[Lauchenoiria]

Press Conference, Gardens of the Arnott Family Residence, Kerlile

President Arnott stood before the assembled reporters. They were silent, waiting for her, not scrambling to ask questions the way they do in democracies. The Kerlian press were well trained, and only ever reported what they were ordered to report. On the few occasions when they had deviated from that mandate, the offending journalists had often found themselves on the wrong side of a locked door. The Reform Party had claimed they wanted greater journalistic freedom, but for the time being, Arnott was grateful for their unfair system.

"It is with great pleasure that I stand here today to give my endorsement to Yauhmi in her bid to become Empress of Xiomera. Yauhmi is a strong female leader, who will lead Xiomera to great things, and ensure that gender equality in that nation continues. She would be a true ally in the fight to bring true equality to women across the globe. Xiomera is a true friend to Kerlile, and we hope that, going forward, we can continue our friendship and create even closer ties. Thank you."

Unlike in a democracy, Arnott was able to leave the patio which was serving for a stage without the harassment from reporters, who would not dare challenge a member of a Council Family. She had chosen to hold this press conference outside, a strange Kerlian tradition where good news was often reported in the open air, while bad news was reported inside. Nobody was quite sure where the tradition originated, but she hoped it would be symbolic. Late October was still pleasant in Kerlile, the weather just warm enough to only need a very light jacket. In the sun and the slight warmth, Arnott walked inside, hopeful for the future and their relationship with Xiomera.