Lead Officer Dentar,

I look forward to welcoming you and your delegation to Clysperis to discuss the matters before us. The Clysperi economy is one which sees many challenges before it, challenges which will require firm and definite solutions. Combined with Tamoran investments I feel that the efforts of the Conglomerate will supplement our economic efforts well, and look forward to what you shall have to propose.

Clysperis is thankful that the Conglomerate lives to a standard beyond its Illumic neighbours and is confident its faith is not misplaced. Midaranye has been challenged for some time and I realize that only through developing our indigenous capacities that we shall be respected by the world around us. I truly hope that the Conglomerate will be a firm partner in our endeavours.

I look forward to welcoming you to Nafu, in the backdrop of its pyramids, for our meeting.

Pharaoh Bektaten, Sovereign of Sovereigns, Divine of Appearance, Beloved of Amun, Chosen of Ra, Lord of the Three Lands, High Priest of Every Temple, The Living Horus.

Offering their congratulations the Imperial Couple approached, although Alex had been a bit to handle seeing that it was a dry affair. "Behave yourself," Beatrice nudged Alex with the strike of her elbow, "I've always an 'emergency flask' on hand for each of us. Don't entertain any ideas of spiking the punch though, or you will be punched." Alex sighed, "They'd never see it coming though and just think of the fun we could ha...." Beatrice cut him off with her heel to his big toe, "I said no, if you behave later I shall see that you are rewarded," she continued with a wink.

Before she could even speak to the Prince Adriana stepped forward, "Prince Charles, Princess Theresa," she said with a bow, "Congratulations on behalf of the Rokkenjiman People. I have to say I'm a bit sad, a part of me wanted you to be my first kiss," she said with a chuckle to Prince Charles, "but at the same time, how can I not be happy for you? Thank you for being so kind to me, and lifting me up when I felt so sad that day," she concluded, noting the day they'd first met when her gift, a clay representation of the Tytorian flag, had fallen to the ground and shattered.

"As for you," she turned to Theresa, "he's a great guy, if you're not nice to him remember I'll be Empress one day." After giving her a stern look for a second she burst into giggles, "Anyone Prince Charles would marry would have to be sweet, his heart wouldn't let any others in. I think we're going to be great friends," she said with an impromptu hug; most likely a breech of diplomatic protocols. "Treat him good, yeah?"

A General and Admiral were executed today for "high crimes and treason" against the Kingdom of Clysperis, according to Khemnen Palace. General Amersis of the Royal Clysperi Army and Admiral Pra-en-amen of the Royal Clysperi Navy were both burned alive for their crimes, which the Palace has confirmed involved "plots to usurp the authority of the Pharaoh and institute a liberal agenda." Twelve officers joined them at the pyre for the crime of treason, being personally involved in the plots against our Pharaoh and the Gods. "These men, in the pursuit of their lust of power and influence, have received their just reward. For betraying the gods themselves these men have been denied the afterlife," the Palace said in a press release.

Since the death of Ramses V rumours have often surfaced of plots against his daughter, Beketaten-Hesy-Re, although to date nothing had been confirmed. Clysperi investigators revealed that they had been looking into these plots since their discovery and, being confident in the case they had built, brought charges before the Royal Clysperi Court for prosecution. With the evidence in hand, a verdict of guilty was soon returned and the men executed in the days which followed.

"To raise against our Pharaoh is to raise against Clysperis, and the will of the gods themselves," Vizier Apherumes stated to our reporters. "That the Generals had led this group of officers down this path is sad, however, we must remain united as a nation based on its laws, principles and beliefs. These men defied the will of the gods, as such, they will not know the afterlife. Through these actions, the Government of Beketaten-Hesy-Re has preserved Ma'at from those who would upset it."

The Palace said that various investigations were proceeding and would result in further actions if deemed necessary. "Our adversaries, whether domestic or foreign, must be addressed with the same zeal. We will not allow the Kingdom to be threatened by any force, whether they come from within or outside of our borders."

