Darina had unintended ended the participation of five more contestants, as they seemed to react allergic to the pancakes. Though some said the girls where outright tripping when getting transported to a hospital. A few days later a large reminder was posted that it was not a good idea to lie about allergies.

---

As May came about, the Organizers had announced that the next test would be, after a short change of plans, be a Social event at the End of the Month the Participants should get ready for.

"Dear Candidates,

after some contemplation an opportunity has opened up that will lead to a change of plans, the Contest in March will be a Masquerade Ball. You will be given fitted dresses and identical masks, as you conversate with the guests, they will equally judge you. A random number will be assigned to you at the start of the ball. You will be judged by the guests in the male masks."

The woman glanced 'Lara' over and tipped her gloved finger to her own cheeck several times:

"Oh, i have some in mind. We got a selection of sweet and suffocating 'Beerenauslese' that would do well as desert or to lull your conversation partner in sweet sin. Lowest starting around two hundred per bottle."

The woman stepped to the Elevator first, not letting the guests go first:

"Though i do have another one you might like."

---

back at the Palace, the young Emperor had ordered Rezakov to be lead right to his personal Gallery, where Orion waited for the Guest to arrive. Arround him several paitnings he had gathered over the years hung, none of them famous classics though. Orion enjoyed buying from young artists around his own age, he had even suprised one or the other school fair and bought up some. He knew a lot of critics called his taste Kitch, but this was his own home, he wouldn't let them tell him what was on his own walls.

As the guest would arrive, he gave him a nod:

"Ah, Mister Rezakov. Welcome. Take your time, and pick one to take home."

---

The tasting hall the two where brought to was equally made of black marbled walls and floors, the center an ebony Bar where a masked man served the Wines to taste, Glasses getting filled as soon as they entered. The pale pink liquid shimmering as only drops of color in the room:

"It's Orphan's blood. Only a few caskets even make it past quality control every year. A heavy sweet rose getting built in oak barrels, it looks innocent and gentle and innocent, but it's full of depth and dark notes once it crosses your lips. Shouldn't be aged too long though, taste tends to deteriorate after 2 years."

Kurt rolled his eyes at the theatricals as he got guided to the bar, but nodded warmly:

"Do bring the Auslese as well, and some of last years Rose Wines. Specially from the same grapes that you use in Orphans blood."

Meanwhile, 'Lara' got a message on her Phone:

"The Team is preparing a prop to switch the paintings on our way out. prolong the tasting to give us a chance."

Neu Uburzis Stadt, 12.4.2024



The Elder Senate has decided to release a statement on their current position in the conflict surrounding the City of Troyes. According to the Elder Senate, while Marseille does have a claim on the city, this claim should be staked and discussed through the regular diplomatic channels and not open the possibility by force. The Elder Senate also states that the so called republic does not exist, and urges the armed assailants and gunboats to stand down and allow an orderly conduct.

They also wish to clarify that while Marseille has a claim on the city, it would only be to be expected that Marseille would have to make concessions to Seaforth for years of building infrastructure, security and amenities. The Senate states that anything less would be straight up theft at gunpoint.

Ortwin had a Membership card for the Odinisitc Order, and several pictures in his social media proof of his regular temple visits and the large tattoo on his back to proof he had in fact joined. He hadn't answered when they inquired about his family ties, let them work for their hostage he thought to himself. His mind raced on how to get out of the Situation, he had made a move that he wouldn't trust the ferry not to be rigged with explosives. Now he had to find a way to sit out until the army marched in, without dying himself.

Once the Gungnir held their little recruitment speech he started making excuses as to why not to join. Obviously, he wasn't a nya aland citizen, then there's the part about his father being the ambassador. A fair amount of reason for now to keep his feet down and try and wait this out. Though their little pep talk did remind him how the recruiters back home fished for easily impressible boys to sign up for the cadet academies without their parents consent. He always thought it kind of funny how the internationals had harked down on the bene gesserit when the Empire flat out openly trained children for potential warfare. Well, then again simply defining you as a young adult past the age of thirteen helped a lot. For now Ortwin tried to push the memories of marching and shooting training aside while waiting for the situation to develop from his room. Though he did start mapping out possible escape routes from the complex in his head.

