Diane sighed, looking down. "Well, yes, that is a problem. Anstaria is a very old-fashioned, closed kingdom. We barely even have visitors. This is a big deal to us, opening our boarders for so many people to come through. We are naturally a suspicious lot, and it is a culture shock to have so many who are so different from us running around."<br/><br/>How could she continue and still remain political? She hadn't been there when Masako and her brother met, so she wasn't sure how much friction there was. "If you showed your lack of respect for my brother, as you've told me you feel for nobility, I can see why he'd wash his hands of you. We are a proud people, and to have a guest come in and spit in our faces is an insult that is too great to bear. As a delegate, we are obligated to try harder to understand you, but don't think that will save you. I suggest you don't sneer at my family and our position and try to understand the land you are in."<br/><br/>***********<br/><br/>Gavin nodded. "I will speak with both the Loidites and with my Ritter Hex. I am afraid that the normal situation of Anstaria has gone to Eloran's head. The Ritter Hex rarely have to answer to even the king. If he cannot control himself, i may have to enact an ancient law and demote him. I'd hate to have to do that after all he's done for my family in the past, but I can't risk having us go to war when peace is on the table."