"｢You're acting like a wayfarer.｣"

Prime Minister Asibridel ignored Ms. Robin's snideness, which contradicted the melody of the elvish language, and sipped her wine. The situation tested centuries of patience, and, in a way, she wanted it to. It had to. If it didn't, then she couldn't say she tried everything to reverse their fate.

"｢You're risking your place in the harem,｣" Ms. Robin spat, "｢Don't you want children before your memories turn to mud?｣"

"｢So be it. In fact, I maintained the 'last' position solely through political connections. I expect I will lose my membership altogether now. My name may be ironic, but it was not in jest.｣"

"Very well, ｢'She Who is Married to All Elves.'｣" Ms. Robin clicked her tongue. "｢You're seriously entertaining the idea of leaving The Santuary? For him? Surely you're not thinking of bedding this human! You said so yourself, they're monogamists. It's impossible. Stop this nonsense, you're our prime minister! Set the example!｣"

"｢I will continue to entertain this forlorn hope. Continue in my stead if I'm removed from office.｣"

The only time Ms. Robin resorted to elvish in human lands was to express her distaste. When she opened her mouth to say something else, Prime Minister Asibridel spoke first.

" ｢You're young and stupid and a hindrance. Humans do not appreciate you speaking in another language in their company. This is a formal function, and you lack grace. Leave.｣"

Ms. Robin stared at Prime Minister Asibridel and held her breath. Once she recovered her self control by breathing through inflamed nostrils, Ms. Robin stiffly walked out of the temple. For now, Asibridel was alone, holding her own in a room full of predatory diplomats. She admitted to herself that the thrill of chasing Walter did enhance her sense of long-lost freedom.

Informal socializing preceded the official congress, which would mostly be a mock presentation to demonstrate the politics of Eovamund to Walter, who would spectate. No one intended to play hardball during that time; no one wanted to risk appearing reckless in front of the guest of honor. Even now, the diplomats and officials restrained themselves to casual conversation. Until they learned Walter's official policies, that would likely stay the case.

"Six different governments, if you could call the United Barbarian Tribes a government, are all playing along because of one man," Don Undmuth said to her side. "That's the kind of power we all chase yet never achieve, isn't it?"

For now, she contented herself with sitting at the side table. Everyone surrounded Walter, and there was little chance to get close on her own. Don Undmuth seemed to share the sentiment, but he preferred out-of-congress deals to official ones, at any rate, so he seated next to her.

Each nation contributed to the construction of rooms inside the temple, converting it into a shared embassy. This particular room they reserved for large gatherings. It was, on the surface, not unlike a formal ball, but without dancing and music.

Prime Minister Asibridel kept her eyes on Lady Elin. "Watch her."

"Hmm? She turned me down, my dear. Your plan failed, but I don't blame you. You'll just owe me. No need to cry over spilled--"

Lady Elin broke from Walter's side and approached Don Undmuth's elf slave, who served food to Undmuth's men. After a brief conversation, the elf nodded, with awkward vigor, before Lady Elin returned to Walter's side.

"What's that about?" the don asked.

"She offered to buy the dress. Since it was a gift and since Wa--Lord Walter didn't allow it, she had to refuse. But, if she purchased it, then she could circumvent his prohibition."

"She went off on her own? Now that's interesting. So," Don Undmuth leaned forward and interlocked his fingers, "You did me a great favor, after all, a strong business contact. Not with him, but with her. Here I thought you set me up. Incredible. Your powers of manipulation never fail to surprise me."

"They're engaged, after all, and it is styled like a wedding dress. It's hardly manipulation giving Lady Elin what she wants."

"We share the same sentiment." Don Undmuth gulped his wine, rose, and joined the growing crowd surrounding Walter.

For a moment, the prime minister envied he could get that close.

"｢I meant what I said, don. This is hardly manipulation.｣"

The official tabled congress began, and the six leaders of the nation's took their place. General Tybalt cleared his throat and, uncharacteristically polite, declared Rangville held official rights to a singular strip of farmland on the outskirts of the Necropolis. The land itself was valueless, long since ruined from undead blight. None of this meeting was worthy of international cooperation.

Everyone, except her, tossed in a throwaway comment on bylaws and procedure. She remained patient and composed and, above all, absolutely silent.

Prince Wilhelm agreed to the exchange, the appropriate documentation was placed before the prince and the general, and, after handshakes and smiles, the deed transfer was completed. The congress provided Rangville with a token win over Wilmand, a sort of political apology, and ties were amended.

Walter observed the exchange, and, from time to time, glanced at Prime Minister Asibridel, an expectation she might make a statement. She maintained her stoicism.

The seeds I planted are sprouting in his mind.

The evening arrived, and dinner followed, combined with a cultural display from each nation. The United Barbarian Tribes provided the bulk of the meat and told tales. Lady Elin tasted it before him, but no one would be wasteful enough to attempt an assassination. Walter seemed agreeable to their continued rule. The Rangville Empire introduced talented musicians and a poet; it seemed Walter enjoyed the music more than the words. Bartgoria, the only country capable of sailing, brought in pearls and a model boat. The Alune Theocracy lied that their sole export was lunacite and offered some as a gift. Walter declined. "Perhaps, you should put it towards more useful ends." Pope Althonbright's smile seemed to widen.

You have no idea what you said to him, Walter. Sadly, you will soon.

Lastly, Prime Minister Asibridel, isolated, approached Walter.

She needed to display those scarred women to prove their suffering. Then, she transferred Walter's sympathy for Lady Elin to an elf that shared her appearance. After verifying Lady Elin did not hate elves, the prime minister highlighted how little influence The Sanctuary held during the congress.

If this fails, then I will be removed as prime minister. Without his help, we will go extinct. It's only a matter of time before we lose congress membership, and the theocracy moves forward with its plans.

"I offer my slavery."