Itomi, Vurbentan Rim, Ryccian Empire

"You're in luck, Captain. Constantinople is the only planet in the Core that hasn't outlawed hunting animals yet"

That was Thint. Although he was from an industrial world, he was still from Novaterra, a region far from the Core. In the outlying regions, hunting was more accepted. Perhaps it either was due to their "frontier culture", or because one had to work harder to survive than the softies in the Core, or both.

In the Core, aristocratic culture is even more detached from any form of martiality than a thousand years ago. Any kind of bloodshed was deemed appalling, and since the Core was the most affluent region of human space and the Empire overall, that elite culture influenced the general population more than anywhere else. Recreational hunting was being outlawed over the past few centuries, and Constantinople may follow suit after intense pressure.

Thint spoke in a negative tone. He was fond of hunting, and thus saw the Core's ban of one of his favourite pastimes to be a "hyper-sensitive hysteria" from those rich softies.

Carl, on the other hand, was disgusted. Hunting? This King desired to practice such a barbaric sport? He knew the Emperor saw hunting with disdain, and would be horrified to kill an animal for fun. So did he. It was the prevalent thought in the Core.

"With all due respect, don't bother asking the Emperor to hunt. The Core is clueless when it comes to good sport. Maybe the Chancellor could accept the invitation, but I'd doubt your King would want to hunt with an alien"

"Pardon, Mr. Grivyern", Carl objected "but you must respect our cul-"

"On your question as to why we aren't commenting on the trip to the capital..."

And that was Carlias. She was one of Carl's rivals, and an ally of their superior, the Foreign Minister. It felt good to interrupt this upstart spoiled kid.

"Carl is the one that has the most experience with Daonlathas. Me and Thint spend most of our time working in our respective regions, so we go to the capital only sparingly. For example, my usual routine consists of resolving disputes in the Eastern Region, an area quite far from that world. Moreover, if we are in need of contacting our superiors in Daonlathas, we aren't summoned to the capital. Instead, we speak by hologram. In contrast to our existence, Carl has practically gone all his life to the heart of the Empire. He's better suited to talk for our delegation, for he knows the capital more than us"

"...Ahem. Let us discuss on the matter of the press conferences. The optimal aim is for your nation to transform its public image in the eyes of our citizens. It would be best to not express any racist or hostile remarks, but I leave your preparations at your discretion. The alien journalists, as well as the human ones, shall be able to ask any question with all the freedom they desire to exercise. Our security team are to be sworn to protect your King from any threats to his life along with your Royal Guardsmen"