Persie goes to find Diamond, who is in the library. As he walks in, he takes out his notebook and puts it on the long wooden table.
Diamond: -she looks up at him- Good afternoon Persius. -her look has changed slightly. Her top is still the same but her bottoms are now fitted pants with the bustle around her and her sigil has been enlarged-
Persie: Good morning Diamond. How are you? I heard you got some mods to you.
Diamond: Yes, would you like me to update you about my capabilities?
Persie: Yes please *he looks quite eager to know what Aiah has done but keeps it together*
Diamond: My combat capabilities have been updated and increased. For a comparison you can quantify; I would be eligible to become a professor of combat for the seniors of Mythic Academy. My anti charm has been removed and the Goddess has given me access to her personal spell of magic nullification. I can render all targets in a sixty foot radius unable to access or perform any magic whatsoever.
Persie looks astonished but extremely impressed: Wow well we can definitely run up on them now…well…we would have to bring my friend too, he doesn't want me going back without him, haha. I…kind of pissed him off a bit…but that's neither here nor there.
Diamond: I would advise against going to Opirea for quite some time. The province has exceeded the safety limitations that I allow and will activate combat mode once we cross the border if we return any time soon.
Persie nods in agreement: Of course, I understand Diamond. Well…for now, I want to work on this case now, putting all our evidence together. I want to also contact Mr. Bear guy too but I may have to go to Aralan again at some point for that. Regardless, let's continue *clears throat*…opening statement time! I…have never done this *he sits down and takes everything out to try and organize his thoughts* Mmmmm I guess we should start with the obvious changes to budgets and then show examples of Aralan with this.
Diamond: If I may? After observing how you interacted with the residents in Opirea and reading your notes on Aralan, I have surmised you are brash and too forward. Therefore I have made a draft of your opening statement to assist you with making the best impression to persuade those in Parliament to your favor. -she presses a button on a glass display and a hologram appears with a crisp powerpoint ready- In the meantime I have asked my Sisters helping in Aralan to look for this man you have met and extend an invitation.
Persie: Oh..I see..I guess I'm a bit forward but I thank you for helping me find this man. What do you suggest for an opening statement?
Diamond: -she swipes her hand on the hologram and it moves to the next slide. The first slide is of Opirea, the evidence photos, and a growth chart of the budget of the last year- I believe you should draw them in with something that will make them comfortable and hold their attention.
Persie: I see…so I could open with, "This is Opirea, beautiful, trashless, decadent, and has some brilliant architecture, and here is the budget. As you can see, the budget seems to have increased from $x to $xx, so I must ask…where is this money coming from? And.." Then we go to Aralan's budget and photos?
Diamond: Not yet. Rash. -she moves to the next slide showing simple public photos of Brevurant and Grand Econ, along with their budgets- Continue to focus on the facts of the budget on things they care about. You must learn the art of leading. This is the specialty of the current Resosian Parliament. This is the second largest reason I have been selected to be your assistant for this case. The Goddess has gone to great lengths to ensure I am well versed. I have looked through your portfolio of prior education. You are proficient thus far, you simply need…Polish.
Persie: Fuck. Okay…I understand Diamond. *gets his journal out to take notes* Alright so go with Brevurant, Grand Econ, Oppenhaven as well and showing their budgets too. Should I take photos as well of those cities or are budgets enough?
Diamond: General public pictures will be sufficient. Opirea is the only place the Parliament requires such a personal touch for because of their personal investments. After showing the evidence of the prior cities, -she goes to the next slide showing all of the budgets overlaid. Opirea is clearly above the others, Brevurant, Grand Econ, and Oppenhaven are high but relatively equal, and two bold red lines show the incredibly low budget of Sifinica and Aralan- Then you may delicately breach the subject of the other lowered budgets. You must make them feel sympathy without being accusatory. You must lead them into believing increasing the support for the other cities is their idea and even hint at the accolades they would receive would be worth the effort.
