«A desperate situation sometimes calls for desperate measures,» was the reasonable conclusion Remesis came to when she absolutely hated having to stand in front of the city gates for several days. Even if the offer of help came from not the most pleasant person to her, the girl was willing to forget about her pride for the time being. She ordered her men to turn around and follow the cortege of the young head of the order.
This strange cavalcade caused bewilderment in the eyes of people. Many openly pointed their fingers or whispered loudly.
It was understandable. Given Liana Daehsin's status, people wondered who could be so honored. Not everyone recognized the escort of the northern princess in the convoy of one modest carriage and a couple of riders. Remesis hid behind a curtain, and did not show herself until they were in the city. She felt embarrassed at the sight of so many pairs of eyes on her.
But… Their chance encounter didn't end there.
Already in the city, Remesis had to enlist Liana's help once again. Her eyes were scattered as she saw many unfamiliar streets. The guards of the northern castle seemed to be equally confused. None of them had ever been to the capital before and had no idea how to get to the palace. So, grudgingly, the girl had to ask the young head for one more favor.
Liana Daehsin gladly agreed to escort them. Since the capital of the Nadal Empire was huge, it took them a few more hours before they reached the Imperial Palace itself. Due to the constant motion sickness, a wave of drowsiness came over the girl. She involuntarily began to peck her nose and lost track of time. So when they suddenly stopped, Remesis almost jumped up.
«Are we finally there?»
As Remesis was about to ask this, at that moment Hannes obligingly opened the door in front of her. And all of the girl's fatigue was swept away.
The scenery beyond the door of the wide open carriage mesmerized her. She saw a beautiful garden and magnificent buildings she had never seen before. Perhaps not even the Carter residence was as beautiful as this.
Stepping out of the carriage, the girl looked around.
— Where are we?
Liana Daehsin, who was beside her rather quickly, gave a simple answer:
— In the palace specially provided to you for the duration of your participation in the Small Council.
— Palace?
— It's one of the small palaces adjacent to the Imperial Palace. Mine is also nearby.
Remesis stared at the sight before her with widened eyes.
The Imperial Palace was the size of a small city. The central palace, where the Emperor himself lived, was adjoined by many smaller ones. The more important the owner of the palace was, the closer it was to the central palace.
Liana, who, unlike Remesis, had been to the palace more than once, was kind enough to tell her all about it. The palace that Remesis was assigned to was on the very outskirts of the square. It was small and much more modest than the others. It didn't even have servants.
Nevertheless, it did not occur to Remesis to complain. After all, she had not believed to the last that she would be provided with any sort of decent accommodation. Given the insignificance of her position, she would not have been surprised if she had been put in the same barracks as the servants. But apparently her position as a guest invited to the council had done her some good.
Remesis ordered the guards to unload her belongings, and Hannes to supervise it. Then there was only one small «problem» left for the girl to solve. She turned to her companion with as polite a smile as possible:
— Lady Daehsin, thank you for wasting your time and seeing me off. I dare not detain you any longer.
But the young head shook her head.
— You and I are almost related. It is my duty to help you in your time of need. Don't say that.
Remesis pressed her lips together. 'Who says I want to be your family? Your business with Katrina has nothing to do with me.»
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that in the young head's carriage, some old man with a skewed, blackened face was trying in vain to get out and shout something to her. A young man with golden curls covered his mouth and smiled guiltily at Remesis from the carriage window. The girl remained puzzled by the scene. While Liana simply ignored them.
— Anyway, you must be tired,» the girl made another attempt to hint at her thickly, «You should rest in your palace and not burden yourself with your presence here.
Liana smiled mockingly.
— I am indeed tired. But I think I can find the strength to accompany you.
— А?
Remesis clapped her eyes shut involuntarily.
The courtyard adjacent to her palace was quite small. It took five minutes to walk to the main entrance. Why would there be a need for an escort here?
— It's your first time in the palace and you might get lost,» she explained, «There are no servants here, so… You might find it very difficult.
The girl stared at her.
«Get lost? How can I do that among three trees and two bushes?»
But Liana's resolve in this matter seemed unyielding. Remesis had to give in and give in to her. She had already gone ahead of her without even waiting for an answer. The girl sighed and reluctantly followed her.
— What are you doing? Walk beside me. You're not a servant.
