation island to prepare a weeks worth of supplies for the crew and an extra twelve individuals. The supplies will be loaded on to Ocean Queen by the ti Captain OTuagh gets to her ship, Tori said in a smooth voice. Ergency class A and class S crystal beacons, flotation devices, and dical aid supplies, two nurses, and a doctor have been allocated from Viclyas dical center.
She made it sound so professional, but the dical center was still just a series of tents across the encampnt that was overseen by Dr. Cooper-Fontaine, when the old man wasnt fishing. Still, Dr. Cooper-Fontaine ran a tight and skilled ship.
Piers gave her a small nod. Ambassador Das, Ambassador Wu, Soleil accepts your requests, and we will proceed with ergency recovery and escort at once. We ask that you contact your citizens to ask them to get into position, as discussed, in preparation for recovery and escort.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Thank you, Your Highness, Countess Guevera. The two n and their aides bowed their heads and were escorted to smaller eting rooms to make their calls. The countdown to arrest in Pargath had started and at that mont, the delegation was trapped in their inn and watched by Pargath soldiers.
The Ocean Queen doesnt have many defensive features, does it? Axton asked as he looked over at Tori.
She shook her head. Its a personal ship. Cousin Eili gave it as an engagent gift to Cousin Deidre. Its only defense is speed, but thats whats needed right now. Pargarth says the delegation has one day to leave, but even if they leave the city and its waters, there is a chance Pargath will change their mind and pursue them. The sooner the delegation is further away, the better.
What if its a trap? Axton said. They're cooperating with the Duraga Federation. And they know that the delegation will call for help from the nearest allied nations, which are Soleil and Nazaria. Of the two, we have the better navy..
They would expect our navy to coordinate a fleet, which would take at least another day. Theyd expect us within three to four days at the earliest, Piers said. The Ocean Queen can get there in half that ti.
Attacking one of our ships unprovoked can be used as grounds for war, Tori told him. I dont think theyd be so rash...at least not normally.
Axton nodded and thought for a mont. What if they dont attack, but block the Ocean Queen?
Tori snorted. They can try. The Ocean Queen is currently the fastest ship of her size. Shes not weighed down by artillery or goods, either. As long as she can slip through a blockade, shell out sail them.
Their ships do have cannons and archers, Axton pointed out.
Only if they can see, Piers replied.
Tori grimaced a bit. The S class crystal beacons are flares, but the light is extrely bright. Extre to the point that it affects the eyes for a period of ti. The bright light only lasts five seconds, but anyone who sees it will be temporarily blinded.
Axton drew his head back and furrowed his brow. Shed never told him about the class S beacons because Anahata Island found them by accident, as Tori thought they tended to do.
How long will they be blinded?
In the dayti...an hour and a half, at least, Tori said. In the night...three to four. There will be so residual shadows and blurriness for another twelve or so hours, affecting hand eye coordination and targeting. Crystals can be used to quicken recovery, but that still takes a few hours.
Axtons eyes were wide. Did you make those?
Master Holloway had a little accident while working on advanced crystal beacons that would pulse different colors for different ergencies, Tori said. The mineral powder he used with the crystals created a light burst and he couldnt see for a half day and panicked. We always take careful notes of our experiences on the island, so Master Ramos and I adjusted it to try to make a defensive tool. I sent a few to Papa and Cousin Siobhan to ask for help testing it and they sent their findings. Cousin Siobhan said it would be particularly useful in a naval battle when delaying.
Axton looked affronted. You never told about this.
Tori rolled her eyes. I dont normally brag about experints gone awry.
You made sothing that can blind a navy.
Just those within a certain distance and the distance varies by day or night. Also, it was a team effort. Mainly Master Holloway. He was sobbing for so ti thinking hed lost his vision permanently. Were currently working on personal ones that could disorient a person for a few seconds or minutes.
Piers stood up. We should see the third prince. He is at the restaurant.