---

"What do you mean i am on temporary Leave?!"

The Embassy halls shook with Caius Julian Voss voice after a meeting with his staff.

"The Prince Regent has made it rather clear that in the public Eye you are better suited to look the worried father at least. And we all know the Emperor is rather cross with you to start with Voss."

His Secretarian pinched his nose as he opened the door: "Go back to your apartment for now and stay on standby. make sure you are seen to look worried or upset about the gugnir. Just don'T make yourself look like an arse again."

"I'll kick my Sons arse and whoop it again if he got himself mixed up with these lunatics. No, ill march past the gugnir myself and give him a second public whooping if he dishonors me again!"

"And that Voss, is why you are on Leave for now. Now keep your feet still."

Of course, Voss was loud enough several people had overheard part of that argument....

Neu Uburzis Stadt, 8.4.2024



The military command, together with the Elder Senate and the Prince Regent, have decided to reiterate that if Nya Aland needs help dealing with the Gungnir in any shape or form, they are ready to do so. Unlike other Nations though, they currently did not employ Ships or Vessels into the Region yet. An excerpt reads:


"....and while we are ready to Jump in and Support Nya Aland's democracy, actionism and symbolic politics might hinder their efforts more than help. We are ready to deploy support at any given moment, even if we are not directly allied, but will stay action until noticed."


Some yet unverified sources claim the school currently under Control of the Gungnir might have a single Uburzian student, though nothing concrete has been confirmed yet other than heresay.

On the Third of April, a new bit of Information was released:


"The Test for the Candidates has varied depending on in which house you stayed. You all have been given some intel on one of the leaving candidates and what you did or didn't do with said information has become your test. We have been observing your and your surroundings social Media accounts to release a summary for each candidate, the vote will be held the next Sunday."

---

Sieglinde was somewhat floored, as she had simply decided not to talk Irene on her Social Media she should be fine, but the test seemed odd. Only once Brundhilde also entered the common room with a shit eating grin on her face did the picture become far clearer. A lot of other girls had gossiped heavily with the information left behind, about personal injuries problems with parents, Money Issues. The Cabin here with the Foreigners and these two was virtually the only one where the Info hadn't leaked to a Broader Audience. The bulky Athlete did look over at Darina's door though:

"Hey there Girl. They do suspect you told at least someone. Though seems it's not held against you."

---

Current notes on the Contestants:


Brunhilde: Headstrong, she mostly talked about her own shortcomings and her future challenges in the contest to her followers. Did not leak the information from what we could determine.

Sieglinde: Did not leak the Information from our ability to determine, was rather overwhelmed with the sheer amount of social media attention she got.



Tinatin:  has not shared the information to our Knowledge, nothing else noteworthy.

Lady Shin:   seems to have disappeared from social media for now, did not leak the information.



Catrin: has not shared the information to our knowledge, did start handling the logistics for another contestants venture in the meantime.

Poppy: has not shared the information to our knowledge, did start a venture of making and giving away more of the music boxes.



Darina: There is a chance she might have shared the Information to a close relative or friend back home, but no public social media posts or similar. Miss Irene did get four contact requests from Men belonging (or proclaiming) to the Bene Gesserit Faith. Since nothing of the sort was seen on her social media platforms, it is to be expected the topic has been mishandled by an indirect associate rather than Miss Darina.

Ophelia: Hasn't shared the Information, did partake in the Leukemia fund of Prince Augustin in her free time.

Angelika: Hasn't shared the information, partook in efforts to support the Leukemia Fund and has promoted Contestant Poppy's ventures on her social media.

