OsmanTech have today unveiled what they hope will be a new addition to "a toolkit that will allow us to tackle malnutrition globally in an innovative way." Dr. James Durham who has been leading the project began to explain the development to the media by describing the rice as "a potentially eco-friendly way of boosting protein intake at an affordable price. The rice is grown in special vats after going through a process where the grains are coated in fish gelatin and then exposed to beef cow cells. The rice then grows with a combination of rice and beef proteins growing in the grain. Once grown the rice can then be used in exactly the same way as traditional rice. "We believe that perhaps this rice can be grown and then stored for situations such as disaster relief or famine. In the right conditions the rice can be stored for around five years so we could seriously stockpile the stuff. We are still perfecting the process but so far research shows that the rice contains around 8-10% more protein than traditional rice and slightly lower increases in fat content. This could be important in helping people get a more balanced diet in times of hardship." The rice was tested by the assembled media teams and was said to taste more nutty and a little sweet compared to traditional white rice. The rice also had a kind of pink tinge to it which was unusual.

OsmanTech have plans to improve the process involved and the rice is added to their "Golden Rice" which has been shown to improve the amount of Vitamen A in diets. The company are hopeful that the new rice will also help in terms of environmental concerns. "Protein is something that we all need to grow" Dr.Durham explains. "Those of us who enjoy eating meat know that this can often draw criticism from environmentalists for being damaging in terms of its carbon footprint. Traditional beef farming produces 49.89kg of carbon dioxide to make 100g of protein. Our estimates are that this new process will take just 6.7kg of carbon dioxide to produce the same amount of protein. We're a greener alternative." The company hope that they can begin mass production of the new rice by the end of the year.

In what may be a world first the company SFR have successfully generated energy using a system known as a tidal kite. The company believe that they have successfully adapted a small scale wind turbine utilising a kite to work underwater. The device they have installed is located in a channel between rocks and the coast just to the east of Seabrooke. A mechanism weighing 28 tons and with a kite wingspan of around 12 meters has been installed onto the seabed. When the current running through the channel is correct the kite is released and using an automated steering pattern it goes into a figure of eight pattern turning a turbine and thus creating electricity. The company released the system just after 9am this morning and by 11am had reported that it was up to speed and generating around 1.2 megawatts, enough to power around a 1,000 homes. The project manager, Clare Laughton, explained that the device is likely to be rolled out in other areas in the near future. "Here at SFR we've been looking for innovative power solutions for a decade now. We've managed to input several hundreds of megawatts a day into the East Moreland grid utilising a range of green technologies including wind, solar and various other methods. Today we're adding to that offering. Its our hope sites can be found that ensure the safety of the maritime related industries while also giving cheap and green energy. The beauty of this tidal system is that the sea currents are much much more predictable than things such as the wind and sun and as a result we can ensure this system gives a regular input to our grid. We have a system of acoustic deterrants on the kite itself to mean that to marine life in the area its likely to be considered another big fish in a large ocean."

The system will now be monitored for six months and if successful other sites around the nation will be looked at. SFR have also recently won a contract to ensure that Northfort Palace is entirely energy independent and fully renewable by 2030.

---

With Niameck Fashion week starting soon in Neu Urburzis it has been confirmed that the Queen's not for profit fashion label Pelafashion is to feature and in addition the Queen will be one of the featured models. The event is the highlight of the fashion calendar on Mundus and as such the Queen has been an attendee for many years. In a statement released by the Queen's Head of Household Alexandra Samual the Queen has said "From the age of about 12 I remember flicking through glossy fashion magazines to see what people where wearing at Niameck and trying to get my hands on the cool stuff. I first did a small show there when me and some friends at University did a small boutique and the same year I walked on a runway for the first time. I'm excited to use the fashion show as an opportunity to let Morelanders best young creatives flourish." It is expected that the Queen will showcase Pelafashions leading collection, "QS1" in a major show while several smaller shows will also take place for young up and coming designers. The Queen's statement said, "Every year we take some 14 students out of University who have come from disadvantaged backgrounds and give them two years of work experience before offering them support setting up their own fashion collections, brands or boutiques. We've decieded this year that the best of those students will get the opportunity to dress the Queen and hopefully some other VIPs." It is understood that Princess Adelheid, who is the patron of the shows, has also been invited to walk the show.