— Okay…
Remesis had to quicken her step to keep up with her. And with the girl's long legs, that became quite a challenge.
The princess turned back once more and looked at the old man in the carriage, who seemed to have already had a heart attack. «Poor grandfather,» she thought, «He must be seasick too.»
Walking in silence was awkward, and Remesis looked at the mishmash of flowers and trees beside her to distract herself. Liana looked at her and suddenly asked a question:
— What are you going to do?
— Hmm?
— I mean your plans to stay in the capital. It's a rare enough opportunity for you to come here.
Remesis frowned.
— I don't have any plans. I came for work.
— So… what are you going to do the rest of the days?
— The rest of the days?
Remesis didn't understand that.
— You're in the palace for more than ten days. There must be something else you'd like to do besides work.
The girl stopped abruptly in the middle of the road.
— What?!» she shrieked involuntarily, and the birds sitting on the neighboring branches fluttered away.
Liana, watching her reaction, laughed.
— Didn't you know? — Princess Rania, we won't be parting from you for a long time.
— But how…? Why?! Doesn't the Small Council only last a couple of days?!
— As if, technically it does… — the young head coughed, — But in reality, there are other activities that take up time besides that. Such as resting between meetings. Well, and preparations for the banquet, which is a must attend.
Remesis felt like an idiot and gaped. «And why didn't anyone tell me about this!»
Originally going on a short trip of a couple days, she hadn't planned for such a long delay. At the thought of Asil being alone in the castle the entire time, she became a little nervous. She had no way of knowing if everything would be alright.
— The banquet? — Remesis asked, «Can't you get out of it?
— It's impossible,» she said, «The banquet is being organized by His Imperial Majesty in honor of the end of the council. As one of the invited participants, you cannot miss it.
Remesis bit her lip. In an instant, all her plans were ruined by this unexpected turn of events. What's worse, she doesn't even have a choice.
A shadow of dejection lay across her face, and it didn't escape Liana's attentive gaze. When the girl became upset upon hearing the news, the Supreme Astrologer's successor could not hold back a chuckle.
— Your Highness, to be honest, you amaze me.
— What?» Remesis raised her head.
— Many people dream of such a place but never get to visit it. So why aren't you happy?
In the young head's opinion, for a girl who had lived her whole life as an outcast, this rare opportunity to go out in public should have been a real celebration. But Remesis only curled her lips.
What had been her greatest value in her former life was now no more valuable than the dust beneath her feet.
A banquet at the Imperial Palace? Socializing? The last thing she wanted was to deal with those hypocritical and ugly people. In a world of beautiful scenery, where everyone played their assigned roles, she wanted no part of it.
— Because it's not for me,» Remesis replied in simple words, «I'm not interested in social life.
Upon receiving that answer, Liana's emerald eyes widened.
— Are you seriously…?
— Actually, the northern castle is much more beautiful than the imperial palace.
«…»
Needless to mention, this expression was said for nothing more than a red word. How could one compare the most majestic residence of the empire to a backwater fortress? But Remesis suddenly felt the urge to say it. Perhaps it could be attributed to what people usually meant when they said that there was nothing more beautiful than their home.
But Liana Daehsin, who was hearing such a thing for the first time in her life, was puzzled. The flickering light of interest in her gaze became a little bigger.
— ''Princess Rania, you really are… A unique person, '' she remarked with a laugh.
By then they had already passed through the garden and stopped at the threshold of the palace. Remesis hoped that at least she would not go inside. Fortunately, this was where the young head was going to bow out. She smiled, looking down at the little lady from top to bottom.
— Have a good rest of the day, princess.
— Thank you.
Just like last time, she was about to touch her lips to her hand before saying goodbye. And it was happening so swiftly that even if she wanted to, the girl wouldn't have time to prevent the action. But now Liana suddenly stopped herself.
Her gaze fell on the ring that Remesis wore on her ring finger.
There was a short pause, during which the girl looked at the jewelry with a frozen expression. The ring on Remesis's finger was so simple that even a single button on Liana's robe was worth many times more. The heiress of the Order tensed at first, and then, as if realizing something, nodded.
— You and your wife seem to be on good terms,» she said with a smile.
— We get along,» she said.
— Then I can congratulate you. In our world, a happy marriage is one of the most important values. It's just a pity that not everyone is so lucky…
Remesis was silent for a moment, not quite sure what this conversation was about.
