[Kang Cheol] Meeting the Veteran

"It's been a crazy day! Can't wait till all the official ceremony is done so we can party!"

"We still have a lot of work to do," Kang Cheol answered as he helped his companion fix the banners in the Senate Hall. He had been staying at the Riedran Consulate office for almost two months now, acting as a messenger and errand boy for dignitaries. His work partner, a young half-elf maiden named Soneil, took the big sister role and spent most of the time guiding and teaching the newcomer.

"It's going to be awesome, I'm sure of it!" Soneil exclaimed, her eyes beaming proudly over the decorations they spent hours making. "Have you decided what to wear for tonight?"

Kang Cheol was about to answer when he caught sight of a tall eldelry human walking towards them. He quickly signaled his partner and both of them stood up. "Good afternoon, Lord Hiroku."

The Riedran diplomat gave the two young adolescents a quick disapproving look, as if he had caught them in stealing some white raven ale. "I see you have not completed your task."

"We are almost done with the hall," Soneil answered with a trembling voice. Lord Hiroku was a strict courtesean who hosted decades of ceremonies and parties for the highborn. He expected nothing but perfection among his subordinates.

"The house banners are not in their proper positions," the old man commented as he gazed over the sigils of Thaliost's noble houses hanging on the wall. "Make sure you fix that. And Kang Cheol, may I have a word with you?"

Kang Choel took a deep breath, wondering what he might have possibly done to attract the old courtesean's attention. He had not met or spoke to Lord Hiroku since he arrived at Thaliost.

"I hope you are doing well with you stay in the city," Lord Hiroku spoke as the two of them walked across an empty corrdior, heading the the diplomat's office. "Forgive me if I haven't had a chance to talk to you. As you have noticed, a lot of things have transpired in the past few months."

"I am only here to serve," Kang Cheol gave the customary reply.

"You can skip the formalities," Lord Hiroku snapped as he brought the young man into his work room. "We don't have a lot of time. The Senate will meet in a few hours. I need you to be my eyes and ears."

Kang Cheol nodded. "Has this got something to do Lady Martella Lotheed?"

The old man shook his head in disapproval, as if he heard the wrong answer. "Tonight's Senate meeting is an important historical event. Lady Lotheed is just one of the many players in this grand game. You still have a lot to learn."

"I thought we are working with Lady Lotheed?" Kang Cheol asked. "Why are you asking me to meet with her before the Senate meeting?"

"How much do you know of the Grand Prince Stavian III?"

Kang Cheol nervously cleared his throat, wondering if the old man was quizzing him about Thaliost nobility. "He is the emperor of Thaliost and all its colonies."

"And?"

"He has no male heirs, which poses a problem because only the sons can inherit the titles of their fathers."

Lord Hiroku's beady eyes looked at Kang Cheol, waiting for the young man to provide more answers. Unfortunately there were none.

"His only son, Carrius, died twenty years ago in a horse riding accident. Such a pity. Carrius was well loved by everyone."

"Is that why Princess Eutropia has been pushing for the abolishment of primogeniture and become the first empress of Thaliost?"

"Is that what you think or what you have heard?" Lord Hiroku asked with a stern voice. "There is a big difference."

Kang Cheol fell silent, unsure of what to answer.

"You still have a lot to learn," Lord Hiroku continued. "Tonight will be the perfect opportunity for you to prove yourself. I give you permission to meet with Lady Lotheed, mingle with the nobles, and perhaps get a chance to talk to the princess or the king. Learn what you can."