Princess Laa, together with the other Ladies of the noble houses, was waiting in the Rose Room, which was separated from the council chamber by a wide corridor.

          Maybe Laa was a highborn, and probably, the highest born of all the congregated except for the royals, but lacked the qualification needed to enter the Council Room. It had been decided over the past week while they were traveling, that she would take part in women's gatherings instead. Arlo considered making her his formal lieutenant - with the argument that she stood before the Emperor based on her military and not social rank. However, the plan failed because Laa had no experience in martial arts or military service, making it impossible to find a valid excuse for her promotion. Consequently, she found herself excluded from the important discussions.

          'Every time Arlo needs my help, I fail to provide it,' she thought, trembling. Laa was acutely aware of her lack of talent, and any promotion would be attributed to nepotism. She believed that nothing she had achieved was due to her own abilities.

          "Princess Laa of Rorg, I presume." A soft voice from her side interrupted her thoughts.
A lady who appeared to be in her late teens stood before her. She was dressed in the latest fashion popular in the capital, adorned with jewelry signifying her noble lineage. Taller than Laa, with blonde hair and an elegantly waving fan, she seemed more dazzling than the two unremarkable ladies accompanying her. Laa couldn't help but think, 'Still they are much prettier than I am.'

          "Yes and who might you be?" Laa inquired.

          The Lady replied "How quaint. I believe we've met before, haven't we? I'm Aola, and Lord Advisor is my uncle." She proceeded to introduce her companions, Lady Nerna and Lady Kastis, who both curtsied but remained silent.

          "Princess Laa, from Rorg, correct?" said a soft voice from her side.

          A lady who looked to be in her late teens stood in Laa's line of sight. he was dressed in the latest fashion popular in the capital, adorned with jewelry signifying her noble lineage. Taller than Laa, with blonde hair and an elegantly waving fan, she seemed more dazzling than the two unremarkable ladies accompanying her. Laa couldn't help but think, 'Still, they are much prettier than I am.'

          "Yes, and who might you be?"

          "How quaint. I believe we've met before, haven't we? I'm Aola, and Lord Advisor is my uncle." She proceeded to introduce her companions, Lady Nerna and Lady Kastis, who both curtsied but remained silent.

          Just as she spoke these words, Laa felt creeps on her skin. There was a sinister quality in the gazes of Lady Aola and her companions. Their connection to Lord Advisor Farg placed them on the opposite side of the political spectrum. Why would they approach her? In her panic, Laa scanned the room. She had arrived with Mirian, the sister of her cousin's retainer, but the irresponsible girl had separated from her and was now engaged in conversation with other women on the opposite side of the Rose Room, paying no attention to the princess.

          Arlo had warned Laa and even provided her with a list of friends and foes to remember. But had Aola been on that list? She scolded herself for not studying it more thoroughly.

          "I beg your pardon," Lady Aola spoke in a pleasant voice after Laa's prolonged silence. "You haven't visited for quite some time, princess. What do you think about our capital? Isn't it the best city in the world?"

          Laa couldn't help but wonder if this was going to be a typical, light conversation about the weather, new dresses, and gossip. At least, it was a question she had been prepared to answer.

          "It's beautiful, just as I remember it from my last visit," Laa replied. "It's a remarkable reminder of the golden age of the gods and the silver age of heroes. People today wouldn't be able to build such a magnificent city with its soaring towers and majestic domes. It's truly the grandest city in the world."

          Aola responded with sarcasm, her tone dripping with cynicism. "Yes, yes, gold flows in the sewers, bread rains from the sky, and the Emperor never defecates. Such a splendid city it is, isn't it, ladies?"

          The sarcasm in Aola's speech made Laa gasp. It was clear that critical comments about His Majesty were grounds for charges of lese-majeste, a serious offense. However, the two ladies accompanying Aola only chuckled, seemingly treating this disrespectful speech as something commonplace and amusing.

          "I'm not sure," Laa began cautiously, unsure of how to navigate this conversation.

          Lady Aola waved her fan dismissively, reassuring Laa with a smile. "Don't fret, princess. You're among friends. Please, speak freely. What I was trying to ask, in this roundabout way, is what do you think about what they are discussing in the council?"

          So, this was the art of conversation practiced by nobles, Laa thought. It was like when, during a visit to another's estate, someone would offer praise for the host's cultivation of a field of common flowers in their garden. The words were filled with colorful descriptions, expressions of elegance, respect for the land and its people, and virtuous appreciation of natural beauty. However, beneath the veneer of compliments, it was often nothing more than a veiled jeer, implying, "Can't you even manage your own estate properly? Are you incompetent or just too poor to afford better flowers and more skilled gardeners? How cheap you must be."

          The art of conversation, indeed, was an art in itself.

          Laa was aware of the topics discussed in the council meeting, which included new investments, addressing the Trakos case, and various smaller issues. She couldn't help but worry about the Emperor's peculiar interest in her marriage, hoping it wouldn't be a subject of public discussion.

          In response to Lady Aola's question, Laa replied diplomatically and as formally as possible, "I support His Majesty's decision." She genuinely believed that there was nothing constructive she could add at that moment.

          Lady Aola reacted by flopping her fan. Although her pretty face did not reveal any annoyance, the fan seemed to serve as a conductor for expressing her emotions, much like a dog's tail.

          "Yes, yes, we all do!" Aola remarked, "Shouldn't you ask which point on the agenda I'm inquiring about, at least?"

          The ladies behind Aola laughed once again. None of them actively participated in the exchange, but it was clear they took pleasure in eavesdropping on the conversation.

          "Your cousin, Princess, is a formidable commander, I've heard," Aola continued, raising her voice. "I mean, someone who attracts talented individuals and knows how to make the most of their abilities. He's quite impressive, especially for someone so young. It's a pity that not everyone in our generation can meet such a high standard, isn't it?"

