[b]31 December 1899- Ushrian Royal Palace[/b]

It was a long held tradition of the royal family to celebrate the new year with a small celebratory party; At least, when compared to some of the other festivals that would take place during the rest of the year. 

The annual New Years Eve party was truthfully rather low key as far as formal events went; Guests were free to pick and choose from the arrangement of food at any time they wished, the decorations were few but tasteful and there were several differing genres of musicians that were playing the ballroom tonight, changing the style of music and dance every hour or so. The New Years Ever Party had long been seen as a chance for the elite who ran the nation to get together, wrap up loose ends and try to start with a fresh slate for the year to come. To that end, a section of the palace gardens had been set aside for the purposes of dueling if the need for it arose. While it hadn't been used so far this evening, the night was still young.

The party also served as a means for the nobility to make new connections and arrangements with their fellow nobles in the past, but the rather recent inclusion of the wealthier merchants to the guest list had also opened up the discussion for new trade routes, business ventures and even patronage. While some of the old traditionalist nobles grumbled and complained about the invitation of 'peasants' to their high class event, they did make a point of not complaining to loudly as to be overheard. The winds of change were blowing and if there was one thing the noble families knew how to do it was how to trim their sails and survive.

"[color=39b54a]Forgive me Owlkitten, but it seems that Minister Artho needs to talk shop with me. I'll be back shortly, alright? [/color]"

"[color=00aeef]Fine, but do try to be quick Honey Bunny. You did promise me that we would dance tonight at some point.[/color]" 

"[color=39b54a]Of course. Try to have some fun okay?[/color]"

With a playful huff and a small "[color=00aeef]Fine.[/color]" Queen Alanna kissed her husband softly before walking over to join some of her old friends as King Macdon turned to look at Minister of Industry Artho. 

"[color=f7941d]Once again I am sorry to bother you your majesty, but have you had the chance to read my latest report?[/color]"

"[color=39b54a]I was actually reading it earlier this evening but I had to get dressed for the party before I could get into the fully details. You mentioned something about protests and strikes?[/color]"   

"[color=f7941d]Afraid so your majesty. It seems that the import of foreign technology that was used to greatly enhance our ability to produce goods has met with something of a backlash. There is a small group of craftsmen from factories who are protesting and striking over a desire to return to the old ways while traditional craft is disappearing. One of their main rallying points is that they are afraid that we are sacrificing our culture for greed. It's still early days and those doing the protests and strikes are still fairly civil at this point but if we ignore it or if someone starts to antagonize them this could easily spread out of control like a forest fire.   [/color]"

The King was silent for a moment as he considered the issue that his minister had raised. He trusted the man's assignment of the situation since he made a good point to employ intelligent ministers and if he said that this needed to be addressed then so be it. "[color=39b54a]Very well. I believe I will attend to this matter personally. I want you to send invitations out to the leaders of these strikes and protests to an appointment with me on... let's make it the forth. Might as well give them time to get the invitation and make their way here after all. I assume you'll be able to be present?[/color]"

"[color=f7941d]Of course your majesty.[/color]"

"[color=39b54a]Very well then. If that is your only concern might I recommend the grilled salmon. The chefs really have done Ryūjin proud this evening.[/color]" 

And with that the evening continued on as the wheels of politics turned.      

.........................

Summery: Having heard of the strikes and protests, the King has offered the leaders of said strikes and protests an invitation to meet with himself and the Minister of Industry and discuss the matter like reasonable adults.