That doesn't matter.

As I begin to wake, I find Eliza holding me within her arms. Her simulated breathing is calm, and steady. She has set her temperature to be very pleasantly warm, which slowly melts the tension from my body. For a few moments I lay in bed, trying to deny the external burdens of my title. However, as the sun begins to rise, I find I can't. I sigh, and then pull away from Eliza's embrace. While I head for the bathroom to shower, Eliza gets dressed, and begins to gather a suitable outfit for me. Entering the shower, the automated mechanisms have me completely cleaned and dry in a matter of moments. When I look in the mirror, I see the figure of youth, one who looks far to young to lead a galaxy. I stand tall, return to the main bedroom. Eliza has chosen a tasteful suit for me to wear. Shadows seem to dance across the fabric with every movement I make. Fully dressed, I head for my office, and my thoughts turn to the upcoming press conference. Scenarios begin to race through my mind, ranging from complete outrage at my decisions, to questions about my lack of any training, to the nonsensical time wasters.

Before I realize, we have arrived at my office, and work consumes my mind. Astonishingly, Brian has drafted a rudimentary contract for food imports already. I very carefully review the details, and everything seems proper, but cost seems oddly low. I give Brian a questioning look, and he responds quickly. "My Lord, the price is mainly due to the sheer scale of the order, as well as being an official contract from a noble house. Very few merchants have the power to refuse such an offer, even from a fallen house such as ours." Satisfied with his answer, I approve the deal, and hand the contract to Brian, who slips it into his jacket. As I turn back to the rest of the tablets, a slight weight lifts from my shoulders, as I now know that my people, my investment is being cared for.

Eliza then begins to report on the progress of the institute. "Young Lord, I regret to inform you that I have yet to complete my task. I have sent out the offers to the most skilled teachers I calculated we could afford, but they have yet to respond." Hearing her frustration, I wave it off. "Eliza, I didn't expect you get it done in one day. I knew that it would take some time. Just make sure it gets done right." She bows deeply, and responds. "Understood, Young Lord. The task will be done, with no delays or errors. I assure you." A thought strikes me, and I turn to Brian. "What have you gotten done about the press conference, Brian?" He coughs slightly, as if he is embarrassed about what he has to report. "My lord, I was able to schedule a conference with the three largest news agencies of the territory, one of which is state owned. What is your plan for the conference?" I think for a moment on my response, then reply "I want the state owned network to stick to procedural questions. I expect the two others to ask what ever they want, and for most of the questions to be drivel. Hopefully, this will answer the concerns of the populace." Brian nods, acknowledging my will.

The rest of the day passes quickly, with me planning my economic recovery in broad strokes, while I have to respond to the issues that spring up with concerning regularity. After lunch, I spar with Eliza, and gain a rudimentary sense of combat flow. I still am unable to land a solid blow on her. Like this, the next few days pass, until finally, the day of the conference arrives. I dress in my best suit, and board the flying transport. My heart begins to race as I consider all the ways this could go wrong. My stomach ties itself in knots, and I swear I feel someone watching me. I can barely hold it together as I approach the conference room.