| Invitation to the Empress and Grand Minister of Pax Dracon to Grovne |
Hestia and Octavia looked at each other and smiled fondly.
"Indeed! Octavian has been Grand Minister of the Imperium for two six-year terms now. He's practically required to interact with all the major politicians of Pax Dracon, myself included. Before that, his family has long been a friend of the Crown. In fact, his great-grandfather was counselor for my own, Emperor Marcus III, over a century ago. He was even present when I ascended to the throne when I was twenty-four years old 26 years ago, along with most of the Senate and probably half of Elysium." Hestia said, relaxing as best she could in her armor and the confined quarters.
"Ah, I see", Vimmru responded eagerly.
"I was the first one in my family to become a politician. My relatives on my father's side have always been farmers, and still are. My mother's are somewhat more mixed in profession, but to my knowledge no politicians there either. I am fortunate to have my childhood friend with me in the government as the Minister for Foreign Affairs though. We will meet him later today." The car greatly sped up as it entered the highway towards Grovne city centre. The police motorcycles that escorted them kept a good distance, but their accelerating could still be heard through the thick security windows. "May I offer you something to drink? Sparkling or still water, coffee, or perhaps apple liqueur?", he asked them both.
"An apple liqueur for me, I think," Hestia said after a few moments of thinking. "Might as well have something sweet to celebrate the first meeting between nations."
Octavian quickly interjected. "If it is all the same to you, your Majesties, I will have some coffee. These old bones still aren't used to the sensation of jet lag."
Vimmru prepared the drinks for his guests while commenting on the passing scenery, then he poured some apple liquor for himself.
"These two are my favourites among drinks" the king said, while serving Hestia and Octavian. "They are both complex, yet accessible, if you know what I mean. I hope you will like them." "Now, about the agenda..." Vimmru said after noting that they had crossed the city border. "I would like to suggest we start with lunch in the Great Palace Garden with time set aside for discussion. Then the universities of Grovne have offered to present their work at the Southern Grovne University, situated just outside the palace garden. We would then round off the day at the National Museum with a press conference. If you are staying the night, accommodations can be arranged for you at the Palace, or somewhere else, should you like. Also, did you have some special place in mind that you would like to visit, or something else to do?"
The Empress and the Grand Minister gratefully accepted the beverages their host prepared for them, though Octavian blew on his coffee to cool it a little bit before taking a sip from his cup. "Thank you, your Highness. This is some damned good coffee!" A smile spread across his aged face as he listened to the itinerary being presented.
Stroking his chin thoughtfully, he nodded a mere moment later as Hestia looked at the Sedunnic capital with near childlike fascination, not that he wasn't giddy himself. "That sounds like a good idea to me, your Highness. And, truth be told, I would sooner rest here for the night than go through the exhaustion of travel so soon." He turned to Hestia and coughed to get her attention. "What say you, your Grace? Is there anything else you wish to see or do while we are here?" The Empress quickly turned back to address her friend and their host, taking a moment to finish drinking her apple liqueur. "Well... it would be nice to try foreign cuisine at our meal and to stay the evening," she agreed, "But I was wondering if it was possible to interact with some of your people, Vimmru. And more than just via a press conference. I apologize if I am asking too much or if I risk spreading your guards thin, but I would like to show the people of Sedunn that they have naught to worry about the Imperium and the Drakari people."
Vimmru nodded, pleased with Hestia's request.
"As a matter of fact, the students at Southern Grovne are very eager to meet you, I've been told! I would then also like to suggest we walk the not too long way to the National Museum, stopping by the Setru Mall on the way, providing many chances to meet other Sedunners. If your shoes allow it, that is" Vimmru said, hoping the health of the older of the two Drakari would allow it.
Chuckling, Octavian gave their host a mirthful grin. He set his coffee down to avoid spilling it.
"Your Highness, I may be getting on in years, but I can still hike a fair distance. How else would I be able to get around the Senate and the capital?" Hestia shook her head at the elder statesman's antics. "Well, when you put it that way, how can I say no? I look forward to seeing more of your city. For courtesy's sake, are there any customs that we should be aware of? I do not wish to accidentally offend your people."
The architecture changed as they came closer to the Rakahollv Bridge and the Teivvte Square where the palace is located. The closer the older, and more of the white-grey granite.
"I'm afraid I'm not familiar with your customs either..." Vimmru began and scratched his beard. "But Sedunn is a tolerant and open society, I can't think of anything that is taboo that you might accidentally do."
As the buildings became older and older the closer they got to the Palace, Hestia breathed a sigh of relief, leaning back in her armor as she did so.
"Oh, thank the Radiant Star... you have no idea how much of a relief it is to hear that, your Majesty."
"Skard, fihojj!" The young soldier's eager and proud command echoed sharply against the granite walls of the Great Grovne Palace, prompting a small squad from the 11th Guard Battalion standing in formation next to the car to present arms. Vimmru and his Drakari guests stepped out of the car that had parked just in front of the Grey Entrance to the palace. Curious passing Grovners stopped to see what was going on.
"Welcome to the Teivvte Square, heart of Grovne and the political centre of Sedunn" Vimmru said when they had taken a few steps away from the car. "That building over there is the Sutivmannared, housing the national parliament, the previous Second Chamber of the now abolished bicameral system", he explained, pointing towards a building across the plaza. He moved his stretched out arm slightly to the right, pointing towards a smaller, more delicately decorated building. "That is the Little Palace, private residence of the Sedunnic kings, my home since 2009. It previously housed the First Chamber when the kings had the Great Palace all for themselves." Vimmru turned around. "This obviously is the Great Palce, seat of various ministries and bodies of the state. Behind it you will find barracks belonging to the Guard Brigade, or officially the 1st City Brigade. If you look to your left, you will get a glimpse of the Setru River, flowing west from the mountains bordering the Kingdom of Ezervölgyek. To your right, barely visible from behind the Southern Tower, is the Southern Grovne University." Vimmru let his guest take in the view before continuing. A little girl waved cautiously to Hestia. "There are three entrances to the Palace, named after what you see when leaving the building. They Grey Entrance here is called so due to the view over the plaza, dominated by granite. The Blue Entrance is the entrance that faces the river, referring to its colour. And lastly there is the Green Entrance, leading to the Great Palace Gardens. This is where our lunch will be served. The kitchen has prepared a potato and onion soup and Yvvslavin, a tender beef course. Please don't hesitate to tell me if you would prefer something else." |
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