01-02-2020, 04:23 PM
12:05PM, JAN 1ST, Heavenly Palace
A small group of Imperial advisor sat around a large table in one of the many dining rooms of the Heavenly Palace. Trays of Red Lobster freshly caught that morning in New England placed on the table as well as mountains of butter and various side dishes for the all to eat.
Beat now far more sober former president of the matriarchy had become a more frequent visitor at these meetings as she had gained a small amount of favor with the empress.
" I trust you have recovered from your celebration of the new years" wu Zhao said as she dabbed a napkin against her lips
"Yes, I had a good night. One of my daughters actually picked up the phone this time, which was a pleasant surprise for me," replied Joanna Greenwood.
" oh really? See Biyu someone wants to spend International New Year's with their mother" the empress said playfully scold in her youngest who rolled her eyes and continue to eat her own Lobster.
She turned her attention back towards joanna " witch one, if i can ask?"
"Elisa, my middle daughter. She is less... involved in Kerlian politics than the other two," Joanna said.
" sounds like my oldest. Did she just called to wish you Happy New Year, or did you talk about other topics?"
"We touched upon other topics, but not in great detail. Mainly the state of the economy. She had a business which collapsed during the Lauchenoirian war. She was rather devastated," Joanna sighed.
" oh how sad. But at least she has the gumption and the determination to start her own business. Maybe I should send my eldest to talk to her. It would hopefully Inspire him to do less of what he calls world traveling... What I Call Living a Playboy lifestyle... and find something more productive to do with his life. Or at the very least call his mother. All I got from him was a text" she said making a small joke to try and cheer the former president up
"Well, perhaps the new year will inspire Elisa to try again," Joanna said. "Although, the Kerlian economy does not seem to be improving anytime soon."
" unfortunately it seems like improving your economy is well outside of your power. International International treaties and sanctions have seen to that. Hopefully she's doing all right during this time of recession in your Homeland"
"She is surviving. I think she is still rather depressed by the whole thing though," Joanna shrugged, helping herself to a little more food.
" I suppose the knowledge that you failed because of factors far beyond your control, cannot put off all of the hardship and pain she must feel after watching her business collapse"
Just as the empress spoke guards opened up the door to the hallway outside.
Ancient Nemo walk through the doors following his head towards the table of high-ranking government officials and advisors
" my Empress my apologies for disturbing you but I have news about Xia of house chiu"
A look of confusion passed across Joanna's face. She knew the name, but she didn't understand the significance.
" hmm? " the empress says
"... her grandmother has placed her under house arrest."
The emerald eyes of the empress were filled with concerned that she turned her attention towards Nemo
" are you certain?"
" yes my empress. We have multiple confirmation from sorces within her security detail. From what we can tell she was unharmed"
" of corse... they're not going to risk the baby"
" baby? Is she pregnant?"
" yes" Zhoa replied as she sat back in her chair
"... curious empress. I didn't expect for you to know something i dont"
"Forgive me, Empress," Joanna said. "I'm somewhat confused. Xia is Councillor Chiu's granddaughter, yes? Why would the Councillor arrest her?"
" if I could be so bold as to hypothesize Madam president..." agent Nemo said
"... I would assume her grandmother discovered that she had enter the Imperial Embassy in central. With a paranoid psychosis as deep as that woman, such a small offense could easily set her off"
There was so much cold and so much hatred in his voice when he spoke of her
The empress looked back up at the agent before looking back at the president "... I disagree with the terminology but the basic premise of his hypothesis seems correct.”
"But... why would Xia enter your embassy? From what I remember of her, she showed no signs of rebellion as a child and, well, her family do rather... fear you."
" a chance encounter with my brother made her question that assumption. After my mother died... she wrote me a letter. We've been corresponding by letter ever since"
A look of complete surprise appeared on Joanna's face. "I would not have expected that, Empress."
