• 1130
• Vittoria
  Player...!
  I'm amazed.
  I never thought I would see you here.

• 1131
• What do you want to do?

• 1132
• Ask why she's here

• 1133
• Ask what she's doing

• 1134
• Pretend you didn't hear them

• 1135
• Vittoria
  Huh?...
  Um...
  Hey...Player? What's wrong?

• 1136
• Vittoria
  I'm here to escort Alvise on official business.
  Of course, because I forced him to take me, he's been in a bad mood ever since we got on the ship.

• 1137
• What do you want to do?

• 1138
• Ask what the business is

• 1139
• Don't ask anything

• 1140
• Vittoria
  You know, it's more than time that they showed up.
  I wonder what's wrong with my brother...

• 1141
• Vittoria
  ...Okay, I think I can tell you, Player.
  Recently, Alvise was talking about a plan to build a canal in Suez in order to combat the Turks, right? After that, he tried to get the counsel to authorize his plan.
  It came very close to being authorized, but then it was interrupted...

• 1142
• Alvise
  Very well, then our country will now conclude our mutual cooperation with the Bedouin.
  We will pay them roughly 30 million ducats a year for their support in creating a canal in Suez.
  This agreement will be sure to help us achieve victory in the fight against Turkey!

• 1143
• Doge of Venice
  ...Very well.
  If there are no objections to Orseolo's plan, I hereby declare the measure...

• 1144
• Voice
  ...Your Excellency, a moment.

• 1145
• Alvise
  Gradenigo...

• 1146
• Gradenigo
  It is true that Orseolo's suggestion is attractive, and would bring much benefit to our country.
  However, there is one flaw that we cannot overlook.
  That is the country that resides behind us: France!

• 1147
• Alvise
  ...!

• 1148
• Gradenigo
  They have forged an agreement with the sultan for decades not to invade each other.
  If they were to team up with Turkey, there is an undeniable possibility that our country would be caught defenceless on both sides.

• 1149
• Doge of Venice
  Hmm...
  That's true...

• 1150
• Alvise
  What are you saying!?
  France and Turkey's alliance is nothing but an ancient relic!
  The possibility of a flank attack is...

• 1151
• Gradenigo
  ...Do you have proof that there is no possibility whatsoever of that happening?

• 1152
• Alvise
  ......

• 1153
• Gradenigo
  Master Orseolo...
  Please get a statement from the Queen Mother of France stating that they will never, ever attack us.
  If you can do that, then I can relax and cast a vote for your measure.

• 1154
• Vittoria
  So that's why we've come here.
  To ask for an audience with the Queen Mother...

• 1155
• Voice
  ...Sorry to keep you, Vittoria.

• 1156
• Alvise
  ...Well, if it isn't Player.
  I didn't know you were here too.

• 1157
• Vittoria
  Alvise...
  You're very late.
  How did the meeting...

• 1158
• Alvise
  Hmph.
  If it had gone well, it wouldn't have taken nearly this long.
  First they make me rush through everything, then they turn me away at the gate.
  At this rate, I'll never be able to get an audience with her.

• 1159
• How will you respond?

• 1160
• Why can't you see the Queen Mother?

• 1161
• Don't say anything

• 1162
• Vittoria
  ...Why not? The Queen Mother is like a mother to all of France, right?

• 1163
• Alvise
  That's right.
  And she was born to the house of Medicis in Florence, who were once the sworn enemies of Venice.
  As someone who saw the fall of the Medicis firsthand, and holds a grudge against us for it, there is no way she will let an ambassador from our country get near her.
  It's a problem even her diplomats worry about.

• 1164
• Alvise
  The Queen Mother was born to the house of Medicis in Florence, who were once the sworn enemies of Venice.
  As someone who saw the fall of the Medicis firsthand, and holds a grudge against us for it, there is no way she will let an ambassador from our country get near her.
  It's a problem even her diplomats worry about.

