Chapter 104: Diplomacy

The South Kingdom ultimately offered to host the Grand Master and Members of the Congregation for the Imagined, in a facility near the Palace of Gourmet and the Standard Triumphant Monument. Known as the Great Edifice of the Congregation, the building is one of the architectural wonders that were gladly attributed to the South Kingdom's many contributions to the society and its people covering the vast majority of the land of the Commission on Appointments.

The Congregation is now in the middle of a controversy involving the Tenth and the South regarding logistics and the associated tariffs, a well-publicized cause of action that provided major distraction to what is really happening at the backdrop of what truly matters, which has now become a sure source to an impending peril (danger is always part of a story).

As public opinion becomes divisive with the Press covering all angles to the news stories pertaining to the case, a secretly brewing contention becomes obvious, visible, and have reached the cognizance of the Congregation, who is also most certain that the Astrologers have the same suspicion of what is slowly coming in their midst. All the symptoms of the fact are very much recognizable; to deny that it exists will become a foolish decision on the apt determination of the danger ahead.

The Queen Regnant of the South have issued a Summons for the Grand Master of the Congregation for the Imagined to appear before her Court to answer some questions pursuant to the Queen's (or King's) Bench Act from its appointed Parochial Concerns.

"And what can you say about you being summoned to my court, Honorable Grand Master of the Congregation?" the Queen immediately addressed the leader of the Congregation as he marches inside the glorious halls of the Throne Room.

The Grand Master quickly took a bow as he approached the Throne to give respect to the flamboyant monarch, ready to engage in the most diplomatic manner about questions the Kingdom might have in the affairs of the Congregation.

"It is always a pleasure to seek for audience with Your Majesty at any time, although I have no idea what must be answered before your presence at this particular time," the Grand Master said. He had a very deep, low voice.

The Queen almost wanted to laugh, but her annoyance cannot be contained anymore. She decided to get straight into the point, no more beating behind the bush.

"Of course, you do" she replied with sarcasm. "Is it true that you are being summoned by the Tenth Kingdom to cooperate as a witness in the Cause of Action petition that I, myself, have ordered to be heard before the Judicial and Bar Council?"

The Grand Master cleared his throat, as if hesitating, and then responded.

"We have been asked to provide an expert opinion, Your Majesty."

"And you are too quick to oblige with such ardent request? Is the Congregation now siding with the enemy? To what authority do you answer to invoke such act in responding to the judicial determination of this controversy? What legal basis can you say that this is your obligation?"

The Grand Master bowed his head to give respect. He has a very harsh but polite response to this audacious way of questioning.

"We have a diplomatic status, Your Majesty. I see no need to justify our acts before any local authority except when it is expressly required by the Commission on Appointments, with all due respect."

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