---

Queen Hong awaits in her main chamber in the Inner Court.

---

Queen Hong: If you interrupt me at this time, I am guessing you're bringing some news.

Lady Officer Ko: Indeed, Your Royal Highness. I bring unexpected news.

Queen Hong: So?

Lady Officer Ko: I was informed from one of the Noble Consort Lady's palace ladies that His Grand Majesty just awoke.

Queen Hong: Are you seriously? When it happened and why wasn't I informed?

Lady Officer Ko: I can't say, Your Royal Highness. I came as soon as I obtained the information.

Queen Hong: I wonder how it reached the information to the Outer Court so fast.

Lady Officer Ko: Your Royal Highness, I assume it is because Her Highness visits His Grand Majesty every morning and afternoon.

Queen Hong: Yes, you are right. I remember now.

Lady Officer Ko: It looks like someone just arrived, Your Royal Highness.
   
Lady Officer Kim: Excuse me, Your Royal Highness. Doctor Soon arrived. Should I tell her to wait...?

Queen Hong: No, tell her to enter immediately.

Lady Officer Kim: Yes, Your Royal Highness.

Doctor Soon: Good evening, Your Royal Highness.

Queen Hong: What brings you here? Do you bring good news, maybe?

Doctor Soon: You're right, Your Royal Highness. I hope it will prove that will be the case, at least. His Grand Majesty has finally recovered his consciousness, and his recovery has earlier signs to be permanent, even if some symptoms may continue. Excuse me If I did not arrive earlier, Your Royal Highness, but we had to check and test that everything was in order.

Queen Hong: How so? Anyway, which symptoms?

Doctor Soon: We acted carefully as I wanted to avoid signs of a limited recovery. Mostly headaches and fatigue, as it is natural after such a traumatic injury. But I can say that I am optimistic, as His Grand Majesty's sight, speech, understanding, as well as the motor and sensory capabilities seems to work more than properly. While he does not seem to remember what happened before the incident, that is normal, as his memory operates quite

Queen Hong: That sounds...good. Are you saying he will leave his room soon?

Doctor Soon: It's difficult to say, Your Royal Highness. While everything seems to be in order, I have detected an inflammation of the nerves through the scan. This could be a temporary reaction due to the shock. An expert from Gyeongseon National University Hospital is expected to arrive to  Hwangjin, to assist me on that issue. However, these days His Grand Majesty will remain under observation until a medical conclusion is reached. But I can say he, even if tired, seems to react properly to environment and stimulus. I am confident we're in the right track.

Queen Hong: That's excellent. Thank you for your hard work.  I wouldn't like to waste your time and efforts and this moment, doctor. Keep me informed if there is a sudden change as soon as possible.

Doctor Soon: Of course, Your Royal Highness.

---

---

1 - Eddie Chevere (Tolsenn-Lark) 6:23:52
2 - Heinrich Müller (SV Meergesellen) + 00:00
3 - Andrew Mason (Phoenix Cycling) + 00:00
4 - Hakaru Akiyama (Hachinobu Seisei) + 00:08
5 - Kang Young-chul (Jaeyal-Suchul Team) + 00:33
6 - Lars Aaltonen (AABL-Ujredi) + 00:42
7 - Kimmo Peltonen (AABL-Ujredi) + 00:56
8 - Kalevi Tammivaara (MKTkom) + 01:09
9 - Timothy Coulter (Phoenix Cycling) + 01:16
10 - Kazushi Eto (Hachinobu Seisei) + 01:27
11 - Hans Richter (SV Meergesellen) + 02:26
12 - Abrus McGlathery (Tolsenn-Lark) + 02:28
13 - Paul Johnstone (Tolsenn-Lark) + 02:31
14 - Ramaz Gamkrelidze (MKTkom) + 02:32
15 - Vespasianus Nessus (AureaTerra) + 05:40
16 - Graham Donnelly (Tolsenn-Lark) + 10:42
17 -  Yvan Traverse (AureaTerra) + 10:42
18 - Daisaku Fujimoto (Hachinobu Seisei) + 11:01
19 - Friedrich Wagner (SV Meergesellen) + 11:14
20 - Luke Riley (Phoenix Cycling) + 11:26

