[To Sergeant Colmes: Isabella de Veend]

[Empress of Neon]

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"Dear Sergeant Colmes,

Apologies ahead of time for my language on this letter.

I've enclosed a copy of a letter I sent recently to Bruno. I'm not quite sure if he's trying to find smear material or acting on a third party's interest in this matter. If dinars or politics are involved it's beyond my scope.

I'm sure you already understand what my primary concern was when addressing this issue. It's absurd that any ambassador to a foreign state should have to worry what another's writing in regards to their own assignment. Frankly, the entire thing reeks of foul play and deceit. It also underscores just how discordant the government is when its representatives are actively working against one another to its detriment. Then again, Bruno was never really fit to be an ambassador in the first place, was he?

Sadly, the government has given us no instruction or consistent foreign policy to work with, so we've been left in something of a 'make it up as you go and hope for the best' situation as ambassadors (Yes, I know, terrifying). I'm going to assume the best in that Bruno's either satisfying a request by the Banafsi or looking throw some dirt at me in his never-ending pursuit to besmirch others he sees as enemies, as opposed to any genuine attempt to undermine Ephia's Well.

As of yet, there's no crime committed. Merely the specter of it in his next issue of Mermaid's Tale. I pray the boy uses some common fucking sense and tones down his rhetoric, but I have little faith in Bruno as a person.

All the same, I leave you a copy of my letter in the event he continues to play games with foreign relations, with this to note, should this become a pattern:

An ambassador who knowingly erodes trade (and in this case, Ephia Well's food security) for personal gain is acting against the interests of the state.

An ambassador who knowingly tries to provoke a friendly society of warrior folk (who hold honor and name close to their hearts) for personal gain is acting against the interests of the state.

An ambassador who knowingly undermines the efforts and labors of another ambassador's diplomatic efforts simply because they do not like them or have a grievance is doing against the interests of the state.

Bruno is an ambassador.

~ Isabella de Veend

P.S It should be telling, I would hope, that our benevolant sovereign, Osman VI, still sees fit to keep Ambassador Suleiman al Aziz here in Frostport on behalf of Mother Baz'eel. His will is clear, and we should be endeavoring to inspire the good people here beneath his terrace, not away."

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"Dear Bruno,

You're going to have to start giving me more details if I'm to assist in the matter of the foul fish import any further. I have spoken to Haafdon of Frostport, who oversees the sales of maritime bounty. Insofar as it relates to the dunes, the only one buying in bulk from Frostport right now is myself. And I make it a point to ensure shipments are properly preserved for the journey. Be that pickled squid, small crates full of ice and snow for crayfish, salted mackerel or smoked salmon.

It seems whoever told you this shipment was from Frostport was either:

1. Lying.
2. Lied to about its source.
3. Failed to properly cure goods received.

I can think of a few reasons why someone would attempt to deceive others on the matter. The most malign being to intentionally undermine competition in the maritime markets, or worse, create diplomatic friction.

It is entirely possible, however, that one of the shipments my Oathseekers brought in never received proper curation after the journey. If the snow and ice melted (Which it does eventually) to the point they rotted, then this is a failing on the recipient's end to properly salt, consume or distribute what was donated.

Is that the hook you were hoping for, dear? Blame the mind-addled, older woman? There you go.

I know the people of Frostport well enough to know they take pride in their work and honor their word. Anything that leaves that port is leaving as requested by the buyer. I stand by them in this matter and denounce any attempts to paint any foul shipments as a fault of their own.

Consider this my definitive answer to your questions prior.

~ Isabella de Veend

P.S Have you actually examined  what kind of bounty spoiled? It helps narrow down the source, if you know the market.

Here's a free one. Unsalted mackerel can be bought in bulk in Banafsi.

P.P.S How old are you anyway? I feel like that knowledge would be fair compensation for my efforts."

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[Empress of Neon]

*Another letter shortly arrives after the other.*

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"Dear Sergeant Colmes,

This arrived shortly after the previous letter sent. I suppose we'll have to wait and see what happens next, won't we? I suspect this is some kind of ploy, but only time will tell now what his intent was all along.

~ Isabella de Veend

P.S I promised a bribe to the Banda Rossa through Kragg Stonefury if they got him to mature for this instance. I hope I never have to have a conversation like this again."

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