"Fascinating," Euphemia replied, "I would certainly be interested in exploring our options there. Prior to my present role I served twice as Vicegerent of Rokkenjima and, while I don't have the name recognition of my cousin Princess Evanthe, I feel this is a setting I could work well within. As for your Royal Court system the First Empire maintains a link of sorts to that, with YourVoice.rk offering Rokkenjimans a direct petition to Chrysanthemum Throne, referendums, as well as input on certain laws before the Imperial Diet. The Empress is also known to welcome the citizenry to Pyrena Castle for a more 'hands-on' approach and I expect her to continue that path to ensure the maintenance and strengthening of links with her People."
"Regarding maritime concerns the First Empire would wish to expand trade with Lodja," Euphemia continued. "As I'm sure you are aware the First Empire maintains a fleet of proper ocean liners, much like our Dartfordian allies, and I believe providing two, perhaps three, routes involving Lodja would open opportunities for both travel and leisure which do not presently exist. Most likely any Lodjan line would involve our newest liner, the
Poseidon," she said as she showed Klara a picture of the liner on her tablet, "I haven't had the pleasure of being aboard her for a long voyage yet but I've heard nothing but rave reviews. There's also this little bar and restaurant, sort of an open secret amongst the Rokkenjiman liner crowd, that I hear has the best drinks and food one can find anywhere in Mundus, and one day I'll see if it has earned the hyperbole attached to its name."
"I don't believe this idea would conflict with your system," Euphemia said as she flicked over to a proposal for the Organisation of Sustainable Energy Producers. "OSEP, something which has been championed by both the Empress and Empress Emerita, is becoming increasingly important as oil producers join together in a similar fashion. Ensuring stability in green energy prices and increasing their competitive position against petroleum is vital. For nations like ours it's not just a matter of 'feel-good' consumer choices but, in many ways, our survival. Sea level rises, not to even speak of what warming waters would do to fishing communities which trace their roots back generations, would one day see Rokkenjiman metropolises like Ashinxao under the waves. Through OSEP, we could do our part in moving green technology forward and ensuring it as a viable alternative."
"Thank you, Lord Besarian," Beatrice returned his bow, "I hope to learn more of your estate and history when we have the time. Perhaps a day may allow me to return the favour? Shizukesa Palace may be of interest to you, as one of the oldest holdings of the House Anselmo it has both great beauty and history within its walls. The wilderness around it offers views most don't think of when they imagine Rokkenjima, and the autumns are perhaps unequaled. Not even to speak of the wine cellar which I keep stocked with some of the finest vintages from across Mundus," she continued with a smirk, turning away for a moment as to conceal the flash of a blush.
The continued refusal, or seeming refusal, of the Emperor to return home from Dartfordia had continued to take its toll, and Beatrice felt a tinge of guilt as she perhaps conducted herself too friendly and less professional than she usually would. Either way she soon refocused her attention upon Lady Stasya and was nervous. She wasn't sure how a conversation would go between them, however, she knew it would be best to be genuine. Across civilizations, she knew there was an innate ability to see genuine emotion and feelings, and she would have to have faith this would be seen today.
"Thank you," Beatrice said as she partook of the tea, "although forgive me if I can't treat you in a humble manner, one who has captured the heart of King David is someone of great esteem in my book." Pausing to enjoy another sip of her tea Beatrice continued, "I don't wish to impose upon you or make you uncomfortable, so please do tell me if I give cause for offense or tread into discussions you wish to have no part of. I will understand, I promise."
"Perhaps the reason I wished to speak with you is naked, these days it's often easy to wear my emotions on my face even knowing the importance of keeping one's feelings closely guarded. Quite simply though, I miss his company, I still love him as I do my own family, and with an absent husband watching the life of my dear friend from the outside looking in there are two great voids in my heart. I hope one day at lest one, if not both, may be made whole again. I know I haven't always made the best decisions, there are things I could have done better and yet more I could have
done, but I'd like to believe I've always tried to follow a path which serves the greater, common good, you know?"
"Of course, like a spoiled child, I lashed out at him, I said things I would never think of as true about him, because I felt hurt and couldn't get my mind straight to actually think and listen. I felt he had abandoned me at a time where the people closest to me had put a knife in my back, but I should have known better and not have let that matter. Emotions can help us so greatly, giving us insight we didn't know we had or, as you see now, they can trip you worse than a hated enemy and leave you alone, isolated from those you love, it's no way to live."
"So, I guess talking to you, it makes me feel closer to him in a way. I apologize if that makes me seem selfish, I don't mean it to, but I'm happy it seems he's found renewed joy. Just that simple fact I can smile and some of it is at least genuine. I'm still hopeful that one day we're able to work things out, even after all the time that has passed. Sorry for unloading all of that on you without much warning, it's just as the days pass this is something that weighs greatly on me."
"I do love this tea, from where is it sourced?" she asked, not wishing to impose any further without ascertaining Stasya's feelings on the topic.
