act18d0

Nothing. What's the matter?

It's time to make rounds.

I wasn't even paying attention... right, I understand.

Is there some kind of commotion over there?

Yes, seems an old nobleman's come from far off. Don't know for what.

As long as the days go by smooth, that's what matters.

Hello—

Excuse me, we're currently making rounds... It seems you weren't on the list of scheduled visitors. Can I ask who you are?

Just an Ursus citizen here on a whim, looking to meet an old friend. Do carry on, madam.

I hope I don't bother any of you in your work.

Witte, are you off?

No, old friend, I'll see you again in a bit. You should be more mindful of your health, with winter here. Don't set off that asthma of yours.

As you were, madam. I'll be waiting in the hall.

(He's...)

Minister Witte!

Do watch out.

Ah, I, sorry...

The Grand Duke didn't know you were visiting. It's our negligence on the job to blame. As a token of apology, the Grand Duke would like you to have dinner with him.

We hope you understand, the Grand Duke is ill, and if not for that, he would've greeted you himself...

Huff.

Ah, I'm sorry, I'm greatly sorry...

What's wrong with you! In the presence of the Minister—

Oh, nothing, just some alcohol spilled on the bedsheets.

Calm down. Madam, what happened?

I'm sorry, the cap on the isopropyl bottle was too tight, and I applied too much force...

You could've just asked someone else to help.

Sorry, so sorry, I'll go and fetch a towel right now...

Poor her.

As for the Grand Duke's invitation, I do regret that my Messenger is still waiting for me, and I can't stay so long.

Do pass a message on to Vanya. Tell him to rest up with peace of mind here. Though he should remember, also, that this is a meritorious place for those Our Majesty gives favor, and not another social hub for the nobility to mingle in.

Ah... got it, got it... if you could just hold on... the Grand Duke will be very sad to hear.

This is official business. If I have to choose between Our Majesty and the Grand Duke, I'm forced to wrong the Grand Duke Vanya.

Ergh...! You should've spoke sooner! If that's so, the Grand Duke will surely empathize with you.

May your road be evergreen.

Send him my regards.

Dr. Louisa, what's wrong...?

Kal'tsit, who is he?

Viscount Islam Witte.

You recognize him...?

Ursus's new Minister of Finance, a fresh noble with deep favor from the Emperor.

He...

It's alright, Dr. Louisa.

I have only surface knowledge of his character, and don't know specifically how he made his fortune. But what I do know is, he's a present pillar who the Emperor of Ursus has personally assisted.

And young elites like him can only have their sights set on the whole of Ursus. To the waves of crisis crashing against the Empire, the crises of Chernobog are mere tiny ripples.

Even a Grand Duke of Ursus—

—Hold on... hold on.

The Minister of Finance came to Pine Valley, yet has no armed entourage?

Oh... I don't think so.