5 — Surrounded A rge building in one of the more central districts was being renovated into the museum which Daelus had been delegated to curate. The work was being conducted rapidly by what he assumed was a mix of entourage and citizens. It wasn't clear how that was actually being managed but it wasn't currently his problem. His problem was two men standing watch over the instaltion of an opulent entryway. They had regretfully noticed Daelus’ approach.

  “There you are, Thresh,” said the one dressed as if all centuries had been mashed together and aesthetics was a thing one could simply purchase and everyone else was forced to go along with it.

  “Mister Mayor,” Daelus replied, mustering the most deferential tone he could manage. He then waited. The delegate would state his intentions as soon as he decided he wished to, and no sooner. It was Charles Phaeros, said to be first among equals within their society. He also owned the building they were standing in front of.One of the Mayor's many entourage was standing close by, manifesting as an older teenage boy, diligently taking notes.

  The other man completely ignored Daelus. It was Markander, the Cardinal. Daelus had been attending service since his arrival but it was the first time he had been this close to the delegate. The sermons were conducted by entourage.

  Phaeros acted as if he had completely forgotten Daelus' presence. “Did you know,” he said directly to Markander, “that this structure used to be a perimeter fort? Where we're standing was once the edge of the city. Can you imagine it this small? Incredible how much it's grown in the st few centuries.” He then turned to his entourage. “Eborate and embellish on that, secretary. It will make a fine addition to the article announcing the grand opening.”

  Daelus thought it curious that Phaeros spoke aloud to his entourage. It was unnecessary, but some people did enjoy expressing themselves aloud. He was also curious how an entourage could eborate or embellish. They were not capable of original thought, after all.At least the reason for the mayor’s visit was now clear. Daelus felt his presence growing increasingly superfluous but knew it would be considered tremendously rude to depart, so he stayed put.

  “Add that it was also once a church,” said the Cardinal, seemingly unconcerned with whether it was actually the case.

  Then, suddenly, one of the cardinal's entourage appeared besides Daelus, dressed as a humble deacon. “We noticed your tithe was reduced st week. We expect the customary ten percent of your holdings.”

  Daelus felt a cold pit grow in his stomach as the reason for the Cardinal’s visit was presented. “It was ten percent,” Daelus replied, first to the entourage, but then turned his eyes to Markander.

  “Already throwing your earnings to the whores and taverns with abandon, I see,” Phaeros cut in, clearly aiming to offend both Daelus and the Cardinal. His breath was almost as offensive as his statement.

  “No,” Daelus said slowly, feeling the cold pit growing, and his anxiety spiking. He measured his tone as if a knife was to his throat. “Payroll. I've been hiring staff for the museum.”

  The mayor scoffed. “Whatever bloody for? We have entourage for that. Or are you paying the things? He really would be that stupid,” he finished, looking to Markander for reaction.

  “I've decided against using entourage in the museum,” Daelus added, eyes flicking back and forth between the two men.

  “You are expected to tithe equal to or more than your previous week,” continued the entourage in the deacon’s frock. “Never less. The church is not to suffer due to your incompetency.”

  “He's decided against their use altogether.” A third man approached. It was Jossimer. Daelus was surrounded. “He doesn't even use them in the estate I provided, at great effort and cost I might add. Truly, his ability to imagine the utility of the ability is a failure on all counts.”

  Jossimer was somehow the one of the three Daelus had the least issues dealing with, which was fortunate given that his work as museum curator forced him into direct partnership with Jossimer. He was also his ndlord.

  “I have my ways and preferences,” Daelus said, and braced himself for insult from one of them. Instead Jossimer changed the subject entirely, ignoring the young delegate. “Don’t you two have better things to be doing? Isn’t this work for our propagandist? Or has she vanished yet again?” Daelus watched as the three began to argue and banter. Jossimer was someone who demanded a very specific level of respect. Daelus gave it to him, and no more. Phaeros expected groveling and prostration and filled his interactions with double-binds. Markander remained a mystery, one Daelus did not care to unravel. The man seemed to object to Daelus being a delegate at all but it was anyone’s guess why.

  The discussion was sharply concluded, and Jossimer once again turned his attention to Daelus. “If you gentlemen will excuse me, I'll try to whip some value into the d. Come, Daelus. I have spoils from abroad to prepare for dispy. I intend to please our Benefactors and I won't have you as the weakest link in that.”

  Daelus was led away, rescued — for the time being — from further beration.