---

1 - Tsuneko Hijikata (Higanbana) 3:32:27
2 - Hadewynda Salonen (Kommuna Ladies) + 00:00
3 - Maria Cairns (Phoenix Cycling) + 00:00
4 - Tirelle Quaite (Westbay) + 00:00
5 - Elsa Schwarzbach (Gamsbärte 1890) + 00:00
6 - Ingrid Hügel (Gamsbärte 1890) + 00:00
7 - Praskoyya Mikhailov (Pelagiya-Semelberg) + 00:04
8 - Eter Dzindzichasvili (MKTkom) + 00:15
9 - Lenza Sverdrup (Kommuna Ladies) + 00:15
10 - Silamaze Kinkladze (MKTkom) + 00:24
11 - Greta Reinhardt (AureaTerra) + 00:33
12 - Natela Iludidze (MKTkom) + 00:38
13 - Katherine Leglene (Westbay) + 00:38
14 - Auraine Tilligaw (Westbay) + 00:38
15 - Thora Bjerkness (Kommuna Ladies) + 00:39
16 - Emma Asserssen (MKTkom) + 00:40
17 - Lucretia Cardea (AureaTerra) + 00:40
18 - Niamh Fernley (Phoenix Cycling) + 00:58
19 - Mzia Chikadze (MKTkom) + 00:59
20 - Chihaya Lei (Phoenix Cycling) + 01:07

---

Men's Mundus Cycling Cup - Team classification

1 - Tolsenn-Lark - 27 points
2 - SV Meergesellen - 19 points
3 - Phoenix Cycling - 17 points
4 - Hachinobu Seisei - 14 points
5 - AABL-Ujredi - 9 points


Women's Mundus Cycling Cup - Team classification

1 - Higanbana - 25 points
2 - Kommuna Ladies - 21 points
3 - Phoenix Cycling - 15 points
4 - Westbay - 14 points
5 - Gamsbärte 1890 - 13 points

---

---

In the Inner Palace, Queen Hong receives the State Council.

Meanwhile, nearby one of the main gates of the Outer Palace, Prince Yun talks with Commander Lee, leading officer from the Grand Royal Guards.

---

Deputy Chief Minister Oh: Weakness brings violence, not the other around. By withdrawing so early and interrupting their small mission, our forces caused a larger failure.

Third State Minister Hongju: The order was clear, I can't understand why it couldn't be carried out well and quickly.

Captain Woo: With all my respects, Your Excellency Third State Minister and Your Excellency Deputy Chief Minister, our men could not have planned such large resistance and they had no other options without risking seriously their own lives and the security of the area. It was not our knowledge that the monks had such networks in the area.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: Is that confirmed?

Captain Woo: I can't say for certain. As it is not my role. But it would have been difficult to mobilize the province so quickly without such organization.

Queen Hong: It's alright. Finding the cause wouldn't be very useful, isn't it? We need a solution.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: Of course, Your Royal Highness. My only lamentation is that by seizing Mujanghanseong so quickly, they had the means to create so much havoc quickly.

Deputy Chief Minister Oh: What information do you possess about their organization at that point?

Captain Woo: I am certain that they were already organized then. A survivor recalled that every officer was immediately murdered. After torturing some soldiers, one confessed that they were several Deo Keun caste recluits, and soldiers started to be slaughtered until finally someone decided to inform about the identity.

Third State Minister Hongju: That's not a coincidence! Their connection with Tteooleuneundal is obvious! Their aim is not random, but very clear: their criminality had a treasonous nature since the beginning. Such movement aims to destroy the state and the Crown as a whole.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: Even if that wasn't the case, they must be destroyed.

Deputy Chief Minister Oh: It mostly surprises me how they were able to expand so quickly.

Captain Woo: Your Excellencies, I should point out that their propaganda is very different...having the audacity and sin of blaming Your Royal Highness...That's probably, besides fear, that they were able to gain support between the population.

Queen Hong: I see, I see. They may not be the lunatics they were portrayed earlier. What's their force, exactly?

Captain Woo: It's difficult to say. Soldiers who were captured or surrendered were given the option to convert and join their ranks. Therefore, Your Royal Highness, it is difficult to determine their number. They were about 1,500 men after seizing the headquarters in Bugjjog. But it is likely that their number doubled since then. They could reach  Hanauisan and Galsaeghosu counties in the coming days.

