Carlo Pinotti looked out the window, admiring the outside walls of the Chateau des Fleurs, just as his car was parking at the entrance. It had been a smooth ride from the airport to the palace, and an even smoother flight from Messelia to Auvon. This had been a last minute trip, assigned to him only because his two immediate superiors, Marco Valerio and Grazia Marelli, were otherwise engaged. They greatly valued the friendship with Noveaux, that much was clear, but prior engagements could not be broken, and so it came upon him, the Assistant Councillor for Western Continent Affairs, to extend the well wishes of Sartoria and ensure the night ended on a high note for both host and guest. Things were going well so far, his reception at the airport having followed protocol in a way few countries did. He was favourably surprised. His official vehicle was quite elegant, the security officer very kind and the diver more than capable. He had talked with an aide on the way to the palace, remarking how everything was just the way it should be.
Carlo stepped out of the car, once the security officer opened the door, and buttoned his dinner jacket, taking a quick look around, as if examining his surroundings, before following the path to the inside of the palace. There he saw the Empress, busy greeting every new arrival, and he admired her for that. To have been on the throne for so long, to have dedicated her entire life to the service of her nation, and to still have the strength and vitality to host an event like this, to stand at the entrance and greet every guest. She was an incredible woman, and admirable leader, and he had no doubt now, an amazing host. He approached her, waiting for her to finish greeting the latest guest, and then gently bowed, a sign of respect.
"Your Imperial Majesty. Carlo Pinotti, Assistant Councillor for Western Continent Affairs. On behalf of His Highness Prince Patrizio, First Councillor Marco Valerio and the People of Sartoria, I come to convey our best wishes to yourself and Noveaux, and to strengthen the friendship between our peoples."
There was much to be discussed with regards to the relationship, that was natural in any interaction between nations, between officials, but for now, for this particular moment, protocol was important, and so he focused on conveying those good wishes, the hope that all that would thereafter be discussed would be done in the context of a bilateral friendship, of a relationship between equal nations with good faith towards each other. He then looked to the side, at the inside of the palace, and prepared to enter.