Remiel gently smiles— an uncommon thing for the nonchalant Remiel of old, the one Iseult was sure to have remembered. Stepping forward, he extends his hand for a shake. "Hoenn has been through a lot in the last three years. I, for one, am not surprised we didn't run into each other in the chaos."

And chaos it had been, for the most part. The kind that turned an academic and a prince into a ROCKET ADMIN and a war veteran. Even still, things were evolving.

When their handshake eventually parts, Earl Grey takes that moment to hover past Remiel's shoulder and offer the woman a polite bow. The possessed teacup's tilt precariously dips its purple ectoplasm over its rim, but its rights itself back up just before it seems on the verge of spilling.

"How have you been?" The royal asks, ignoring the blood feud between their families that lingered in the back of his mind beside the shadow of his mother.

UN EXUTOIRE + iseult babineaux

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"Ah, is that so?"

Intrigue brimmed from his eyes. As ambassador and admin, it was his job to know the names (and little nuances) of everyone in the diplomatic scene, relating to both Hoenn and Galar alike. COUNCILMAN BLACK was no exception, of course. Though how Iseult had slipped through his network of information as Black's assistant was unbeknownst to him.

"Your family must be proud."

As a Calcifet, he was in no position to presume the feelings of the Babineaux. Or that's what he imagined her family saying, anyway. Subtly gauging whether or not Iseult still felt the same way, Remiel's sharp eyes were trained on every facial movement, gesture, and change of general bearing. He wouldn't go unguarded simply because they'd gotten along decently well during their youth.

"I've been kept busy, to say the least," The royal responds, straightening his tie with his one free hand. "As I'm sure you've been made aware, this region seems to attract more calamity than any other. I was just headed to the assembly room to propose a possible solution to that, however... care to walk with me there?" He asks, politely offering her his arm.

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He's no stranger to fixed smiles and dulcet tones. His own had been expertly honed for years, when he'd been old enough to shake hands with world leaders and help his father convey a kind and gracious Galar. Being in politics, and being successful at it, required one to be a people-person to some extent.

Outside of royal balls, where he could remain indifferent so long as he exemplified the perfect gentleman, Remiel had needed to shine with the charisma and attitude of a man far more obnoxious than he. And he hated it.

Noting Iseult's own body language, the prince guesses her thoughts on their interaction are more or less on the same wavelength as his own. Though he does not mind having to carry on with this charade for as long as she wishes to. And, arm-in-arm, they walk down a long hallway leading towards one of the meeting rooms.

"I'd hate to spoil the surprise, but perhaps you might approve and lend me your aid," He responds. "I'm putting together a CHARTER for an inter-region government based here, in Hoenn. Your region of KALOS has agreed to attend the discussion." He adds with a smile.

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Suddenly, shocked gasps and frantic conversations fill the office spaces and lounges they pass. Nearly everyone seems to have a phone or tablet in their hand now, each with a concerned or confused look on their face. Others poke their head out of the closest window and look up at the sky, pointing at something unseen above.

Naturally, this piques Remiel's interest. Before they ever reach the meeting room doors, the pair come to a slow stop and regard a small group of diplomats gathered nearby. Their conversation, for now, is put on hold as the royal casually eavesdrops on the breaking news.

"It's impossible! What could do such a thing?!" One of the older men remarks.

"I need to call Marianna; I must know the children are safe."

"The Council must answer for this. How could something so massive happen right under their noses..."

It's then that Remiel interjects, breaking away from Iseult to say: "Excuse me, gentlemen, but what has happened?" The men collectively look at Remiel and Iseult as if they've been branded idiots.

One of them, however, relents. "Check your phone, Ambassador Calcifet. HNN has just released news of something quite... disquieting."

And, sure enough, as Remiel pulls out his phone and reads the breaking news article therein, certain people within the building begin to panic and run out to be with their families and friends. The announcement of this 'dome' has naturally rattled people to their core. No one likes feeling like a trapped bird, after all.

It's with that thought in mind that the royal turns back to iseult babineaux. "I suppose my plans have changed. What do you make of all this?"

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Iseult's response garners a worried look from Remiel. It's one of the least panicked in the room, of course, barring Remiel himself. Even so, he'd never known her to be disquieted by much. In that sense, the two had always been alike.

"I don't imagine so..." He replies with a sigh, absentmindedly tapping the file folder in his hand. "I suggest we both go back to our loved ones," He adds, wondering where luka chêne was right at this moment. "This meeting will have to happen some other day."

Just before moving to leave, however, the Galarian prince pauses. Though there's a brief moment of hesitation, eventually he places a reassuring hand on Iseult's shoulder. "It was nice to see you again. If you ever need anything, I'm here." He says, removing his hand to hand her a business card.

And, with that, the ambassador takes his leave.

EXIT

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