• 1165
• Alvise
  As long as the Queen Mother holds all the cards, there's no way this will work.
  Curse you, Gradenigo.
  You saw this happening and moved to work against it.

• 1166
• Voice
  Then I shall take it upon myself to cross the bridge and meet the Queen Mother.

• 1167
• Vittoria
  Julien...!

• 1168
• Alvise
  Why are you here.

• 1169
• Julien
  Ha ha...I know very well how the Queen Mother dislikes Venice.
  I am sure that you were having trouble with your negotiations, so I came to lend my assistance.

• 1170
• Alvise
  Hmph.
  What are you up to that you need to follow us all the way here?

• 1171
• Vittoria
  Cross the bridge...? What do you mean?

• 1172
• Julien
  Ha ha...
  Do you remember what I'm called here in Paris?

• 1173
• Alvise
  Hmph.
  I believe my report said it was the Court Favourite.

• 1174
• Julien
  That's right.
  I have worked for nobles who were allowed to enter the palace freely.
  Among them are female officers who have served the Queen Mother since her days in Florence.

• 1175
• Vittoria
  If you ask them for help...!

• 1176
• Julien
  Ha ha...Exactly.
  We will invite them here to Marseilles and hold a banquet for them.
  There, we will explain the advantages that this alliance can provide and get the Queen Mother to listen.

• 1177
• Alvise
  Hmph.
  We still don't know enough about you to trust you...

• 1178
• Vittoria
  Alvise! The entire fate of Venice is riding on this.
  This is no time to be stubborn about something silly like this!

• 1179
• Alvise
  But you know that this man has a suspicious history.
  And it's because the fate of Venice is riding on this that we can't ask for his help lightly!

• 1180
• Vittoria
  ...Uh huh.
  I see.
  I understand now.
  If you're not going to do anything, I will hold a banquet for the female officers and attend in your stead.

• 1181
• Alvise
  Wha...
  Do you know how much diplomatic relations like these can affect a country's fate!?

• 1182
• Vittoria
  Yes, I think I do.
  Which is exactly why I can't sit back and do nothing!

• 1183
• Alvise
  ...
  ...Fine.
  If you insist, I will agree to ask this man for help.
  But, there is one condition to my appearing at this banquet.

• 1184
• Julien
  I see.
  And what's that?

• 1185
• Alvise
  I want Player to also attend as my guard.
  If this man seems to be plotting anything suspicious whatsoever, I want to be able to stop him, once and for all.

• 1186
• How will you respond?

• 1187
• Okay, I see.

• 1188
• Why me?

• 1189
• No.

• 1190
• Alvise
  Hmph.
  Thanks to Gradenigo, I have no budget for a guard.
  My only companions are a few attendants and Vittoria.
  Not even France's resident ambassador has shown his face to me.
  It's truly embarrassing, but here in this country you are the only person I know with a strong reputation.
  Will you help me?

• 1191
• How will you respond?

• 1192
• Okay, I see.

• 1193
• Refuse

• 1194
• Alvise
  I see...
  Then, there is nothing to be done for it...

• 1195
• Alvise
  Thank you.

• 1196
• Vittoria
  I'm so sorry you have to get caught up in my brother's indulgences, Player.

• 1197
• Julien
  Okay, I'm going to go visit the officers and set about preparing for the banquet.

• 1198
• Alvise
  Hmph.
  Do what you like.

• 1199
• Julien
  Okay then, Master Alvise, Player.
  I will see you again soon.

• 1200
• Vittoria
  Neither of us are used to this city, so we need to be extra careful.
  I know it's selfish of me, but please, will you help my brother out, Player?

• 1201
• Julien
  Sheesh...
  Master Alvise really doesn't like me, does he.

• 1202
• Alvise
  Player, I would like you to act as my guard during this man's so-called banquet.
  If this man seems to be plotting anything suspicious, I want to be able to stop him immediately.

• 1203
• Vittoria
  I'm so sorry about this, Player.
  Thank you for helping Alvise.

