Arzix-Constantinople Estates
Constantinople, Core, Ryccian Empire

The mood was tense. Important government officials of the Empire were present, so the government offered to evacuate all visiting royals and nobles from the facilities, otherwise their stay would be subjected to intense security protocols. Some did leave, not wanting to bother with the increased surveillance, but others decided to remain. After all, this was a historic moment. Why not at least catch a glimpse of this foreign monarch?

"Is everything prepared, Maître?"

"Yes, Chancellor. The Royal Guards have arrived, accompanying the Emperor. We have all the provisions stocked and ready for usage. The culinary experts, servants and other staff are accounted for"

The Emperor was in his characteristic ceremonial attire: an ancient military-style uniform with a red sash. Despite Ryccia's aversion for the militaristic theme of the Old Empire, this outfit remained, as it had become so integral to the identity of the throne that the royals refused to ditch it. It was the tradition of the Imperial Throne, after all. Besides, the minority but hostile royalist population a thousand years ago would had never accept it.

"Here he comes, Your Imperial Excellency"

Surrounded by four Royal Guards, as was the arcane tradition, here he was, the Emperor.

"Chancellor, is the King of the Stoinians arriving shortly? I am attempting to speak to the remaining royal and noble guests in the estate..."

"Greetings, Your Imperial Majesty. They should not be a concern if they do not disturb the state visit"

"I am aware, Chancellor, but I fear that the current security requirements are monetarily and physically excessive for this property"

"We have calculated the costs, Your Majesty. It shall not be a burden for our state, that I can assure you"

"Very well, as you say...I am also concerned regarding the Royal Hunting Grounds in this area. Why are they to be utilized?"

"Why, for hunting, Your Majesty"

Did he hear accurately? Hunting?! Such barbarism in his estate?! The Emperor was livid. Such an act of uncivilized cruelty in this house? Certainly not!

"Hunting? Why was I not informed of this?!"

"I did send the arrangements to your personal aides. Did they not brief you on this matter?"

"No, I have never been informed of this barbarity"

The Emperor's assistant shivered. He was shaking with fear. Was he going to be fired? But he knew this would happen. He did not wish the Emperor's outrage to jeopardize the visit.

"...M'lord, we made the choice to not tell you of this fact in order to prevent your...premature rage..."

"Esquire Cindyn, I am infuriated with your flagrant disrespect against m-"

"We opted for such a course of action in order to protect your...image. To risk a state visit would be improper of our duties..."

"...I see. Honestly, Cindyn, you fear for your job security far too excessively"

Marcus Cindyn, the personal aide to the Emperor, was then surprised by a message he had received.

"Uh, m'lord, the Empress Dowager is to arrive shortly"

The Emperor was shocked. Mother? Yesterday, she was not even in the mood to be disturbed. Now she is coming here?

"Mother?"

"Yes, m'lord. It appears that she shall land soon...and there is her shuttle in the sky"

The shuttle was elegant. It was a Lambda-class vessel, but it was made of the beautiful chromium, and an expensive variety at that. It was the default royal design of these kinds of transports to be crafted out of the purest chromium that was available on the market.

As it descended, the Emperor ordered his Royal Guards to create a makeshift honour guard line to receive her. She disembarked, and walked out of the ship.

"Mother? Why are you present here?"

"I have come to be witness of this spectacle. I am indeed curious regarding this guest of yours"

"...You are here to honour Father's legacy"

"..."

"He would have wished to greet a foreign leader. Late Father's reign did not see his desires of curiosity for the unknown being fulfilled"

"....."

"Thank you, Mother"

The Chancellor was emotionless. It was not due to some selfish lack of care, but it was simply a Velpan attitude. Unlike humans, the biological ancestors of the Velpans were solitary hunters who evolved improved social skills only in order to improve their chances at survival. As a result, Velpans felt less empathy than other species, with the death of a stranger that was nothing of note to a Velpan not mattering. If there is a high crime rate, for example, Velpans shall collaborate and advocate together not for some sense of solidarity, but for their own personal safety. Since coming in contact with other species, beings such as the Velpans, which biologically feel less empathy than others, have learned to at least fake their sympathies, as it is the correct thing to do.

Many Velpans did feel genuine sorrow and empathy over the late Emperor's death. But the Chancellor only saw the Royal Family as decor, ceremonial persons whose only purpose is to be a symbol of the nation and nothing more. Moreover, Louis had always been annoying in the Chancellor's eyes, as his regular weekly meetings to obtain his royal assent on bills were accompanied with discussions Louis would initiate. For Ferul, the Emperor should only have looked nice and played his role in this traditional theatre. His son, the current Emperor Alexander, was even more bothersome, as not only was he a highly political person, but he was the first Emperor to ever voice his opinions freely. Such a taboo had already been broken by his mother, the Empress Consort of her day, but Alexander was the first actual Emperor in functions in nearly a millenia to do so. If only he just stuck to signing the bills as he was intended to do instead of talking on and on...the only good thing is that at least the Emperor was an ardent internationalist, which aligned exactly with Ferul's political direction.

"The King of the Stoinians should be arriving shortly, Your Majesty"

"Excellent, Chancellor. Mother, do you wish to greet him?"

"In Louis's memory, I shall"

The Chancellor, the Emperor and the Empress Dowager then headed to the platform where the Stoinian King would land. Along with an honour guard, they awaited his presence.