Persie sits and thinks for a while: I am not sure. When I was in Baehalan, the way I was able to kind of get the demon kings to cooperate is through more territory agreements and trade routes but Parliament has some shit monopolized almost. Hmmm maybe something like, "As you can see from the budgets and the overlay, it would be wonderful and would look so pleasant to do more for Aralan and Sifinica. Not only would it give you great PR, it would also help with immigration, especially if it's for business to overseas merchants." Something like that? Hmmm…*gets up to look at everything more closely* Ooo ooo, "With the budgets of Brevurant, Grand Econ, and Oppenhaven being equal but still very much above Aralan and Sifinica, we can reach an agreement to give more to Aralan and Sifinica where we can be more equal with them." And then I would show pictures of Aralan, "Because this is what Aralan looks like these days." Goes through the photos, explaining vaguely what each one is, maybe introducing that man we met. "We have done so wonderfully for Opirea, Brevurant, Oppenhaven, and Grand Econ, we can do this for Aralan and Sifinica too." How's that?
Diamond: Replace "we" with "you". You are not of them yet, and it is you convincing them to be "charitable".
Persie: Okay. *starts recording so I can go over my notes a bit more* Alright. You are right. I am not one of them, I don't want to be but to make sure the goddess is heard and the people are heard as well. I want everyone heard but the ones that need help need it most now. But okay I'll say you instead of we. Because this ain't my fault anyway. Hahaha *starts laughing and does a slight knee slap*
Diamond: Exactly. Do not take on any guilt for their incompetence and clear destructive favoritism.
Persie: You are right. *he sits back down and takes more notes* mmmm Diamond? My friend said he would tell me about these top society families, for more personal reasons or really for reasons outside the case, I want to be able to keep a watch on those families to see who has those named in parliament. I know a couple right now: Greenweld and Nesryn apparently are. The dark monopoly man and Scarlett witch that was at the cafe with me.
Diamond: There are several representatives with the surname Greenweld and Nesryn currently in Parliament. Would you like me to summon your friend to the Temple?
Persie: Hmmm one sec *he takes his phone out*
Persie: Yo, you busy?
Aiji: Depends, what you need?
Persie: I wanted you to come to the temple…so we can talk about those names…please? I'll feed you.
Aiji: …Fine. Don't cheap out on me either. What time?
Persie: *looks at Diamond* Is now a good time, Diamond?
Diamond: Yes. I will have Clover send a carriage and escort him here. She will enjoy meeting another of your friends.
Persie: Right now a good time? Clover was gonna come over and grab ya real quick?
Aiji: Lol they work fast. Ok, I should be dressed by the time they get here.
Persie: Awesome. Be safe. Just look for the gilded carriage with the symbol of the Ivory Sanctuary on it haha.
Persie looks at Diamond and smiles: He should be ready soon heh. You can send Clover please.
Diamond: -her eyes glow for a few seconds before looking back at him- She is on her way. I have also asked Autumn to prepare refreshments.
Persie: Okay great! Well I can't wait to have a nice snack with my friend because he knows a bit about these families.
Diamond: I will take notes on his information and give it to the Goddess at a later time.
Persie: Okay cool! *looks at his notes and organizes as well. Also taking into account the cafe that he was almost snatched at* Mmmm I'll make a note of this area too. This whole area may need to be avoided.
For the next 40 minutes, he just thinks about everything and how he should present his case, going over it in his head. Too rash, too forward, too mysterious, not holding enough accountability, ugh this is hard! He looks at Diamond and then back at his notes.
Persie: Diamond, how would you approach Parliament?
Diamond: I would first approach Prime Minister Vesta and feign humility, then ask to have the floor so you may present your first case. Emphasis on your "first case", so she may believe she is paving the way for your education and carry favor with the Goddess.
Persie: Okay. So "A moment if you please Prime Minister Vesta? I would like to state my first case please as a diplomat-in-training and would like to have the floor?" Or is that too much?
