“What are you planning to do?” asked Jeremy, Derek’s direct subordinate.0

They had made an investment in Elsanad’s downfall and Ilya winning the election, but the outcome had veered toward an unexpected direction. Both Ilya and Elsanad had been imprisoned due to the charges Crockta had brought forth against them.0

“Wait a bit,” said Derek as he wrote down something while sitting at his desk.0

Jeremy waited patiently for a while.0

After putting down his pen, Derek skimmed through what he had written.0

“‘I wish you good fortune…’ or ‘May atshirai flowers bloom at every step of the way…’ Which sounds better?” asked Derek.0

His voice was laced with amusement, and this caused Jeremy’s eyes to widen in surprise.0

“You seem to be in a good mood,” commented Jeremy.0

“If I had to choose between good and bad, I guess it’s good,” replied Derek.0

“Is the person you are addressing male or female?” asked Jeremy.0

“It’s a man,” said Derek.0

“The former then,” suggested Jeremy.0

“But he’s an elf,” remarked Derek.1

“Then I suggest the latter,” said Jeremy.0

“You have strong prejudices about gender and species,” said Derek laughingly as he raised his pen again.0

‘May atshirai flowers bloom at every step of the way’ was a classic well-known expression derived from a Janburuqe epic poem. The atshirai flower crown worn by a victor symbolized a march of victory. It had the same meaning as ‘I wish you good fortune’ but was less formal.3

“Do you know how long it has been since I’ve written a letter to resolve an unexpected matter?” asked Derek.0

“From my knowledge, it has never happened before,” replied Jeremy.0

“Yes, I don’t remember either because it has been so long,” said Derek.0

Derek placed the...0