Emily was chatting with the older man with a bit awkward look on her face at first but then relaxing, and from the sounds of it, the man was hearing out her tales of her accomplishments with a warm laugh and a friendly smile, looking to be quite impressed. Emily was having fun sharing those tales, seeming to have a captive audience in the man, and a few others leaning in to listen too by the looks of it.<br/><br/>Samuel nod his head a bit seriously as he listened to Tehr, frowning and nodding again in silence, listening on the words spoken, casting a look over at the Queen. She was surrounded by her court, young women and young men seeking to amuse her, delight her with witty antics and comments, and a few people speaking of serious issues but only on a light level. It seemed to keep the court folk occupied, and keep the ir'Dale from interfering, at least for now.<br/><br/>"The House Dale has had some success in matters before, but I think that which the church is doing more alarming. Declaring that country that is taken in by the church follows the church's rights of being free from taxation, and then trying to convince dying noblemen with no heirs to hand over their lands to the church instead of the crown? Thankfully, only few have given up on such pressure, but if it continues and the house Dale got in power too, I think I'd foresee the ruin of this nation." The nobleman spoke very seriously, his voice lowering to a whisper.<br/><br/>"Of course, if you had the connections with the Understreet you might make some headway into matters. The boys would likely help you out and you might learn more than a thing or two about these so called 'nobles'. They're crass, crude and might cause any woman going near the place to blush at the mere suggestions whispered, but given how many beggars, thieves and whores are in this 'enlightend city' there are ears everywhere, and servants do talk." The man looked at Tehr seriously.<br/><br/>"Our house has had dealings with them before, unofficially of course. They offer to buy and sell information. Unfortunately, the church's actions have branded them as sinners to be purged by the flame if necessary. I'd say the church itself is trying to become a tool of control for the cardinal. The kingdom a mere offering to the Golden Throne of the Holy Empire, so he might too ascend to be among the most powerful men of the Blessed World as they call their domain."<br/><br/>The look on the man's face was serious, and a bit contemplative. "I prefered the old rule of a king, but the queen is a strong woman, and archetype of a weak woman on the throne leading to ruin is proven false already. I think that we could do much worse with an ir'Dale on the throne. Or a Cardinal." He looked at Tehr seriously at this. "Tell you what, if you happen to find out what happened to a shipment of goods for our house that the ir'Dale claim never entered the port, you'll have our house's financial and military backing. We are small in size perhaps, but our house is old and followers of the old way." He adjusted his beard slightly. "Enough that the Queen recruits from among our daughters."