Queen Hong: That doesn't sound such a huge number.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um:  The main issue is the terrain, Your Royal Highness. For the moment, it is only operative to transport our troops by air. For that reason, I suggest that our efforts should be focused in the Royal Corps and the Grand Royal Guard. It's not a problem of facing a great enemy, but acting quickly and decisively.

Queen Hong: Are we in agreement?

Third State Minister Hongju: I can not say otherwise, Your Royal Highness.

Queen Hong: Proceed, then.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: Yes, Your Royal Highness.

* * *

Commander Lee: Is that necessary?

Prince Yun: The order was given. Hell may be open but we need to fulfill our duty once again.

Commander Lee: You're required here more than ever.  I do not fear what you may face there, but what it could happen here. In these times, our duty is to protect the Crown first.

Prince Yun: Our duty is to protect the Great King. I will not serve the banner of others.

Commander Lee: For that reason, you should stay. A wrong move, and the life of His Grand King may be in danger. The Royal Corps were ordered to serve in defense of the state and they will be. Allow me to lead them, Your Highness.

Prince Yun: A bad omen must have seized you.

Commander Lee: I do not doubt about the loyalty of our men, but they will only be able to face the last hour without a doubt under your leadership. And your hands should not be covered by blood in times like these. I will obey your order but I ask you to consider my advice.

Prince Yun: We haven't much time...Announce our men the news, and new orders will be confirmed to  you.

Commander Lee: Yes, Your Highness.

---

---

---

In a repeat of the last season Brzdmtsveli Cup final, FC Azavrelia defeated their archenemies Mezgvauri Azavrelia by 1-0 to proclaim champions of the domestic cup, in the first title since the establishment of the Mktvartvelian Premier League.

Mezgvauri Azavrelia came as the favourite, despite losing the league title last week to defend their title in the last match of the season. However, as last week, their attackers proved unable to pierce their rivals' defense. A goal scored by midfielder Shalva Khakhetishvili in the last minute of the first half gave FC Azavrelia an advantage that they did not allow to be taken away.

The match was heated and tense, with more than fourteen players of either team seeing a yellow card through the match. However, despite their control of the ball during most of the second half, Mezgavauri Azavrelia proved unable to generate enough clear chances against the opposite defense, resulting in the intense but thrilling final.

"Both teams showed a great performance, fans of both teams should be proud of the effort of their players", Zhuldyz Birinseli, Vice-Chairman of the Mktvartvelo Professional Premier League as well as owner of FC Azavrelia, declared. "I am, of course, very happy about this trophy which for many of our fans and younger players can only be a dream, even if the first one of many more to come, becoming true".

After the referee whistled the end of the match, celebrations erupted both in Ktsatskuri, where the final was held, and Azavrelia, as well some violent altercations between fans of both sides even if without serious consequences.

The season could not end better for FC Azavrelia after another disappointing season in the league, where they finished sixth about twenty points behind the league champions and runners-up. On the opposite side, Mezgavauri Azavrelia, after winning both league and cup last season, started the season as the main favourites but which now ended trophyless.

"We failed in those few moments which mattered the most", player Eldar Akhvlediani declared. "It is not a reason for radical changes or lose our mind, of  course, but we should learn a lesson to avoid the same mistakes next season. We are committed with the club and fans, and we will try to bring happiness to them soon enough".

---

"Your father opted for a wise policy and philosophy even if some details are not too convenient for your visit, Prince", Queen Hong replied. "We do not ignore those arrangements but I'm confident we have room for a positive cooperation for our nations. Hasn't the State Council preparing for possible arrangements, Chief State Minister?".

"Absolutely, Your Royal Highness", Chief State Minister Jungjin Um replied. "We would propose a participation of your state so you would get a proportion of the revenue obtained from exports of oil and gas extracted from our oil which crosses your nation, even when it is not for your own consumption but of third parties. I am certain that the percentage of that participation could be enough for covering the costs of the construction, security, and maintenance of those infrastructures and add to a revenue to your government or participating corporation".

"I hope that is a proposal you find interesting to build an agreement from that, Prince", Queen Hong declared. "On matters of security, that would be enough. We are not a nation with many enemies, but we are willing to strengthen our states against criminal schemes from inner and outside. On that aim, I propose establishing a treaty of extradition on that goal between our nations".

