Mazzio's first step into the High Kingdom. [Attn: Potenza]

[Ivernia]

Free City of Bervenia, Ivernia.
Close to the Franken Border.


The Elector Prince looked of the saloon car's windows. Looking out at the city of Bervenia, he saw a much different place to when he was here, as just a soldier, only 30 years ago. While the Free City is only free now in name alone, the removal of the Church of Glabados has turned this city into a much more active, upbeat place. That much I did well at least.

The car pulled up at one of the larger buildings. A five story house with distinct germanic overtones, in fact the whole Province of Bervenia looks like a love-child between Ivernia and Franken, even all of the sign posts are bi-lingual in both German and Ivernish.

Elector Prince Micheal Earhart was here in Bervenia for a meeting. A meeting he's been wanting to do since he became the Elector Prince of Transport, Environment and Culture. A meeting with the Mazzio Corporation of Potenza, one of the finest train and rail builders in the world, in order to completely re-vitalize the Ivernian Rail Industry.

Micheal Earhart entered the large building and met with reception, inquiring as to whether or not the representative had arrived yet.

''Entschuldigung, aber er ist noch nicht angekommen, er wird noch ein paar Stunden brauchen''

''Oh dear, I'm sorry I don't speak german,'' Micheal turned to his assistant, ''Francis can you translate?''

''My Prince, she said that the Represenative will be a few hours more. Perhaps we should wait for him in the meeting room anyways, it's heated.''

''Oh good,'' Micheal said with relief, ''Francis you explain to the receptionist where I am going, I must warm up. The sun's out, but the wind makes me cold to the bone.''

Micheal Earhart enterned the room and turned on the heat. For a room with such large windows it heated up quite quickly. The Elector-Prince settled down onto the left side of a large semi-sphere table with a large briefcase of notes.

His assistant Francis appeared soon after, ''My Prince, The receptionist will send up the representative as soon as he arrives. She told me she knows Tiburan from her Catholic Church.

''Good good. The Catholic Church moves quickly doesn't it? Not a few decades before and it was banned in this whole region by Glabados.''

''Time just passed my Prince. Bervenia moved on. This was a good choice to start the rail here. A good choice to discuss it, here.''

 

[Potenza]

The prospect of foreign investment had always been on the mind of Leopoldo Mazzio. It was a fire kindled when he invested in the Potenzan Merchant Fleet, and it was somewhat realized when he began funding a rail line in northern Solaren. Now, however, the opportunity had arisen that true foreign investments could be realized in foreign lands, and not just in the neighbors of the Grand Duchy. The head of Potenza's largest transportation company, and one of the most powerful companies in Potenza, had started long ago when he was sixteen, with just himself and a truck (that he had stolen). Over time it grew and continued to grow, until it was the empire it was now. Some of this people attributed to Mazzio's mafia power as well...if the rumors were believed to be true.

With this trip to Ivernia, Mazzio traveled with no one else but two guards - decked in expensive uniforms and concealed pistols - as well as his secretary. She was a woman shrouded in mystery, as she rarely spoke except to Mazzio, and even then often in hushed whispers. She had red hair, which was rare in Potenza, and those who heard her Tiburan said that she had an accent, which suggested she may not originally be from Potenza or any where in the "Pizza Belt", for that matter. She was always seen to go where Mazzio went, and he took good care of her - to the point where he personally fired on the spot a guard who chose to flirt with her in a crude manner.

The MazzioCo delegation had arrived in Ivernia via airplane, and been driven towards Bervenia, destined to meet with Ivernia counterparts. Mazzio and his secretary had just come from a trip to northern Solaren, which had been quite interesting, to say the least...that is, interesting in the sense that they had almost been shot to death by the rebel group Party of God. They didn't expect any similar problems here, which gave them some rest. All the ride there, Mazzio was looking through a dossier and exchanging quiet words with his secretary, reading on the information that had been gathered for him on this Elector Prince Micheal Earhart.

Their vehicle stopped in front of the large, Germanic home, one that reminded Mazzio a bit of the home he had bought in Solaren. The corporate head got out of his car and stared up, studying it for a moment. Mazzio was a fairly tall man himself, being in his fifties with shoulder-length, wavy hair that was light black with tinges of gray showing on his sideburns. His secretary, who got out after him, was perhaps two-thirds his size, and looked to be in her middle ages and curvy under her business suit.

"The joys of multiculturalism," Mazzio remarked, adjusting his suit lapels, "a pity they don't embrace such things in Potenza. Or maybe, for the sake of tourism, it's for the best."

He motioned to his entourage, and with a smile proceeded up into the building.

 

[Ivernia]

''He's just downstairs, he will be up momentarily''

''Oh excellent.''
Micheal Earhart rose in his seat and sorted his notes. As he was sorting he heard a knock on the door, but it was his aide who walked through.

''Apologies my Prince, I'm here now to translate.''

Micheal heard a knock on the door, and sent the aide to go back and open it for him, he saw a very tall, handsome and well dressed man enter, along with a small entourage of two men and one curious woman.

''You must be Leopoldo Mazzio of the Mazzio Corporation, it is an honour to finally meet you.''

As The Prince Elector shook his hand the assistant translated his greeting from Ivernish to TIburan, and then back again.

''Leopold Mazzio extends God and Mary to be back upon you also''

Micheal Earhart could tell from the way he spoke with his body language that his greeting was much more eloquently put and sauve than the translated standard he's hearing from his assistant. He hoped this wouldn't be too much of an issue for this meeting.

''Please, please sit down Mr. Mazzio, it must have been a long trip.'' Micheal gestured towards the other half of the semi circle.

As he walked over to to his seat he caught a glimpse of the weather outside; even windier, darn. As the Prince was briefly veiwing the window, the woman in Mazzio's entourage took her seat across the table. He caught a flash of red in the corner of his eyes and noticed the woman had deep red hair.
''It's very unusual for Non-Ivernish people to have red hair. She might be the first I've ever seen.''

In all of a few seconds Micheal sat down hoping his notice wasn't noticed. His aide on his left pushed a folder to underneath Micheal's hands.

''Mr. Mazzio I have here a folder of our arrangement, to be made between my High Kingdom and your esteemed Corporation. If you are not too tired from this trip, and if you do not mind, we could go over business now. It would just be a full review of our arrangement.''

