The Imperial Yacht Estvua With confirmation that Mr. Lankly would indeed be joining her upon the
Estvua Beatrice had seen that a full course would be prepared for their lunch, while setting up for continued talks in the Imperial Yacht's Conference Room. Normally used for meetings with the Imperial Government whilst abroad it boasted a full suite of modern communications systems, allowing for all the information and links which allowed the
Austrana and
Estvua to serve as floating Pyrena Castles. In the time since they had decided to continue talks the next day the RBC had reported on leaks from within the Imperial Government as well as threats to the Centre Party; the Empress did not enjoy the thought of an Imperial Diet guided more to the right, though the devotion the Imperialist Party had toward Chrysanthemum Throne could come in useful.
"Minister Lankly, welcome aboard," the Empress said upon his arrival. "We'll be continuing our talks in the Imperial Conference Room while lunch is being prepared as we speak. I must admit I'm not quite sure what you fancy so I've had them prepare a little bit of everything; you may inform them once lunch time comes. For myself, tenzaru soba, a traditional summer dish in Rokkenjima."
Gesturing for Mr. Lankly to sit, after which Beatrice sat across from him, she placed before him the most recent edition of the Morning Sun News on a tablet as continued coverage of the Rokkenjiman leaks played upon a few of the displays in the Conference Room. "As you can see, my position is becoming quite difficult; the Imperial Government knows how I detest leaks, especially those on the Imperial Council, as it distracts from the narrative of our talks. In case you are wondering I disagree with their position and will not be following their advice or desires," she smiled, "not quite yet, at least."
"You see I've always held a deep respect for Dartfordia and our moments shared in history, always showcasing the best of our respective nations. Somewhere along the way, however, we stopped engaging as much as we used to, our mutual understanding crumbled, and now we know not where the other stands. As I told the Imperial Council and made clear to the Diet I am not here to chide or lash out in anger, I am here to listen, to understand and restore that link of communication and bring us back into mutual alignment. They may wish to apply pressure but I promise it won't be easy for them to bring me to relent," she continued, offering Lankly a cup of tea before partaking of her own.
"Let us start with Barnacle, or as it is called in some circles Nurashima. The timing of such a decision and not accounting for a referendum of any sort were missteps to be certain, as was placing greater value upon the Rokkenjima-Heyra relationship than following the path we have in past questions of sovereignty over territory in question. I am certainly willing to revisit that decision and join Dartfordia in a more traditional approach while also working with Heyra to encourage their faith in such a process. Despite progress and treaties drafted between them Heyra still seems to harbour mistrust for the Morelanders, and likely don't feel comfortable with East Moreland and their Lodjan allies in regards to the islands. With this in mind if we may find an impartial party to manage a referendum we may have a path forward following the relief and reconstruction effort."
"As for the Crown Princess, I've some events planned for her when she has some time off from school. Her friends in Pyrettania would certainly enjoy seeing her again, while two music festivals present some time for us to explore our mutual love of music. I
also wish to set her up with some lessons on the harpsichord; allow her mind to focus on something and explore her creative talents. She did always enjoy listening to me play when she was younger, pushing the keys at times when she grew old enough to sit beside me. Henry Cole also wishes to see her, although not of relation by blood he's been a sort of grandfather figure to her at home and perhaps he can be of help in addressing some of our mutual concerns as to her behaviour as of late."
"I've also done a bit of homework and came upon this
mansion, abandoned and falling into disrepair. I would be interested in purchasing the property for utilization as a multi-purpose centre for housing as well as job training for those who fall into the vicious cycle of homelessness. It's always been a cause near to my heart, having volunteered at food charities and other outreach services for the poor at home. We may also explore utilizing part of the mansion, which would be restored in a historically responsible manner to preserve its historic character, as a community centre open free of charge, while utilizing the mansion's park for outdoor recreation, perhaps a world-class, purpose built Quidditch facility?"
"My apologies," Beatrice paused, "I've been talking so long and not allowing you an equal opportunity to speak. Please, do feel free to begin wherever you wish, and perhaps we can find ourselves at a solution before our conclusion today. If not, I shall remain at your service until you are satisfied upon the course we determine moving forward."