---

---

MP Eter Vazhkania announced that she has joined the Radical Democratic Party. Vazhkania, who was elected to the National Assembly in early 2023, a former activist and campaigned,  has belonged to the left-wing block of the National Assembly. "What our nation needs the most in the current circumstances, it is a strong parliamentary group that pushes toward true democracy and fight both inequality and corruption without hesitation",  Vazkhania declared. "I am confident that the representatives and activists that have established the Radical Democratic Party, will be the wheel toward that progressive goal".

The Radical Democratic Party is a center-left political party which mains proposal is the approval of a written constitution for the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo. Vazkhania's announcement was heavily debated in social media and left-leaning news websites, as a large number of the left-wing MPs in the National Assembly decided to join the Social National Party, which self-styled itself as a socialist and nationalist political party.

Vazhkania is expected to participate in several rallies and conferences in support of other Radical Democratic Party candidates through the country in the coming weeks.

---

For first time this season, SK Midtenstadt, Juglander women's football First Division champion in the last four seasons, takes the lead in the league classification after winning Stromendalen Naiset away by 1-3.
 
The surprising defeat of AJK against Hiyoken United by 0-2 allows SK Midtenstadt to lead the classification with one point ahead of both AJK and SK Nordheim. The latter had defeated SK Hammarrland yesterday by 2-1 in an evenly-matched match.

Meanwhile, EMAC Albrektberg suffered another defeat -the fourth this season and five matches- as they lost 1-0 away against Kaeshigai FC, and it will remain as bottom team in the league one matchday  more. EMAC Albrektberg has met the restart of the season after the World Cup with two defeats, although there is still plenty of times for reaction, they are already five points behind to salvation.

Next weekend, SK Midtenstadt will receive AJK in an expected match between the two main contenders to the league title.

---

Tender: IAPI INDUSTRIES.
Shereuli Artsivi is an aircraft developed by Iapi Industries in a joint project with Parebi Systems. Iapi Industries is a company located in Bolnomi, Unitary State of Mktvartvelo.

Criteria	Characteristics
Length	15m
Wingspan	11.5m
Height	5m
Empty weight	14,000
Internal fuel	8,000 kg
Weapons payload	Minimum 8,000 kg
Max takeoff weight	30,000 kg
Range	2,200 km
Combat radius on internal fuel	850 km
Thrust/weight  • full fuel:  • 50% fuel:	(Minimum) 0.75 0.90
G limit	8G
Max Speed	1.7 at Altitude
Runway Distance Requirement	Aircraft able to safely take off and land on a runway platform of 250m
Carrier Compatibility	STOL/VSTOL

Extending deadline for registration of teams and events to this Sunday.

---

---

Nino Gamrekeli, renowned as the "Queen of the Nights" in Mktvartvelo, has announced that her TV show "Bolo Pikrebi", will broadcast its last night at the end of the week after seven years. 

"Bolo Pikrebi", is a television program with a live audience focusing on comedy, entertainment, music, as well as social life and politics, which has been broadcast in ERT (the state television channel) since 2017. The program became soon one of the most popular programs in television in Mktvartvelo, which made her one of the best paid journalists in the country, as well as being awarded six times as the "Best Talk Show" in the "Okros Mikroponi" Awards (as well as Gamrekeli being voted three times as "Anchor of the Year" by the Mktvartvelian National Association of Journalism).

"Bolo Pikrebi" may have been often criticized in printed media for its alleged superficiality and its focus on "soft interviews" to guests, which could be actors, singers, sportspeople, politicians, or celebrities of diverse range (including those who may be more well-known for their appearance in gossip media rather for their professional success), but it has remained as the most viewed TV show as a daily 45-minute show every evening. The program has consistently being the most viewed show with a 20.1% share (or 33,434,650 average viewers).

"It is a sad announcement because I expected we would continue many more years", Gamrekeli declared. "However, everything that starts meet its final, and we were not going to be different...I'm proud of the success we met, leaving at our peak and being the envy of all the other channels, and all the love the audience has showed in these years".

Gamrekeli did not specified the causes of the cancellation or if she would leave ERT. She is expected to host ERT New Year's Eve special program at the end of the year, in a few weeks. However, the fact that the program will finish next Friday, only two days after the start of the electoral campaign, along the fact that her brother, Avtandil Gamrekeli (former head of ERK, the state-owned network which ERT belongs, from 2018 to 2022), has been recently hired as communication strategist by the Conservative Party, had led to the speculation about political causes for the decision. However, ERK has denied this, arguing that it is part about a general policy aimed to diversify and modernize the television channel under recently approved new standards.