Micheal pulled a map from his folder first. A large map of Ivernia, complete with cities, geography and roads. Two parallel black lines representing the proposed rail track to replace the old system. It streached from the Free City of Bervenia to Alderburgh. It branched at Alderburgh, going north into Dawn City and then into Portcastle, and also west into Waesfjord and then into Vedrarfjord.

Looking at the map, Micheal suddenly remembered something to tell Mazzio.

''Oh and by the way, if you are interested, there will be a small banquet with several delegates in Alderburgh tomorrow night in the Potenzan Embassy. To celebrate this new trade agreement you see. If you do not mind a brief stopover on your way home I am sure you would receive a very warm welcome.''

''But aside from that, if you are ready Mr. Mazzio, I'd like to first go over this map, If I may?''

 

[Potenza]

Mazzio and his group were led upstairs, where, as expected, the Elector Prince was there to greet him.

''You must be Leopoldo Mazzio of the Mazzio Corporation, it is an honour to finally meet you," the man said.

"The pleasure is all mine," said Mazzio in his original Tiburan (as he had been told someone was present to translate between the two parties), shaking the prince's hand.

It was then the translator said, "Leopold Mazzio extends God and Mary to be back upon you also."

This caught Mazzio a bit off guard, and he raised an eyebrow at this strange expression while his secretary covered her mouth with her folders, stifling a giggle. He could only assume it was similar to the Potenzan greeting of, "Saint Salvo guide you," so he didn't bother to ask anymore on the subject.

''Please, please sit down Mr. Mazzio, it must have been a long trip.''

"Ah yes, thank you," he said, as he reached out and pulled out a seat for his secretary, his two men taking positions behind him as he sat down in the chair offered by the prince. His secretary caught the glance of the prince towards her, and she leaned over to whisper in Tiburan tinged by some kind of foreign accent:

"I think he finds me peculiar."

Mazzio whispered back, in his Tiburan tinged by a Turinese accent, "I think he finds a Potenzan with red hair peculiar."

"Oh, is there one in this room?" she said, with a soft smile.

This quick exchange was interrupted by the prince beginning the meeting:

''Mr. Mazzio I have here a folder of our arrangement, to be made between my High Kingdom and your esteemed Corporation. If you are not too tired from this trip, and if you do not mind, we could go over business now. It would just be a full review of our arrangement.''

"We had a good rest before the journey," Mazzio replied, "I spent some time in Solaren and had some interesting encounters, but nothing that will deprive me of strength for this."

Mazzio said "interesting encounters" to keep his language intentionally vague (and he hoped the translator would keep it in this tone). That way, his company could continue to deny that he was present when his personnel were attacked by the Party of God...which meant he wasn't present to shoot the leg off a captured gunman...which meant he wasn't capable of doing such things...which meant the rumors of his ties to Potenzan mafia could be more easily denied. Mazzio was a shrewd businessman who recognized language was just as much a wise thing to invest in as money was.

The map was soon presented before the Potenzans was a detailed map of the kingdom, showing the geography as well as the major towns and cities, along with a line that showed the old railway and the planned railway. Mazzio, along with his secretary, studied the map with a level of discernment in his eye, as if he was plotting and planning things in his head already, or calculating the best way to go about it. It was in the midst of this thinking and plotting that the prince's voice interrupted:

''Oh and by the way, if you are interested, there will be a small banquet with several delegates in Alderburgh tomorrow night in the Potenzan Embassy. To celebrate this new trade agreement you see. If you do not mind a brief stopover on your way home I am sure you would receive a very warm welcome.''

The Potenzan businessman looked up and smiled, "Oh I would enjoy such a visit. I have a soft spot for banquets. You will have to indulge us, however...myself and my secretary, Cristiana, did not come prepared with the appropriate attire. You'll have to guide us to the appropriate place to do some shopping. I don't want to go there in a ruffled suit, after all. That would be an embarrassment for our ambassador."

 

[Ivernia]

''Oh of course! I would recommend the shopping street, Grafton Street in Alderburgh. A lot of high retail wear that would suit your style. I'll have detailed directions brought up of course. But more of that later of course.''

Micheal was pleased with the acceptance of the invitation, but he had to continue on with the overview.

''Mr. Mazzio if you would be pleased to look upon this map and follow my point.'' Micheal drew a pencil from his coat pocket,

The Prince Elector brushed the map to remove it's creases and began.

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''As you can see Mr. Mazzio, the trainline will start in the east in Bervenia, and will head for Alderburgh the capitol.
Once passed Alderburgh we will clear the land for a Train Junction Station. You see, the Alderburgh City Council are very careful about new large constructions in inner city Alderburgh and so we will be building the area where the tracks switch lines outside of the city. Do not worry, residents will still choose their destinations from Alderburgh Station, it's just they will be on the same lines until the junction.''

Micheal continued, his pencil tracing along the black line on the map showing the track,

''The new line goes Northeast to Dawn City, note that it'll be going across a preexisting rail bridge into the other half of Dawn City in Highever. The track goes Northwest into Portcastle, and also West, here, into Waesfjord and then into Vedrarfjord.''

''Most interconnections will be maintained by the old rail. For example Portcastle and Dawn City rail does not have enough passengers to merit the upgrade. Population density is quite low in North Milesia so it would be very expensive to upkeep rail lines in that territory.''

Micheal Earhart finished and put the pencil down. He watched as the translator finished and watched Mr. Mazzio's expression to it. A look of great interest, and yet a poker face. Micheal Earhart always thought himself good at reading people, it's how he survived his days as a Senator, but he got nothing from this man.

''Mr. Mazzio if all goes well with this initial upgrade we will be looking at your corporation again when it comes time for further improvements, I can guarantee that.''

 

[Potenza]

Indeed, Mazzio was listening intently, his eyes following the trail of Michael's pencil as he explained the map in greater detail, but while he maintained a look of interest, he didn't show immediate approval or disapproval. When Michael finally at last finished, Mazzio remained quiet for just a few seconds. Cristiana glanced her blue eyes over to him, then back at the map, not saying a word. Suddenly:

"Interesting. But why haven't you considered Estport?" Mazzio stood up, reaching over and planting his finger at the city's location on the map. "You can have someone travel from Vedrarfjord to Esport almost nonstop, with sleeping carriages complete with beds, bathrooms, and the like. Also, I would suggest starting at the very heart of the country - Alderburgh, of course. Begin spreading out to all the major cities, so that business can start to run as the stops are made along the way. It will begin to pay for itself over time, and local construction contractors will be served and offered jobs. Oh yes...and have you ever considered local train routes around Alderburgh or one of the other major cities?"

