29-03-YC122

For want of a better word, I was presented last night.  Little more than a formality, really, as everyone there is, I should imagine, already fully aware I am the heir to this family's seat.  We must all follow protocol, of course, and Representative Vanek was there to welcome me on behalf of our Liege. Ishta also came along a my retainer.  I think she was rather overwhelmed. I am sure she has been to the Sarum station before, to see Felix, but the Sarum Family Hall was likely far more than she is used to, even by Lord Pitoojee's standards.  The guests alone, which included anybody of any importance or influence - or wishing to be - in Nakri must have stunned her.  I admit that I was quite swept away myself, especially when Representative Vanek walked me around to introduce me to a number of people whose names I am acquainted , but had never met before.  Flattering, I am sure, but I could not help but notice that each and every introduction was to some handsome young eligible bachelor of some minor family or other.  Such is the price of one's position, to be little more than a political pawn.  I pray I shall have as much choice and influence over my own future as Mama, but where she was the youngest, I am the eldest, and our beloved Motherland is nothing is not strict about its traditions.  Sometimes I quite envy Sasha.  There shall no doubt be strong words and disapproval if he ever does marry Ishta, but at least no-one will conjure up some obscure, centuries-old legality as to why he cannot.

Of course, that said, any potential suitor of mine must reckon with Lilya, and not a single candidate I met last night has any hope against her!  Poor Lilya.  Another aspect of our society that she does not yet understand.  Indeed, I am surprised this has not happened to her.  Young, beautiful, intelligent, well-placed socially - what better catch could there be in the whole of New Eden?  But then, they would have to reckon with me.

The food, drink, and entertainment was, as one would expect, sublime, but there was one occurrence that I had not foreseen.  Representative Vanek took time with Ishta!  I have no idea where they disappeared off to, nor what they discussed, but she was quite pale when she returned.  I have never seen her so anxious before. She was also worryingly quiet on the journey home, speaking but briefly about a price or some such.  I feel I should have tried to elicit from her exactly what had passed between her and the Representative, but as soon as we got back to the Estate, she went straight to Sasha.  Strangely, even Papa seemed less enthusiastic than I expected him to be.  At least Mama was interested when we returned, keeping me up half the night with her questions about who was there, who they were with, what they were wearing, what everyone talked about.  It was such a delightful conversation, even though I was very tired after it all.


Operations in Floseswin have resumed, if they can ever be considered to have paused for even a moment, so no doubt I shall be returning there soon.  Sasha and his team are also going to be redeployed there again.  I do hope that business is done with soon.  Why the Tribals cannot simply accept when they are beaten, I shall never understand.  Hopefully as well, Her Imperial Majesty's forces can all work together.  After all, we are all supposed to be on the same side.