Nino Gamrekeli thanked fans for their support in another social media message, but it does not look that the ERK leadership will change their mind on the decision.

---

FK Albrektberg, the most successful club in men's football in Jugland, which has dominated the last decade with seven league titles in eight years, is facing an unexpected crisis of results. Last night, FK Albrektberg failed to defeat away Nanko FC, which promoted this season, to draw 1-1.

While FK Albrektberg avoided a fourth league defeat in ten matches (last season they only lost two league matches in twenty-eight games) with a late goal scored by midfielder Hugleikrarr Engelsaas, the players looked exasperated once again. FK Albrektberg has only won one match in the five league matches (including a second defeat against their main rivals, EMAC Albrektberg, by 2-0).

Despite a wave of injuries since the beginning of the season as well as during the return from the Mundus World Cup, FK Albrektberg Okoda Shingo declared that they are well aware that there can not be more excuses while asking fans for more patience. "I accept full responsibility", Shingo declared, "but there can't be doubts about the compromise of these players and their quality...A bigger challenge is ahead us now, I am confident that a different mood will prevail at the end of the season".

Meanwhile, EMAC Albrektberg equalized their all-time away record by defeating SK Nordheim by 1-7 and increased their lead in the classification to five points ahead of FK Sandberg, which displaced FK Albrektberg from the second position after defeating SK Midtenstadt 1-2 in a evenly-matched match.

---

NSK Techologies headquarters, Azavrelia, Unitary State of Mktvartvelo


"Welcome, Major", Levan said, as Major Zurab Jashushia finally arrived.

"I hope you did not wait a long time", Jashushia replied. "I had an important meeting in the ministry and the traffic did not help".

"Don't worry, Major", Levan said with a smile. "We are ready, however, as everyone else just arrived. We can start as soon as you are prepared".

"Let's proceed then", Jashushia added. The introductions and salutations followed, although Zurab had already met most of the people in the hall before. These included Gela Balanchivadze, CEO of NSK Techologies, as well as several other employees of the company, Vazha Kechakmadze as representative of Gigantebi Investment, one of the main investors in NSK, and Otar Giekeli, head of the Information Department in the firm.

"Welcome everyone", Giakeli announced. "I'm glad to see you, Major. We are convinced that our team not only did their best to build a great technological feat in the field of security software, but contribute our best effort for the future of our nation and society as a whole".  He then signaled his assistant to start the presentation. The large screen in the room was turned on and a video started, with the title of "Gveli: A Security Shield". As the three-minute video finished, Giakeli announced: "And now, allowed me to introduce one of the talented engineers of the team that allowed this project to become a reality, Zviad Tsintsadze. A timid applause followed, as Tsintsadze approached the place where Giakeli was standing.

"Thank you, Mr. Giakeli, for such kind words", Zviad declared. "I talk in name of all the team for the gratitude toward all the means which had allowed to develop this project as well as our conviction about the prospects of success of what we have named as Gveli technology". As he spoke, he activated a control which showed a slideshow. "While I know there a number of people with advanced knowledge of the field", he added with a smile, "we tried our best that this presentation will not be too technical".

"I am glad that's going to be the case", Gela Balanchivadze joked, despite his background in several start-up companies in the technological sector.

"For a long team our team worked for a project aimed to build the most advanced spyware technology ever produced by NSK and", Zviad Tsintsadze continued, "with all modesty, in our nation and even beyond. We baptised it, as some people say, as "Project Gveli". It was an ambitious and difficult task, but our large team worked relentlessly, with all our means and knowledge to our reach to achieve that goal. The result is what I describe as Gveli 1.0, a security software which can be installed on devices running of the most common and advanced mobile operating systems, both in the national and international market, as well as a variety of similar technological devices".

