Ask Adella for help

Remembering his sister's words to him from several weeks earlier, Stewart hits on an idea. "Send for Princess Adella," he commands a nearby page.

Answering the quizzical expression of Lord Mayweather, the king says, "My sister has made something of a hobby out of learning obscure languages. Perhaps she could be of assistance in verifying the accuracy of the translation."

Mayweather responds with a look that is a combination of amusement and skepticism. "As capable as Her Highness may be, it is a bit of a departure from protocol to involve a woman in such weighty matters, Your Majesty."

Stewart nods. "Perhaps. But perhaps our protocols need a bit of updating, wouldn't you say, Mayweather?"

The minister merely nods in acquiescence, but Stewart can tell it will take more to persuade the older man.

When the princess arrives, Mayweather looks to the king for instructions as to whether he should depart. "You may remain, Lord Mayweather," says Stewart. "This could be most enlightening for all of us."

He hands the message and the translation to Adella, explaining the situation. The princess looks at the message and nods, thoughtfully. "Old Gortenhäggen, indeed. That's the language, but it's in a very peculiar dialect; it seems to have a strong Maltognian influence -- particularly around the adjectives....." She sits down, studying the document, and murmuring to herself for several moments. At last, satisfied with her conclusion, she looks up and asks, "Who translated this for you? Madam Horenhower's remedial grammar class?"

Stewart casts a sideways glance at Lord Mayweather, who remains silent behind his reddening features.

"'Very squishy to smell you'? Who thought that was even close to being accurate?" she scoffs. "'Kindly spread your legs'? I can tell that was a man who came up with that interpretation!"

"So how would you interpret it, Sister Dear?" asks Stewart.

Adella reads from the document, saying, "To the highly-respected and King Stewart: There are not words to express our joy and encouragement at receiving your gracious letter. I invite you to a -- celebration -- and hope you will embrace our hospitality." She looks up, with uncertainty on her face. "I'm not entirely sure of 'celebration.' The concept of a celebration is certainly there, but it seems to entail more -- possibly a banquet. There's a connotation of multiple delicacies, for sure."

Stewart crosses his arms and gives a pleased look to Lord Mayweather. "Thank you, Adella. That was most helpful, indeed. Well, Mayweather, I think we are in a much better position to respond to Althesire's message now, don't you think?"

Mayweather's lips are pursed tightly, as if he had been sucking on a lemon for several days. "It would seem so, Your Majesty," he manages to say. "How would Your Majesty care to respond?"