Meesei simply nodded. "Apologies. That was my sentiment as well, but I was, how should I put it, strongly advised by my..." She began, her eyes drifting again towards the young girls. "...expert advisor to avoid mentioning it to a soul. Not even my own, um...family. I had to pester him for months to get him to agree to let me tell you now. I may be in charge, but I chose them to aid me for a reason, and I have to be willing to trust their advice when I know I am dealing in their area of expertise. As I said, though, you were never in any danger. Their investigations over the past few years have pretty much confirmed it. You and your family are safe here, and if you ever find yourself in danger from something else, you will have our protection."

Pausing a moment for a drink of wine, Meesei continued, just as friendly as she had been the entire night. "In the name of transparency, if you wish to know your secret protector, I am free to tell you."

Rukeewei certainly had his own thoughts on the matter. He was not necessarily uncomfortable, but for the moment, he wanted to let Ariel be the one to speak. He supposed it pertained a bit more directly to her.