Mathilda took note that the foreign Emperor's gaze shifted back to the woman attending him, and with a sly grin she shrugged:

"Oh i am sure there will be plenty of time for that once you have to be the emperor again. Tonight i assume you wish to enjoy the high life that comes with it for a little. Though, i do know a couple good places to stay around several port towns. During my time leading the Mermaids i did come around the world a lot."

She took a sip of champagne, before the old hag leaned in closer to him:

"And if the Lodjan Lady there decides to be busy this evening, i'll let my Security detail know to let your through. If you're as adventurous as they say, that is."

---

Adelheid knew little about Carmela herself, but the way she talked about secret societies made her either a foolish young girl like herself ten years ago, or the woman would love to join the ones hiding in Uburzis. Adelheid made a mental note to let some of her associates know. But business came first, and De Angelis was poking a Hornets nest Adelheid wondered she might not be quite aware off:

"Ah, yes the corrupt Catholics. Let their Zealots run wild and kidnap and murder children and then later on act as if nothing was their fault, am i right? Do yourself a favor, don't talk about them near Augustin over there, he had a bit of a run in with the pope at the time."

Adelheid glanced over to the prince trying to make conversation with his best friends stepmother, before her eyes darted back to Carmela:

"As for a secret societies, you are right at the Center. We talk, we make moves, we Backstab and plot. Honestly? Politics and International gatherings are less of a Vipers nest than Model Agencies. But i know what you are getting at, tell you what. If you ever need a good contact to understand the Pitfalls of getting onto Uburzian Markets, give me a call."

"The Test has been ongoing since the other Candidates left."

was all the news that everyone talked about the Camp that day. The Message suddenly appeared on the Infoscreesn everywhere, and to put it mildy, quite a few where Panicking. Only the Cabin with the Hopefuls seemed quiet so far.

Irene had never been in the Palace before, when her Orphanage had been selected for the Festival of Love Sleepover, she was away for a Skating Contest. She hadn't lamented it back then, she did win after all, but now? She wondered if she would have met her Father then. Now, she would meet the Man they said was her Brother, the Man she had tried to marry. A cold unpleasant shiver ran down her spine at the thought, not only had she been the most promising candidate, she had been with a fair lead over Lady Shin. 

When she rode the Tram up to the Palace, it wasn't one of the Tourist Carts, no. She had been picked up with the family cart, and been told to bring at least enough supply to stay for a few days for all to figure the situation out. Now she stood at a part of the Palace the Tourists usually didn't get to. No, only the family and guests the Imperial family actually got along with usually entered the old Castle area.

An elderly woman stood at the Gate, waving enthusiastically at her. She seemed familiar but Irene couldn't immediately place her, for now the woman gave her a smile and grabbed the luggage of her:

"Irene, let us handle your Luggage, Ori is waiting for you in his Studio."

The woman pointed up to one of the towers, and a somewhat confused Irene followed suit, just where did she see her before? It took Irene a moment to find the right stairway, the inner palace being a labyrinth of repurposed and remodeled buildings over several centuries. As she finally made it, the door was already slightly open:

"Come on in."

Orion sat in a chair in front of an empty canvas, paint and brushes ready to get to work next to him. Though Irene felt as if she was an intruder, he didn't even acknowledge her. No, whatever this was, the emperor was angry.

"Your Highness?" she asked, careful. This was a tricky situation, she knew his father's infidelity to the late empress must be a heavy burden on him right now. Though, she wasn't even the one to raise that flag. For all her plans she would have become his wife.

"Take a seat, over there. and wait a moment if you don't mind."

Again, the emperor didn't look at her. He wrote some text on his Smartphone and worked on his utensils. The stool for Irene was placed across from him. Studio lamps glowing on to her as she took a seat and a white background setup behind her. Was this for a Photograph? Did he want to paint her, or was this just his casual place? And why did he still not look at her? Two more sets of feet. Smaller, faster steps and giggling. But when the two walked up the stairs Orion beamed at them, happy. Only that Irene almost jumped out of her skin and up from the stool when she saw them.