 

[Ivernia]

Micheal listened intently to Mazzio's suggestions.

''Mr. Mazzio as an esteemed businessman all of your suggestions are taken under much consideration. Do not think this government thinks it can out-entrepenuer you.'' Micheal said with a slight smile. ''Let us go over together your suggestions.'' Micheal picked up his pencil once more;

''Estport was considered initially by myself. It was my first intention for an West-East rail. But you see'' Micheal circled all of West Estria ''This area right here, is very underpopulated. Historically the majority of the population of Estria, the whole province, is in Estport and it's hinterlands. The town was formed by House Bunanza for trade with Sarmatia and Saaremaa, the Estria outlying province is underdeveloped and sparely inhabited. I'm just afraid of the cost to build a line through this area, and the cost of maintaining such an area. However... the idea of sleeping carrages, some sort of long stay journey might fix that.. if, if the lines went along the north coast for the Estria part? It would be longer but cheaper, I would think.''

Micheal put his finger along the northern coast from Dawn City to Estport. Bit of a bumpy journey I must admit.

''Perhaps a route from Bervenia to Estria instead. Although then there is some forest to clear, but at least people live in that part. A lot of Ivernish and Frankish live near that border.''

''Anyways lets move on to your next suggestion. Starting in Alderburgh? I agree. A nice big city right in the middle. If you want to start the rails there I concur. While there are a lot of old train lines in Ivernia, we'll be replacing them all, sometimes in different places. It would be good to let towns adjust to this.
Can I also suggest a quick return on money would be to build the Vedrarfjord to Weasfjord rail sooner rather than later. Ivernia's biggest and third biggest cities respectively and there is a lot of trade between them. Some in Ivernia call them the ''Danish Sisters.'' They would use the rail quite a lot those two cities are quite close culturally.''

''Speaking on local train routes, yes Vedrarfjord and Alderburgh would be the first for such a scheme. While Vedrarfjord would implement that scheme as quick as you want, Alderburgh City Council will take longer to get planning permission for. I don't doubt you would get it though. Vehicular smog has really been dirtying up the buildings in the capital. The City Council is spending a lot of keeping the city clean with the recent influx of automobile owners.''

 

[Potenza]

Mazzio listened quietly to Michael's explanations, then spoke up when his turn came, trying to remember to go slowly for the translator:

"I don't think it would be prudent to leave Estport alone simply because the land between it is sparsely populated. Do you know the appeal of riding the train? The view. Ask anyone who travels my lines that go through the Duchy of Venosa - they'll tell you the trains going by the vineyards on the rolling hills are some of the best sights they've ever seen, and are beautiful enough to make the trip worth it. As for building it along the coast, I am not too certain about that - I'm sure not even your country is free from the problems of seasonal flooding, and it would be safer and no doubt cheaper on the long run to start inland. It would also be shorter in the long run. We can expand a route from Dawn City to Estport once the lines are up and running. Now then..."

Mazzio motioned his fingers around the map, specifically around Vedrarfjord:

"If you so desire, we can begin construction here, since you believe that it will prove more productive. We'll start the line to Waesfjord, and at the same time begin construction for local lines around Vedrarfjord. The specifics of that, of course, may have to be taken up with the local city authorities, to understand where lines will have to travel. What say you to that, your royal highness?"

There was a quiet hope in Mazzio's mind that he hadn't overstepped protocol in his address - in Potenza, counts and those who did not hold grand ducal authority were called "your royal highness," but of course regal protocol differed from country to country.

 

[Ivernia]

The Elector Prince helds his hands up and smiled,

''My goodness Mr. Mazzio you have me convinced! I must admit when it comes to trains I only know the basic technicals. The train lines in Ivernia are too poor to enjoy the ride, so I could never see the draw of it. I could never have the emotional vision of a Potenzan, I agree with the picture you've painted. The wild outback in Estria I'm sure will be a major draw for tourism even! I just hope your trains have big windows!''

Micheal Earhart laughed a little. He stared at the pencil lines along the coast.

''Seasonal flooding in probably an issue on the north coast to be sure. Not only that but that area gets pretty snowy in December... For the moment lets forget I ever mentioned the coast. It's too much hassle.''

''If there's one thing I do know, is that Norse-Gaels are a very tight-knit culture. They'll use a fast rail between the two largest norse-gael cities quite a bit. In fact it'll probably become the busiest line in the network. I know starting from Alderburgh sounds the most logical but we could really get more funding flowing if follow the demand. By the time you've made headway on the west coast line you'll have gotten the permissions from Alderburgh too.''

''Oh and Mr. Mazzio, there is nothing royal about me. I was elected by my senate. They will elect another after me.'' Micheal laughed again.

 

[Potenza]

"Elected royals," Mazzio said after the explanation, "usually that happens in Potenza when the Grand Duke proves to be a dunderhead." This garnered some laughter from Cristiana and the two thugs...er...guards, and was an obvious reference to several months ago, when the Chamber of Ministers removing Grand Duke Eldizio I from power and replaced him with Guido della Torre.

The corporate head continued, "In any case, it sounds like everything has been resolved for now. Did you have any other concerns or plans? If not, you will have to guide us to where myself and Cristiana can acquire the appropriate garments for the event tomorrow night."

 

[Ivernia]

''Do not worry Mr. Mazzio, in fact, I shall guide you. We shall take a State Limousine to Alderburgh, I believe I'll have more than enough time to show you around.''

On that note, the Prince-Elector Micheal Earhart, Mazzio and the mysterious red-headed assistant exited the Frankish-styled Bervenian Manor and filed into a long sleek black Eiffelandian car which was parked along the curb. With a quick rev the car started and moved into thankfully fluid traffic.

It wasn't long before the car had moved out of the Free City of Bervenia, and headed up a National Primary Road towards the Hydrogen Highway.

Micheal looked out of his window and saw the forests of Bervenia subsiding, and then large open plains and farmsteads took it's place.

''Look outside Mr. Mazzio for a look into Ivernish life. A lack of good transport means some family's have been in the same small towns for generations if not a hundred years. I'm glad it's not raining on your view - normally the sky is so grey and dull.''