Does he know about this? Tori asked.
It seems like sothing his brother would keep from him, Axton said. He was supposed to co here in secret, but it got out. The first prince may be making changes while the third prince is absent and his faction without a leader.
What is the likelihood of him being exiled while hes abroad?
It is more likely that he could be arrested upon return. Pargath has a history of imprisoning contenders to the throne, Piers said.
Tori let out a heavy sigh. This is more than what I expected to be involved with right now. Im supposed to be focused on welcoming students back to Lyce and the baking competition.
Youre going to take part again? Axton asked.
Our overly enthusiastic new captain, Theophania Kowalski-Bucher, begged to represent the Sword Association.
Axton squinted. Is that why Tiff was clinging on to you at your birthday?
Tori sighed. Although Tiff wasnt the best swordswoman in the association, she was considered a charismatic and organized leader, as proven with her leadership as president of the tabletop gaming club in its first year. It was decided that Tiff would beco the Sword Associations new captain and Esteban the vice-captain.
Ilyana had taken over the tabletop gaming club as president, but Tiff still wanted to be involved, so she was relegated to secretary, who did much of the planning. Gideon was the vice-president and only because Albert thought being treasurer was more interesting and Henrik was busy with Lions Gate and familial businesses, so he didnt stay an officer.
There wasnt anyone else who volunteered. I know there are other bakers, but my croquembouche last year apparently, and I quote, set the bar too high.
What are you going to make this year?
Beef puff pastry with duchess potatoes. Theyre technically all baked, but the puff pastry is going to be a pain. We only have so much ti and the layering of the butter and dough is ti consuming. I will have to use crystals. I know it doesnt have to be perfect, but there needs to be so puff to the dough.
Have you started to practice?
When have I had ti to practice, Axton? Tori sent him a sharp look and he shrank back.
I dont know....
I will deal with the issue of Pargath, Piers said before exiting the eting room. Tori, you can concentrate on your preparations for Lyce.
She nodded, but felt that shed still have so involvent, if only in a support position. They made their way to the restaurant and up to the rooftop dining area, which had been blocked by guards. Upon reaching the rooftop, there were umbrellas set up around high, round tables that people stood around. There were so swing benches beneath pergolas and a wide table beneath the portico against the back wall was a long table serving oysters, shellfish, and alcohol.
Two violinists were playing in one corner and there was a glorious view of the plaza and the islands beyond it. Surprisingly, there were a good handful of people already present. Tori narrowed her eyes.
Axton, how did you find out about the happy hour event offering?
Ewan.
Of course.... Her eyes settled on the bald young man energetically encouraging guests to try the oysters with the hot sauce. Ambassador Izel and her small entourage had two tables nearby and a small pile of oysters amongst them.
This is a casual party? Piers asked, as if uncertain.
There is no set schedule; its just for people to co, eat, drink, and mingle, Tori said. No speeches. Guests get food and drink themselves. It is ant to be very casual and relaxed.
I like it, Axton said as he looked around. When Ewan told , I was unsure, but Im convinced. Will this be offered at the Lunar Pavilion?
For both private events and daily in the main restaurant, after standard office work hours, Tori said. The target demographic are office and governnt workers in the central, first, and second districts who are going out with co-workers. The knights do it often.
Piers had gone directly to the third prince, who was wearing so gifted delta collection clothing. His bodyguards had also been gifted a set, but they continued to wear Pargathian clothes. They had a special authorization to carry swords, but concealed weapons were banned, and they were given a search by imperial knights. Any of their additional weapons would be returned when they left.
We have so inquiries on the happy hours, Ilyana said as she appeared beside Tori. I said we plan to have them at the Lunar Pavilions Crescent Sky restaurant once it opens.
Its a sha we dont have the nus prepared yet, Tori said with a frown. But let them know that appetizers and select drinks will be 25% off during happy hours.
Ilyana nodded and slipped away.