"Gveli 1.0 is modeled to, instead than being a specific exploit, be able to use a suite of exploits that uses many vulnerabilities in the system in question", Zviad continued as the slideshow advanced. "Infection vectors used include clicking links, photography and music apps, as well as message technology. Some of these exploits are designed to be zero-click, so they can run without any interaction from the victim, or I'd prefer to say, the prey. Once installed, it is able to run arbitrary code, extract contacts, call logs, web browsing history, setting, messages, photography and any kind of multimedia files, as well as gather information from a large number of adds, particularly communication apps such as e-mail, messaging, and social media software, but not limited to them of course. This will help our technology to be given access to a large number of information very quickly without the aim knowing or even suspecting it".

"It is designed to have three modules of attack", he continued. "We designed it to be able to hide itself as far as it is possible and it will self-destruct in an attempt to eliminate evidence if unable to communicate with the command-and-control server after a certain number of days, or if it ended on the wrong device. It will be also able to self-destruct on command. When it is not possible to compromise a target device by simpler means, it is able to be installed through a nearby target device, or by gaining physical access to the device".

"While we do not intend to bore you with unnecessary and technical details", Zviad added, "some of the main methods and vulnerabilities include: the ability to be installed onto a target's phone by calling the phone, being able to be installed even if the call was not answered; network-based attacks and zero-click exploits, being able to break into target phones without requiring user interaction and without leaving detectable traces; a design aimed to exploit kernel and memory corruption to gain access to the device and install surveillance software; as well as security exploits able to compromise software safeguards used in most current devices. Just to mention some, of course. It has also being designed to be able to remain undetected against internet scanning".

"Our team is currently working for a updated Gveli 1.1 version, able to add exploits even better equipped toward some of the newest devices in the market", Zviad finished. "I am certain that there may be a number of legal and operational barriers, as it is expected in such situations, of course, but we did our best to build the best technology of its kind and I am confident we achieved that task. It is a technology which has certainly the potential to strengthen the national security of the state in our nation, and it will soon gain the interests of possible clients abroad".

"I have no doubts that will be the case", Otar Giekeli added, as the slideshow finished and an applause followed.

"Without a doubt", Major Zurab Jashushia said, "it is a technology with many uses and it may attract interests sooner than later. If you any reasonable guess, when do you think you will be able to add thos exploits to the last technology of the day?".

"Oh", Zviad confidently replied with a wide smile, "I do not think it is going to take us very long".

"I will inform immediately the Ministry", Major Jashuashia told Gela Balanchivadze as they were leaving the room. "I am hopeful that you will have an answer soon and we can increase of common efforts toward this endeavour".

---

---

Grand Queen Dowager Jungjin Um: Brother, I thought you opposed such decision.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: I did. But the confessions and the final verdict put us in a complicated situation. It was not the time to force my hand. As the Deputy Chief State Minister decided to show any opposition this time. I felt it was not the time to show weakness, so I could not take any risk on the matter.

Grand Queen Dowager Jungjin Um: Did the Oh join them?

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: No, I do not think so. But as they were on board so often during your regency, they have probably decided to take a step back. It may remain so until the present is covered with doubts. I will do all I can do so they remain, at least, not too far from our side.

Grand Queen Dowager Jungjin Um: I have confidence that you are right. Draws are rare on the divine. One can only clearly or decisively lose. Times have changed but it will not be different now.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: It may be better for us to avoid standing out, for the time this situation clarifies.

Grand Queen Dowager Jungjin Um: Try to get all information you can about the Yon. There is maybe something that even the State Minister is hiding.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: We will be able to use our contacts in the Department of State Security, indeed.

Grand Queen Dowager Jungjin Um: The Hongju House may have now almost everything they desired, but they may drown in power.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: We still need to be careful to provide them with more water than it is required for that task.

Grand Queen Dowager Jungjin Um: Indeed, indeed. Let's wait for now.

---

Holy College of Martvilisi, Unitary State of Mktvartvelo


"This hall was built and inaugurated in the year 2669, Your Supreme Highness", Chancellor Anachadze explained. "Primarily to satisfy the needs of an increase of student those years. However, with the construction of a second building in the following years, the lecture rooms are mostly used by conferences, cultural events, and courses by visiting professors. And of course, as a place for administrative meetings, and a few personal rooms for some professors, including myself, of course".

"I understand", Sinatdedopali Tsiuri replied. "The style is a bit minimalist but it looks professional and comfortable".

"Indeed", the Chancellor said. "I believe my predecessors opted for a practical and relatively affordable project".

