The Countess flashed a smile at the ever-beautiful Princess Keira Lyseli, noting her rather fashionable gown and hair. She would have to remember that style; it truly was stunning. Her own violet gowns, trimmed in brilliant golden lace matching her hair were nothing to look down on, of course. "Princess Keira Lyseli, it's an honor to see you this evening as well," she smirked, mirth in her eyes. "To answer you though, you're somewhat correct. There's a number of handsome young lords flirting about, your brother one of the more.. Eligible. However, there are still quite a few bachelors roaming around, as I'm sure you have noticed." Neferati allowed her eyes to wander for a moment, to one such man walking past in a modern looking navy suit.

---

Bas'jun felt awkward at the moment, mingling with a couple of minor vassal lords, whose names he honestly couldn't remember. His brother stood beside him, as usual, but he was silently enjoying the torment his brother was going through. The minor lords seemed to look towards the Prince, hoping to hear his opinion on their discussion. "I believe I agree with you," he nodded towards one of the men, a younger man in traditional robes, "when it comes to the matter of business loans. Too many of our young entrepreneurs are discouraged by the sometimes outrageous rates that these loans are made at, and it hurts our local economies. 

"However, the idea of restrictions as strong as you suggest are.. perhaps a bit much. I am by no means qualified to offer my voice on the debates of banking and economical desparity, but there are some things we must remember. In the hierarchy of the world, us nobility are only a step above the banks and corporations of our world. Although they lack the protection we have, they share many of the benefits we share: Such as being landholders, and our properties having personage. If we begin eroding the rights of those directly below us, we whether away our foundation; Who's to say we aren't next?" asked the Prince, drawing the glares or wide eyes of those listening.

"That's preposterous!"exclaimed an elderly man, his robes slate grey and solemn. "Our rights have been guaranteed for millennium, and they will continue to be guaranteed for millennium more.What you're suggesting is fictitious at best, treasonous at worst. Your ancestors were one of the first to turn and ally themselves with the Lyseli.. Or do you forget that?"

The surrounding nobles muttered among themselves, some in agreement and others in worry. Bas'jun only raised his eyebrow, before replying. "I don't think I quite see your point. What I suggest isn't treason, it's merely that we, as a people, must stick together. When we begin to erode the rights, of any persons or peoples, we open the gates to the same happening to ourselves. Look towards out own history as proof; The ancient Kalgari empire had a history of doing much the same. His genocides would kill millions, after eliminating their very rights; When none were left, he would move on to the next most troublesome group, repeating the process of eliminating their rights before their total extermination. We are but another group who must look out for ourselves, and we must stand up should anyone's rights be challenged, lest we be next to the chopping block."

That speech seemed much better, Dezmark noted. Those around them nodded their heads, thoughtful expressions crossing their faces. Stick together, or die alone, a chilling message. The two broke apart from the group as their whispers continued, retreating to an empty table near the back of the hall. They were silent, drinks in their hands and reserved expressions on their faces.