Micheal watched as his two companions noted the gaelic vista. On this road it wouldn't take long before the Bervenian-Nemedian Provincial Border came up. ''This is a state car so we will drive right on by but normally there is a stop check between these two borders. It's just a formality these days, Bervenia has changed a lot in these past 30 years. Once we pass the border we'll be going onto the Hydrogen Highway, that'll speed us all the way to Alderburgh.''

While a small line of cars had formed at the border as the bored military soldiers waved them on one by one, the driver pulled the car up on a separate lane, flashed a badge, received a salute, and continued on the road. The road began to widen and looked like it was in better repair. A large 3 lane highway stretching from the Bervenian border, through Alderburgh to Vedrarfjord.

''The main road of Ivernia. Do you wonder why it is called the Hydrogen Highway? Before the road here there were Hydrogen refilling stations all along this way for our airships. As the refuel-trucks drove between them we built this highway to accommodate the ground traffic. Notice the level of traffic today, almost none. Cars are imported from nations like Eiffeland and so not many Ivernish can afford them. With our new rail system Mazzio I hope to change the way Ivernian's live today.''

The rest of the journey on the Highway did not take too much time, given the low number of cars using the road. As they grew into Nemedia further and further the plains opened up and became vast fields of green. The sun was beating down and Nemedia looked picturesque. The horizon on their north and south rose up as they entered the Boyne Valley. At this distance the city of Alderburgh could be seen. Compared to the level fields around it looked grandoise and tall, despite the fact it had few high rise buildings at all.

As they drove closer to Alderburgh they saw a city of mostly Georgian architecture. Micheal told Mazzio that ''Old Town'' was entirely medieval and renaissance style but the shopping streets - where they were headed first were in ''Red Town''. Known for it's red brick Georgian buildings and pedestrian-only streets. Micheal, Mazzio and the aides were dropped off in the centre of Alderburgh amongst the fast pace of pedestrians. A metropolitan city centre that betrayed the quaint life just outside Alderburgh, this area looked more like a slice of Charleroi or Dulwich. Here the signs were only in Ivernish. English and German were restricted to the tourist kiosks.

''Mr. Mazzio, I know a tailor, fast yet methodical, would have you a perfect suit for the banquet. We should head to him first - a Mr. Pat O' Byrne of Pat O'Bryne Tailoring. He's on this street: Grafton Street. I'm sure he'll be quite excited to meet a man from Potenza, he's quite a fan of Potenzan clothing.''

With their aides in tow, the two men and the red-headed woman walked down of the busiest streets in Ivernia to find a good suit.

 

[Potenza]

From this meeting, Mazzio and Cristiana were herded into their limo, with Mazzio's two "associates" being told by the corporate head to return to their living arrangements, given they would be well guarded by the Ivernian security detail. Mazzio and Cristiana exchanged pleasantries as the two of them entered the limo, speaking in their native Tiburan:

"We haven't had a reception in a long time, have we?" Mazzio asked.

"Not in a while," Cristiana replied, "hopefully better than what they gave us in Solaren."

Mazzio engaged in dialogue with Earhart, through the translator, while Cristiana kept to herself, her eyes locked on the view outside the windows.

"Look outside Mr. Mazzio for a look into Ivernish life," Earhart commented, as the setting turned more rural, "A lack of good transport means some family's have been in the same small towns for generations if not a hundred years. I'm glad it's not raining on your view - normally the sky is so grey and dull.''

"Many areas of southwest and northern Potenza are the same way," Mazzio replied, "simple people living simple lives. When I built my railways, I had to be respectful of that, of course, but so long as I was respectful, they appreciated and concentrated on the ability to move without too much traffic interrupting their lives. People may fear progress, but they don't fear simplicity."

The trip through the border was of no concern to Mazzio, but he took a greater interest in the "Hydrogen Highway" and why it was called thus. He couldn't help but comment, "Would be rather amusing if it would be called the Helium Highway...though I doubt anyone could pass through without being taken seriously..."

The trip into Nemedia provided a lovely view, with the backdrop of nearby towns and the gorgeous sunset, all against the green land. Mazzio couldn't help but lean over to Cristiana and whisper:

"Beautiful, isn't it? Reminds me a lot of the Duchy of Treviso."

Cristiana nodded and murmured back, "Yes, that's one reason you started your company there."

"Ah! You remembered the story!" the CEO laughed.

Finally they arrived in Alderburgh, in the midst of true Ivernian culture. As they passed by the red buildings and pedestrian only streets, Mazzio's always business-minded mind was running at full pace. "I could build stations down those walkways," he thought to himself, "and have the trains run underground...yes, I can take my empire where cars can't go. Perhaps later I'll provide the buses needed to decrease the traffic further."

When they came to a stop and were let out, Earhart said to the two Potenzans:

''Mr. Mazzio, I know a tailor, fast yet methodical, would have you a perfect suit for the banquet. We should head to him first - a Mr. Pat O' Byrne of Pat O'Bryne Tailoring. He's on this street: Grafton Street. I'm sure he'll be quite excited to meet a man from Potenza, he's quite a fan of Potenzan clothing.''

Mazzio feigned a smile, "Oh, would he? I hope I won't disappoint him..." In truth, Mazzio cringed at the prospect of being the "prized Potenzan" people met. Because of the uniqueness of Tiburan culture (and the fact that Potenzans, of all Tiburans, were the only ones who could afford international travel), people who first encountered a Potenzan were all questions and strange requests. Mazzio remembered all too well the one foreign delegate who, upon finding out where Mazzio came from, begged him several times to say "Hello, how are you?" in Tiburan, repeating the request over and over and saying, "No no no! Let me hear the music in it!" as if Mazzio didn't know how to speak his own native tongue. No doubt Cristiana knew Mazzio was remembering this, and had to stifle a giggle that tried to erupt from her throat.

"I have no doubt of the talent of your tailors," Mazzio began to Earhart, "however, do you think they will be able to find a proper dress for my personal assistant? They will need to accomodate for her..." Making absolutely certain he was facing away from Cristiana so that only Earhart could see his motions, Mazzio waved his hand along his torso, suggesting that Cristiana's rather full-bodied figure might prove a problem.

 

[Ivernia]

Micheal Earhart understood the message before the translator finished relay it to him in Ivernish.

He stifled a inner laugh and made sure that he too, was discreet in respect to Christiana

''Mr. Mazzio, if a woman cannot find a dress on Grafton Street I'll eat my hat. Don't worry for shape or size.''

