The Council of State met habitually on the last Friday of each month; that was the last day of the month and, therefore, the indicated date, since it precisely fell on a Friday. The meeting would take place in the grand marble hall of the Assembly Palace, a solemn enclosure where the light of the oil lamps elicited golden reflections from the columns carved with inscriptions.

The ten attendees usually dined in small groups along with intimates and collaborators before the formal session, prolonging the after-dinner conversations that turned into improvised meetings. On this occasion, however, the expectation was greater than usual: Jorge Tharakos was presenting himself as a full member, his first appearance on the Council. His position was paradoxical; according to the rules of precedence, he occupied the least honorable place for being the most recent to join, but his estate, the largest in the country, gave him a weight that could not be ignored. In Ketirandia, wealth not only opened doors; it built them.

Jorge had informed himself about the structure of the encounter. After the greeting and formal opening of the Council by the hegemon Mario Baraka —whom he did not know in person—, it was his turn to speak. It was customary for new members to offer a small legislative proposal, a more ceremonial than effective gesture, which was usually approved by consensus as a symbolic welcome; this had been a cause for concern for Jorge. He did not know the laws of Ketirandia with the necessary depth to propose reforms, and even less did he feel capable of suggesting changes in a system that he was just beginning to understand.

However, two days before, an idea had occurred to him. He consulted with Lakua in his palace of Asier, and she encouraged him with enthusiasm to present it. Not only was it relevant, but it could mark his entry into the Council with a clear declaration of intentions.

He was not yet prepared to give a speech in the Ketiri language, not even if it was read and brief, so when the moment arrived, Kamar read on his behalf the text that Jorge had written and Eukario had translated into the language of the country. His deep and serene voice filled the room:

"I also know that it is customary to bring some proposal before this Council so that it can be incorporated as a new legal norm. I ask for your indulgence in advance if mine seems inappropriate, since, although my eagerness and commitment to catch up are firm, my ignorance is still great."

The members of the Council listened with attention. Kamar made a calculated pause before continuing.

"I will say it openly. I propose changing the system of purchasing personal slaves."

The effect was immediate. The attendees exchanged glances, shifted in their seats, leaning slightly forward with renewed interest. A silence charged with meaning settled in the room.

Mario Baraka turned his eyes toward Jorge, observing ...