The Sinatdedopali nodded. "Let me introduce you some more of our professors and scholars", the Chancellor added as they approached to the conference halls, where nearby the door a number of professors were standing in line along the walls close to the entry. She could easily one face, even if it had passed so many years.

"Nice to see you again...Your Supreme Highness",  Professor Aka Salukvadze said.

"You haven't changed much", the Sinatdedopali replied with a smile. "I'm glad to see you here", she added.

Once the salutations and introductions were made, the Chancellor indicated them it was time to enter. As the room was filling, they had still a few minutes left before the start of the ceremony.

"Are these your students?", the Sinatdedopali asked Professor Salukvadze, as they were waiting on the platfrom, behind the curtains, where some appetizers had been prepared.

"Indeed", Aka answered, "some of them are, Your Supreme Highness".

"Oh, come on", the Sinatdedopali cheerfully replied, "such formalities are not required. After all, didn't you drink my blood and didn't I drink your blood?", she asked, not completely with some joyful snide.

"That's right...", Aka replied. "It was, obviously, a long time ago".

"Yes, we were so young", the Sinatdedopali looked back, pensively. "I can remember your face of disgust, after that last sip".

"That's not right!", a surprised but amused Aka replied.

"Maybe so", the Sinatdedopali said with a joyful and calm smile. "But even if that was not the case, I prefer to remember it in that way".

"I was concerned, even if confident, when I read about your situation", the Sinatdedopali added with a more serious voice and intonation. "I'm glad everything ended positively".

"So I am myself", Aka replied with slightly uncomfortable smile. "While I was offered positions in larger universities, I quite enjoy my time here. It is the right atmosphere".

"What are you working now?", the Sinatdedopali inquiried.

"Something calmer and less ambitious, I guess", Aka answered, "a work on the Mitsvalebulta Hymns and adivination. Along some more personal and banal projects".

"I see", the Sinatdedopali. "Have you heard about the situation in Chrdilo-Dasavlet?", she asked.

"I did", Aka replied. "Although I did not visit the shrine, personally. Even if I had the chance, some time ago. Before I had noticed of this...situation. But I had two students who visited it. Not that she said or described anything which may surprise me".

"I was curious", the Sinatdedopali explained, "because, if I am not wrong, you studied together".

"Yes...", Aka replied. "It was a long time ago and we were just teenagers, of course. But this sudden interest, this sudden fame, caught me by surprise I must say. Even then, Sopho gained a reputation for her talent and sophistication. But I still remember that we felt that such erudition was fated to be moved toward being a magistrate or toward...a more honorary position".

"I can see what you mean", her old friend replied. "Anyway", she continued, "so are you happy here?".

"Certainly", Aka answered. "It is, of course, a different kind of happiness that the one I once enjoyed".

"I can imagine", the Sinatdedopali replied with a smile, "or rather, I can only imagine. I heard you had a kid".

"Indeed", Aka replied.

"I wouldn't mind to meet her, one day", the Sinatdedopali replied with a friendly smile.

"It will be a honour and a pleasure, surely", Aka simply and cheerfully replied.

The conversation was suddenly postponed, as the Chancellor started her intervention after turning the microphone on.

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Prime Minister Brdzeni Kvirkvelia was interviewed by newspaper "Dazverva", the second largest newspaper in the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo. The four-page interview covered a wide number of topics, from foreign policy to economy. However, the most commented issue was the Prime Minister confirmation that he is willing to continue as Prime Minister after February and March election.

When asked why he did not choose to run as candidate to the coming election, Kvirkvelia replied that "I have no ambition to have a long political career. I was called to lead the government and I accepted that nomination and challenge to serve our nation with only patriotic duty and responsibility". The Prime Minister, however, was rather evasive when asked about the circumstances of the fall of Samadashvili's government and his own nomination as Prime Minister, replying "I do not wish to speak for others or speculate about personal judgement and motivations which are either unknown or irrelevant".

Prime Minister Kvirkvelia declared that his government is pleased that "common sense, despite a number of current challenges, has prevailed in the international community" and that Rokkenjima's proposal of a "Concert of Democracies" were met with a failure so far. "The last thing the world needs, it is nation-states promoting any kind of ideological crusade, independently of the good intentions or high values that motivated such decision...Every nation has the right to decide their future in their own terms", he continued, "and we aim to promote peace and security through cooperation and dialogue". The Prime Minister declared, however, despite this policy, his government aims to find understanding and cooperation in other issues with such important nation as Rokkenjima.