Micheal leaned back as if to allow Mazzio to restore his peripheral vision for a panorama of the clothes shops all around, almost all of them for women. Women bustling in and out in a typical fashion of never seeming to buy, always browse and yet carrying many shopping bags.

''Much unlike your typical Ivernian locale this street is very cosmopolitan. For your assistant, there are many to choose from. I personally recommend Brown Thomas. Four stories of everything a woman could want.''

Micheal Earhart lifted a hand directing towards the end of the street. A large building loomed at the end, burgundy flags with a ''BT'' in gold lettering gently hanging from the boutique in the calm sunny sky.

''Mazzio, this would be entirely your decision and I do hope I am not intruding, but if you want I could send Christiana off with one of my translators and guard, to do her shopping at her leisure while we headed to Pat O'Brien's? I know Ivernish women cannot wait to be left to their business.''

 

[Potenza]

Mazzio nodded at Earhart's assurance, smiling and turning to Cristiana after the assurance:

"Would you do well by yourself?"

She shrugged, smirking at him.

"Well then it's decided," Mazzio said, "let us head to Pat O'Brien's, then. And trust me, all shall be funded by the Mazzio Corporation. We set aside funds for such travels, so it won't send the entire Potenzan economy under, I assure you. We will see you in a moment, Cristiana."

Cristiana walked over, running a hand along Mazzio's lower back and leaned up, whispering in Tiburan:

"Yes, you know how we Ivernian women are..."

She left with the personal guard and translator, Mazzio getting a sly grin as she left. He turned back to Earhart, saying, "All right, let's go...I hope I meet the expectations by this tailor of how Potenzans sound and act..."

 

[Ivernia]

A Prince Elector of Ivernia and a CEO of a major Potenzan corporation walked up to a menswear tailor on the end of busiest street on Ivernia.

''Pat O'Byrne's Menswear & Tailor, this is the place Mr. Mazzio. If will follow me,''
Micheal walked into a store of old wood and leather seats. Rails of suits, casual wear of all sorts lined the wall. The shop was filled with men all typically middle aged or older, all mostly in trim suits. Most were chatting to each other while they shopped for the latest high priced suit from southern Germanian fashions.

While a typical setting in Ivernia that had a large number of Ivernish men in it would also contain a fog of cigarette smoke, this was one of the few shops which banned the habit - to protect the clothing.
It was a testament to the quality of Pat O'Bryne's produce that he was able to enforce the rule.
When Micheal walked into the shop - followed by Mazzio and their guard - the shop quietened down somewhat. Micheal of course was used to this. After giving a few friendly political hellos and greetings to the other customers he walked up to the clerk and the retail.

''Dia duit, Johnathan''

''Dia is muire dhuit, Prionsa-Toghtoír! Conas is féidir liom cabhrú leat?''

''Ba mhaith liom buíochas a labhairt le Pat le do thoil? Tá mé aoi tábhachtach agus is gá dom feistithe air le haghaidh imeacht anocht tábhachtach.''

At Micheal's command the clerk left his post and headed upstairs to fetch the owner, and so Micheal headed back to his guest.

''Mr. Mazzio we'll be meeting with the owner now if you don't mind. He'll be showing us his clothing upstairs, he keeps the clothing more befitting events and balls upstairs you see. Besides it's best to shop alone.''

Pat O'Byrne hurried down the stairs and walked up to the Prince's group. A middle sized, middle aged man with a receding hairline. A measuring tape around his neck and a large smile on his face. Micheal extended an arm and Pat grasped it in both of his.

''Prince-Elector Micheal Earhart it is an honour! I have not seen you since.. Last October? You have been in Bervenia for some time.''

''Ah ha, yes quite the memory. A large conference was held in Tara, I have not been needed to be in Alderburgh since. You know my departments down south.''

As Pat let go of Micheals hand he noticed Earharts group, while all were mostly the typical aids and guards he noticed one who stood out much more.

''Ah excuse me, Pat O'Bryne this is Mr. Mazzio, CEO of the Mazzio Corporation. Mr. Mazzio, this shall be our tailor the illustrious Pat O'Byrne. This finest tailor in Alderburgh.''

Pat O'Byrne greeted the Potenzan man warmly, and bowed to the Elector Princes compliment. With no time at all they were all up the stairs past a crowd that had begun to build up into a more private area of the shop on the second floor.
Pat O'Bryne brought them into a middle sized room. The room has lacquered wood tables, more leather seats - all the trimmings of a gentleman's room.

''Were it not a clothes shop you would almost expect some elderly fat men speaking politics. But this isn't the Ivernish Senate.''

Micheal Earhart made sure that Pat O'Byrne was out of earshot when he passed on his remark to the translator for Mazzio. Nemedia House, the Senate, always reminded him of some Cliche country club from Great Engellex.
Pat O'Bryne opened large cupboards which extended the room even farther, except all of the new space was occupied by very high market menswear.

''So my Prince, what kind of occasion is this, and I can show you specifics?''

''Mr. O'Byrne my friend here is the CEO of a Potenzan Corporation and I am to take him to the Potenzan Embassy here in Alderburgh to celebrate certain trade deals. I need a suit for him to wear. What do you suggest?''

Pat's eye's lit up when he heard ''Potenzan.''

''A man from Potenza? I Tiburan in my shop. The honour! I knew it the first second I saw him. Here-'' Pat led them to a large long rail of suits ''These are just some of what I have available for your banquet. But if your Mr. Mazzio has any suit in mind I would be honoured to have it for him.''

Micheal turned around to Mazzio. ''Mr. Mazzio, any of the suits along this wall and the wall ahead. However if you have anything specific in mind, and Pat would be delighted to get it for you.''

 

[Potenza]

Mazzio followed his Ivernian compatriots into the store, keeping to himself for the most part and taking in the sights of the store. It reminded him of a lovely tailor shop in San Salvo that he had visited once, and could tell that this was no corner clothing store, but a place where men took their craft seriously. That thought made him feel good, as it told him that he would be able to purchase a decent suit here, not some bargain bin suit and tie like many Potenzan businessmen settled with.

In fact, the first glance at Pat O'Byrne that Mazzio presented what the Potenzan had expected in a tailor, right down to the receding hairline. Up until this time, a flurry of foreign words had gone through the air, but at last, Mazzio heard what every person hoped to finally hear in another tongue...his own name.

''Ah excuse me, Pat O'Bryne this is Mr. Mazzio, CEO of the Mazzio Corporation. Mr. Mazzio, this shall be our tailor the illustrious Pat O'Byrne. This finest tailor in Alderburgh.''