— I have no doubt that things will work out well for you and my sister,» she finally assured her.
Liana smiled strainedly. She let go of her hand without kissing it. Remesis breathed a sigh of relief.
— 'In that case, I will see you at the council tomorrow. See you soon, Your Highness.
Remesis nodded. She followed the girl's silhouette with her gaze until she soon disappeared behind the trees. Only then did she finally enter her palace.
To be honest, Remesis was very wary of the young head of the order's attitude towards her. Liana Daehsin was acting a little too kindly and that made her suspicious. Unlike Asil, who was as simple as a white sheet of paper, this girl was much more ambiguous. Remesis didn't know how to properly behave with her. And was obviously worried. Wasn't there some kind of trick hidden in all of this?
Although, on the other hand, what benefit would the heiress of the astrological order get from interacting with her? No matter how one looked at it, only trouble was guaranteed from such a connection. The existence of Remezis was a real thorn in the side of the astrology-crazed Empire. So the girl really couldn't find any connection here.
Was it really all just because she was Katrina's sister?
In the end Remesis still couldn't find an explanation for it. She realized with frustration that she could not unravel the thoughts of a fourteen year old girl. Even at her age, Liana Daehsin was too complicated for her. And what would happen when she grew up? Perhaps all of the laudatory comments Remesis often heard about the young head were not just empty words.
«Even if it's a short marriage, Katrina will be lucky to marry her.» — this thought suddenly flashed through Remesis's mind like a lightning strike. The girl herself was greatly surprised that she thought in such a way. «Lucky… What a bunch of space charlatans! A bunch of space charlatans.»
The girl immediately shook her head to get the unnecessary nonsense out of her head. After that she began to look around her new quarters.
Inside the palace was quite modest. There were only two large rooms: a bedroom and a guest room. Many of the furnishings were old and worn, and there was also no balcony like the rest of the palace. But the fact that she would have her own bed was more than enough for Remesis.
Hannes and the rest of the guardsmen were still fiddling with things in the backyard. Remesis watched them through the window. Since there were no other things to do yet anyway, the girl decided to take a little nap after the tiring journey. She laid down on the large soft bed, and at the same instant her eyes closed.
Knock. Knock.
But she was not allowed to rest properly. Only half an hour had passed when one of the chamberlains of the central palace appeared. This man was in the service of the Emperor.
— Your Highness, according to the rules, you must greet His Imperial Majesty upon arrival.
Remesis, who could hardly tear her head off the pillow, sluggishly muttered:
— Can't we reschedule the meeting for tomorrow…? I've been on the road for almost two weeks and I'm very… very tired.
The chamberlain didn't answer for quite some time.
— Alright, I'll pass your words on to His Majesty.
Remesis exhaled tensely. Although the servant said it with a completely impassive expression on his face, it was as if the girl read his thoughts at that moment. They were not so pleasant. After a long journey, she was tired, hungry, and irritated. However, insulting the emperor with a refusal was unacceptable. Remesis, who was still standing with half-closed eyes, had to say:
— I will pay a visit to His Imperial Majesty. Just give me time to change.
— Yes, Your Highness,» he replied already more relaxed.
Remesis had to unpack his things very quickly and change into a more or less decent outfit. And there wasn't much of it. After about ten minutes, she reappeared on the porch with a distinct lack of desire on her face.
— Please follow me, Your Highness. I will escort you out.
Remesis followed the servant through countless courtyards, heading towards the central palace. They walked and walked and walked. The palace grounds were so enormous that it seemed to the girl that they had been walking for ages. «Will this road ever end?» Remesis felt eerily tired.
When they finally reached the inner domain, Remesis paused. It was the middle of the day, and many of the nobles invited to the palace were strolling through the garden. The chamberlain, who heard the sudden cessation of footsteps behind him, also froze in place. At first, he didn't realize what was wrong until he noticed the person across from them.
Following etiquette, the chamberlain immediately bowed.
— This servant greets young Mr. Carter,» he said respectfully.
The blond-haired young man moved his lips soundlessly. The gaze of his brown eyes settled on the little girl.
«Of course, who else could it be?»
With an impenetrable expression, Remesis lifted the hem of her skirt and said smilingly:
— Greetings, big brother. It's been a long time.