"Most wonderful," Beatrice replied as she shared Thatcher's smile. "I am quite hopeful for the Conference, and believe that the time is right for an organisation such as the RSCU to take form. There is a great deal of opportunity in this region that is not fully utilized, thus doing so should serve each of our nations well into the future. As for the rest of Mundus, it's a shame what has transpired since the hopeful days of not that many years ago. Truly unfortunate that taking issues with allies and scoring cheap political points seems to outweigh doing the right thing, but I digress; today is not such a day to focus on the ills of Mundus, but to see one good thing come into shape."

Greeting the Gowu delegation was a special treat itself. Beatrice greeted them all with respect and warmth, however, it was not all that common to see Nettie these days. "Always wonderful to see you, and I've a special request that I have been instructed to relay prior to your departure. Please do remain following the conference."

As for Josai, it was always interesting; the city which escaped the horrors of the Republican era and entered into a new relationship with the First Empire upon the close of said era. "Welcome," she said with a bow, "So glad you could join us today. I trust things are well in Josai, yes? I shall have to visit someday, as it's been since before the Republican era that a Rokkenjiman monarch set foot within Josai, although at that time it was a part of Rokkenjima, so it'll be that much more special this time around."

---

"Pending any further arrivals we shall begin," Beatrice said as they filed into the Matriarch's Hall. Individual tables had been set up for the delegations, with Beatrice arising from her table to address the delegations from the centre of the hall.

"The Rokkenjima Sea sees an assembly of different cultures and nations, including those who join us from the surrounding regions," she said, nodding toward Thatcher. "Together, I feel that we may set forth an institution which allows the Rokkenjima Sea region to fully realize its economic potential, ensuring a path for prosperity and economic growth which is not centred around one or two nations, but is spread throughout our region as a whole. With that being said I first leave the floor open to you, to see what your visions and expectations of an RSCU are; as my guests it is only polite to allow you this first opportunity."

To whom it may concern,

The Kingdom of Clysperis is interested in seeking a mutually beneficial relationship with the Consecrated Nyx Coalition, an interest which I hope will be shared. At this time my Kingdom is perhaps best described as a market which is untapped; opportunities for growth and innovation are plenty, but to transform the Clysperi economy from one of a GDP per capita of $2k, toward one where my people may lead fulfilling and enriched lives, I shall require the guidance of those most skilled, those who possess unquestionable prowess in business and economics. Given the status of the Nyx economy I believe the Consecrated Nyx Coalition is an entity which fits this bill well on all fronts.

In exchange for assisting the Clysperi economic recovery, in conjunction with efforts to be headed by the Tamoran Empire, the Kingdom shall offer the Consecrated Nyx Coalition an environment in which it may expand its economic presence to the north.

Clysperis faces many challenges, from an unemployment rate of 7.6%, inflation of 12.9%, GDP growth of a scant .87%, coupled with obsolete infrastructure and minimal to non-existent foreign investment. I feel that our ascension to OPEN is one part of the equation, increasing the flow of Clysperi oil to the markets and harnessing those funds raised through Clysperi Standard Oil to gear the broader economy toward a path of growth. Agricultural production remains another bright area, with the Ḥ'pī blessing our fertile soils.

I look forward to your reply and the opportunity for partnership between our parties.

Pharaoh Bektaten, Sovereign of Sovereigns, Divine of Appearance, Beloved of Amun, Chosen of Ra, Lord of the Three Lands, High Priest of Every Temple, The Living Horus.

In the weeks which followed my visit to Tamora I began an exchange of words with Prince Naser, both of us sharing our different worlds and what they meant to us respectively. He, a Conservative Manist and I, a living god, there were many differences yet they didn't seem to hinder our ability to communicate openly. If there was one thing we Clysperi believed more strongly than our faith, it was that said faith shouldn't be imposed on those who don't adhere to it; to expect someone from Tamora, Royal Seleucid, or further afield even, to believe as we do or to bow down in worship to me, would place us in the very same camp as those I speak out against, so forcefully.

Clysperi people aren't known for being hypocrites, and that tradition won't start under my reign.

Earlier today I spoke with the Congregation about honouring Ra, amending my very name to speak to this fact. Beketaten-Hesy-Re, Handmaiden of Aten, Blessed of Ra; my name speaks to my father's adherence to the god Aten, whilst I proclaim my faith and adherence to Ra by making my name my own. I have no surname; that is just how it is, and I am happy that our traditions stand despite the changes of the world around us. Although, if I were to marry a foreigner, would they accept that I would never accept their name? In some ways I am accommodating, but I could never take on a name that is foreign to my People, or one that does not honour my faith and heritage.

