Private Audience Hall
Queen Isolde had summoned Kaito and the five queens.
A small meeting. Informal.
Only the six of them and her.
"Lord Kaito. My queens. Thank you for attending this Gala, despite your busy schedule and recent events."
"Of course we would come, Queen Isolde. After all, you were one of the few people who trusted us from the beginning."
Isolde leaned back in a modestly ornamented throne.
"The Gala was... successful. Alliances are forming. Trade is being established."
"I'm pleased to hear it."
"But I noticed something."
She looked at the five queens. Then at Kaito.
"You arrived. You worked. You negotiated."
"But you didn't really... enjoy yourselves, like the other kingdoms."
Kaito processed her words.
"Enjoyment wasn't our primary objective."
"No. But it should be part of life. I understand your situation; I was in the same position after all, when I was widowed."
A pause, and a melancholic expression crossed her face.
