He hadn't heard the news. Of course, he hadn't. The attack at the GALARIAN EMBASSY had only happened fairly recently, after all. Remiel had made it a point to draw upon all his resources to subdue reports of it as well. After all, if the terrorists managed to terrorize both the people of Hoenn and Galar, then, essentially, they won.

"Earl Grey... is in a bad way." He solemnly states, eyes downcast on the table between them. "We were attacked by Team Rocket mercenaries a few days ago."

[break][break]

TEA & REVELATIONS + ♔
Alexei Ivanov

☉

The freya morningstar that he'd first met was a shadow compared to the one that sat across from him now. Remiel was tempted to ask what had transpired since they'd last seen each other but was wary to do so. The woman always seemed guarded about her personal affairs, after all. And with good reason, after everything she had been through.

Even after she's opened the jewelry box to reveal the proverbial olive branch within, Remiel doesn't push it. This was simply an act of good faith towards the recently announced COUNCILWOMAN, and he wouldn't spoil it by expecting anything out of it. Arceus forbid the likes of the LEAGUE to take it as any sort of bribe.

Nevertheless, the exiled prince smiles when he sees her reunited with that little family heirloom. As an independent archaeologist, this sort of thing was one of his guilty pleasures— though it was exceedingly rare, given the fact that most of the things he unearthed usually belonged to a people long since dead. "I'm happy to have had a part in placing it back in your hands."

Herschel fidgets in his baby carrier as he endeavors to get a closer look at the inscription Freya points out afterward. Remiel can see and read it just fine, however, and marvels at the intricate linework. When the conversation shifts to his defection, however, some color dissipates from that once fascinated expression.

"I'm not one to complain," He starts with a sigh, his hues of cobalt blue briefly flitting away to look at the magician's show nearby. "And I certainly have no right to. But I can't help but feel it's been too long without being trusted to do anything... you know? I'd like the chance to prove my loyalties."

His gaze shifts back to Freya, gauging her expression. There had been no venom in her voice when she'd brought the topic up. For all intents and purposes, she seemed understanding. But he couldn't fathom why.

"Anyway, that's part of the reason I've begun talks with the RANGERS about a proper AMNESTY PROGRAM. There are others who have defected as well, after all, and they all need the proper infrastructure to facilitate their transition with safety precautions in place."

[break][break]

FRIAR'S FUNNEL + ♔
freya morningstar

☉

Remiel chuckles. "You definitely missed something in all the red tape. But it's not your fault: there's a lot of red tape." He assures his friend. "I won't bore you with the details, but I've remained a sole citizen of GALAR with diplomatic immunity this whole time. The GALARIAN EMBASSY, itself, is considered a territory of GALAR within the host region. Now that I'm leaving it, however, I must adhere to the processes of law and citizenship if I wish to remain here— same as everybody else."

The Ferris wheel creaks slightly as it slowly carries them upward into the sky. Remiel's Applin struggles to position itself in its baby carrier, attempting to get a better look at the steadily increasing drop below. And Remiel, of course, places both hands on the green apple as if he were protecting a baby who wishes to climb over the railing of its crib.

"That being said," The royal continues. "I've been meaning to ask you something: I've heard rumors of some within your organization who have done a lot to help TEAM ROCKET DEFECTORS transition to the LEAGUE. What are your thoughts on that?"

[break][break]

ORALE OLDBOY + ♔
Laurence Anderson

☉