Court Circular #9

[SpunSugar]

The promised storm swept over the Regalian Capital this week, dear readers. What started as a rain ended in a flood. Those clever enough to have seen the clouds on the horizon have already manned the oars. Now we just wonder if those left knee deep in the water know how to swim.

The Imperial Regent, in a swift and decisive move, ended the Noble Assembly's tenure last night. One cannot blame him, as the majority of the debate time was packed with inanities even the simplest village idiot could have sorted for themselves with no oversight necessary. Indeed, it is his wisdom we look to next as the peerage waits to see exactly what sort of government the Imperial Prince decides to put in place.

But while that was the grandest clap of thunder the peerage had to deal with, there have been plenty of little stormclouds hovering over the heads of the nobility. This week saw a party for the recently adopted Morgana Ino-Femunn. The fierce Duchess was proud of her new daughter and the invited guests all had a grand time in the gardens of the Howlester estate. However, it was one guest in particular who made a splash. The servant of Grand Duchess Cadieux, who was not invited for reasons obvious to my loyal readers, attended, complete with a gift. The mysterious part of this story was that the servant stated the gift was from the honored war veteran Reimar of Calemberg.

This would not normally be cause for concern, if it was not the fact that the aforementioned military man had already sent a gift to sweet Morgana earlier in the day. You can imagine the disconcert throughout the party when it was discovered that someone was trying to sneak in a gift for the girl of unknown origins. Luckily, the gift was given to Tommen Howlester to check for any possible dangers before being passed along. The servant in question was reluctant to leave, but was eventually chased off by the royal guards.

This very same servant shared co-billing with the Grand Duchess Cadieux on invitations sent to the peerage this week for a retreat being funded by Her High Grace. It is certain that by putting a servant's name on an invitation that she holds this steward in high regards indeed. It is intended to be a week in a vineyard for all those the Grand Duchess and steward deem worthy enough to invite. We hope our Diplomatic Minister keeps relations with Ithania strong enough to enjoy this retreat to its fullest extent. And certainly that she'll bring the newly forged Caïus Cadieux Du Lierre, formerly Roul, with her to greet the peerage after his very extended absence from the capital in light of the summer scandal.

Meanwhile, the first success of the season has been made official! The Duke von Schwarzkrau has begun courting the Lady Rowena Bancroft. This author is sure they are not alone in wishing the couple all the luck in the world. It is not often we see constancy in affections in the capital city; may they lead the charge for a change in behaviors.

One change in behaviors that has not occurred is the Grand Duchess Viduggla's consistent event hosting. She held a dinner party at the Imperial Progress this week. Although the attendance was low, her spirits and fashions could not be higher. It is only a shame that so many of the peerage neglect their court duties. One symptom among many that surely prompted the Imperial Prince's decision this week.

Another could be the rumor that the Duchess Natharia Mac Conall has been manning her own counter at her veterinary clinic and pet shop. While you remember the previous sightings of noble ladies stealing from the place, perhaps the Duchess has taken her own security in hand?

We can only hope she, along with the rest of the peerage, is ready to see to their own business this week. For the Imperial Regent is clearly not happy. But will any of them bother bettering themselves and the Empire? Or shall the rain continue to flood the rich and poor alike in Regalia?
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