• 1204
• Alvise
  Okay then, I'm going to stay in this city for a while.
  Vittoria, go back to the ship and return to Venice.

• 1205
• Vittoria
  What...! But I've already come all this way...

• 1206
• Alvise
  Hmph.
  This was our original agreement, remember? You were only supposed to come along until my meeting with the senior statesmen was over.
  If you stick around, I'll be too worried to be useful.

• 1207
• Vittoria
  ...
  ...Okay, Alvise, if you really insist, I'll head back.
  Player, please take good care of my brother.
  I look forward to seeing you again.

• 1208
• Alvise
  All right then...
  I must meet with the resident ambassador and see if he will be willing to cooperate with me in case the audience with the Queen does actually happen.
  Player, thank you for accepting the position as my guard.

• 1209
• Julien
  ...Why, if it isn't Player.
  I'm glad we were able to meet up without incident.
  I'm sorry to have troubled you.
  I haven't been able to communicate with you since you left on a voyage.

• 1210
• Alvise
  Be careful, Player.
  I'm sure they didn't send the notice in order to keep you far away from the edge.

• 1211
• Voice
  It's Julien! Julien's here!

• 1212
• Alvise
  Wha...what's going on?

• 1213
• Alvise
  ...Who are these people!?

• 1214
• Young Girl
  Eee! It's really Julien!

• 1215
• Large Woman
  Julien? You don't mean...the Court Favourite who got rid of De Broglie for us!?

• 1216
• Young Girl
  He's just as handsome as I heard.
  Look over here, Julien!

• 1217
• Julien
  Ha ha...
  Apparently my rumours have remained one step ahead of me during my absence from Marseilles.
  At any rate, we are supposed to meet with the Queen Mother's orderlies in the mansion on the right.
  Please come with me.

• 1218
• Julien
  Miss, would a woman of such beauty as yours be kind enough to let us through?

• 1219
• Large Woman
  Tee hee...
  Oh, you flatter me...

• 1220
• Alvise
  (I'm never letting him get near Vittoria again...)

• 1221
• Julien
  Please have a seat here.
  I will go and call the orderlies.
  ...Oh yes, I have just one word of caution.
  When you and Player greet them, do not forget that you are here to ask them for help.
  No matter what happens, you must be sure to keep them in a good mood.
  Ha ha...

• 1222
• Alvise
  What's with that cheeky laugh...

• 1223
• Noble Woman
  Tee hee...
  So these are the gentlemen who wish to meet with us.

• 1224
• Noble Woman
  Well...
  You must be Master Alvise?
  He seems as strong as Julien, but in a different manner.

• 1225
• Noble Woman
  My...
  This sailor here is quite the looker too.

• 1226
• Noble Woman
  Come on, Master Alvise, look over at me...
  My husband is off in Paris, and I could really use some company...

• 1227
• Noble Woman
  Hey, that's no fair! Just a while ago you and Julien were...!

• 1228
• Alvise
  ...Ahem! Ladies, I beg your attention.
  We have come here to your fine country to meet with the Queen Mother...

• 1229
• Noble Woman
  Tee hee...
  We can talk about stodgy old things like that later...
  After we've had our fun...
  Right?

• 1230
• Alvise
  (Wha...what's with these women?)

• 1231
• Noble Woman
  Julien!

• 1232
• Julien
  Ha ha...
  It looks like you're all having a grand time.
  Tonight, I am proud to announce that we have prepared a feast for you lovely ladies containing some of the finest dishes and drinks in the world.

• 1233
• Noble Woman
  Well, isn't that wonderful...

• 1234
• Julien
  Now, enjoy your time until tomorrow morning.

• 1235
• Alvise
  (T-tomorrow morning...!?)

• 1236
• Vigour is recovered!

• 1237
• Alvise
  Player...
  Please don't talk in my ear.
  It makes me dizzy...

• 1238
• Julien
  Ha ha...
  It looks like you had a lot of fun, Player.