" perhaps you don't know them well enough. I lived in kerille for years, first as a citizen and then as a spy. This level of heartlessness is quite commen"
The empress slowly Rose from her seat
"... I have to make a call. I will be in my office. Do not disturb me"
as the empress left most of the other advisers and government officials began to finish off the remaining food on their plates and make their way out of the room
As Joanna left, she pondered what she had heard. She had barely ever spoken to Xia, and she was curious as to what would turn the quiet girl she'd seen into someone who rebelled quite so greatly against her family. Nemo's analysis, however, of Kerlian heartlessness was unfortunately accurate. She felt a pang of sympathy for Xia, and what might happen to her in the future.
_____________
jan 1st 7:05 am local time, Olivia pierres bedroom.
Olivia Pierre was lying in her bed, sleeping after the stress of the party that had gone on until the early hours of the morning. She hadn't touched a drop of alcohol: she never did when her mother was present. In fact, she hadn't eaten anything, or drunk even water, suffering the pangs in her stomach after she had seen her mother's face. Pauline had looked even more murderous than usual. Still, she had survived, and now she lay, sleeping, her phone beside her. Suddenly her phone began to ring. An unknown number with no area code she could recognize
She woke, startled and looked at her phone. She frowned a little, and stifled a yawn, answering it.
"Hello?"
Not having the time or the patience to offer any pleasantries to this girl the empress just told her exactly what she needed to hear.
" Xia has been placed under house arrest by her grandmother"
Olivia froze. The voice sounded familiar, but she couldn't quite place it. "What? That would explain why she wasn't at the party, but... who is this, sorry?"
" you know who I am. How many people with this accent would call you concerning a chiu" the empress said offering Olivia a little mind exercise to wake herself up(edited)
Olivia frowned, and then her eyes went a little wide in the darkness of her room.
"... Empress?"
" God-Empress to you, ms. Pierre" she replied confirming Olivia's suspicion(edited)
Olivia jumped a little, sitting up straighter.
"My apologies, God-Empress. I was not expecting a call at this time. Uh, so, Councillor Chiu has placed Xia under house arrest? That is worrying to hear."
" yes it is. She instructed me to get into contact with you if anything happened to her. The first thing you need to do is head to her house and collect her mail. There's a letter from me that cannot fall into the hands of her grandmother. "
"Of course, God-Empress. I can go there today. Uh, do you know if she's okay?" Olivia asked.
" the chiu are fanatical about the propagation of their bloodline. As long as she's pregnant she's safe. At least physically"
"Pregnant? I didn't realise she was. Uh, what do you want me to do with the letter if I find it at her house... God-Empress?"
" my apologies I thought she told you." The empress at. Her voice obviously flustered which was a surprise for a woman in her position "It's considered very rude to accidentally reveal a pregnancy." She explained before continuing "The one that she has is a photocopy printed off at the embassy. I still have the original so I can just send it again. So burn it"
"I will head over there and try to get the letter. I only hope her grandmother doesn't already have it."
" thank you. I'll have my agents listen for more whispers about her. The real question is how do we get her... short of an act of War"
Olivia swallowed nervously. "Uh, well, I think I should be able to establish contact with her through a... network of mine in this country. I'd, uh, advise against taking any action before then, God-Empress." The thought of even a chance of a war with Shen terrified Olivia.
" I'm not planning on doing anything rash. I don't plan on starting a war over one girl even if I consider her a friend. But getting her free is a matter of Honor because she is imprisoned because of her attempts to contact me. "
"I will help you. If this sets a precedent that Councillors can imprison their family members without charge... I imagine my own future looks rather bleak. And Xia is my friend, too, and an ally in my quest to change certain policies in this country."
" I'm well-versed in your nation's internal politics. I hear many Whispers coming from the counselors family and I can call on Greenwood anytime I like. if you are able to help my friend I will return the favor, at some point"
"Thank you, God-Empress, but I will help her regardless. Let me speak with a few others I trust and formulate a plan. I can contact you in a few days to let you know what our thoughts are, if you wish?"
" I would prefer to be kept in the loop. Thank you Olivia. Now I will let you get to burning that letter"
"Uh, of course. I'll let you know if there are any complications, God-Empress."
" thank you. I suppose I don't have to remind you that this conversation never happened. You're a controversial figure in the politics of your nation. The knowledge that I'm in contact with you could send the wrong message"
"I understand. Goodbye, God-Empress," Olivia said, and then exhaled. She was not used to speaking with foreign leaders.
