Daria nodded her head,<strong>"Of course you can continue your other ventures.  James only visits here from the capital two or three days out of any given month, on average.  Some months not at all, some months a few days longer.  He hates the heat you see?   So he stays in dreary old Malkin city most of the time.  Teleportation spells back and forth get quite expensive you know.  But I do insist he shows up to brief me on my house's dealings back home most months."</strong>She cocked her head slightly,<strong> "You did know, didn't you?"</strong><br/><br/>She arched one strawberry blonde eyebrow,<strong> "House Saari is always run by the lady of the house, not the lord.  Oh, that was the one good thing about our match, he's an excellent businessman.  His trading company had made him wealthy, but of course, not noble.  So it was an easy call for both my family and for him for us to be married.  House Saari gained a large trade network, he gained immortality to his name by joining a noble house.  A small price to pay to give up his family name for mine, considering his daughters will take charge some day.  Plus he still runs his company when it doesn't interfere with the duties of house business."  </strong>She chuckled,<strong>"Though I suppose his company is house business now."</strong><br/><br/>She sighed,<strong>"You'll likely meet one of my daughters, Marie, when she visits.  Lovely young lady, I ask that you treat her with the utmost respect, please.  She may be... challenging.  She does not approve of James's stepping out on me.  She's old enough to understand that we are not in love, her father and I.  But she does not like us so casually disregarding the vows of marriage.  Yet, if you treat her respectfully, you might sway her opinion of you.  Ultimately remember, she is my daughter and has no actual say in much, despite what she might say or threaten."</strong><br/><br/>She sighed and cocked her head as from the distance bells began chiming.  Rubbing the bridge of her nose she said,<strong> "The time passes, let us discuss details.  I have a meeting in but an hour and a half from now.  I'll send a servant to DaVindi, and let him know you can requisition clothing on my house account, within reason, for any event that will be happening for the house.  No first run originals though like you modeled for me." </strong>She smiled impishly,<strong> "I want you to stand out, but not show me up wearing newer fashions after all.  Second run, reproductions, and 'off the rack' by Far DaVidndi are still some of the finest and most impressive garments one can wear mind you.  I'll have my agents look into a home for you, higher up the hill.  Any preferences?  If you're willing to take an apartment next to a brothel, we can get you some place nicer.  If you'd like a little privacy it will have to be a little smaller.  Ditto with ground floor, more expensive to have low or top floors, but middle floor apartments are easier to come by."</strong><br/><br/>She snapped her fingers and asked,<strong> "Oh, and I'll need a way to contact you.   Earrings, or... um..."  </strong>her eyes glanced down to Miyuki's chest,<strong> "Another piercing.  I can have something sent to your new apartment that will vibrate gently when I wish to meet with you.  If that's acceptable?"</strong>