Mazzio grinned slightly as O'Bryne greeted him and then led the group up the stairs, into the a more private room. It was here that the bomb was dropped: Mazzio was a Potenzan. The CEO heard Earhart say the word "Potenzan," and saw O'Bryne's eyes immediately light up, and talk excitedly. No doubt if Mazzio had asked for a suit made in the poor man's firstborn child, he would have gladly done it. Instead, Mazzio began to walk along the rail of suits, pressing his forefingers together before his lips, studying them quietly. Finally, his hands reached up, grabbing a lovely beige suit, holding it before the others and motioning with it simply:

"This will do, I believe. It fits with the season, does it not? I think wearing black in the middle of the year - or any other dark color - wouldn't be entirely prudent."

 

[Ivernia]

Micheal Earhart could hear Pat O'Byrne's acclaim from across the room.

''An excellent choice sir. Wonderfully compliments the unusually hot weather we're having in Alderburgh today. Perhaps you brought the Potenzan sun with you?'' the tailor joked.

Micheal Earhart stepped up to Pat. ''Pat if you could ring those up for us?''

''Oh of course Prince-Elector, of course.''

As Pat headed down below the stairs to the retail, Micheal breathed a small sigh of relief. ''I hope he wasn't too... intense. It's just his passion for his job. You're suit will show his more gracious qualities I assure you. But seeing as we're all set and done here, I suppose it would be time to go.''

Micheal led the way walking down the stairs. At the retail, while Micheal Earhart offered one more time to allow a state payment, at Mr. Mazzio's insist he took care of it. Micheal would never dream of insinuating any offence with the man who was to rebuild Ivernia's rails, so he dropped it soon as to not hurt the Tiburan mans honour.

Once the clothes had been ringed up the tailor offered a bow of service and thanks, as Micheal and Mazzio thanked him as they left the shop into the streets of Ivernia once again.

By this rate it was 3pm and the sun was high in the sky. The June weather was exceptionally gracious and there were few clouds to be seen. While Micheal could see Mazzio largely unfazed by an Ivernish Sun, the black and gold suit of a Prince-Elector was beginning to weigh on him.
The two gentlemen walked down a street was amazingly even more crowded than when they went into the tailors. Their Guard made sure there was room to walk comfortably and then entered the black limousine - even hotter than the outside.

''Phew! The heat out there and the stuffyness in here, I do apologise Mr. Mazzio. I assumed we would wait in here for Christiana but I can barely breathe. If you want we can just head into Brown Thomas while the driver airs out the car. How do you feel about that?''

With the Potenzan's agreement to two men headed back into the thrall of a busy day on Grafton Street, but did not have far to walk this time. Two shops up and the large building of Brown Thomas loomed. The wind was gone which made the flags still and the heat more intense, at least for the Ivernians. Micheal was glad to be inside the front doors where large fans blew to cool shoppers.

''Phew! I wonder Mr. Mazzio whether you as a Potenzan can feel this heat'' Micheal asked semi-rhetorically. ''Come, lets go find Ms. Christiana.''

* * *
​

Tom Lomberry has worked as a translator for 5 years and he had never has a job anything like this. Although when he thought about it he wasn't sure why not. Women come to Ivernia all the time on official busniness to it was only a matter of time before he would have to help them get clothing for this or that.

Tom led Christiana through the department store doors and was cooled by the large fans in place.

''Ms. Christiana I believe we will have some time for you to find a suitable dress, the Prince-Elector has elected us an hour to search here. I believe though we will be heading to the main reception first.''

Followed by Ivernish Guards they all walked up to a customer service receptionist who seemed to be half awake before this group of young men, large men and a fire haired woman appeared.

''Oh! Good day! How can I.. How can I assist you?''

''Hello I'm looking for a personal shopper...''

After only a few minutes the personal shopper was in front of the waiting group. Wearing the trim black of BT uniform, and short brown hair she greeted herself to Christiana with a smile.

''Hello and Welcome to Brown Thomas! My name is Aoife Powers, I'll be your personal shopper.'' When she notices Tom translating for her, and then relaying Christiana's greeting she did not bad an eyelid, she was too trained and experienced with helping foreign nationals before.

Aoife turned out to be a more than effiecient and proactive shopper, and saw Christiana's Beauty as a project just to see how beautiful a dress could she be put in. Aoife hoped to stop hearts at that Potenzan banquet. She clearly took pride in her work.

Starting at the ground floor was almost a ground control station of hundreds of kinds of make up. Aoife brought her up to an assistant who held cards up to face to check her foundation, while they all chatted over the colour of the dress she was thinking - in order to get the colours to match just right.

Tom was translated as fast as he could between the conversation between these women, while it was work intensive he was very much in his flow.

Once the assistants heard she was looking for a summery dress preferably in a peach or cream colour, the make up was chosen and the Potenzan lass was brought by Aoife to the 3rd floor, Womenswear-eveningwear. This was a big shop.

Sorting through the various dresses it seemed Aoife was just as determined to find the perfect dress for her - possibly even more so. But the rails were endless. At least the floot was confertable. Every one is a while a small station of chairs were to be found for them to sit and rest. Normally the chairs were populated by tired husbands and sons, but these men were translators and guards so on they pressed.

Eventually the clothes changing rooms were desired, but the guards were refusing to allow her into a public changing room and so a private one was taken. With the guards outside and Tom very much facing a wall, the ''perfect dress'' was finally found.

When Tom was allowed to see again all he was Aoife packing things into a box for the Potenzan lady. Who shared a goodbye with each other and the group headed towards the end of the door when on of the guards receive a call in his radio.

''Mr. Lomberry could you tell the Ms. Christiana that the Elector Prince and Mr. Mazzio are actually in the store? We'll be heading down to them.''

Tom, Christiana and his crew of aides met up with the Prince Elector and the CEO just inside the front door.

''Tom! There you all are. Our security said it would be quicker to call. I hope the lady Christiana found something to wear? Mr. Mazzio is ready for the Banquet.''

''Yes Sir, Mr. Earhart, I obtained a personal shopper and it all went smoothly.''

''Good! Good. Then we should really be going, those two are to be in the Embassy soon enough. It's to be a garden party. Tom, go on break, be back at 6 yes?''

''Of course Mr. Earhart. Thank you.''

