– Prior –
The next morning, Prior and Talina were sitting with Evlina in her room. Evlina was in an exceptionally good mood and kept flashing her radiant smile.
"He is simply wonderful and lives up to all the headlines," she said. "I no longer just welcome the idea of strengthening the agreement through a union between us—I will personally take a more active role in that direction. After all, it has already cost me more than a year," she continued.
Talina encouraged her, saying that everything was going very well and looked promising. Her wishes would surely all come true.
Prior felt a strange sensation inside her—one she did not want to feel. It felt like jealousy, and yet it was so completely out of place. Kassia's words came back to her mind as well. It was up to Prince Kashion to decide everything. But how unreasonable would it be if he chose against Evlina? Practically unthinkable.
"Prior," Evlina pulled her from her thoughts. "What did Princess Kassia discuss with you?" she asked.
What should she say? Should she mention that, according to Kassia, everything was still open?
"She said that her brother is a good ruler and that she stands behind his decisions." That was diplomatic, wasn't it?
Evlina rolled her eyes. "Yes, I've heard the two of them are very close. It's just a shame that Kassia has completely withdrawn from public life and politics."
That was probably why she seemed rather inconspicuous compared to the rest of the royal family.
There was a knock at the door.
"I've also invited Professor Keron. Go ahead and open it."
Prior stood up and opened the door. Professor Keron entered. He had come with the Earthbound Alliance as the chief scientist. He sat down with the three women.
They spoke briefly about their first impressions of Earth. Then Professor Keron said, "I still don't understand why I wasn't invited to the banquet—and why we can hardly do anything in the laboratories so far. Up to now, I've only been allowed to look over a few scientists' shoulders."
"Well," Prior spoke up, "the agreement isn't secured yet, and they also have to be cautious and protect their knowledge. It's part of their trade strategy."
To Prior, that was completely understandable. The three pairs of eyes looked at her briefly but said nothing.
They talked a little more about their laboratory experiences.
Then Evlina said, "Prior, today you can go to the rest of our crew and exchange updates with them—and return to Lab 1. I've already received clearance for that. You don't need to attend the meeting. Talina is the better speaker anyway."
That was true, but it still hurt Prior that Evlina said it so bluntly. On the other hand, she would escape what would probably be a long and tedious day. She said goodbye, opened the palace map on her tablet, and made her way to the quarters of the other crew members.
– Kashion –
After playing a few Cheqi matches, Kashion had slept quite well. That morning he felt much more composed inwardly. He had once again studied the notes and presentations he had prepared with the council members. From that day onward, more serious discussions regarding the agreement would take place, and Tingdao needed to make a strong impression before the representatives of the other kingdoms arrived soon.
Kashion sat in his armchair, holding a cup of yuzu tea in his right hand and his tablet in his left. He reread the news and comments about the banquet and occasionally had to smile. The things people wrote! He was used to being scrutinized constantly—every crease in his suit, every statement he made. Most of the time, however, he was met with great approval. He was only too aware that he was called "the most eligible bachelor in the galaxy."
On the one hand, he had to admit he enjoyed that title. On the other hand, living his entire life in the public eye sometimes made him feel like he was in a cage—like an animal in the zoos of past centuries.
He took a deep breath. Princess Evlina surely felt similarly. But what had she said recently? She would simply become the person people expected her to be. Kashion, however, wanted to remain himself and not lose who he was—at least not entirely.
He had also decided not to waste unnecessary thoughts on Prior anymore. She had wounded his pride during the Cheqi match, but he truly wanted to focus on what mattered.
Suddenly, a thought occurred to him. Hadn't Evlina enjoyed strawberries at the banquet? He would get some for her and bring them to the meeting to surprise her. He smiled, pleased with his brilliant idea.
Later, he entered the meeting room with Oren at his side and a bowl full of strawberries in his hands. Princess Evlina was already there. Talina stood beside her, along with an older scientist. Prior was not present.
Kashion felt… relief? Yes, that must be it.
He approached Evlina, greeted her, and held out the bowl of strawberries.
"For you," he said with a gracious smile.
Evlina looked at him in surprise and seemed to consider for a moment before saying, "Thank you, Prince Kashion, but as I mentioned yesterday, I'm not particularly fond of strawberries."
What?
Oren stepped closer, leaned toward him, and whispered in his ear, "Prior likes strawberries."
It suddenly dawned on Kashion, and he immediately pictured Prior eating strawberries.
How embarrassing! He hoped he hadn't offended Evlina too much.
Finally, he asked everyone present to take their seats. He sat at the upper right end of the table, opposite Evlina, and placed the bowl of strawberries in front of him.
He first gave the floor to Evlina and her companions.
Evlina began with an introduction of Tangyan, the largest kingdom on Saturn. Tangyan possessed the greatest Aethereleum reserves and was Evlina's homeland.
"I would like to emphasize once again that I am not here as an envoy of Tangyan alone, even though the agreement will primarily be concluded with my kingdom. The agreement concerns all of Saturn, and I come with the consent of all three kingdoms," she said.
The inhabitants of Earth were always astonished that the vast Saturn consisted of only three kingdoms.
At times, when Evlina spoke about Tangyan or Saturn, Kashion's gaze drifted toward the bowl of strawberries. But he quickly looked away; now they inevitably reminded him of Prior.
