"But Lioz isn't among them, is he?" the Crown Prince said. "I admit that what you said doesn't sound false, but you still aren't willing to hand Lioz over... That isn't quite the right term. It can't be called handing him over—you don't even want to sell information about Lioz."
"You may understand it that way."
Dia Lan said:
"We are classmates, friends, and perhaps could have been even closer, but not secret lovers as you imagine—ultimately, he did me a favor, and I wish to repay him. That is all."
"The way you're drawing a line between yourselves, anyone who didn't know better would think you were a corrupt official."
Mistofen teased, "Prime Minister Dia Lan, there's no need to be so nervous. Though the Empire is fond of war, it would not go so far as to make things difficult for a woman."
Dia Lan said:
"Your Highness, that statement would get you convicted of gender discrimination in Frostplate."
"What makes you assume my gender?"
The Crown Prince smiled faintly. "Save it. Our Narrative Civilization is far more tolerant and civilized than you imagine. Hegemony is merely our helpless means of survival, but only those who survive are qualified to speak of education and civilization. Only then can thought become more diverse—is that not so?"
He glanced at his secretary, Cynthia.
"Step outside. We need to discuss some private matters."
Cynthia looked toward Dia Lan. "Prime Minister..."
"Don't worry." Dia Lan nodded. "The Empire is civilized."
"Understood." Cynthia inclined her head and turned to leave.
As the door closed, Crown Prince Mistofen leaned back, one hand pressing against his knee, and said gravely:
"Lady Dia Lan, you should understand one basic fact: your country has already fallen in legal terms. Its territory has been divided up and devoured