A small group of Imperial advisor sat around a large table in one of the many dining rooms of the Heavenly Palace. Trays of Red Lobster freshly caught that morning in New England placed on the table as well as mountains of butter and various side dishes for the all to eat.
Beat now far more sober former president of the matriarchy had become a more frequent visitor at these meetings as she had gained a small amount of favor with the empress.
" I trust you have recovered from your celebration of the new years" wu Zhao said as she dabbed a napkin against her lips
"Yes, I had a good night. One of my daughters actually picked up the phone this time, which was a pleasant surprise for me," replied Joanna Greenwood.
" oh really? See Biyu someone wants to spend International New Year's with their mother" the empress said playfully scold in her youngest who rolled her eyes and continue to eat her own Lobster.
She turned her attention back towards joanna " witch one, if i can ask?"
"Elisa, my middle daughter. She is less... involved in Kerlian politics than the other two," Joanna said.
" sounds like my oldest. Did she just called to wish you Happy New Year, or did you talk about other topics?"
"We touched upon other topics, but not in great detail. Mainly the state of the economy. She had a business which collapsed during the Lauchenoirian war. She was rather devastated," Joanna sighed.
" oh how sad. But at least she has the gumption and the determination to start her own business. Maybe I should send my eldest to talk to her. It would hopefully Inspire him to do less of what he calls world traveling... What I Call Living a Playboy lifestyle... and find something more productive to do with his life. Or at the very least call his mother. All I got from him was a text" she said making a small joke to try and cheer the former president up
"Well, perhaps the new year will inspire Elisa to try again," Joanna said. "Although, the Kerlian economy does not seem to be improving anytime soon."
" unfortunately it seems like improving your economy is well outside of your power. International International treaties and sanctions have seen to that. Hopefully she's doing all right during this time of recession in your Homeland"
"She is surviving. I think she is still rather depressed by the whole thing though," Joanna shrugged, helping herself to a little more food.
" I suppose the knowledge that you failed because of factors far beyond your control, cannot put off all of the hardship and pain she must feel after watching her business collapse"
Just as the empress spoke guards opened up the door to the hallway outside.
Ancient Nemo walk through the doors following his head towards the table of high-ranking government officials and advisors
" my Empress my apologies for disturbing you but I have news about Xia of house chiu"
A look of confusion passed across Joanna's face. She knew the name, but she didn't understand the significance.
" hmm? " the empress says
"... her grandmother has placed her under house arrest."
The emerald eyes of the empress were filled with concerned that she turned her attention towards Nemo
" are you certain?"
" yes my empress. We have multiple confirmation from sorces within her security detail. From what we can tell she was unharmed"
" of corse... they're not going to risk the baby"
" baby? Is she pregnant?"
" yes" Zhoa replied as she sat back in her chair
"... curious empress. I didn't expect for you to know something i dont"
"Forgive me, Empress," Joanna said. "I'm somewhat confused. Xia is Councillor Chiu's granddaughter, yes? Why would the Councillor arrest her?"
" if I could be so bold as to hypothesize Madam president..." agent Nemo said
"... I would assume her grandmother discovered that she had enter the Imperial Embassy in central. With a paranoid psychosis as deep as that woman, such a small offense could easily set her off"
There was so much cold and so much hatred in his voice when he spoke of her
The empress looked back up at the agent before looking back at the president "... I disagree with the terminology but the basic premise of his hypothesis seems correct.”
"But... why would Xia enter your embassy? From what I remember of her, she showed no signs of rebellion as a child and, well, her family do rather... fear you."
" a chance encounter with my brother made her question that assumption. After my mother died... she wrote me a letter. We've been corresponding by letter ever since"
A look of complete surprise appeared on Joanna's face. "I would not have expected that, Empress."
" perhaps you don't know them well enough. I lived in kerille for years, first as a citizen and then as a spy. This level of heartlessness is quite commen"
The empress slowly Rose from her seat
"... I have to make a call. I will be in my office. Do not disturb me"
as the empress left most of the other advisers and government officials began to finish off the remaining food on their plates and make their way out of the room
As Joanna left, she pondered what she had heard. She had barely ever spoken to Xia, and she was curious as to what would turn the quiet girl she'd seen into someone who rebelled quite so greatly against her family. Nemo's analysis, however, of Kerlian heartlessness was unfortunately accurate. She felt a pang of sympathy for Xia, and what might happen to her in the future.