Tori walked towards the edge of the rooftop and squinted. She could see the Ocean Queen docked at embarkation island. Her cousin was likely already on the ship. Eili had to remain behind with the children, but if everything went as planned, they would leave for Kings Harbor when Deidre returned from her mission.
Aiden, Maeve, and Ava had private tutors, so their classes were a bit more flexible. Tori looked around, partially surprised to not see the small children, but she supposed this wasnt the event for them. However, Aiden was with Evzen and the Fekete Ducal couple.
She walked over to her younger cousin. Aiden, where are your sister and cousins?
Sonia and JP took them riding, Aiden told her. Then they are going to Fishmonger Plaza for dinner, as tonight is the weekly night fish market.
Once a week, the villagers organized a night market where fish and shellfish could be sold and cooked on the spot. It was quite popular with guests, as well. Maeve and Ava, who grew up by the water, had made a point of going there for a al and were familiar enough that the villagers reserved a table for them with the best view of the plaza.
Fiona, Robert, and the Biancci twins often followed, especially when Kasen was indisposed, as he was at the mont. Hed left Horizon the day after Piers ball, which he had attended later in the evening to show his support of Piers. His children were left to Nanny Rey, and they would return to Presidio without him.
All right. Enjoy your al, Tori said with a small nod. She went downstairs to et the ambassadors for dinner. Ambassador Wu was the first to arrive and he was seated in the reserved area, looking out at the water with a dazed look. Ambassador Wu, Captain OTuagh is a seasoned sailor, and her personal ship is much faster than any of comparable size, Tori said as she approached and gave him a small nod of her head. Your son will be in good hands.
The middle-aged man took a deep breath and nodded his head slowly. The delegation from Hong to Pargath was composed of a representative of Hongs trade union and Ambassador Wus second son. This was both a professional and personal matter to him.
I thank you for your swift assistance, Countess Guevera.
I only made so calls, Ambassador. My abilities are limited, she said modestly. She took a seat at the head of the table. It is unfortunate. There isnt much more I can do.
As long as our citizens are safe, that is all we can ask for, he replied. He furrowed his brow and shook his head. The first prince and the royal court would not see the delegation at all. This is unheard of. In the past, their minister of trade has always made a point to greet us. This ti, they were not let into the castle or ministry offices.
Im surprised the trade minister would reject a eting. Hong and Varsha are long established trading partners. Arguably, the two major ones.
This could halt our rchant lines completely.
Tori tapped her finger on the table. Osgrat is on the other side of the mountain range and its too ti and effort consuming to cross the mountains to use the port, Tori said.
In ancient tis, there were ports in Kalgia and Lostred, but storms and ti had made them unusable. Theyve long been abandoned. Ambassador Wu frowned. It was a mistake to allow Pargath to have such a monopoly on a rcantile port.
Tori imagined the map of the sea beyond their borders in her mind. Kalgia and Lostred were autonomous regions, but they were considered poor principalities, if they could even be called that. Sebastian had told her that the only reason they hadnt been swallowed up by the Duraga Federation was because the principalities were now islands. At one point they had been a peninsula, but the landscape changed and the small strip of land connecting them to the continent was overco with water.
The sparsely populated principalities eventually beca a series of fishing villages that were often passed over, as there were little resources on the islands themselves.
The rest of that region were farming kingdoms that were also under the pressure of the Duraga Federation. The caravans from the east made precarious journeys through these kingdoms and there were treaties in place allowing for their passage. The kingdoms relied on yearly tributes to the federation in order to avoid invasion. Sebastian said that to the Duraga Federation, that region was rely seen as a tributary territory.
Tori supposed that was better than being constantly raided.
Ports are not easy to maintain, Tori said. The Duraga Federation is making it difficult for trade. I dont know why theyre being so reckless.
There are tis when it becos less about practicality and more about power, Ambassador Wu said. I wouldnt be surprised if the Duraga Federation was planning on fighting for more.
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