Diamond: You are progressing well, some polishing is still left to do. Begin your request with an apology for your outburst -she makes air quotes with her fingers- at the last meeting. Restate this would be your first case and if she would do you the honor of having the floor.
Persie: "Good afternoon/morning Prime Minister Vesta, I apologize for my outburst at the last meeting, it was quite unprofessional. If you would be so kind as to allow me to state my very first case. This will help me become a more well-rounded diplomat for overseas so I can show off Resosia. This will also help to get closer to the reigning deity as well for she is most generous." How's that?
Diamond: Edit your last statement to: The Goddess would be very pleased to hear that Parliament was generous enough to give me my first moment. Remember, too forward tips your hand. You cannot directly tell them, they must believe the benefits were of their own discovery.
Persie: *writes things down* Right right. Okay.
They hear some doors open and Ajii comes in, Persie gets up to hug him like bros and they sit down together.
Persie: Sup!
Ajii: Nice place, real nice, very swanky. So you want to know about the names huh?
Persie: Yes honestly, I've been curious since you told me.
Ajii: I just don't want you trying to go after them or dive right into something. They aren't to be messed with and the fact that they know you is a HUGE problem.
Autumn: -she comes in just before they get started and lay out a large assortment of snacks, but she gives Persie a personal plate of sashimi and toasted bread- A shipment of high quality iridescent tuna came in this morning. I thought you would like to try it.
Persie: Oh thank you Autumn, mmmm *smells it* Mmmmmmmm it smells amazing. Ohhh can't wait. *starts eating* This is…wonderful! *starry-eyed from the delicious tuna*
Aiji: -he leans his elbow on the table and rests his head on his hand, grinning at him- Sooo uh…they know your favorite foods now? You just have a special diet Looord Perseeuuus~. Iridescent tuna is hard to come by~.
Persie: *continues eating* Shut the fuck up before I bop you! I'll take the food away!
Autumn and Diamond in unison look directly at Aiji and say: He does not prefer to be called "Lord", just Persius.
Aiji: -his eyes widen slightly- Well damn…my bad…They really like you hehe.
Persie blushes from slight embarassment: Well, they are pretty chill and I like them too. They all have very different personalities but I like it. Diamond will beat ass and Autumn cooks amazing dishes but she's also very considerate. So you just mad because I got more friends haha I'm kidding bro. You will always be my best friend.
Aiji: Mhmm -he swipes a piece of sashimi from him and eats it quickly- Haha I better be~. -he watches Autumn bow and leaves then pulls out his phone. He double taps the screen and holo pictures show up- Ready to get to learnin'?
Persie: *eats more, stuffing his face because it's pretty delicious* HELL YEAH! I need to know who these creeps are so I can fucking look out especially at the next meeting now that Diamond has made me aware that several parliament members have those names.
Aiji: Yeah they do that…It's how they keep their control. Alright first up, -he points to the first picture- you absolutely know her already, Seraphina Vesta. The actual head of the Vesta family, they're incredibly powerful and well known fire mages. Their family goes waaaay waaay back, do not bother them. She looks all smiles but she is ruthless, however since she's the Prime Minister right now she doesn't do much…publicly. She'll just make your diplomatic journey hard if you piss her off.
Persie: Mmmm no she seems like it. I could tell that smile is very fake and there is a lot under the surface.
Aiji: That's how she got elected… -he swipes to the next picture- You know this ugly mug, Cornelius Greenweld. He is the top construction and architect mogul in Opirea and quite frankly anywhere else mage centric. He essentially has a monopoly over acquisition of materials all over the continent which makes it incredibly difficult for any non-mage construction companies to exist. On paper however he has "proof" of fair open trade so it doesn't look like a monopoly by law. His branch family members are in Parliament, obviously, and mainly handle zoning permits.