"The foreign Prince you speak of, he brings the Congregation great concern," one of my Priests said to me as I departed the Temple. "Never in our history, either as Abydos proper or Clysperis, has a Pharaoh entertained the notion of marrying a foreigner. Are you not worried about tainting the bloodline?" he asked of me. I sighed, his points weren't without merit, but again he is but a mortal man and I, a living god.

"Worry not Priest," I said reassuringly, "I am the living Horus, in concert with the gods with each moment that passes. If it were to displease them, do you not think I would be the first to know?" That question gave him pause for pondering, although I knew that with those words I had solidified my grip on his logic. A Priest of my Temple, to whom was subservient to me not only as my station as High Priest of every Temple, but as a god myself; how could he question my logic? It was quite simply impossible for him to raise any valid protest to my logic on the matter.

"Quite right you are," he said with a nod. "Forgive my insolence."

"You've nothing to be forgiven for," I said as I placed my hand on his shoulder, "my faithful Priest; you look only with concern to our faith and my People. That you have been corrected is not a punishment, but a blessing of knowledge which shall better serve you in the future."

At the end of the day I return home, pick up my phone, and repeat the motions that have become almost second nature to me. 'My Naser,' I tap at my screen with joy, 'when will you share the view of the pyramids with me?' I paused before sending, wondering if I was perhaps being too direct, but I had pressed the 'send' button before I could even think to take it back. To be honest, I didn't wish to.

Clysperi men, generally, fall into two categories when it comes to me: those who wish to bed me for power or to enrich their name, and those so destitute that a matching with me would change their entire world. Both bored me to death, perhaps those seeking glory to their names moreso, but boredom all the same. This Prince, however, is a challenge, exciting in ways no Clysperi could be, and that in itself was enough upon our first meeting. I only hoped that my recovery from calling him enrapturing, was good enough, though I think it's safe to say it was. His continued replies to my messages point to that, at least.

Khemnen Palace has announced that the Great Spynx will be fully restored while also announcing that it would be seeking to secure foreign funding to supplement domestic streams of revenue to complete the restoration. "The Great Spynx, partially destroyed during the Soviet occupation, will see a program of complete restoration," the Palace shared with CSMC. "Through domestic and foreign revenue this cultural icon of Clysperis will once again stand as it did when completed, free of the blemishes of our occupation."

"So offended by the perseverance of Clysperi society, the godless Soviets looked upon the Sphynx with much disdain. That their civilization could produce nothing which could compare, they first smote the Sphynx in destroying its nose. The only act which saved it from further destruction was a rebuke from the gods themselves. A rare Clysperi thunderstorm ensnared the region the day after, seeing lightning strike which killed a Soviet occupier involved in the disfigurement of the Sphynx. After this, their disrespect for the Sphynx was shown less often, reduced to spitting or kicking the monument, but none dare remove anything from it."

The restoration does not yet have a price tag affixed, nor a timeframe, however the Palace stated it would keep the public updated on the progress of the restoration efforts.

In other Palace developments the Kingdom of East Moreland was condemned for its support and apparent sales of arms to the Soviet Republic. "The denial of the Helusians rings hollow, just as their support for the bastards of Stalin shows how hollow character of their nation truly is. They may issue any denial they wish, however, until the Helusians refrain from interfering in matters beyond their remit they shall know only the ire of the Kingdom of Clysperis. Should the Theocracy require anything we, like our Tamoran brethren, stand ready to oblige."

The First Empire of Rokkenjima votes no.

"But I love him."

 No, it is incapable of me, I should dedicate myself to one of the Temple, should I not? But he is so beautiful, and I don't even know if he sees the same in me, am I a fool? I couldn't have captured his heart in one meeting, yes? Oh God, if he is not true why do I feel this way? Am I without your guidance?

No you are not, for he is of Royal bloodline. You will marry the Tamoran.

"Are you sure, like, really sure?[/i] I asked. I mean this was a Prince we talked of.

"He is you already; you've just to accept him."

I can't take his name, can he take mine?

The Kingdom of Clysperis hereby ratifies the Charter of the Network of Crowns.

