A look into your new routine.

Heading into the banquet hall, you take a seat at the head of the table, where Alexandria typically sat, Dahlia and Stella to your right, Nadia to your left. Apparently Dahlia must have already arranged the seating, since most people were already seated, and there were exactly enough seats open for the four of you. As with most banquets, the meals have already been decided, you'll be having a lamb roast, though you do decide on what to accompany it. You choose something non-alcoholic, seeing as it's likely that you won't be able to simply relax the rest of the day. Stella does choose some wine, though the other two ladies with you also order sober drinks.

"While I'd like to steer clear of work during lunch," Dahlia claims, after you've all received your drinks, "I'd be lying if I said I don't want to discuss what you'll be doing now that Her Majesty is on the front lines. It's not too much, mostly just making appearances."

"Like I said before, I spend most of my time at her side regardless," you point out, "I doubt there's that much I need to be informed of."

"Yes, but I'd just like to formally introduce you to your duties," Dahlia explains, "First, you'll be expected in the throne room for at least an hour each day, to receive visitors among the general populace."

"That's less time than I'd spend in Galantia, even as Prince," you brag, "And also less time than Alexandria spent as well."

"Indeed, our Empress goes above and beyond in that regard," Dahlia praises, "I simply wanted you to be aware of how long you'll be expected to be in there. Next, there would be the issue of entertaining the nobility, but well... you probably do that more than your wife does already." You nod, recognizing the fact that many of the noblewomen would rather have spent time alone with you than with you and your wife.

"Finally, you'll be expected to talk with various foreign dignitaries," Dahlia adds, "Though other than your sister next week, there aren't any visits any time soon. And I'm sure I don't need to tell you how to talk with your sister, of all people."

"Correct," you laugh, "I'm sure she'll be glad to see me. Is that all, then?"

"Indeed," Dahlia answers, "I will be handling the judiciary and policy matters Her Majesty typically handles."

"That's really not much for me to do," you point out, "And I'm basically already doing all of it."

"Yes, I'm aware," Dahlia replies, "As I said, I simply wish to lay them out officially. Oh, there is one more thing, though it's not much. Lily, a Nekomi kunoichi, will be back the day after tomorrow. She had previously been scouting Laksendt territory, but now that the fighting will be breaking out in full, she'll be returning home."

"Wait, you're pulling her back from the war?" you ask incredulously.

"Yes," Dahlia explains, "She abhors ****, and refuses to kill. Officially, this is fine, since her position is technically Lady Alexandria's personal bodyguard, but well... our Empress chose her specifically because she claims she doesn't need one. As such, Lily often scouts, and deals with unseen threats to Her Majesty. Of course, now that you're here, Lily will be keeping an eye on you from the shadows."

"I see," you ponder for a moment, "I thought Ophelia was her bodyguard, though the girl doesn't look it."

"No, Ophelia is her personal assistant," she divulges, "She'll actually be coming back home when your sister comes to visit, since the integration will be well underway."

"Wait, so Ophelia's been in Galantia this whole time?" Stella chimes in, "No wonder I haven't seen her around."

"Indeed," Dahlia reminds the princess, "Lady Luna is with her too."

"Well I knew Luna was there," Stella grumbles, "I've been calling her every couple days out of boredom. I would've told her to say 'hi' to Ophelia for me if I knew she was there too."

"Well, next time you call her, you'll certainly have a lot to tell her," you tease.

"Absolutely," Dahlia agrees, not knowing what you meant, "I'm sure Luna and Ophelia will be jealous you got to see Her Majesty off."

"My wife's not the only one who 'got off'," you whisper to Nadia, who desperately tries to suppress a laugh as the food arrives.