Persie studies his face: Hmmm he carries a cane around with him. I'm assuming that's where a lot of his magic is sourced out. *he writes this down* Makes sense with how he got stone from Istrelar which is literally impossible..
Aiji: -he swipes to the next picture and points at the woman in the picture- This? This horrifying disgusting being right here? Stay. Away. From her. Scarlett Nesryn is quite frankly the scariest thing I've ever heard of and will run as fast as possible if I ever see her in the street. She's known as a contract mage and has a bunch of businesses that help create contracts and pacts for whatever reason…and I do mean whatever reason you can afford. She is very well known for having an…appetite for younger males and it's not pretty whatever happens to them. Her branch family members…are part of the census and immigration department. No one has ever stopped her with her contracts before because on the surface all parties seem consenting.
Persie cringes deeply, remembering her face and this eerie hunger she had behind her eyes. She wasn't really looking for someone for her cousin, she was looking for a new non-consenting play thing, yuck!!: Yeah I remember her, she was not right…at all. She really was scary. To be honest, the Philonias guy was the LEAST scary but he may have not been THE head but a branch lead or something. But her? Yeah nah, I did not like her AT. ALL.
Aiji: Funny you should mention him… -he swipes to the next picture and it's of Philonias- Philonias Heliotrope, his family runs several city offices and Parliament seats that control business permits. Everyone in Opirea knows that if Philonias doesn't like your business or you say one wrong word…you'll get shut down and kicked out. Some businesses get shut down outright…other's get destroyed slowly…He can somehow get all your clients to just ghost you…then you're financially devastated and it's so much worse than just getting kicked out…He's a master at charm magic but there's never been any solid proof that he uses it to influence business.
Persie: *he starts thinking of that Peacock man* I hope I didn't put his business in jeopardy that would honestly be a shame…Mmm I remember him. I think he's gay as fuck haha which is fine but I'm surprised he's got a pass unless that family doesn't care too much for continuing their line. But he's not the head though?
Aiji: He is the head, he already did what his family wanted and produced heirs. One by his at one point legal wife, and two more by random mistresses. Now he's only ever seen with male escorts.
Persie: Ah makes sense. Okay well next. So he talks mostly business but you sneeze wrong he will shut you down. Mmm bitch!
Aiji: -he laughs and swipes to the next picture of someone Persie hasn't met yet. The picture is of a woman with snow white hair and piercing deep blue eyes in an all white outfit, the picture looks like a candid at a gala event- This frigid bitch…Please meet Sharnade Whiteridge, her word in the social world is law. None of her family is in Parliament thankfully but she's dangerous without the political connections. Now she married into this family and they used to be the LeBlanc's. They were really chill but when she married into the family she forced the name change to Whiteridge and they shot up the social ladder. Whatever Sharnade approves of is the general opinion of the higher echelon of mages. She can take even the highest family from the upper crust to complete outcasts with just one word. Philonias can destroy your business but Sharnade can get you chased out of Opirea just because you breathed wrong in her presence…you lose your status, your kids get kicked out of school, you won't even get a housing permit approved…you can't even be near her presence if she doesn't want it.
Persie: Wow…she is a bitch. That's just a lot also with the fact that she married into a family, it's not even her family. Hmm well she's a problem but only for high society. *looks at Ajii* Oh…yeah. Is she one of the main reasons why you had to get married? Because it sounds…like it.
Aiji: -he sighs and deflates a bit- Not that long ago she said "It's so disappointing when children don't do their duty by having an heir. I wouldn't want to be the mother of something so disgraceful." Ever since then…every mage family in that higher circle have been pressing their kids more and more to get married and reproduce…I know there's a birth rate problem but she took it way too far with that..
Persie: Hmmm so she seems like she's meant to keep the social etiquette in line but also to try to keep birth rates going. She seems like a piece of work, but nah I've never heard of her.
Aiji: Yeah no one really knows how she did it…but she is a hurricane in pumps. Ready for the next person you don't need to piss off?
