Monday, October 6, 10 o'clock.

Jorge was still savoring the last bites of his breakfast when one of the pages burst into the room. He was young, one of those servants in charge of attending to the table, ordering the bedroom, and taking care of the countless minor tasks of the day-to-day. As he had to attend to the elí personally, he had made an effort to learn Spanish, although his command of the language left much to be desired.

"The elí, look, the letter has arrived," he said, extending a handwritten envelope sealed with wax.

Jorge took it with some indifference and observed the recipient: "Uchchatá Jorge Tharakos". On the back, the identity of the sender: "Uchchatári Lakua Asier".

That morning he had other plans. He wanted to return to the slave market and finish his inspection of the personal servants' booth. He planned to acquire a new companion for Álex in his pleasure duties, and he was not enthusiastic about the idea that this letter would force him to change his agenda.

"Call Eukario."

"Yes, elí."

The protocol chief did not take long to present himself. Jorge handed him the letter with an impatient gesture. Eukario broke the wax seal, unfolded the parchment, and began to translate aloud:

"The Very High Lakua Asier, usher of Internal Affairs of the Free Republic of Ketiris, would be deeply honored to receive the High Jorge Tharakos, lord of the Tharakos estate, next Wednesday, October 8, at her main residence in Asier. This memorable occasion will serve to strengthen ties between such illustrious estates. The Very High Lakua Asier hopes that the High Jorge Tharakos will accept this cordial invitation and present himself, on the indicated date, in the capital of the island of Betia, where a evening banquet will be held in his honor. This meeting has no other purpose than the one mentioned and, therefore, lacks an agenda. The High Jorge Tharakos may attend with the retinue he considers convenient" - he read.

Jorge drummed his fingers on the table with a thoughtful air.

"Tell me, Eukario, who is this woman? And why is she inviting me to dinner the day after tomorrow?"

Eukario took a few seconds before responding. It was not a trivial matter.

"The Very High Lakua Asier is one of the most influential figures in the country, elí. She governs her estate with an iron fist and holds one of the most important seats on the State Council. She was a close ally of the late Benassur Gurión, whom she frequently received at her large house. Her duties encompass internal affairs of the country: security, public order, education, work, finance, resource distribution... and, of course, our ketirite mines."

Jorge nodded, without stopping to inspect the broken wax between his fingers.

"I've heard that Betia is an island governed by women. Is that true?"

"Any ketirí can visit it, but its laws establish that the governm...