Barely a few hours after returning, the Green Knight insists on an audience with Gran. She reveals the new True King's presence will be necessary to help kickstart a major waterworks renovation for Tranquio Island, one of Istavion's most important territories. With the lifeblood of the country on the line, Gran foregoes rest to conduct an official survey. The captain hopes to investigate not only the island's condition but also Tau'luk's motivations.
Alliah
Thank you for coming, Gran. I know you've just returned to the castle, but there is an important matter to discuss.
After celebrating a happy reunion with Lyria and the rest of the crew, Gran is called into a private room.
Green Knight
...
Upon opening the door, the captain finds Alliah and two Luminary Knights: one of white and one of green.
Octavia
I believe this is our first encounter, my liege. I am Octavia, Green Knight and secretary to the former king.
A voice seems to reverberate directly in Gran's mind, as if silencing all other noise.
Octavia
Do forgive me. I was born without the use of my voice, so I weave magic to speak.
Octavia
I know it can be uncomfortable to listen to, but please bear with my primary method of communication.
White Knight
Octavia. On to the topic at hand, if you please.
Octavia
Of course. My liege, allow me to introduce Tranquio Island. It's an island replete with natural resources.
Octavia
With consistently expanding farms, mines, and settlements, it's become quite the prosperous locale.
Octavia
Unfortunately Tranquio's water supply, consisting mostly of natural wells, won't be sufficient for its burgeoning economic activity. A more large-scale solution will soon prove necessary.
White Knight
We cannot begin without your assessment, Gran. We would like you to conduct a survey and make a royal decree. Isn't that right, Octavia?
Octavia
Yes, thank you. Tranquio's industry is the lifeblood of our kingdom. We would do well to act quickly.
Gran
...
Octavia
This was a project initiated by the former king, and we mustn't have loose ends. Now, please, accompany me to Tranquio.
Although the Green Knight's request is sudden, Gran feels obligated to accept.
Refusing could lead to the starvation of Istavion subjects. And what's more, Tau'luk does not make plans lightly.
Alliah
Would you please detail exactly how Gran is to survey the land?
Octavia
First we will need to determine the scope of the new water system—whether or not sewage systems should be included, policy for calculating water usage rates, et cetera.
Octavia
But after construction has concluded, it is my hope you will consider establishing strict laws to penalize the destruction and contamination of the water supply, my liege. Ah, which reminds me...
She goes on to list other items for consideration, including supply source priority and flow rate estimates.
Gran
...
Alliah
Octavia, may I ask a question? Are these matters to be made solely at the king's discretion?
Octavia
Indeed. The former king oversaw Duat's extensive zoning project by himself.
White Knight
By himself? He was able to consider all the issues without consulting any of the ministers?
Octavia
Yes. He even noted a few issues I had not considered.
Alliah
That man... was relentless...
Octavia
In the words of the former king, "A king sees what the masses do not."
Octavia
He possessed the King's Eye, a discerning gaze that allowed him to view nearly infinite possibilities.
White Knight
And yet we do not possess such a gaze. Gran, I will arrange for the ministers to accompany us on your visit.
Octavia
I look forward to witnessing their expertise. Now then...
Octavia
My liege, may I help you prepare for the coming journey?
Her sudden tonal shift stuns Gran.
Octavia
I am the king's personal secretary. It is important we get to know one another.
Octavia
Now, let us finish the arrangements together.
Alliah
Octavia is like the former king. Completely unreadable.
White Knight
(Did the former king leave something behind in Tranquio? And if so... what?)
Octavia
Hehe. My liege, please pack your hiking boots and a spare bag. That island possesses difficult terrain, but more importantly—
Octavia
There might be an interesting souvenir waiting for us there.
Octavia allows an ounce of emotion to bleed through her otherwise stoic timbre, causing Gran to question her motives.
Octavia
What an honor, to be the one to guide my liege across that beautiful island.
Octavia
I have no doubt this journey will be unforgettable—truly unforgettable—for both of us.
The Green Knight senses exciting potential within Gran, potential that will be necessary in the coming days.
Less than a week later, arrangements for the waterworks project in Tranquio are complete. The survey team has gathered at the port.
Architect
Ah! So this is Your Majesty's airship, the Grandcypher!
Geologist
They don't make 'em like this anymore! I bet this ol' gal has seen her fair share of battles!
Rackam
Aww, shucks. Don't just stand there admiring her—hop on!
Passengers
Don't mind if we do!
Ministers and experts board the Grandcypher, contributors brought in to help with the project at the behest of Alliah and the White Knight.
At the forefront of the parade of politicians and specialists is the Green Knight.
Architect
We'll prioritize serviceability and corrosion resistance! I'm thinking steel pipes with either bronze or enamel plating!
Geologist
Good call! We can source tin and glass locally! Just a question of productivity now...
Rackam
Wow, these folks love their jobs...
Woman
Ahaha, they're just stoked because they get to ride the king's ship.
Rackam
Huh? You with the architects?
Anamaria
Ah, sorry. I'm a helmsman like you. The name's Anamaria.
Anamaria
This bigwig minister told me I could learn a lot from you, so he brought me along. But, yeah, I boarded with the architects.
Rackam
Say what now? I wasn't planning on giving private lessons during this trip.
Anamaria
Oh, come on. I heard how this ol' gal was too broken to fly, but you brought her back to life.
Anamaria
And how you maneuver her like she's your own arm. Or how about the fact you sail with primal beasts as part of your crew? Hell of a helmsman if I've ever heard of one.
Rackam
Well, you did your research, that's for sure. But it gives me a swelled head when you put it all together in a big list like that...
Anamaria
Don't be so modest. So what do you say? Can I shadow you? I promise not to get in your way.
Rackam
Yeah, sure... Not like I'm tryin' to block your flight plans either. Do as you like.
Anamaria
Thanks, man. I'll go sit in that corner till we take off.
Rackam
Sigh... Man, now I have a side gig as a tutor?
Vyrn
Hehe, someone's gettin' popular! This could be a nice change of pace for ya, Rackam!
Rackam
Sure, sure. Now let me focus on flying the ship. Nosy dragon...
Lyria
Ahaha...
A frowning Rackam turns the wheel, while Gran, Lyria, and Vyrn stare out into the sky.
Having been freed from the Blue Liberation Front's hideout, the view from the deck almost looks brand new to the captain.
Not that much time has passed, but it feels like an eternity.
Swept away by the duties and drama of the crown, Gran has almost forgotten living the life of a skyfarer.
Forgotten...
Katalina
What's the matter, Gran?
An explanation doesn't come to mind, only the feeling that a memory is missing.
A very important memory.
Io
You've been really out of it. Are you tired?
Eugen
Given the circumstances, I'd be worn out too. New king stuff and getting over a kidnapping? Yeah, that'll tucker ya out.
Rosetta
Oh, dear. I hope our time in Tranquio is somewhat relaxing.
Gran
...
What was forgotten? The feeling sends a chill down the captain's spine.
Vyrn? Here. Lyria? Check. Katalina, Rackam, Io, Eugen, Rosetta? The captain looks at each of their faces, as if confirming they are all still accounted for.
158: The King's Secretary 