«A desperate situation sometimes calls for desperate measures,» was the reasonable conclusion Remesis came to when she absolutely hated having to stand in front of the city gates for several days. Even if the offer of help came from not the most pleasant person to her, the girl was willing to forget about her pride for the time being. She ordered her men to turn around and follow the cortege of the young head of the order.
This strange cavalcade caused bewilderment in the eyes of people. Many openly pointed their fingers or whispered loudly.
It was understandable. Given Liana Daehsin's status, people wondered who could be so honored. Not everyone recognized the escort of the northern princess in the convoy of one modest carriage and a couple of riders. Remesis hid behind a curtain, and did not show herself until they were in the city. She felt embarrassed at the sight of so many pairs of eyes on her.
But… Their chance encounter didn't end there.
Already in the city, Remesis had to enlist Liana's help once again. Her eyes were scattered as she saw many unfamiliar streets. The guards of the northern castle seemed to be equally confused. None of them had ever been to the capital before and had no idea how to get to the palace. So, grudgingly, the girl had to ask the young head for one more favor.
Liana Daehsin gladly agreed to escort them. Since the capital of the Nadal Empire was huge, it took them a few more hours before they reached the Imperial Palace itself. Due to the constant motion sickness, a wave of drowsiness came over the girl. She involuntarily began to peck her nose and lost track of time. So when they suddenly stopped, Remesis almost jumped up.
«Are we finally there?»
As Remesis was about to ask this, at that moment Hannes obligingly opened the door in front of her. And all of the girl's fatigue was swept away.
The scenery beyond the door of the wide open carriage mesmerized her. She saw a beautiful garden and magnificent buildings she had never seen before. Perhaps not even the Carter residence was as beautiful as this.
Stepping out of the carriage, the girl looked around.
— Where are we?
Liana Daehsin, who was beside her rather quickly, gave a simple answer:
— In the palace specially provided to you for the duration of your participation in the Small Council.
— Palace?
— It's one of the small palaces adjacent to the Imperial Palace. Mine is also nearby.
Remesis stared at the sight before her with widened eyes.
The Imperial Palace was the size of a small city. The central palace, where the Emperor himself lived, was adjoined by many smaller ones. The more important the owner of the palace was, the closer it was to the central palace.
Liana, who, unlike Remesis, had been to the palace more than once, was kind enough to tell her all about it. The palace that Remesis was assigned to was on the very outskirts of the square. It was small and much more modest than the others. It didn't even have servants.
Nevertheless, it did not occur to Remesis to complain. After all, she had not believed to the last that she would be provided with any sort of decent accommodation. Given the insignificance of her position, she would not have been surprised if she had been put in the same barracks as the servants. But apparently her position as a guest invited to the council had done her some good.
Remesis ordered the guards to unload her belongings, and Hannes to supervise it. Then there was only one small «problem» left for the girl to solve. She turned to her companion with as polite a smile as possible:
— Lady Daehsin, thank you for wasting your time and seeing me off. I dare not detain you any longer.
But the young head shook her head.
— You and I are almost related. It is my duty to help you in your time of need. Don't say that.
Remesis pressed her lips together. 'Who says I want to be your family? Your business with Katrina has nothing to do with me.»
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that in the young head's carriage, some old man with a skewed, blackened face was trying in vain to get out and shout something to her. A young man with golden curls covered his mouth and smiled guiltily at Remesis from the carriage window. The girl remained puzzled by the scene. While Liana simply ignored them.
— Anyway, you must be tired,» the girl made another attempt to hint at her thickly, «You should rest in your palace and not burden yourself with your presence here.
Liana smiled mockingly.
— I am indeed tired. But I think I can find the strength to accompany you.
— А?
Remesis clapped her eyes shut involuntarily.
The courtyard adjacent to her palace was quite small. It took five minutes to walk to the main entrance. Why would there be a need for an escort here?
— It's your first time in the palace and you might get lost,» she explained, «There are no servants here, so… You might find it very difficult.
The girl stared at her.
«Get lost? How can I do that among three trees and two bushes?»
But Liana's resolve in this matter seemed unyielding. Remesis had to give in and give in to her. She had already gone ahead of her without even waiting for an answer. The girl sighed and reluctantly followed her.
— What are you doing? Walk beside me. You're not a servant.