          The roundabout nature of Aola's speech set off alarm bells in Laa's mind. It was evident that Lady Aola was leading her towards something, hoping for Laa to make a slip. If Aola was trying to exploit any potential rift between the cousins, she would undoubtedly be left disappointed.

          "My cousin is impressive," Laa responded, maintaining her diplomatic tone. "He earned his rank in the military through his own merit, holds a seat in the council, and is on the verge of inheriting our family seat. There's no shame in others of the same age not meeting the high standard he has set for being considered impressive. Would you not agree, Lady Aola?"

          Laa believed she had cleverly phrased a leading question, one with only one possible answer. She presumed, Aola had no other option but to praise Arlo, acknowledging their family's honor.

          Aola's fan flaps grew more excited, exuding a sense of smugness. "Yes, yes, he is indeed excellent! One of the most excellent youths in the Empire, perhaps the most excellent?" Aola patted her chin with the tip of her fan, feigning contemplation. "Well, no, no. I don't think so. There's Prince Renard, isn't there? He's younger than your cousin, equally accomplished, and a royal. My uncle has told me that Lord Arlo doesn't come close to the prince." She paused briefly, pretending to ponder her next statement. "And what do you think, Princess? Is Prince Renard superior, or is your cousin better?"

          Laa froze, her thoughts racing. She was caught in a dilemma. Claiming superiority over a member of the royal family would be considered a grave offense. However, diminishing Arlo in any way would also be unacceptable.

          Lady Nerna and Lady Kastis couldn't help but laugh openly, though they attempted to conceal their amusement behind their fans, perhaps mimicking Aola's demeanor.

          Laa attempted to navigate the situation by saying, "Aren't they both very impressive?"

          But Aola was too skilled in the art of conversation to allow Laa an easy way out. "Yes, yes, but who's better?" she persisted.

          Laa swallowed hard, fidgeted with her skirt, and glanced around the room, pretending to admire the ceiling and the walls. Desperate for support, she sent a pleading gaze toward Mirian. However, Mirian, though present, seemed unable or unwilling to intervene. Not like she could do much, given the stark difference in their social standings, but Laa had hoped for some assistance, especially since helping her navigate such interactions was part of Mirian's role. Small whispers and comments circulated among the observers as they followed the exchange between the two high-born ladies, but no one came forward to intervene or offer support, not even Mirian.

          Aola stood there smiling prettily with a genuine interest.

          Realizing that she couldn't delay the inevitable any longer, Laa finally said, "Prince Renard is probably a more impressive gentleman."

          Aola seized the opportunity to press further, "Probably?"

          "He is more impressive," Laa replied.

          Aola's fan waved rapidly as she continued her roundabout speech. "Oh, yes, yes! Compared to the prince, everyone else is a country bumpkin. Dirty and foul, incompetent and impotent. Everyone, clearly, don't you agree, Princess?" The not-so-veiled insults were evident to even Laa, who wasn't particularly observant. The room was filled with whispers and mocking stares, all directed at her. Aola had a knack for throwing veiled insults, making it impossible to hold her accountable, especially when, in theory, she was voicing compliments for a royal prince.

          "Yes, the prince is the best," Laa finally conceded.

          "Yes, yes, we all know that! Even your cousin falls short, doesn't he?" Aola needled.

          Laa gritted her teeth and replied, "Indeed."

          Aola concluded, "Just like Uncle has said! You're right, Princess. Pity, I'm almost sorry for Lord Arlo." She cocked her head, frowned, and mumbled, "And I'm most definitely sorry for Prince Renard." With a final distinct clap, she folded her fan and said, "Well, farewell. I hope to see you soon."

          As Aola turned and walked away, Laa felt more relieved than offended by the faux pas Aola had committed by leaving so abruptly.As she approached Mirian, ready to speak her mind, she spotted Arlo entering the room. The meeting was over, it seemed and Laa was consumed with shame for allowing herself to speak poorly about her cousin. Arlo deserved better than that.

          Arlo began to speak, "Laa, we've got things to..." However, he then noticed Mirian standing next to his cousin. Mirian curtsied and exchanged brief and conventional words of greeting with Arlo before turning and departing. It was quite astonishing how swiftly she became obedient when Arlo entered the picture.

          Laa and Arlo exited into the corridor. They were staying in a palace owned by their family, a modest mansion, within walking distance of the royal palace, the council building, and all the essential government offices. It's prestigious location was enough to prove its worth in gold.

          "Laa," Arlo said as they emerged and boarded a carriage, "The Emperor is planning a royal marriage for you. An honor. And a problem."

          "Excuse me?" Laa looked surprised.

          "A royal marriage, for Prince Renard and you," Arlo repeated, then sighed. His demeanor hinted at his displeasure. "I don't know what His Majesty has in mind by matching you with a member of Lord Farg's faction. Does he want to heal the divide, or bring Renard to the centrists?" He voiced some concerns.

          Arlo furrowed his brows slightly as he listened to Laa's account of her meeting with Lady Aola, particularly how the name of Prince Renard was brought up during their conversation. "Unpleasant," he commented "It can't be a coencidence."

          As the carriage moved, Arlo contemplated the situation. "I don't know what she meant by talking to you like that, but it would be wise for you to be on your guard," he advised. "With as many enemies as we have, being cautious is a given. I'll make sure to find a suitable guard for you, someone who can accompany you wherever you go..."

          Arlo considered various options, acknowledging the challenges associated with bringing a knight into another's estate. However, there were ways to cheat rules.

          Laa smiled, grateful for Arlo's concern. She didn't pay close attention as he continued to brief her on other topics discussed in the council. It was reassuring to know that someone cared for her, and for now, it had to be enough.