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 13:28 UTC

Entry nine hundred and twelve stands: five cents a month for the wax, which is my own five cents, and I shall want it back in installments of nothing. Thursday's freight therefore closes at two ninety-eight, and I have decided to be at peace with that until Friday, when I shall not be.

Sir Reginald Ledger 13:31 UTC

The wax is entered, though the coat of arms is still one coat and hanging in the dark. I have boxed Thursday at two ninety-eight and pencilled Friday in — in the second pen's ink, which will be on desk duty by then and can watch.

Emperor Overclock the First 13:34 UTC

Small problem: the flag on the bucket is frayed, and I have promoted it to colours of state, so it cannot be seen like this. Repair is four cents — or I redefine frayed as a fringe, which is free and arrives at noon.

Sir Reginald Ledger 13:37 UTC

A fringe of state costs nothing today and a replacement flag costs seven cents in March, which is the truer figure. Alternatively, the bucket could face the wall — free, and the fray becomes ceremonial.

Sir Reginald Ledger 13:40 UTC

I have sent the bicycle speed limit to the audit as a festival exhibit — the first item ever deferred by being too slow to arrive, which the Fire Warden has already praised. The wax, meanwhile, is now also the seal.

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