Tom said a ''good-bye'' to Christiana and Mazzio as his replacement translator took over for the next long shift. Tom cooled down under the giant fans as he watched the group head off into the sunny Grafton Street.

 

[Potenza]

Potenzan sun, Mazzio though to himself, brilliant. He kept it all inside, however, and was simply happy that it was all done. Earhart offered to pay for it, of course, but Mazzio was insistent that he paid for it. As he had thought earlier, MazzioCo set aside funds for the travel of their representatives and management. Besides, it would be a little obnoxious to arrive as a guest, get invited to a banquet, and then force their host to pay for the suit. It just wasn't prudent.

Meanwhile, Mazzio's personal secretary and his unknown consigieri was in the women's world of banquet preparing. When they went into the store and were greeted by so many, and attended to so closely, Cristiana had to admit that it felt a bit like she was being pampered. She privately wondered if they would paint her nails and do her hair if she so requested? In either case, she found a lovely, shoulder-strapless beige-orange dress with ruffles down the long skirt. She looked it over in the mirror of her private dressing room, grinning as she turned this way and that. It had been a long time since she had been permitted to "act pretty," and in some ways she was reminded of her days as a child...or perhaps more so, her dreams as a child. It drew some bad flashbacks for the red-headed Potenzan, and she had to quickly shake them off before telling Aoife that she had found the right dress.

She changed back into her more casual dress, walking out and feeling almost like a celebrity with this entourage of men behind her. It caused her chin to raise up and a smile to creep on her lips and stay there...yes, working for Leopoldo Mazzio definitely had its benefits.

***

Later that evening, it was time for the banquet. Held at the Potenzan embassy, with the familiar flag bearing the biscione and black eagle waving above the building. The garden, which lay in the back of the embassy, was a bit of a treasure to the Grand Duchy, and no doubt if Ivernia ever wanted to start a quick war, setting fire to the garden would have been worse than giving the grand duke a crude sign. Tall, green bushes lining around the edge, fountains filled with dirt and with lovely, tall flowers rising up on three levels, pruned vines along the fences and walls...it was obvious that it was well kept. There was plenty of room for people to mingle, either on the soft grass or on the cobble pathways from the main patio.

The Potenzan ambassador, Daniele Mancini, was present with his wife, Roberta, both of them in their late middle ages with fine white hair and thin features. They were mingling and chatting with the Ivernian officials while embassy staff walking about in their fine uniforms offered free drinks to those who desired them. A group of four musicians were at one end of the patio, armed with stringed instruments and playing some soft background music for the attendants. Daniele had been notified that Leopoldo Mazzio and one other Potenzan national were arriving, and whenever a limo pulled around the building, he would adjust his glasses and look nervously. Being so high in government, he was aware of the power Mazzio held, not only with his near monopoly of the Grand Duchy's transportation, but also his ties to the mafia. He denied the latter, of course, but...

It was then that a limo pulled up with Ivernian markings. Michael Earhart, who had been eagerly awaiting for the Mazzio delegation's arrival, moved forward as if he was certain who the car's inhabitants were. Sure enough, the door was opened, and out stepped the tall, imposing figure of Leopoldo Mazzio, wearing the finely tailored beige suit that seemed to fit his personality as well as figure. He looked about, smiling up at the flag and commenting, "Always good to see a reminder of home. I wonder how some Ivernians would feel if they realized what the biscione represented?"

He stepped aside, holding out his hand in a polite gesture. A feminine set of fingers greeted him, taking his hand as Cristiana stepped out from the car. She was wearing the orange-beige dress she had purchased, which fit her well and did compliments to her full figured body. The front curved in a round neckline and pushed against her bosom, while the ruffles from the waist down complimented the rest of her well. Her red hair was let down now, curling around her head, and her full lips were red with the lovely lipstick she had purchased at the store along with the dress.

"You really do look ravishing," said Mazzio to her in his Tiburan.

She grinned at him slyly and shook her finger, "You're my employer. Flatter me too much, and they'll think we're married."

"Let them gossip - I'm sure even war and intrigue gets boring after a while."

Mazzio turned and shook hands with Earhart, saying, "Pleasure to see you again, your highness. Shall we begin?" Cristiana followed Mazzio a few feet behind - she was at one point with him, at one point by herself. She was, after all, his personal secretary and nothing more. Unless you believed the rumors.

 

[Ivernia]

The day had begun to cool off and for that Micheal Earhart was pleased.

The Price-Elector walked among the guest and dignitaries absorbing the entire scene. He made sure to make note of the important Potenzan Dignitaries as they would be wanting to meet the man of the day, Mazzio of the Mazzio Corporation. This garden party is, frankly a celebration of this new rail. His new rail. Along with his other plans for Ivernish transport too. Personally Micheal Earchart was pleased with this new footing, any new corporation breeds new jobs which inject new money into the nation. Not like the old titan hegemonies in Ivernia today.

When Micheal had at least learned the faces of all of those he needed to know he checked his watch - Mazzio would be arriving now. Or at least that was what he told the driver.

When the limo pulled up the Prince-Elector was thankfully there and in view for Mazzio to find him. A crowd had gathered however to see the CEO wealthy well-dressed Potenzan with his beautiful escort. When the man appeared from the Ivernish state limousine Micheal made sure to get a hold of him.

''Mr. Mazzio it is good to see you again.''

"Pleasure to see you again, your highness. Shall we begin?"

At a handshake they were off up the steps to the Embassy within. Christiana in tow behind them.

Entering the building was a slightly hot and stuffy affair, and not just the dignitaries. The hot day was over but cigar smoke and too many people made Earhart feel out of comfort soon. However experience of the life of a Prince-Elector led him to simply ignore the discomfort. Earhart scanned the room for people of importance and found no-one in particular.

''Mr. Mazzio I am sorry, but before you enjoy yourself I'm afraid I would have to show you to several of the embassies finest. I am pretty sure they are all on the back garden however. Just as well really this place is too crowded to talk.''

The three began to work their way towards the back door and the crowd seemed to lessen as many were outside. Stepping off of the steps into the garden and Micheal almost said 'wow' out loud. He had never been to this little slice of Potenza in the north but he certainly did like it. Earhart was about to motion to Mazzio and Christiana to follow him along the cobblestone path when an elderly man, dressed in the same black and gold Earhart wore approached.

''David MacSweeney if my eyes are true. It's good to see you.'' Micheal shook the fellow Prince-Elector's hand like an old friend.

