"Lady Kanieta," Senator Ponpti said, his voice strained as he hustled to catch up with the Kin. "I must beg you to reconsider your actions. As the situation stands, we are gaining momentum. Citizens look upon us positively, and while the dark elf offers plenty of flowery words, there has been nothing of substance. Taking a risk before the next Senatorial Session is… foolish. Any scandal within the nobility has the possibility of entirely ruining one's reputation and future. Is the off chance that you could discover some damming information on the dark elves worth the risk?"

  "I understand your points, Senator," Kanieta said neutrally, without looking at the man. "However, this is an opportunity I cannot pass up. If there is a chance that my people can cut off all support for the Letairry, then I must take it."

  "Even if that means that the republic ends up at war with your own people?"

  "That would be regrettable," Kanieta acknowledged, then stopped and actually turned to face the human, "Though I do not believe that it will actually come to that. Your people see our products as novelties, and we show no sign of hostility. Moreover, I do not believe anything can sour our relationship to the point of outright war, not in a short enough time frame for it to matter. Regardless, even if I'm wrong about those assumptions, I will still act, as your people declaring war against the Kin is better than the Republic of Olimpia being allied with the Letairry in any fashion. They are a cancer which will eventually corrupt your people, twisting you to their own ends."

  The senator paused for a second, then his face hardened, "I understand your perspective, Ambassador Kanieta. I am loath to bring this up. However, I believe you must be reminded that you are a guest in my house and reliant on my continued goodwill and support. It would be a shame if that aid were undermined in any fashion."

  A shrewd smile appeared on the fox's face as she looked up at the older man. "You are correct, that would be a shame, at least for the immediate future. Although I would think a more pressing concern for us is that I have already declared, quite publicly, at your family's market that I am planning on attending Lady Meridies' soirée tonight. It is entirely possible that I will not show up, though the reasons for it will be scrutinized quite intensely. Of course, the decision is up to you, and we will both have to abide by the outcome."

  Finding that it was his cue, Redgenald stepped forward, "Senator, I know it might not have the same meaning as it would have a week ago. But, I will be accompanying the ambassador and ensuring her safety."

  Looking between the two, Senator Ponpti sighed while wiping his hands together. "If that is the case, I will wash my hands of the matter. I hope you have a fruitful evening, Lady Ambassador." Turning, the man walked past the gates to his estate, not looking back at them.

  "If I could have the honor?" Redgenald asked, putting on his best smile as he offered Kanieta his arm.

  "Thank you." The Kin responded, slipping her arm into his before they both turned. They walked a few steps, moving past the gates of the estate, and entered the waiting door of the carriage bearing the senate's seal. Once they settled down, with the door shut and windows latched, Kanieta turned to Scout Green, her expression shifting. There wasn't much of a difference between the expressions, at least not any details that Redgenald could point to, but it was the separation between a genuine smile and one that was merely an expression of politeness.

  "I think that plan went rather well." Kanieta declared. "It was a clever scheme to show those watching a rift in our relationship with the senator. It should add another layer of protection for us and make many who would seek to undermine Senator Ponpti's influence pause."

  The elf shrugged, "I don't deserve much credit for that. I was just using what the—

  "Ahem!" Coughed Franklin, hacking up whatever he happened to be eating. "Sorry, went down the wrong pipe." He muttered when everyone looked at him.

  "Ahh, anyway, do you really think the news will spread to the venue before we arrive?" Green asked, his voice sounding exasperated.

  "It should," Redgenald answered. "News that travels slowly isn't of use to anyone. And I informed the driver to take his time and not rush. If one of you could find something to exit the carriage for, that would also help us."

  "Stop!" Franklin shouted while leaning forward to plant his arm onto the other seat to bang on the divider between the occupants and the driver. The response was instant, as the driver pulled back on the reins, causing the wheels to screech along with the horses as they slid to a stop over the ground. Leaping to the side, he slammed the door open and rushed out, shouting back at us, "I got the stops covered!"

  The badgerkin returned a couple of minutes later with a couple of sticks of skewered meat and began munching on them. At Franklin's appearance, everyone released a chuckle and rolled their eyes at each other, all wearing chagrined smiles.

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  What could they say? It was a perfect cover, as it was a well-established occurrence, and it was precisely what Redgenald wanted. If Franklin's demands to stop at every food stand the carriage passes didn't allow the news to get ahead of them, nothing would.

  Close to an hour later, they arrived at a manor that should have taken them around twenty minutes to reach. No one was complaining, though more than one stomach had released a growl at the tantalizing scents continually entering the carriage cabin.

  Despite the offers, no one accepted the badgers' street food because they were not bottomless pits like he was, and there was supposed to be food available at the soirée for those who desired it. Not that the Kin cared, as it only meant there was more for him.

