06-04-YC121

It is so heartbreaking to have to leave Constantin and his family behind, but I must return to my duties, most especially the task I have been given in ensuring Liana stays free of any corrupting influences.  The first task of import, I feel, must surely be to thoroughly evaluate her current security arrangements.  I think it likely that the most efficient and effective course of action will be to remove her present security detail - assuming she actually has on, which I very much doubt - and replace it with people I know I can trust.  I think Father's connections will be particularly beneficial in this regard.

I shall miss the gardens particularly.  They were so beautiful, and I shall not quickly forget the cleansing ritual Constantin performed in the pool, and not simply for the fact that he surprised me by sweeping me backwards into the water.   Oh, moya lyubov, how blessedly sweet you are!  I know you want to wash away and cleanse me of all the Darkness that plagues me, and perhaps in time your love will do just that, if God Wills it.  Your ceremony, My Darling, was quite different to that which Father Mikhail performs, which much more water involved, but there was, I must admit, something about it which touched me deeply.  Perhaps it was the love and concern in your eyes, perhaps the strong but gentle way you held me in the water, perhaps something else, but whatever it may have been, it was there.

I shall keep these memories for quiet times to myself.  I am sure Constantin would understand that I cannot fill all my waking thoughts with them, much as I would wish to.  My focus must, for now at least, be on the situation with Liana.  I have given her the good news, of course, and she seems very pleased with it.  I did remark, again, that I am most surprised that she has not asked Druur to act in a simialr capacity, but it seems that their relationship is indeed very much of a different sort.  I shall have to uncover just how different.  I am sure, given her membership in SFRIM, Druur is perfectly trustworthy, but until I know for sure, I cannot entire be confident.  Unfortunately, given Liana's new social status is elevated far above that of Druur, even if she is beyond reproach, if their relationship is of an inappropriate nature, it will have to end.  This may require some gentle encouragement, and shall be such a pity if required.  Yet, if it is a necessity, then so it must be.

There are, it seems, other inappropriate relationships that will need to brought to an end.  No doubt these too will meet with resistance, and given the nature of the people involved, most stubborn resistance at that.  I expected that some subtle influence will need to be exerted, but there shall still be some sort of backlash.  I wonder, perhaps, if the two problems may be resolved with one solution?  Possibly, though likely difficult.

In the defence of the Empire, sacrifices must be made.