"Ah, yes the Constantinople Gardens. Many in the Empire have forgotten about it, but if you live in this world, you are bound to hear of it. I do apologize once more for my outburst, I was really looking forward to that notification"

If the King was going to ignore the Imperial Cabinet, then so be it. Chancellor Ferul took the time to text the Deputy Minister of the Interior pertaining to some governmental affairs he had to resolve. Liat remained intrigued. In her electronic notes, she was scribbling down her thoughts of the matter, as well as anything of importance. The Emperor, with nothing better to do, remained attentive to the developing conversation between this foreign monarch and a commoner.

For his part, Marcus Argenworth was recording this conversation for his piece. He was also interested in this King, as he took time from a high-profile state visit to talk with such an unimportant person. He was still nervous, however.

When the King took out his sword, the Ryccian delegation noticed, most of all the Emperor. The craftmanship of that sword was exquisite. For those raised in wealth and grandeur, they had an eye for these sorts of luxuries. A blade of beauty, most certainly.

When their barbarian Queen spoke, the Emperor and Foreign Minister Liat were perplexed. So many children...how does the average Stoinian family manage to not be overburdened by such a colossal responsibility? How is the average Stoinian woman not exhausted of giving birth to so many infants?

The Chancellor was not weirded out, at least initially. After all, Velpans have their numerous young in litters. He himself had five children from two of these events. However, he recalled that humans have their children one pregnancy at a time, anf thus he too was confused.

When the Queen talked about a law mandating their King marry a commoner, most did not care, but they did think it odd. Only one person was disgusted: the elitist Imperial Chief of Staff, Junius Igniae Gloria Navitas Heatherstone Valieta, Count of Valieta. To this stuck-up, posh aristocrat, it was anathema to marry a commoner of such low rank. A farmer from the middle of nowhere marrying into the distinguished ranks of royalty?!

Horrified, he let out an audible gasp of shock, but his face flushed with embarassment when he realized his mistake. Moreover, the Minister of Finance, who was next to him, got irritated and stomped his foot with her high heels.

Liat was amused when she noticed Josefina's little act. "Serves this arrogant buffoon right", she thought.

Those of the delegation who were born in the Core and in The Rim were shocked when the King offered Mr. Argenworth a cigar. Smoking in this day and age? How appalling!

"Um...if it does not harm me, very well"

The journalist was uncomfortable with this. In the culture of his region, the Core, smoking had gone extinct hundreds of years ago. It was considered taboo to smoke a cigar. To drug one's self into numbness was an abhorrent practice. Even if modern cigars did not contain any addictive substances, the cultural stigma built over millenia was strong.

"Pardon me, Your Highness, but, in order to be certain, how does one make use of this again? I am afraid I have no idea how to do this...you take that artifact and light it, yes?"