"Leo? Charles?" she stammered as she looked at the two youngsters from her teaching class. Well, temporarily she had been taking over before the contest. Their trainer had been i'll and she was called as a substitute by the association. Bloody hell, who where those kids?

Orion gave both of them a nod, and looked over to Irene:

"Well, i guess i'll have to reintroduce them. Prince Ludwig and Prince Karloman. Meet your Aunt Irene. Though this is a bit of  secret for now, got it? Training continues this afternoon. Stand over there, would you two? Next to Irene."

"Hey Coach!" the two grinned: "Uncle Ori said you are really his sister? Weird."

the still baffled Irene sat back down, and before she knew it, Orion had snatched a Picture of her with the two boys:

"I'll be taking some creative freedom for the clothing boys. now, hopp hopp. get changed."

Irene was still puzzled, but Orions demeanor had changed, he was softer, his shoulder slumped:

"Sorry for that, i had to make sure it wasn't you who had set that up. Now, though. I will need your help to find out who from your association has broken our trust, because that was no coincidence. Also, do make sure the two don't end up fighting again with the other kids. I hate Bunny Stew."

Irene was just overwhelmed, she was out of the contest, but in the middle of politics. She then blinked:

"Wait what, the Bunny stew wasn't a joke?"

Somewhere Zimalia, around the same Time as that meeting.


The Alchemist walked into the dingy back alley lair, his leathery coat and the beaked mask covering him, as he let out a raspy laugh:


"Someone got careless." he announced as his breath echoed in a crazed tone through the mask. The man cracked his knuckles and stretched his arms as the henchmen cleaned out the servers, laptops and computers in a haste. The Alchemist glared over at the group of barely men tied to their chairs, gagged, beaten. With the Death of Kyle Barren they finally had gotten the nick in their defense Vigilance had been looking for. Usually the Morelanders where on any clue like flies circling shit, but this time, this one time, Rudolph and his Vigilance finally got a proper score.

"Leave Redfern a couple Breadcrumbs, but clean out the Rest." he rasped through his mask, while placing his left boot in the crotch of one hacker:

"No Messages this time. We need all of these lowlifes breathing for now."

he glanced around the room, before announcing loudly: "Make sure we keep tabs on each of their families. We wan't to have some bargaining chips once we torture these fuckers." he pushed his boot deeper, making the man below him scream into the gag.

"That's enough for you already?" the masked Rudolph tilted his head and laughed maniacally: "Oh, do you even realize who you guys worked for? Don't cry now, I'll give you plenty time regretting ever working for the Borlanders."

The Morelanders arrived only about six hours later, but the den had been cleaned out mostly. Only a beaker with Sulfuric Acid left inside.

"Hearing you say that you weren't the intended heir, reminds me a little of Orion. My poor dearest cousin lost most of his Siblings and family in the blink of an eye, and not even yet quite thirteen was suddenly the Emperor. Even if my brother as his regent did most of the day to day burdens in the past years, it wasn't an easy time. The whole Bride show is weighing heavily on him, too. As much as he's banging on about his duty he is gay after all."

she shrugs with a smile:

"As for gifts for Lodjians? I assure you the Queen of East Moreland is a better judge there than i am. If you compare Uburzian and Lodjian women, i'd say they are an elegant Arrow to Pierce your heart. We are a thrown brick to knock you out and drag you into our cave."

Adelheid gave a hand wave towards Mathilda, drawing the attention of the grayed lady in the wavy purple silk toga.

She walked over and nodded towards adelheid, before bowing slightly to Marco:

"Your Highness, what a surprise! I hadn't expected your visit!"

Mathilda's demeanor was more stiff than Adelheid's, her military years visible in her every move.

"I was just talking to Miss Herrlich, our usual supplier for the Elder Senate's traditional Toga's. You should talk to her if you ever come for an official visit so we can get you some ahead of time."

"I made sure i invited him here, dear. He's kind of perfect from the basic requirements, and a hard worker on top. We kind of fell apart during the civil war and our own politic crisis. Glad we got Matilda for now."