"Oh no!" Evlina suddenly exclaimed. "I forgot my charger."
Without hesitation, Kashion slid his charger across the table to her.
Evlina smiled gratefully and immediately used it to charge her tablet.
When she had finished, her companion, Professor Keron, began explaining why plastic production and petroleum were so essential for Saturn. He sketched out the structure of the new solar mirrors and atmospheric stabilizers installed on Saturn—systems indispensable for life there. Without plastic it would be possible, but much more difficult. Moreover, it was crucial for spacecraft.
Later, Kashion and his team presented the advantages of Tingdao as a trade partner. Tingdao did not possess vast petroleum reserves, but it had the most advanced plastic production and research, including petroleum synthesis research. Therefore, part of the agreement would include not only deliveries of finished plastics but also the exchange of knowledge. At the same time, they emphasized their continued dependence on Terland, which possessed the largest petroleum reserves. Terland would thus indirectly become a trade partner as well.
Afterward, there was an open discussion round.
Kashion was satisfied with the first serious negotiations.
They all said their farewells, agreeing that the talks had been exhausting.
Kashion was walking back to his room with Oren. He was still holding the bowl of strawberries.
Oren looked at him with amusement.
"Your Highness, I can gladly bring the strawberries to Prior. She will certainly be pleased," Oren joked.
Kashion shot him a sharp look.
"Not necessary. I will eat them myself."
– Prior –
In the meantime, Prior had a full day. First, she spoke with the crew members of the Earthbound Alliance. She had missed them. After a year in space, a certain bond had formed. Everyone was being well taken care of.
Then Prior went to Lab 1 and exchanged ideas with her new acquaintances Yin, Tin, and Professor Nara. It was much more pleasant now that she knew the three of them a little better. Professor Nara was a very intelligent woman who could nonetheless explain things in a very simple way. She also told her about new findings in natural gas condensation research.
Later in the afternoon, Prior sat with Yin in a café.
"So, what was your highlight yesterday?" Yin wanted to know.
Prior laughed. "The strawberries."
Yin stared at her wide-eyed. "What, seriously? You witness the dance of the century, and plain strawberries are your highlight?"
"Well, they're worlds more aromatic than the ones on Saturn. Honestly, I could already eat some again." Then she suddenly thought of the little girl Yina. "And I made a new friend." She smiled and took a sip of her black sesame latte.
Yin raised her eyebrows. "Oh? Who?"
"Yina, Princess Kassia's daughter. Oh, and Kassia herself is very approachable. She said we absolutely have to meet again." Then she talked a little about the encounter.
Could Yin's eyes get any wider?
"The shy girl and the princess who keeps out of everything. Wow, dear Prior."
Was it really that surprising?
On Yin's recommendation, Prior had also bought a round cake filled with red beans and walnuts. It tasted delicious but was very rich.
"What do you actually miss most about Saturn? I mean, for example, when it comes to food?" Yin asked curiously.
"Well, food isn't what I miss most."
"Sure, but tell me—what especially tasty things do you have?"
"Hmmm… For me, definitely Saturn Rings," Prior answered.
"Saturn Rings?"
"Yes, they're like steamed buns shaped in rings—half with a salty crust, half coated with chocolate or sugar."
"That sounds interesting. Do you think you could make them here? Ingredient-wise?"
Prior thought for a moment. "Yes, that shouldn't be a problem. I know how to make them. I've made them several times."
"Well then, what do you think—come over to my place tomorrow afternoon after work, and we'll make Saturn Rings together?"
Prior was delighted. "That sounds wonderful!" she said.
Yin and Prior made firm plans and then said their goodbyes.
When Prior arrived back at the palace, she saw Princess Evlina standing alone at the entrance. She seemed to have just finished a phone call.
"Your Highness!" Prior greeted her.
"Ah, Prior! Good, I'm glad I see you. Come with me for a moment. I was just about to get some fresh air, but I'm so tired from today. You need to do me a favor."
They walked to Evlina's room. Evlina did not invite her in but asked Prior to wait briefly.
Then she returned holding a charger in her hand.
"Please take this to Prince Kashion. I forgot to give it back."
Prior froze in shock. She had expected many things—but not this. She was supposed to bring something to Prince Kashion?
She was literally speechless.
"Why don't you bring it to him yourself? Then you'll have the chance to see him again," she tried to say lightly, with a wink.
"I'm too tired right now and don't want any more conversation."
"Then surely tomorrow would be fine!"
"No. You know I don't like owing anyone anything or keeping things longer than necessary."
"Well then, maybe another servant could—"
"Prior!" Evlina interrupted her, now slightly impatient. "It's a small matter and certainly within your duties. Is there any problem? Go now. As I said, I'm tired and don't want to discuss this further."
With that, she placed the charger into Prior's hand.
What reason could Prior possibly give for not wanting to go to Prince Kashion? It would all sound ridiculous.
"No problem, Your Highness. I'll take care of it right away," she finally said.
"Good," said the princess and closed the door.
Prior took a deep breath. She could do this. She would give it to him quickly and leave again. A few seconds. No more than that.
She took out her tab, checked the map to see where Prince Kashion's room was located, and made her way there.