Persie: *he nods, having his journal and pen available* yes this is fun but also really interesting.
Aiji: -he swipes to the next picture. This picture is of a younger woman with tanned skin, wild blonde curls pulled back, smiling with shades on around a bunch of children- This is Helia Amarillo, she's actually the youngest head of family when it comes to all of them. She is personally in charge of the school systems in Opirea, while her branch family members also handle education departments in Parliament. Since she makes the curriculum…she decides what all these schools are teaching young mages and she decides the standards these kids have to live up to. No one is quite sure how she became the new head of her family. The old head just kinda…abdicated and went on…vacation.
Persie: *makes notes* Honestly, that is weird because she doesn't look that much older than us. Maybe late 20s? I thought she would've been more opposed than on their side unless she's one of those overzealous types to pave her own way no matter what?
Aiji: Honestly I don't know her that well. Since I got into Mythic I didn't have to worry about her…but there are rumors. That sunny demeanor is one serious mask. -he swipes the photo and shows a slightly blurry candid where her sunglasses are slipping off and you can see just the top of her eyes glowing brightly- They say she's so powerful the glow never goes away, so she keeps the shades on so she doesn't scare the kids.
Persie: Oh wow, those are some serious eyes. You would've thought she was a fuckin' god. Even a lot of mythics don't have eyes like that. But I wonder what else besides trying to reform mages does she do? Like some serious punishments or just overlooking certain incidents or covering them up? *he taps his pen on his head, thinking* Yeah…she looks…wild. Like a split root type of wild? I remember learning that while in Baehalan because they kept thinking I was one.
Aiji: You ever admit you have a split root to mages nowadays and you'll have wedding invitations out the ass…and probably people watching you…honestly dude for your own safety this is gonna sound wild but…you need to use my name. Say you're my companion. They'll obviously think something wild and completely untrue but it'll keep you safe for the most part…Anyways we have one more family.
Persie: Ugh fine fine. I don't like doing that but okay. I'm ready!
Aiji: -he nods and swipes to the last picture. The picture is of a man with long fluffy blue hair, two long scars on his cheek, and very muscular and in shape- This is Astros Adamaris; he and his family members in Parliament run imports and exports all throughout Resosia. There's maybe a tiny handful of ports he doesn't control or know about so if anything wants to come in or out it absolutely has to go through him. All of the families use him for whatever they wanna get here whether it's legal or not. But with no manifest to prove it, it doesn't matter. All of the higher families just let this shit ride cuz well…all of them control their fates. But to be honest it's only the normal or even lower rung people that could be harmed by their antics and nobody cares about them enough…They have such a choke hold on this ridiculous "we have money we're better than you mentality"....really this "we're mages we're better than you" shit that no one stands up to change it…the consequences run way too deep.
Persie, sits back, thinking: I see…this is a lot and seems to have been going on for decades at the least. I don't know what we can do but I want to try at least.
Aiji: Look…bud…I'm happy you wanna help the people of Aralan and help immigrants coming in for a better life…but I am actually begging you…do not take these people head on…don't dig into them, don't get on their radar…people have gone missing for far less and -he takes his hand tightly- I really don't even want to entertain the thought of losing you…you're my best friend Perse…
Persie looks at him and pats his shoulder: Okay. I won't. I don't want to, so I'll try my best with Parliament but while you are here, can you help me with my case opening? I'm being too forward honestly…and it's been hard to not just ask.
Aiji: -he shakes his head and smirks- Ah, asking me to do your public speaking assignments again? What ya gonna pay me this time Perse~?
Persie slams his fist on the table but funnily and says in a funny accent: More food for the Good Lord Ajii. Diamond, if you could please ask your Sister to gather the finest refreshments for our Lord, it would be wonderful! *bows to Ajii* Yes yes anything for you my good bitch! Hahah.
Aiji: -he cackles loudly and pushes him playfully- You absolute fucking jerk hahahaha~!