Pelafashion became a "Not for profit" in 2021 and has since used all its profits to fund projects that support charities such as the Global Childbirth Initiative while also supporting the next generation of creative people. One of those who has benefitted is Sarah Forsyth a 23 year old who last year opened her own small boutique in Silverhills. "I struggled to get through University as I came from a single parents family and Dad worked as a security guard so money was always tight. In my final year Pelafashion approached me after one of their team saw my work at a student fashion show. I was offered an apprenticeship with them, a scholarship to finish my studies and then two years later they believed in me so much that they gave me an investment to open Forsyight a small store where I sell my own designs and those of a few other local people. We do commissions too. We just finished our first 12 months and while we're not making enough to retire on I was pleased that I managed to finish year one in the black. Without the support of Pelafashion I'd have never been in the position I am."

Agnizka Tarak is the Lead Operating Officer of Pelafashion and a childhood friend of Queen Stasya and she said, "We're thrilled to help people like Sarah. We want to create a vibrant and creatively challenging community in the fashion world so the more success the better. We know Sarah has three members of staff helping her run her boutique and so we help create jobs in the industry beyond what we do here ourselves. It allows us to generate income that allows the Queen to do good works globally." The conditions of investment into stat ups is that the Pelafashion company get 5% of the businesses shares for the first three years or until the initial funding is paid back, whichever comes first. The Queen has also announced that in the coming days she is looking at making "significant updates" to her attendance to the fashion wek.

---

Today King David responded to reports about his daughter, Princess Rhiannon, being caught up in some viral social media joke in Neu Urburzis. With reports of an image portraying her as a Viking screaming the words "Holmgang" being seen many had become concerned about the message it put out. The King when asked by the media said that the Princess was aware of the image and while "Not fully aware of what Holmgang means thinks the picture is great." The King went on to explain, "Rhiannon is someone who has found a deep interest in our nations martial culture of swordsmanship and in her younger days at the Festival of Sail was taken by the appearance of the Alander Vikings. She's read up on many aspects of Alander Viking culture and I have encouraged her to appreciate cultures from across Mundus. She has a deep respect for diverse faiths and finds the Odinic faith, like I do, one that has many similarities with the Cult of Helus." The King then announced that his daughter had printed a copy of the picture out and glued it to the inside front cover of her school notebook.

The King then spoke seriously about the situation in Nya Aland. "We are watching the situation with great interest. I've been in touch with our friends there and if required we will offer support. I can confirm Morelanders there have come under fire and responded in kind but with more success. We will not be withdrawing our forces and if required we will send more manpower if requested. Statements from the Gungnir for ritualistic combat is no way to run a nation and shows just how out of touch with reality they are. I'll be speaking with my daughter about the meaning of the word Holmgang and how it is a misuse of the skills that we teach her in swordsmanship lessons with Sir Charles Townshend. We believe firmly that these skills are for defending the weak not for giving yourself power as this Magnus Odinsson seems to want to."

The King then proudly confirmed that his daughter had been selected to compete for the Y8 Girls Swordsmanship Team in the City of Northfort Championships. "My daughter has started Y7 this year and is settling into her new school well. When the school coaches asked if I'd sign to let her compete against girls a year older than her I had no hesitation in saying yes. If she is successful its a great experience however if she loses then the lessons she'll have learned from fighting better competition will make her more determined. I don't want her having an easy path , I want her challeneged."

Yengwayo was slightly in awe of the city of Dlamini. While the Afolyan may be the largest tribal group in Zimalia the constant wars there until around 40 years ago had done a great to destroy the influence of any tribe on the cities. It was clear that the "Zimalianisation" That had occured under Elwes had an even bigger impact than Yengwayo imagined. The various tribes influence had wained and now his role as Tribal Elder was nothing more than a symbolic position that mainly saw him carry out obsolete rituals, bless marriages and speak at funerals. He took a few moments to marvel at the walls and then the ancient texts written on the wall. He was introduced to Tepu and the two conversed for a moment in the Afolyan language before he was introduced formally to King Tshepo. "Your Majesty the city looks beautiful and I can not wait to see it. I hope you don't mind me getting a tour at some point?" He enquired. As the King offered the wax tablet he accepted the stylus. "Your Majesty I am deeply honoured by your invitation to walk your streets." He did his best to sign his name but in wax and unused to the strange surface he wasn't too sure his name was even legible. "What happens to the tablet now?" he asked wondering whether they were simply melted down and recycled. "I hope we can discuss many things, among them the idea of our people being able to find extended family members here. We've perhaps several hundred years of seperation but the Afolyan are taught that our tribe is more like a family and having cousins here that we do not know is important to us. I also want to see if we can fund a memorial here in the city for those who helped the initial Afolayan settle her once freed from their bonds? Is there perhaps a site we could purchase?"

