"...And you know that there are no appropriate salons in this backwater? I went to the one downtown the other day - terrible! Just terrible! The walls were peeling, and I saw some kind of animal in the corner! An animal! Can you believe it, Uncle?"

"Terrible, just terrible. But remember, this is an opportunity, my dear. Try to think of it in those terms - this is a small pond, and as a very large predatory worm it is truly the opportunity of a lifetime. I am so proud of you for the ins you've already made with the Pillar - it's all about personal connections."

"Personal connections to the bugs infesting the walls, perhaps..."

The older noble pats the younger's arm.

"I know, I know, but this is the hard work that truly turns a superior into a leader."

"Mm..."

"Just think of it - as someone in your position, you will of course need to delegate. It's important to get to know the people working for you - insisting Four Angles, Twelve Intersecting Lines allow you entry to the initial ceremony was excellent planning. Remember, anyone who's anyone wanted to be there, and you were the first among 'anyone'! These important moments can only add to the wealth and prestige of Angry Vases."

"Right you are, Uncle..."

"These are precious moments - very few people have had the opportunity to witness an iterator in such a state! Some number of those in our own House, of course, and you will join their ranks...Oh, just think of it Silken, think of the opportunities! I know you can bloom if only given the chance."

"I think they liked me, you know. I think I stood out more than anyone else who was there. It went very well. Once you see the pearl you'll be thrilled with how impressive I was."

"I am certain of it! I cannot wait to see..."

◙---------------◙

You did not actually like Eyes Behind Countless Silken Curtains very much. You did not feel particularly strongly about them, other than they are perhaps a disruption to this community; it elicits a negative bias within you to hear their relation praise the same behaviour that prompted that earlier suggestion. This will require correcting.

However, you are presently unable to communicate directly with them. They are not within the same chamber as before, and unlike Crooked Band Around Little Rings, you are unsure if you are able to contact their drone in the same manner. Your eyes - overseers - themselves cannot speak.

They can do other things. But what should you do?