Pharaoh Bektaten, Sovereign of Sovereigns, Divine of Appearance, Beloved of Amun, Chosen of Ra, Lord of the Three Lands, High Priest of Every Temple, The Living Horus.

To whom it may concern,

The Kingdom of Clysperis is interested in seeking a mutually beneficial relationship with the Conglomerate, an interest which I hope will be shared. At this time my Kingdom is perhaps best described as a market which is untapped; opportunities for growth and innovation are plenty, but to transform the Clysperi economy from one of a GDP per capita of $2k, toward one where my people may lead fulfilling and enriched lives, I shall require the guidance of those most skilled, those who possess unquestionable prowess in business and economics. I believe the Conglomerate is an entity which fits this bill well on all fronts.

In exchange for assisting the Clysperi economic recovery, in conjunction with efforts to be headed by the Tamoran Empire, the Kingdom shall offer the Conglomerate an environment in which it may expand its economic presence to the north.

Clysperis faces many challenges, from an unemployment rate of 7.6%, inflation of 12.9%, GDP growth of a scant .87%, coupled with obsolete infrastructure and minimal to non-existent foreign investment. I feel that our ascension to OPEN is one part of the equation, increasing the flow of Clysperi oil to the markets and harnessing those funds raised through Clysperi Standard Oil to gear the broader economy toward a path of growth. Agricultural production remains another bright area, with the Ḥ'pī blessing our fertile soils.

I look forward to your reply and the opportunity for partnership between our parties.

Pharaoh Bektaten, Sovereign of Sovereigns, Divine of Appearance, Beloved of Amun, Chosen of Ra, Lord of the Three Lands, High Priest of Every Temple, The Living Horus.

Abbas,

Clysperis is truly blessed to have friends such as Tamora, though to call you mere friends feels as if I am demeaning how close our people really seem to be. You humble me with your words, actions and this generous program of assistance, and I can only thank you for guiding me. I had the best education that my father could provide, but with his assassination I did not have his guidance as to what to do with that information. You honour him and the friendship you held in taking time from your day to share your wisdom with me, and seeing that the sum of his work does not falter as easily as a reed bends in the wind.

We cannot be overt, we must not think of what happens tomorrow or what the world will look like in five years, but what will happen next year and what it will look like in 50 years time. I see a Midaranye that, like it was when my line ruled over Abydos, was a centre of scientific advancements, a key hub of trade and commerce, and commanded a reverence for knowledge which saw some of the greatest libraries ever constructed at any point in history. We have the jewels left by our ancestors, and now you show me that it is time that I leave some for those who will come after me.

Let us play this long game.

Bektaten

"If you wish for a deal then you'd better produce a water tight one in which Kravec doesn't have any wiggle room, one which is fully verifiable by the international community, and one which does not pander uselessly to Kravec," Beatrice replied. "Simply because he agrees to something doesn't mean he's going to live up to it; he's a man who's shown his character well already. I don't trust him, and if the deal is not water tight, it's not one we can risk."

Abbas,

I thank you and your son, Prince Naser, for your wisdom during these times. Although I have elected toward a path of retrenchment in the extension of 'mercy' toward the Soviets they have highlighted a far bigger problem: that no matter what we do, our sovereignty is only rented on the "benevolence" of the self-righteous, they remain all too willing to throw their weight where it is neither wanted nor warranted. This is a state of affairs that will remain until we take those actions I spoke of in my previous letter to you.

This experience is not without its benefits, however, as it sends a message to our peoples and governments about the state of affairs between states. The monopoly held by the internationalists is strong, but also so very fragile at the same time.

Thus Clysperis will dedicate its capacity, ingenuity and people to growth; growth in strength, growth in economics, and growth in diplomacy. We will focus on Midaranye first, building vital links and economic arrangements which will establish that my Kingdom has not only its principles to stand by, but the means with which to defend them. Our nations collectively can no longer live on rented sovereignty.

Bektaten

"We may sign a standard treaty of non-aggression and friendship, the text of which I may have easily prepared," Beatrice said with a sip of her mead before turning to Jinduming. "No jokes, no trickery, only truth between us from this point forward. It's easy to see there is much we may accomplish together, and in those interests my intents are pure."