Beatrice chuckled, "All relationships, whether it be between mother and child, husband or wife, friends, even nations see both times of trial and those of serenity. It's passing through those times of tribulation which allows us insight into the true worth of these relationships, as it's not the situation at hand which defines us, but that which we do with it. Regardless, I don't think firing your advisers who weren't privy to all the details would be necessary. After all, ascertaining a situation from a distance is at the best of times a series of educated guesses."
"Now then," Beatrice said as she shifted gears, "I was wondering if you'd had the pleasure of conducting any business with our General Consul, Melicia Alston?" she paused to gauge their response. "She worked under Princess Evanthe during her time as Vicegerent, and is one of the first Ndambian-Rokkenjimans to be appointed to such an office. Certainly there were many qualified candidates, however, her qualifications so happened to be the greatest once the time came to staff the Consulate. I trust she shall serve with distinction and best represent the character of the First Empire. A Consulate it may be, however I'm certain you can understand that at this time the First Empire is not quite prepared to establish a full embassy in Hassfurt."
