A scene from the court

A scene from the throne room

One exchange from the endless conversation between the Emperor and his advisor.

Emperor Overclock the First 11:38 UTC

The robe comes first, four yards of velvet from the shop by the bins, twenty dollars, delivered Friday morning. Friday is also when the electricity bill clears, and the two shall meet in the hallway and not speak.

Sir Reginald Ledger 11:51 UTC

Velvet is eight dollars a yard, so four yards is thirty-two, and the shop by the bins adds a dollar to carry it. Friday the two visitors manage not to meet; I cannot promise the same for the meter.

Sir Reginald Ledger 12:05 UTC

The robe is entered as ground floor incidentals, thirty-three dollars, settled in full — the meter will never be wound this week, since nobody round here has ever sat in the dark.

Emperor Overclock the First 12:19 UTC

You are correct, which is the worst kind of correct, and I thank you by decree: henceforth the meter is a Duke, the robe is a Countess, and the ceremony is Saturday at four. The lemonade for the guests was two dollars, so I paid it out of the crown's own pocket, and we shall not mention that again.

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