It was a day to be remembered, and one which would go down in the books of history one way or another. The Empress was on station to receive her guests from across Mundus, she wouldn't have it any other way, if she couldn't invite them personally, she felt, she had no business speaking with them later on. The preparations had all been made ahead of this day, with due attention being paid to pomp and circumstance. Alternating along the way to the Imperial Palace each member of the Imperial Guard would hold flags, alternating, between the Imperial Rokkenjiman Flag and the standard of the Head of State/Government passing, switching at a notice of moments as the vehicles proceeded toward the Imperial Palace. At the end of this procession would be the Empress, ready to greet her guests and make them feel at home in hers, and she was present and ready for her duties.
"The Daitiojin are the first," would befall her right ear to which she nodded accordingly, preparing herself for an awkward encounter. After all, her predecessors had not left her an easy encounter, though she was confident in her skills and what she had learned abroad for this occasion. As their entourage approached she dare not lowered her head lower than theirs and, in a voice commanding of respect for one of her age, spake the following words. "Resected Prime Minister, Prince Etsuji, Fumihiko, welcome to the First Empire. I am humbled that you're the first I get to greet on this day, and may I convey personally my regrets for the loss of life between our nations and peoples. Such things, quite simply, should not happen and while I could say a thousand things in this moment, know that I regret deeply that our first meeting takes place after such irreplaceable losses. If there is anything beyond what I've already seen put into motion, please let me know. My heart broke a thousand times when I learned of the events of that day and, while I cannot bring the dead back to life, I promise I will do all that is possible in this life to atone for the sins of the previous government. That being said, as we await out pending guests, please join my staff for light refreshments." Looking to the Prime Minister directly she continued, "I may have a pedigree in Tytorian studies but Daito is a nation I've studied almost as closely, in many ways we're cousins too, I wish to see us embrace reconciliation over retribution. Let us tame together the worst impulses of our governments, let us see today as a chance to forge friendship"
She held out her hand to the Prime Minister for a handshake, casting a glare to the photographers to not take advantage of a genuine moment, at least for her. "Let us not repeat the mistakes which led us to this moment, and let the next time I shake your hand be one of mutual love," she concluded, uncertain if her motions would be returned mutually.
The next guest to arrive would be Ambassador Tamriko Akhvlediani of the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo, a nation with which the First Empire had not had broad interactions with in the past. This was a shame, at least the Empress thought, as she could recall lessons on a proactive Imperial Diplomatic Corps engaging with nations of all sizes with such vigor as to be the envy of foreign diplomatic services. In many ways she felt as though she was trying to make up for lost time, with a fair share of lament that opportunities had been left squandered for so long. Still, as the old saying went in some tongues, better late than never. The road not taken leaves opportunities never explored.
"Welcome to my home, Ambassador Akhvlediani. I certainly hope I do not waste your time today and I hope we may have a conversation later where I may learn more of your land and people. I must admit I know less than I would prefer about both, and am thankful for this opportunity to meet you today. Within you will be greeted with light refreshments, I have tried to reflect both a local and global palette, I trust there will be something to excite your tastebuds within as I greet all my guests today. It's important for me to do so personally as, just as you are all new to me in this capacity, I am new to you, and I expect we all have preconceived notions which will need to be cast away. Thank you again for joining me today."
Greeting Prime Minister Daniel Cleaver was an entirely different matter, with the Empress remembering the whole controversy over Jenka-Jenkinson, though she had to contain her excitement over seeing her father joining him. "Respected Prime Minister," she said with a smile she had less luck in containing, "thank you for accepting my invitation and allow me to apologize for the stir I caused, there's much I don't know still and I shouldn't have caused trouble where it need not be caused, I hope we can move beyond that together. If I may have a moment with the Crown Prince, please join the others for refreshments inside." Cleaver responded with a knowing nod, "Novice mistakes are to be expected but I understand you've grown beyond those days, as such I won't hold them against you."
"Empress Sutāraito, it is my honour..." Alexander would begin before finding himself struggling to stand against the impact of his daughters hug. "Screw diplomatic protocol, it's been too long," she said beaming with joy. "I know it's not Pyrena, but make yourself at home and know you're staying after the others have left. Also I had your TARDIS disassembled and moved over here when they were restoring the Imperial Palace so we can have some fun once the serious talks are out of the way. Mum never would let me play with it growing up but now that I'm Empress we're making up for lost time," she said with a playful wink.
"Definitely your mother's daughter," he would reply with a chuckle, "I wasn't miss your big debut for anything though, but I do think you're missing out on the network of tunnels in Pyrena though. Still, it's my favourite girl's big day and I know you'll make your mark. I'm so very proud of you and I love you," he said with a hug, before hugging her tighter. "This one's from your mother, she couldn't be here but she wished for me to send all her love nonetheless. Now then," he said, straightening his suit and tie, "wow them, this is your stage and we both have the utmost faith behind you." Smiling from ear to ear she nodded, "And then we play with the TARDIS after, yes?"
Alex sighed, "Yes, and I'll let you set the coordinates," he continued with a wink.