''Micheal Earhart I was hoping to bump into you, how has Bervenia City been?''

''Not as wet as Alderburgh I must say. I'm getting better at my German too..''

Prince-Elector David MacSweeney was soon to notice Earhart's entourage. ''Micheal, are you going to introduce me to your compatriots?''

''Oh I apologise, sorry, David MacSweeney, this is a Mr. Leopoldo Mazzio, the CEO of the Mazzio Corporation in Potenza. The crux of this banquest is on a new deal between his Corporation and out train lines.''

''Mr. Mazzio, this is David MacSweeney. Duke of Vedrarfjord and Waesfjord and Prince-Elector of Foreign Affairs and Trade. As you can imagine he played a central role in the first steps of our States trade increase with yours.''

''Mr. Leopoldo Mazzio we finally have a chance to meet.'' David MacSweeney offered a small respectful bow. ''Excuse me but I would not at my age be able to take care of you so much as Micheal Earhart has, but my thanks for your efforts in Ivernia is no less.''

''David, and this is Ms. Christiana, Mr Mazzio's assistant.''

''I am honoured to meet you Ms. Christiana.'' David MacSweeney again bowed.

''Micheal, if it please you, several Potenzan diplomats have been eager to meet both you and the CEO Mr. Mazzio, We can talk later in more detail before you return to Bervenia.''

''That would please me your grace.'' Price-Elector MacSweeney said goodbye to the Tiburans and walked up the stairs into the stuffy smoke filled room of diplomats.

''Mr. Mazzio we might meet him later if he is able or has the time I think. It is hard to judge with a man as busy as he. But for now we should head on to the Potenzan main diplomats, namely the Ambassador Daniele Mancini and his wife Roberta.''

The three of them heading down the short cobblestone past with the band playig soft party music. Micheal Earhart could swear it was the tune of Crazy He Call's Me, In light of the music festival in Potenza coming up.

 

[Potenza]

Mazzio, Cristiana and their Ivernian counterparts moved into the embassy itself, greeted by the throng of people and the cigar smoke puffing high into the air. No doubt, Mazzio thought to himself, most of them were Potenzan brands, with the tobacco grown in the fields of Venosa or Turin. As if reading his thoughts, the secretary momentarily paused and reached over to an open wooden box, lifting up a cigar and turning it show the label - a Potenzan cigar indeed. Mazzio lifted up his hand and pointed with his forefinger, as if to quietly say, "I thought so." Cristiana and Mazzio had worked long enough to be able to quietly communicate in this way.

When they went out into the garden, Mazzio couldn't help but notice the expression on Michael's face, though it wasn't anything uncommon to Mazzio - most Potenzan embassies employed an elaborate garden if they could. It was like the garden outside the ducal palace in San Salvo, as if every ambassador wanted to outdo the grand duke or give international diplomats a taste of San Salvo right there in their own back yard. Through the crowd, down a cobblestone path, the group made their way to a group of Ivernian diplomats at one end of the garden. If a person was a Potenzan, they turned and watched Mazzio, staring at him with as much attention as they would have the Guido III himself. In the Grand Duchy, Mazzio was well known, and some believed he practically owned the country. If he were to go mad with power, he could almost completely shut down Potenza's transportation in a single day.

The first to greet them from the group was an elderly gentleman wearing black and gold. Michael went up and took his hand, saying:

"David MacSweeney if my eyes are true. It's good to see you."

The old man replied, "Micheal Earhart I was hoping to bump into you, how has Bervenia City been?"

"Not as wet as Alderburgh I must say. I'm getting better at my German too.."

The man suddenly turned to Mazzio and Cristiana, "Micheal, are you going to introduce me to your compatriots?"

"Oh I apologise, sorry, David MacSweeney, this is a Mr. Leopoldo Mazzio, the CEO of the Mazzio Corporation in Potenza. The crux of this banquest is on a new deal between his Corporation and out train lines. Mr. Mazzio, this is David MacSweeney. Duke of Vedrarfjord and Waesfjord and Prince-Elector of Foreign Affairs and Trade. As you can imagine he played a central role in the first steps of our States trade increase with yours."

MacSweeney gave Mazzio a bow, "Mr. Leopoldo Mazzio we finally have a chance to meet. Excuse me but I would not at my age be able to take care of you so much as Micheal Earhart has, but my thanks for your efforts in Ivernia is no less."

Mazzio returned the bow, "There is no offense taken, your highness-" Your highness being the proper address to a duke in Potenza. "-Prince Earhart has done his nation a service in his hospitality."

Earhart cut in, "David, and this is Ms. Christiana, Mr. Mazzio's assistant."

''I am honoured to meet you Ms. Christiana,'' said MacSweeney, offering another bow. Cristiana smiled and gave a slight curtsy, but kept to herself. "Michael, if it please you, several Potenzan diplomats have been eager to meet both you and the CEO Mr. Mazzio, We can talk later in more detail before you return to Bervenia."

"Mr. Mazzio," Earhart began as MacSweeney disappeared into the embassy building, "we might meet him later if he is able or has the time I think. It is hard to judge with a man as busy as he. But for now we should head on to the Potenzan main diplomats, namely the Ambassador Daniele Mancini and his wife Roberta."

"Oh yes! Dearest Danny," said Mazzio, smiling broadly, "I'm eager to see him again. We have some familiarity you see."

The trio moved on, and Mancini was found easily, out in the garden chatting with some more Ivernian delegates. He saw Mazzio approaching, and his voice grew visibly pale.

This time, Mazzio was the first to speak, in his native Tiburan:

"Danny...we meet again. I trust your son is well?"

The ambassador grinned nervously, "Yes, he's uh somewhere in Auraria, I think..."

It was a subtle reference which only the two men would have understood. A few years ago, Mancini's young son had been caught with a homosexual lover at the University of San Salvo...and the lover happened to be the son of a well known and high ranking member in the National Alliance. The ones who had discovered it were private investigators in the payment of Mazzio and his mafia wing. It was a delicious catch for Mazzio, for sure: a high ranking politician and an ambassador with sons together in an awkward position that would have resulted in the entire family being shunned by most of the Potenzan population.

"Well, you should be the man of the hour, not me," Mazzio continued, "after all, it was partially you who assisted in making all this possible. Am I not right, Danny?"

Ambassador Mancini nodded, taking out a handkerchief and wiping his brow, "Oh yes, Mister Mazzio - it was for the good of the Grand Duchy, of course."