  As everyone piled out into the fully settled night, they found themselves in the center of a wide, circular end of a driveway. All around them at its edges were groups of nobles chatting before they entered the soirée, all of whom stopped and looked at them when they made an appearance. Like they were waiting for the cue, a wave of murmurers tore through the crowd, and those watching attempted to subtly point in the Kin's direction. Apparently, many people had a lot to say about the situation.

  A smile twitched at the inquisitor's lips as he turned, meaning to speak to Kathren for one last set of instructions, only to find her looking off to the side. Following her gaze, Redgenald felt his heart skip a beat and rage begin to boil up within him. It was the man from the bar, standing with a group of younger men. While none of them oozed opulence like the nobles around them, their clothes were well-made and fitted.

  Grabbing Kathren's arm and pulling her around, he snapped, "Pay attention," earning a scowl from the woman that he ignored. "Remember, stay next to Green no matter what. You are his guard, given that position under the authority of the senate, do not let anyone tell you otherwise or prevent you from performing your duties."

  Her expression turning serious, the scout nodded before sliding up next to Green and Franklin, who were trailing a couple of steps behind Kanieta. Seeing that Joxin was already on the other side of Franklin, Redgenald strode forward, taking up a position next to the ambassador. As he appeared next to the woman, she quietly asked, "Is everything okay?"

  "Yes," Stated Redgenald before explaining, "It appears that an old friend of Scout Kathren has also appeared at this party."

  "Hmm," Hummed the Kin. "And how do you know that?"

  "We ran into him when I went to take care of business with my order on our first day within the city. Our interaction was… less than cordial."

  "Is he going to be a problem?"

  Snorting in amusement, the reaper glanced around, making a show of it. "Definitely not more than the elf will be." The fox flinched at that comment, almost stumbling in her short steps before righting herself.

  "I don't know what you are talking about."

  "Hmm, sure you don't," Redgenald said, though he felt his head shifting to the side, glancing around for the man.

  "Ahhh, there you are!" Cried and ecstatic voice. "I was beginning to think that you wouldn't be able to make it." Out from the center of the crowd massing around the front entrance of the mansion stepped White. The nobles made way for her, but many of them frowned or grimaced while doing so, but only behind her back, and none of them said a word. "Welcome, Ambassador Kanieta. I was told by the mistress to bring you and your people to her right away."

  "Thank you, Miss White." The fox said with little warmth, but in a pleasant enough voice. With nothing more said between the two, the turned elf led them back through the throng of people until they stopped just past the entrance.

  The servant flicked her wrist at the man standing next to the doorway, and a moment later, he straightened up and shouted, "Now entering, Ambassador Kanieta, Elder of the Redtail Faction of the Kin and Inquisitor Keeper!"

  Everyone within the large ballroom turned, taking in Kanieta in her foreign dress, no doubt scrutinizing every detail of the outfit. To be honest, Redgenald had no idea whether the Kin passed or failed their expectations, but within a couple of seconds of all of them looking, they went back to what they were doing before. Though the inquisitor noticed there was always one within the social groups who remained facing Kanieta.

  If the reaper had to guess, no one knew how to exactly take Kanieta showing up or how to treat her, and until someone of a higher status made the first move, no one was willing to interact with her. For Redgenald's purposes, it was perfect, as there would be fewer distractions.

  After the herald's announcement, White turned back to them and motioned to the side, "If you would follow me." With little other choice but to play by the hostess's whims, Redgenald and Kanieta followed. They meandered through the different groups scattered around the ballroom, none of which moved to greet them.

  It wasn't until they had walked through half of the chamber that someone finally acknowledged their presence with words. The young woman had black hair that fell to her shoulders, brown eyes, and a freckled, tanned face. In short, the epitome of human beauty. She was rather heavy-set in the chest with wide hips, which kept the attention on her after she drew their focus with her face. Though her bright pink and white outfit also tended to snag people's attention, even from a passing glance in her direction.

  Rapidly clapping her hands in front of her chest, she rushed forward and embraced White, who flushed in response. "Mistress, this is inappropriate." The elf spluttered while attempting and failing to disentangle herself.

  “Aww…" Whined the young woman, stepping back, as if she were some kind of kicked dog. "But I was just trying to praise you for fulfilling the task I gave you."

  "Thank you for your intentions, mistress. However, your words are more than enough," White said, causing the noble to give her a radiant smile for a moment before she turned to the Kin.

  "You must be Kanieta. I am Floralin Meridies, but you can call me Flora. It's so nice to meet you." The woman said before stepping forward and embracing Kanieta with a hug. "I have been just dying to meet the individual who brought so many marvelous inventions to our city!"