Jean-Pierre had loved all the bells and whistles of a state visit yet on this occasion realised that he was neither entitled to such things nor would it be a good idea. He wanted this meeting to be discreet and it seemed that the Empress had ensured just that. He was happy to see Serena again, she's been a strong ally so far to Troyes and now he was about to put that to the test. He returned her traditional Marseillian greeting warmly and then took a seat. ""Thank you for agreeing to see me Your Imperial Majesty" he began before swirling the wine slightly in the glass and savouring the aroma. "Nice" he said to no one in particular before taking a sip of it and nodding agreeably. "An excellent choice" he added placing the glass on the table. "If we may turn towards my reason for coming. Its taken a long time to reach a point where Seaforth are under pressure and we have seen some movement but not much, it seems that without further pressure we will not see them leave. I therefore have two requests. The first is that you utilise whatever means you can to bring economic and political sanctions on Seaforth to end their occupation. The second is that if that fails Real Marseille shall once again consider the use of targeted physical resistance. Our aim would be essentially to cut off the base there from the rest of the city, destroy supply routes and stop things getting into our out of the military establishment. We could use help in terms of ensuring nothing from the oceans gets in as obviously we are merely a land based operation as our work in the Materna conflict showed. I know this is a lot to ask but can we consider any, some, all or none of these things."

On behalf of Libby

Team name: Pelagiya-Semelberg (PelSem)
Nation:  Lodja
Gender: Womens
Riders:
   1.) Lidochka Fyodorov
   2.) Taisiya Sobol
   3.) Praskovya Mikhailov
   4.) Katerina Shvets
   5.) Daria Pasternak
   6.) Aleksandrina Chaykovsky

No idea about specialisms however the team is designed to be a development team for the national squad and as such all riders are aged under 23.

To:- Her Imperial Majesty Empress Serena of Aosta

I am writing to you with no official capacity as such. It is safe to say you have done more than anyone to help push for the restoration of Troyes to the nation of Marseille however so far our joint efforts have yielded no results. I am therefore writing to you to inform you that many of us who carried the banner of Real Marseille throughout the conflict that ravaged here are determined that by the end of this year Troyes shall become free. While I am ready to dedicate myself fully to this goal no matter what personal cost I am also aware that the task before is monumental and we may lack the resources to see this task through. I would therefore be honoured if I can meet with you and discuss our plans and hopefully persuade you to continue your magnificent support for Troyes and the people there.

Deepest Respects
Jean-Pierre Cantona
Commander of Real Marseille.

To: His Majesty Emperor Malachi of Kodima

I am writing to you to seek a meeting regarding the continuing status of Kodiman troops within the Duchy.

I believe that it is important that we meet to discuss this arrangements future as over the last few years we have seen various changes to the geo-political nature of the region and our own nations own relationships.

It is my hope that we can meet in Jerusalem in the coming days.

Best Regards

Duke David Aragon

David was a little disappointed. He saw CETO as his first baby and as a result had been keen to display the unique Moreland love of punctuality however being married to a Lodjain was probably not a good way of maintaining such a thing. He was a little annoyed therefore to see not one, but two, delegations had arrived before him. While the rest however had made their way to find Lady Aurora David hadn't, he instead left that job to Henrietta Quinn who was his now Prime Minister but who 10 years earlier had helped him pen the first draft of this treaty. Henrietta waited her turn in line and then bowed to Aurora "Your Grace" she said with a smile. "I am afraid that the alure of the festival grounds was a little too much for King David and he's gone to ensure that the Morelanders there are getting things perfect. I am afraid that I have brought no gift to this reception as a thank you as His Majesty has something for you at the festival grounds.....or at least I believe thats the case. I do though wish to thank you for hosting this. I hope this symbolic city of yours becomes the great cultural hub that you are hoping. Its certainly an impressive beginning." She said as she made her way to one side to allow the next group to arrive.

---

At the festival grounds there was of course one place David wanted to go. "Good morning Max" the King said as he approached the small portable forge set up by the Royal Smith.

"Good morning Your Majesty" the stout 70 year old Max said as he unrolled a leather roll of tools. "You well I hope?"

"Excited" the King said as he gave the bellows a few pumps seeing the fire beginning to lose some intensity.

