"Shade, you can continue discussing this matter with Princess Margaret. You can even reveal some insider information you heard from Miss Galina; that is fine. Of course, if possible, ask her for the exact date of the shipyard's opening ceremony. I do not think it will be delayed until spring."
Director Anlos said this because the new round of negotiations regarding the trade route and border line around the Pantanal Great Swamp had been scheduled for April.
Shade nodded, then pretended to ask curiously:
"I heard Princess Margaret say that the Stone Masons Association has been causing trouble. Are any of our people involved?"
"Only fanning the flames."
Director Anlos spoke lightly, as though discussing naughty children breaking a neighbor's window:
"Providing them with some weapons or means of propaganda. We are not directly involved; we merely gave them some kind assistance. Speaking of which, there is news you probably do not know: William Anjou was assassinated by people claiming to be from the Stone Masons Association."
Shade actually did know about that. It had happened on Wednesday, and he had been at Mr. Granjay's banquet at the time. Of course, what had impressed him most was how swiftly the royal guards had acted, not giving the assassin a chance to fire a second shot.
"This has nothing to do with us. It was an incredibly stupid act. But afterward, the Stone Masons Association's emotions were clearly stirred to their peak. I would wager that other organizations have also been reaching into this affair, though I do not know who they are. Shade, the waters of Randall River Valley City run deep. If that princess needs help, we can offer some. After all, she is one of the rare descendants of House Anjou with whom we have established a good