[ There's a wide berth of possibilities in what Kyle answers about their accommodations and what's of particular note to Claude is that it sounds like that's provided regardless. Unlike in the Free Cities where that offer comes with "voluntary" enrollment into the military, and with it only. But of course, that also comes at the expense of Thorne's Summoned being relatively trapped under high surveillance and in the midst of all the unease.

When the conversation turns to Marlo, Claude shakes his head. ]

I've only seen Marlo a handful of times. She was there when I was summoned and greeted me somewhat personally which seems to be true for each of the other Summoned I've met. Or I should say those from my world who I asked about it, and they arrived after I did. Other than that, the other times I've seen her is giving speeches at various events and nothing ever one-on-one. She was speaking to all of us after our return from Nocwich when Libertas was attacked. [ A pause for a sip of tea while he considers his impressions of her. ] I'd describe Marlo as... a rather talented politician.

[ A safe answer from a former politician, but without more trust established: there's only so far Claude's willing to go. He's assuming that works both ways, but it also won't prevent him from asking: ] Do you see the Queen about that often in Thorne, or are there others in power that comprise the court? Or were, before that purging happened since I assume some of them were likely to go.