— Okay…
Remesis had to quicken her step to keep up with her. And with the girl's long legs, that became quite a challenge.
The princess turned back once more and looked at the old man in the carriage, who seemed to have already had a heart attack. «Poor grandfather,» she thought, «He must be seasick too.»
Walking in silence was awkward, and Remesis looked at the mishmash of flowers and trees beside her to distract herself. Liana looked at her and suddenly asked a question:
— What are you going to do?
— Hmm?
— I mean your plans to stay in the capital. It's a rare enough opportunity for you to come here.
Remesis frowned.
— I don't have any plans. I came for work.
— So… what are you going to do the rest of the days?
— The rest of the days?
Remesis didn't understand that.
— You're in the palace for more than ten days. There must be something else you'd like to do besides work.
The girl stopped abruptly in the middle of the road.
— What?!» she shrieked involuntarily, and the birds sitting on the neighboring branches fluttered away.
Liana, watching her reaction, laughed.
— Didn't you know? — Princess Rania, we won't be parting from you for a long time.
— But how…? Why?! Doesn't the Small Council only last a couple of days?!
— As if, technically it does… — the young head coughed, — But in reality, there are other activities that take up time besides that. Such as resting between meetings. Well, and preparations for the banquet, which is a must attend.
Remesis felt like an idiot and gaped. «And why didn't anyone tell me about this!»
Originally going on a short trip of a couple days, she hadn't planned for such a long delay. At the thought of Asil being alone in the castle the entire time, she became a little nervous. She had no way of knowing if everything would be alright.
— The banquet? — Remesis asked, «Can't you get out of it?
— It's impossible,» she said, «The banquet is being organized by His Imperial Majesty in honor of the end of the council. As one of the invited participants, you cannot miss it.
Remesis bit her lip. In an instant, all her plans were ruined by this unexpected turn of events. What's worse, she doesn't even have a choice.
A shadow of dejection lay across her face, and it didn't escape Liana's attentive gaze. When the girl became upset upon hearing the news, the Supreme Astrologer's successor could not hold back a chuckle.
— Your Highness, to be honest, you amaze me.
— What?» Remesis raised her head.
— Many people dream of such a place but never get to visit it. So why aren't you happy?
In the young head's opinion, for a girl who had lived her whole life as an outcast, this rare opportunity to go out in public should have been a real celebration. But Remesis only curled her lips.
What had been her greatest value in her former life was now no more valuable than the dust beneath her feet.
A banquet at the Imperial Palace? Socializing? The last thing she wanted was to deal with those hypocritical and ugly people. In a world of beautiful scenery, where everyone played their assigned roles, she wanted no part of it.
— Because it's not for me,» Remesis replied in simple words, «I'm not interested in social life.
Upon receiving that answer, Liana's emerald eyes widened.
— Are you seriously…?
— Actually, the northern castle is much more beautiful than the imperial palace.
«…»
Needless to mention, this expression was said for nothing more than a red word. How could one compare the most majestic residence of the empire to a backwater fortress? But Remesis suddenly felt the urge to say it. Perhaps it could be attributed to what people usually meant when they said that there was nothing more beautiful than their home.
But Liana Daehsin, who was hearing such a thing for the first time in her life, was puzzled. The flickering light of interest in her gaze became a little bigger.
— ''Princess Rania, you really are… A unique person, '' she remarked with a laugh.
By then they had already passed through the garden and stopped at the threshold of the palace. Remesis hoped that at least she would not go inside. Fortunately, this was where the young head was going to bow out. She smiled, looking down at the little lady from top to bottom.
— Have a good rest of the day, princess.
— Thank you.
Just like last time, she was about to touch her lips to her hand before saying goodbye. And it was happening so swiftly that even if she wanted to, the girl wouldn't have time to prevent the action. But now Liana suddenly stopped herself.
Her gaze fell on the ring that Remesis wore on her ring finger.
There was a short pause, during which the girl looked at the jewelry with a frozen expression. The ring on Remesis's finger was so simple that even a single button on Liana's robe was worth many times more. The heiress of the Order tensed at first, and then, as if realizing something, nodded.
— You and your wife seem to be on good terms,» she said with a smile.
— We get along,» she said.
— Then I can congratulate you. In our world, a happy marriage is one of the most important values. It's just a pity that not everyone is so lucky…
Remesis was silent for a moment, not quite sure what this conversation was about.