_____________
jan 1st 7:05 am local time, Olivia pierres bedroom.
Olivia Pierre was lying in her bed, sleeping after the stress of the party that had gone on until the early hours of the morning. She hadn't touched a drop of alcohol: she never did when her mother was present. In fact, she hadn't eaten anything, or drunk even water, suffering the pangs in her stomach after she had seen her mother's face. Pauline had looked even more murderous than usual. Still, she had survived, and now she lay, sleeping, her phone beside her. Suddenly her phone began to ring. An unknown number with no area code she could recognize
She woke, startled and looked at her phone. She frowned a little, and stifled a yawn, answering it.
"Hello?"
Not having the time or the patience to offer any pleasantries to this girl the empress just told her exactly what she needed to hear.
" Xia has been placed under house arrest by her grandmother"
Olivia froze. The voice sounded familiar, but she couldn't quite place it. "What? That would explain why she wasn't at the party, but... who is this, sorry?"
" you know who I am. How many people with this accent would call you concerning a chiu" the empress said offering Olivia a little mind exercise to wake herself up(edited)
Olivia frowned, and then her eyes went a little wide in the darkness of her room.
"... Empress?"
" God-Empress to you, ms. Pierre" she replied confirming Olivia's suspicion(edited)
Olivia jumped a little, sitting up straighter.
"My apologies, God-Empress. I was not expecting a call at this time. Uh, so, Councillor Chiu has placed Xia under house arrest? That is worrying to hear."
" yes it is. She instructed me to get into contact with you if anything happened to her. The first thing you need to do is head to her house and collect her mail. There's a letter from me that cannot fall into the hands of her grandmother. "
"Of course, God-Empress. I can go there today. Uh, do you know if she's okay?" Olivia asked.
" the chiu are fanatical about the propagation of their bloodline. As long as she's pregnant she's safe. At least physically"
"Pregnant? I didn't realise she was. Uh, what do you want me to do with the letter if I find it at her house... God-Empress?"
" my apologies I thought she told you." The empress at. Her voice obviously flustered which was a surprise for a woman in her position "It's considered very rude to accidentally reveal a pregnancy." She explained before continuing "The one that she has is a photocopy printed off at the embassy. I still have the original so I can just send it again. So burn it"
"I will head over there and try to get the letter. I only hope her grandmother doesn't already have it."
" thank you. I'll have my agents listen for more whispers about her. The real question is how do we get her... short of an act of War"
Olivia swallowed nervously. "Uh, well, I think I should be able to establish contact with her through a... network of mine in this country. I'd, uh, advise against taking any action before then, God-Empress." The thought of even a chance of a war with Shen terrified Olivia.
" I'm not planning on doing anything rash. I don't plan on starting a war over one girl even if I consider her a friend. But getting her free is a matter of Honor because she is imprisoned because of her attempts to contact me. "
"I will help you. If this sets a precedent that Councillors can imprison their family members without charge... I imagine my own future looks rather bleak. And Xia is my friend, too, and an ally in my quest to change certain policies in this country."
" I'm well-versed in your nation's internal politics. I hear many Whispers coming from the counselors family and I can call on Greenwood anytime I like. if you are able to help my friend I will return the favor, at some point"
"Thank you, God-Empress, but I will help her regardless. Let me speak with a few others I trust and formulate a plan. I can contact you in a few days to let you know what our thoughts are, if you wish?"
" I would prefer to be kept in the loop. Thank you Olivia. Now I will let you get to burning that letter"
"Uh, of course. I'll let you know if there are any complications, God-Empress."
" thank you. I suppose I don't have to remind you that this conversation never happened. You're a controversial figure in the politics of your nation. The knowledge that I'm in contact with you could send the wrong message"
"I understand. Goodbye, God-Empress," Olivia said, and then exhaled. She was not used to speaking with foreign leaders.
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