"We're not starting yet" Max said remembering how the King as a little boy had a habit of getting a little carried away around the forge. "I've that thing you wanted" He said removing a wooden box that was of seemingly no great significance from under a bench. He flicked the lid open and allowed the King to peer inside. The King patted him on the shoulder and smiled approvingly.

"They look good" David said picking up a half finished sword that had been sat on a workbench. "Whose is this?" David asked giving it a close examination.

"Your uncle actually." Max waited for the King to finish his examination. The King was very much a sub par smith despite having had numerous lessons and spent a great deal of time as a youth watching him work. Max however knew there was perhaps no-one on Mundus who knew more about the history of swords or on how to judge them as a youth David had been obsessed and had even used his position as a Prince to spend hours at the Museum of Blades in Northfort handling historic blades throughout the Kingdom and Mundus history. "Its a 30th birthday present for young Theo."

The King gave it a few swings. "You adding some more weight in the hilt?" The King asked looking down the length once more.

"Aye" Max confirmed taking the blade off the King before he could begin with anymore suggestions. "I was hoping to get some time in on it while giving the demos." Max was here as the centrepiece of East Moreland's offerings to the cultural festival. Surrounding his portable forge was a sword square where several youngsters from Sir Charles Townshend's Swordsmanship School were practicing. It was there that Rhiannon and Stasya were watching with Rhiannon literally shadowing the moves of the students as they lightly sparred. "She not getting in there?" Max laughed pointing at her.

"She would if I'd let her." The King surveyed the rest of the Morelanders there. A small fire saw a deer slowly being roasted while he could already smell the potatoes roasting. A tent constructed by a team lead by Jocelyn Hopkins, the leading artist of the Royal Household contained a kind of exhibition of art works from East Moreland and a second tent housed a more child friendly tent with actors and musicians using song and drama to bring alive many of East Moreland's favourite children's folkstories. David had half expected Rhiannon to head there as when they'd arrived he had heard them singing a song of the great Queen Rhiannon the Fierce whom she was named after however the clang of swords had been a much better sound to the young Princess.

Stasya had tagged along with Ophelie and her elder sister Jasmina because she thought it would be an interesting experience, plus it meant a chance to enjoy a few nights out with her Lodjain friends. The morning that the accompanied Ophelie to the drop off she had opted to wear a pretty yellow dress ensuring it was something eye catching enough to get the attention that she craved. Naturally she knew the media would be interested in seeing the girls arrive and so of course it was important to look the part too. As Jasmina and Ophelie said their goodbyes it didn't take Stasya long to find some media types keen to talk.

"Your Majesty" A reporter yelled. "Why have you come here today?"

"Good Morning" Stasya smiled at the media. "I'm just here to support family friends." came the calculated response.

"You mean Lady Ophielie Danilov?" The reported followed up.

"Her and Neu Urburzis. Ophelie is a friend of the Pelagiya family and Neu Urburzis a friend of my East Moreland family. I know I speak for all of East Moreland when I say we're very fond of our rather unqiue relationship with Neu Urburzis. We're not truly allies, not in the sense most recognise the word, but we're nations that have taken a great deal of care to help and support the causes we all agree are important. Therefore the Kingdom cares deeply that your Emperor gets as happy a marriage as mine and Davids. Now I'm obviously going to say that it would be Ophelie who would make that happen. She's a beautiful Lodjain lady who understands how royal courts work and has already made a great contribution to several good causes that I think your Emperor would be excited to support himself. They'd make a great team."

"Will you be following the contest closely then Your Majesty" A second report called out.

"Of course. I intend to be here a few times in the coming months, we've fashion shows and the like coming up. I'm hopeful Ophelie does well and Angelika too. I just hope the people of Neu Urburzis grow to like them as much as I do. Now I'm sorry I must be leaving. Myself and Lady Jasmina have a dinner appointment with some dear friends to discuss some fashion week things." With that the duo returned to the waiting car and left hoping that in some small way Stasya may have helped the cause.

Professor Marcus Merriman made his way into the conference centre put aside for the Scholars meeting. A chance for those professors and their teams appointed to represent their nation. This was a kind of passing of a torch, while Marcus had been perhaps the most respected of East Moreland scholars for the past few decades he was reaching 80 years of age this year and while his passion for study had not slacked one bit his body was becoming more frail. Dr.Maddie Howard, one of his young protege's was alongside hi, providing not just moral support but also what Marcus referred to as "Logistical" support that being opening doors for him as he plodded forward with his two walking sticks, each carved out of deep aged wood and adorned with small shields nailed to the sticks showing places he'd visited. Marcus took a seat and then waited for all the other scholars to arrive. Once everyone was seated he stood.

