🎀 Wisteria 🎀

The news about the introduction of a tax on jewels was met with little enthusiasm in Linderia – attempts to strengthen the position of its own currency were a logical and expected move, but it didn't bode well for travelers like herself. Especially if the conversion of aetherium back into jewels was done at a very unfavorable rate. Such an approach might even lead some to settle in Aetheris, if the pay for work allows for a reasonably comfortable life in the empire, but when converted to jewels, it doesn't look too impressive. The next article, following the news about jewels, seemed somewhat ironic to the sorceress, considering that the founder of the dynasty and the first monarch of Aetheris was a man. However, this, along with the nonsense about "difference," also led Linderia to think that the main motive for introducing the law was to consolidate the positions of the "right" heirs, rather than following a free interpretation of Arterian teachings. The latter was just an excuse and an official reason. Linderia was interrupted from her thoughts by Valdemar's loud laughter. Judging by the comments of the Lisliarian savage, he had read the same news as the witch. However, given his comment, she had no desire to discuss the state of affairs in the empire. Linderia simply received a reminder that not all stereotypes are that far from reality. Regarding the savages, the last news in the newspaper was about the worsening relations between the non-human tribes and Aetheris. The news itself was not particularly interesting – just another law that didn't directly affect Linderia. But the situation itself clearly indicated that a conflict between the empire and the tribes was inevitable. Some might even say that the former had every right to go to war against the non-humans to protect their citizens. And, of course, the top of Aetheris was counting on such a narrative. The fact that such a reaction from tribes known for their territoriality and militarism was expected in response to yet another border shift would most likely be swept under the rug. Deciding that she had enough news for today, the sorceress put the newspaper aside and, after stretching, went to inspect the area.