Adelheid glanced around and shrugged as the little Prince Augustin walked back to them, giving a more than dramatic bow to Stasya:

"You're Highness." he said, now dressed in a neatly tailored tux with a big bunny pin from his charity and the sword pin king David once gave him on the lapel.

Adelheid nodded in approval to him, before turning to stasya again: "I invited his older brother and the whole family for the week. I think i saw them during several shows so i can only hope his big brother shoves him over here. Kind of funny, initially i had gunned for the older one. That said."

she glanced around:

"For the sake of Ophelia, and our shared interest in that venture, is it possible you keep your involvement with Denman a little low until she has a better standing in the contest. Our Speaker over there follows a different kind of Feminism and that makes Denman rather unpopular."


Augustin meanwhile rolled his eyes at that:
"I mean let's be fair. We both know that several other Bachelors are already eyeing up whom they can snatch from those who don't make it. I just want Ori to be happy." he turned to stasya again: "You're Highness, would you allow me the first Dance for the evening? I could use some better Headlines tomorrow than my Teacher getting fired so i can be here today."


Adelheid snorted:
"That, and you want the morelanders to like you so you can spent more time with Rhiannon."

The Opera House had once again changed it's face from Fashion stage to Gala Show. Adelheid watched the last laudator on stage. She had to travel the day before to his school and personally boxed him out of detention. She was fuming and furious, that the smug dorm teacher sincerely believed she would let him ruin her Gala. The damn Bunny and his Leukemia Fund where the single biggest Donation driver in the whole country and that pompous failure thought he can tell her she can't have him because he supposedly didn't do his homework?

The Guy lost his job, not only that, she sure as hell shared the story all over the social media platforms. She even had posted where she found the supposedly never handed in homework. The idiot had it lying out in the open on his desk.

But now, she could finally breath. The custom was updated since he had grown a little bit, the fashion show had become the date when he updated the outfit now. She was just glad she'D get to the fun part now. Mingle with people, gossip a little drink champagne and have fun. The Entrance hall had been changed into a large ballroom with countless servers handing out champagne and little bites.

Adelheid grabbed herself some, and a glass of orange juice for the fabulous little marketing bunny Prince Augustin, and handed it to him as he together with the other attendees started streaming in.

"Anyone you want to dance with? And do remember to change into different clothes boy." while she scanned the room herself for the man she hoped was present.

"I mean, do you think people would talk about the fund more and less about you getting my teacher fired if i dance with your best friend and Rhin's Stepmom?"

"Only if we change you into a proper suit to dance in. Albrecht is going to kill me if you collapse of exhaustion again because you tried dancing in the whole getup."

---

Henriette Herrlich stood awkwardly to the side, she had gotten the usual business talk with her regulars done earlier the day. International Occasions weren't her forte, but she knew she needed them if she wanted to scale her brand. It was then that she was joined by non other than former Admiral, now speaker of the Elder Senate, Mathilda Eidmeier:

"I just wanted to congratulate you for this years models. Well done. And maybe get some attraction your way. People always tend to try and chat up the Speaker. Considering i'm the equivalent of a Prime Minister after all."

19th Februrary 2024 - Niameck Opera House

---

Nordberg, 13.2..2024



Concerned Parents spoke in the Senates about a surge of so called Memes containing a stylized depiction of the East Moreland Princess Rhiannon with the caption "Holmgang!" right below it. They urge the nations other Parents to better Control what their offspring posts and shares across social media platforms, especially if it suggests another child to take part in deadly combat.

The original artist of the Picture that currently circulates has for now privated their online gallery, at least until after this has blown over. Though we do have a written statement from his parents:

"Our Son deeply apologizes for what his picture has been used as. He did not add the Caption to the Picture, it was simply a stylized imagination of the Princess in her Viking dress from the Festival of sail. He did not wish for his work to be used in such demeaning and disrespectful way and is currently struggling with tons of death threats from all over the world. Please understand that for now he is hiding with some of our relatives. Please do not try to contact him, he is going through enough right now."