— I have no doubt that things will work out well for you and my sister,» she finally assured her.
Liana smiled strainedly. She let go of her hand without kissing it. Remesis breathed a sigh of relief.
— 'In that case, I will see you at the council tomorrow. See you soon, Your Highness.
Remesis nodded. She followed the girl's silhouette with her gaze until she soon disappeared behind the trees. Only then did she finally enter her palace.
To be honest, Remesis was very wary of the young head of the order's attitude towards her. Liana Daehsin was acting a little too kindly and that made her suspicious. Unlike Asil, who was as simple as a white sheet of paper, this girl was much more ambiguous. Remesis didn't know how to properly behave with her. And was obviously worried. Wasn't there some kind of trick hidden in all of this?
Although, on the other hand, what benefit would the heiress of the astrological order get from interacting with her? No matter how one looked at it, only trouble was guaranteed from such a connection. The existence of Remezis was a real thorn in the side of the astrology-crazed Empire. So the girl really couldn't find any connection here.
Was it really all just because she was Katrina's sister?
In the end Remesis still couldn't find an explanation for it. She realized with frustration that she could not unravel the thoughts of a fourteen year old girl. Even at her age, Liana Daehsin was too complicated for her. And what would happen when she grew up? Perhaps all of the laudatory comments Remesis often heard about the young head were not just empty words.
«Even if it's a short marriage, Katrina will be lucky to marry her.» — this thought suddenly flashed through Remesis's mind like a lightning strike. The girl herself was greatly surprised that she thought in such a way. «Lucky… What a bunch of space charlatans! A bunch of space charlatans.»
The girl immediately shook her head to get the unnecessary nonsense out of her head. After that she began to look around her new quarters.
Inside the palace was quite modest. There were only two large rooms: a bedroom and a guest room. Many of the furnishings were old and worn, and there was also no balcony like the rest of the palace. But the fact that she would have her own bed was more than enough for Remesis.
Hannes and the rest of the guardsmen were still fiddling with things in the backyard. Remesis watched them through the window. Since there were no other things to do yet anyway, the girl decided to take a little nap after the tiring journey. She laid down on the large soft bed, and at the same instant her eyes closed.
Knock. Knock.
But she was not allowed to rest properly. Only half an hour had passed when one of the chamberlains of the central palace appeared. This man was in the service of the Emperor.
— Your Highness, according to the rules, you must greet His Imperial Majesty upon arrival.
Remesis, who could hardly tear her head off the pillow, sluggishly muttered:
— Can't we reschedule the meeting for tomorrow…? I've been on the road for almost two weeks and I'm very… very tired.
The chamberlain didn't answer for quite some time.
— Alright, I'll pass your words on to His Majesty.
Remesis exhaled tensely. Although the servant said it with a completely impassive expression on his face, it was as if the girl read his thoughts at that moment. They were not so pleasant. After a long journey, she was tired, hungry, and irritated. However, insulting the emperor with a refusal was unacceptable. Remesis, who was still standing with half-closed eyes, had to say:
— I will pay a visit to His Imperial Majesty. Just give me time to change.
— Yes, Your Highness,» he replied already more relaxed.
Remesis had to unpack his things very quickly and change into a more or less decent outfit. And there wasn't much of it. After about ten minutes, she reappeared on the porch with a distinct lack of desire on her face.
— Please follow me, Your Highness. I will escort you out.
Remesis followed the servant through countless courtyards, heading towards the central palace. They walked and walked and walked. The palace grounds were so enormous that it seemed to the girl that they had been walking for ages. «Will this road ever end?» Remesis felt eerily tired.
When they finally reached the inner domain, Remesis paused. It was the middle of the day, and many of the nobles invited to the palace were strolling through the garden. The chamberlain, who heard the sudden cessation of footsteps behind him, also froze in place. At first, he didn't realize what was wrong until he noticed the person across from them.
Following etiquette, the chamberlain immediately bowed.
— This servant greets young Mr. Carter,» he said respectfully.
The blond-haired young man moved his lips soundlessly. The gaze of his brown eyes settled on the little girl.
«Of course, who else could it be?»
With an impenetrable expression, Remesis lifted the hem of her skirt and said smilingly:
— Greetings, big brother. It's been a long time.
