☀️ Arselia and Akonia

- From Carneol I demand and expect little - only the effective execution of tasks and the preservation of the imperial house's dignity; everything else I leave to your discretion, Erephir. However, it is important to remember that I do not permit the sale of the organization or its transfer to another person's leadership, nor any change in name, for out of respect for its founder, I wish to preserve it. - Naria shows Erephir an imperial document listing Carneol's knight composition, which currently contained only one name (Erephir Linel Darwening, first knight of Carneol; Grandmaster of Carneol; right pillar of Margel). - I do not intend to burden myself with the charter, the initiation process, and other trifles, and therefore you must attend to this. As for matters of the Fortress, let them not trouble your mind for now; its construction will take time, but your involvement is not required. We shall resolve budget and other resource issues as corresponding needs arise. - The Empress cast a brief glance at Erephir's companion. - I find it worthy of approval that you managed to find a fitting use for a person I had retired, but tell me plainly: why do you bring up the list of gifts in such a context?

"A completely hierarchical structure, and so far they've only included me. Does this mean I'll have to perform accollades? Hmm, of course, a round table structure could be quite romantic, but no matter; in this case, the Suzerain is looking toward the future, which is also reasonable."

-- Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty, -- she replied, then paused for a second. There was no doubt that Naria attached deep meaning to all her words, which meant the "list of gifts" had not been perceived as simple gratitude, but as some transition to another topic? Ah. Alaria and Erephir suffered from Valis, which I believe Milady has already reported. And they arrived together, then began praising for gifts. So that's how it looks? Well yes, perhaps such a feint could be expected from the cunning Erephir if she were conducting diplomacy with anyone other than the Suzerain; as a perceptive person, the Empress keeps an eye on this red fury. Well, in this case, it wasn't necessary, but overall it is the approach of a wise person.

-- Regarding your question, I understand what you are referring to, Your Majesty. But I had no other goals than expressing my gratitude; please forgive me, -- she said sincerely, as the concept of scheduled miracles was foreign to her—scars heal when they heal.

-- Although my involvement in the Fortress is not required, is it still possible to leave requests for the glorious architect, Your Majesty? Allow me also to ask how I should communicate other decisions if their implementation requires the assistance of the Imperial House.

-- As for reports, I would like to mention the following. First, regarding the spy in the headquarters: today at midnight Shen Shao bid us farewell after learning more secrets. I fear, however, that he will not be the last; interest in our organization will only grow from this point forward. Alas, throughout all this time, I have failed to find a reliable way to detect invisibles in this world, except perhaps through special equipment or Ikigai's skills. It may be somewhat unprofessional of me to ask for consultation, but... I believe this is an important aspect. Even now, far more secrets may have leaked through us than we would wish.

-- Second, related to the first, is the means of long-distance communication that I previously mentioned. Master Quant has approved the development of a prototype and initial free testing of a device that transmits letters. There are security and economic issues that may need to be worked out, in addition to the technical ones, -- a glance at Alaria, emphasizing her contribution. -- Secondary testing, if creating a communication line from Margel to the nearest Sidgemort, costs 90000 - 180000 rem; given the cost, we will of course work out the project in maximum detail before asking You for anything. And the connection to the first question is that Shen Shao did receive verbal information about this project, and I fear he may attempt speculation on the sapphire market, as those stones are most critical for implementing what is planned.

That might not have been everything, but as a rough approximation it seemed okay (there were another couple or three questions she wanted to ask in person). So Naria could likely switch to Alaria after the answers.