"You look as though you're about to return to the Celestial Domain and stage a military coup," Jiafei thought. But the instant the thought crossed her mind, the terminal beside her flickered, switching straight from the battleship's performance specifications and navigation charts to Miss Ostana Barr's ever-present professional smile.
The chief of staff had apparently noticed the chill on Brunhild's face at once. She went straight to the point. "Well, Your Highness, you look as though you're about to go back and purge the Privy Council and the Grand Marshal's Office."
Jiafei checked that the sound-dampening field was working properly.
She felt that it was precisely because people like Miss Ostana existed that Brunhild's mental state seemed to be growing ever more stable. Every now and then, Jiafei could even set aside her upright, loyal, selfless knightly persona and—almost say "vent," no, offer her liege a little "remonstrance."
Of course, given Miss Ostana's temperament, the fact that she was still so full of energy and her rank and authority had visibly continued to rise could only mean that Brunhild truly possessed the magnanimity of a sage ruler.
"...If I really did purge the Privy Council and the Grand Marshal's Office, I'd make sure to clean out the Senate as well. Then I'd tell the people you'd put the idea in my head, and send them your head to soothe their anger." The Queen of Sullyuka folded her arms, her face expressionless, and shot back at the chief of staff's joke.
"Then, before my head is mounted on a pole, please make sure the finest mortician does my makeup. And I must keep this exact smile on my face. Dying is all right. Dying without dignity is what's truly terrifying." The chief of staff glanced at Jiafei.
"So, Jilly? Has someone