"My fellow history geeks" he began with a smile "I am delighted to once again see you all. I am excited to see what, if any, matters people have to bring before us this year be it the inclusion of new sites for the register, the presentation of new papers or any other such matters. I believe the first issue on the table is about sites. I'm grateful that our colleagues from Daito have forwarded two sites. We shall obviously take them a site at a time." He shuffled some papers until Maddie handed him the correct one. He kept two copies and then passed them to his right. "Just like being in class, take one and pass them on" he explained as he continued to talk. "The first site we have is Hatsukaichi Peace Memorial. I'll give you a moment or two to consider any questions we have." He paused and had a quick rescan of the information they'd been given. "Any questions?" he asked the assembled group giving them a chance to scrutinise the delegation from Daito before a vote.

---

OOC- I suggest we have 48 hours real time (so 10pm UK time on Thursday) for people to post any questions for Daito. Should there be any then Daito can answer them and then we can look at a vote.

East Moreland seconds this application.

The annual Freestone New Years Eve street festival has confirmed that this year it has raised EM£6million. The annual event see's the city close its roads and set up a series of themed stages around the city to see in the New Year. This year most eyes were drawn to the newest stage which represented young people. The stage was located just inside the old city walls and saw six acts play throughout the day, all selected by young people from within the Kingdom aged under 14. The headline act was selected by Princess Rhiannon who had selected one of her favourite artists, Avirl Lavigne, to headline. The Princess also introduced the act saying that all monies collected during the performance would be donated to charities dealing with childhood lukemia and bone marrow donations both in East Moreland and Neu Urburzis. While he was not seen on stage Princess Rhiannon had invited Prince Augustin of Neu Urburzis to join her on stage however the youngster was apparently stage shy. The Princess said she was happy to introduce Lavigne as it meant she could "stay up past my bed time and listen to music really really loud." It was estimated that around £250,000 was collected during the hour long set. Following the performance Lavigne said "I loved performing. I've attended Freestone as a spectator several times but never performed. Now I get to headline. I'm thrilled it was also raising funds for such a good cause I just hope the Princess and her friends enjoyed the show."

On other stages acts such as 2Cellos, The Who and Freestone's own Billy Bragg were part of the perfomances. The King was in attendance as was Queen Stasya and several friends from Lodja. The Queen also hosted a small after party to raise funds for the Global Childbirth Initiative.

---

With the Empress of Rokkenjima releasing a statement effectively saying she had been coerced into making anti-East Moreland statements it was today the turn of the King of East Moreland to respond. The King was visiting the Temple of Jekar in Ostlake when approached by the media. The King said, "I appreciate the Empresses honesty and bravery. The statement though will on its own change little. If there are voices in Rokkenjima preaching anti-Morelander sentiments and that is against the Empresses own stance then I would suggest a line up change. Its like rowing a boat and the Empress must be coxon, if you've someone pushing their oar when they should be pulling you just go round in circles and make no progress. Just like a functioning government. As always East Moreland is committed to working co-operatively with any nation that shares our goals and ambitions. We will await further communication from the Empress once matters have been sorted."

The King has said that in the coming days he will be visiting Gusano in hopes of finalising some CETO business before hopefully hosting Eboricum.

David, while not surprised, had hoped that Asuna would have brought someone without Evanthe's connections, her ties to both Seaforth and Emerson would in Davids mind perhaps muddy the waters. It was though perhaps an indicator of where David believed one of Rokkenjimans biggest problems lay. He took a seat in the gondala opposite Asuna and Evanthe once the airship got to an altitude. "I give you my word as a Rhodes!" David repeated Evanthe's words and shook his head sadly. "Why not the Seven Divines, why not Islyna? The fact we start off being asked to place weight on your word as anything other than a Rokkenjiman is for my a symptom of why we are here. Rokkenjima isn't Rokkenjima anymore. Its a nation controlled by its friends. Its a nation that seems more interested in Seaforth, in Achkaerin and even Daito to be itself. Evanthe I know you mean well but we've both been here far too many times before and been through this process too often. Stupidity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different outcome and we both know neither of us are stupid."