Kvirkvelia denied claims that his government moved too slowly in the diplomatic field in the last month. "Diplomatic relations are complicated and their fruits are not always immediate", he replied. "It is natural that we destined much more political capital to some domestic issues", he insisted. "Only through strength, cooperation and peace can be built. He defended some of the policies and reform that his government has pursued, even if some of them did not find understanding abroad. "I'm proud to have led toward a stronger and fairer future to our citizens, a path that we aim to continue". The Prime Minister, however, rejected the call of a small but increasing number of candidates calling for the need of a written constitution. " It is not something that is needed and demanded by our citizens. Such political project would consume so much legislative and political energy to lead to nowhere and create more division. No, we need to focus on the real problems and challenges which are affecting the people. That's where we are focused right now".

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The Progressive Liberal Party has signed a "Memorandum Of Understanding" with Mktvartvelo's Radical Democratic Party, a political party which was created only a few weeks ago.

Both political parties have signaled in the document their agreement in an important number of issues and policies, and a pledge to cooperate. The agreement, however, clearly states that both political parties did not join any kind of coalition. The Progressive Liberal Party candidates are expected to join an independent parliamentary group, but both parties agreed to "explore cooperation in the parliamentary appointments".

The Radical Democratic Party also stated that they do not plan to participate in the next local election in Jugland, and that both parties will explore cooperation to avoid standing candidates for the National Assembly in Juglander candidates where any of the parties may damage a realistic chance for any [of them] to obtain representation.

The Progressive Liberal Party, largest parliamentary group in the Juglander Legislative Assembly, has denied claims that the agreement is a first step to become a local branch of a Mktvartvelian political party. Instead, "the memorandum serves the aim to find cooperation with those alligned with our views toward the status quo, and in order to defend Juglander interests in the National Assembly in those laws which affect our rights and interests", the Progressive Liberal Party co-chairman declared.

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	Kargi Nasaridze
Birth	1982
Clan	Khvalii
Title	None
Education	Guram Ananidze National Military Academy and Baghdatsgaro Academy of War Studies
Roles	Armed Forces
Family	Parents: Tornike Kvinitadze (1952) and Bedisa Nasaridze (1956) Spouse(s): Marlena Metreveli (1986) Issues: Lela Metreveli (2010) and Eter Metreveli (2014)
Biography	Kargi Nasaridze is a Mktvartvelian military officer. He joined the armed forces in 2002, completing his formation in the Department of Foreign Languages of the Baghdatsgaro Academy of War Studies. He reached the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in 2018. In 2019, he joined the security service of the Brzdmtsveli (Mktvartvelo's head of state). He continued in that role until late 2022. In 2006, Nasaridze married Marlena Metreveli, from the Gadasakhadi clan. Metreveli is General Levan Gamsakhurdia's niece. At the time of the wedding, Gamsakhurdia was serving as Minister of Public Order and Security. Nasaridze joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as commissioned officer on October 2023. He speaks four foreign languages. Nasaridze was appointed ambassador to the Great Kingdom of Asadal in 2024.

	Aigerim Dilrabat
Birth	1990
Clan	Terani
Title	None
Education	State College of Tetrumi
Roles	Attorney
Family	Parents: Kazy Kuchta (1957) and Suyku Dilrabat (1953) Spouse(s): Saghazri Erkomaishvili (1987) Issues: Amaqa Dilrabat (2013)
Biography	Aigerim Dilrabat was born in Dedoplisaghi, Mktvartvelo, in 1990. Her father, Kazy Kuchta, served in the Armed Forces of Mktvartvelo with the rank of lieutenant and was a constitutional law professor in the University of Jvarisi at the time when Aigerim was born. Her mother was a religious magistrate until her retirement in 2013. Aigerim married Saghazri Erkomaishvili in 2010. The couple had a daughter shortly after she completed her studies. Aigerim is an ethnic Kychma. She did in an internship in Jvarisi military prosecution office before completing his studies with a master's degree in Accounting in 2014-2015. From 2017 to 2023, she worked for Gabdatsin Inc., a private military contractor and security services company. In December 2023, she left Gabdatsin Inc. and joined Prma Consulting, a management consulting firm based in Mktvartvelo.