• 1239
• Julien
  ...And how about you, Master Alvise?

• 1240
• Alvise
  Ugh...
  Just the smell of perfume and face powder in this mansion is giving me nausea and a headache...
  ...Julien, I have endured a single night...
  You had better ensure that we get our audience with the Queen Mother now...

• 1241
• Alvise
  Oh, and the both of you: don't you dare breath a word to Vittoria about what happened here last night...

• 1242
• Julien
  Ha ha...
  You'd never guess he was one of the brightest minds of the Decemviri.

• 1243
• Julien
  ...?

• 1244
• Noble Woman
  Julien.
  I have a letter for you from the man who is on his way home.

• 1245
• Julien
  Oh ho.
  Thank you, my good man.
  ...

• 1246
• Noble Woman
  Hey, so...
  When can I see you again? Preferably just the two of us...

• 1247
• Julien
  Ha ha...
  There is no greater honour I could ask for than to hear those words from a lady as beautiful as you.

• 1248
• Noble Woman
  Tee hee...
  You flatterer.
  Okay then, it's a date.

• 1249
• Julien
  ...This is...!

• 1250
• What question do you want to ask?

• 1251
• Who is it from?

• 1252
• What does it say?

• 1253
• Julien
  ...
  No...
  It's nothing.
  Just a note from an old friend.
  I had long since forgotten where he had gone to, so I was a little surprised at receiving it.
  ...Now then, it is time to be ending things here.
  Player, thank you for your help today.
  I am sure that the Queen Mother will soon announce that she will come to grant us an audience in this town.
  So, until we meet again.

• 24086
• Several days later, Player met Vittoria in Marseilles.
  She was accompanying Alvise here on official business.
  Afterwards, Alvise presented his plan to the Venice parliament for building a canal through Suez.
  However, the Council denied the plan out of fears that if they got involved with Turkey, France would use it as an opportunity to attack considering their ambitions for the Italian peninsula.
  And so, in order to forge a mutual non-aggression pact with France, Alvise was in the middle of negotiations in the Imperial Villa.

• 24087
• Finally, Alvise emerged from the Imperial Villa.
  However, he had a pained expression on his face.
  He had asked for an audience with the Queen Mother of France, but as she saw Venice as a sworn enemy, his request was denied.
  Just then, Julien appeared and said that he would arrange for the negotiations with the Queen Mother.

• 24088
• In actuality, he knew the noble ladies who were near the Queen Mother from the time he spent in the Paris Court.
  His plan was to invite the ladies to a banquet and then persuade them of the benefits of an alliance, which could then lead to an audience with the Queen Mother herself.
  Alvise was suspicious of Julien's history, and refused to take him along with them.
  Vittoria persuaded him to change his mind and also asked Player to come along as well.
  She wanted to make sure that Julien did not do anything suspicious.

• 24089
• And so, Alvise, Julien and Player separated for the time being until the day of the feast was to arrive.

• 24090
• Several days later, the group reunited in Marseilles, and headed for the mansion where the ladies were waiting.

• 24091
• Alvise gave a mysterious look to Julien, who smiled and said, "please do not cross them, under any circumstance."

• 24092
• Just then, the noble ladies came into the room.
  They refused to listen to Alvise's request for them to speak with the Queen Mother and instead tried to seduce the group, to which Alvise could only wince from their frankness.
  Julien announced an all night feast to the group.
  Alvise was at a loss for words in the face of the delighted noble ladies.

• 24093
• The night came to an end and the party was over.
  Alvise appeared completely drained of energy and left the mansion on uneasy legs as he asked Julien to speak to the Queen Mother.
  Julien smiled wryly as Alvise walked away, then one of the noble ladies from the previous evening returned.
  She brought out a letter that she received from a man that was passing by.

• 24094
• Julien said that it was simply a foolish letter from one of his friends.
  He commented that, "The Queen Mother should be visiting this town soon," and apparently in a hurry, got up and left.