The King turned to face Asuna "You want to know how you make things right and how to heal a divide? The issue comes down to what you are actually capable of doing. The fact we've had to go to these lengths to even get a meeting where you can speak openly should tell you my big issue. If we'd gone through normal channels we'd have had some security detail lurking from Achkaerin, or if it was planned no doubt we'd have had some input from other voices, many of whom aren't Rokkenjiman. So the issue we have is not what we would like you to do it is what you are capable of?"

Lindsay Esom occasionally had the rather dull job of checking a few frequently used social media sites used as a kind of signal system by members of East Moreland's intelligence services. From there things got sent up a chain until Grace Yacobs found it on her desk. It was an awkward one. What did the Empress actually think the Morelanders would do based on some backdoor messaging. Still Grace arranged for a briefing between herself, the King and Lindsay.

The Kings office was rather cosy this time of year. In the dark winters Quinn Germaine, the King's Head of Royal Household, ensured a log fire was always burning and the large floor to ceiling windows overlooking the lake let in as much light as possible. The three of them were joined by Princess Freya and Alex Redfern. "We're not exactly sure what she wants, best guess based on this and what Evanthe sent is she wants to somehow try and work things out. The problem is we all know she's not exactly fully in charge by the standards we'd set." Grace explained

"And how do we do that without the world knowing?" David asked, "I'm not inclined to just give support, if she's going to use us as a political tool to sort her problems out at home I'm not game for it, frankly I am tired of being dragged into Rokkenjiman games." The King said grimly.

"In that regard I have an idea." Alex inched forward in his seat.

"Go on" David was keen to see what he'd come up with.

"We're going to have you, Stasya and me and Freya head to Abertone with one of our EMAC Luxury Lifters for the World Cup. We'll fake an emergency back home, Rhiannon's ill or something, and you have to fly home. As the Rok's are right next door and the Princess and the Empress have a relationship we'll have her invite her for a flight taking your seats. As the thing will of course be given protection by the Abertone security services and naturally Red Legion they'll be only room onboard for the Empress and one of her guests. If she's sensible she'll think she's meeting with Freya and obviously bring a friend or something. Meanwhile we'll diplomatic bag you in, even Abertone won't know you're there. Once you're airborne we can have you appear as if out of nowhere."

"Diplomatic Bag me?" David vaguely recalled that from somewhere.

"Yes, you know like how we got folks out of Academica just before it got tasty. On this occasion though we'll have had Ironside One fly in with some cargo we need to offload that needs to go to the embassy. We'll have you board the aircraft, nip down to cargo, get into the box and when its offloaded and marked up as diplomatic Abertone won't check it. We then stick it in the hangar with the Luxury Lifter and have you hide onboard. Once airborne and no eyes around you can pop out of a birthday cake or something. On return we do the thing in reverse sticking you on Ironside Two. Which we'll fly in from the Iwi. If all goes well no one knows you're there."

"So I sit in a box?" David asked shaking his head.

"Yes....you'll love it." Freya mocked. "Even the Empress won't know"

"Make it happen".

---

The Morelander royal siblings and their spouses had arrived and right on cue Rhiannon had got chicken pox. David made his apologise to the various people he'd been scheduled to meet and entering Ironside One got into his box. All that was left to see now was whether the Empress had taken the invitation.

To:Evanthe

While I see room for encouragement in your letter and actions I can not help but be concerned. It seems to me like the Empress is struggling coming to terms with her position of responsibility and the situation that Rokkenjima finds itself in. While she speaks to factions of her administration that she feels need to hear anti-East Moreland sentiments she needs to be aware this requires me to both say and do things as a reaction. My fear is this will set us back to the times of animosity and anger. While I appreciate the steps taken by yourself I believe the Empress deserves the right to privacy in her personal diaries. Often for people in positions such as ours they are the only place we can truly be honest in our lives and as such I do not believe the young Empress deserves to have her personal scribblings scrutinised by myself or anyone else until such a time as she is ready. Meanwhile one of my most trusted intelligence agency workers, Grace Yacobs, will scrutinise ICON and if required support in monitoring the matters.

In the new year my sister is semi-retiring from military service and will eventually take on more government duties. While I had intended making her a minister for veteran affairs I will now more than likely make her some kind of emissary. In January we will be supporting Gusano in the long overdue hosting of a CETO festival. I would therefore ensure my sister attends and I believe perhaps you could take an oppurtunity to persuade the Empress to do likewise. This will give them an oppurtunity to speak without prying eyes of the media.

May The Gods Watch Over You and Your Nation Know Peace

King David III