Kalistan

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Kalistani News in Brief: Pawlik Inducted into Ancient Order of Grey Smoke;
Sulari Gambling Syndicate under Scrutiny; Empress in Waiting prepares to Study Abroad
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 15, 5690


President Pawlik of Valruzia becomes Lady Companion of Order

Pawlik Inducted into Ancient Order of Grey Smoke
President Urzsula Pawlik of Valruzia was inducted this week into the Ancient Order of the Grey Smoke, at the rank of Lady Companion. The title, which is believed to be largely ceremonial, and requires no monetary or other contributions on the part of the Valruzian President, is nonetheless highly prestigious, and grants the President special access to the Royal Family in Kalistan. The President was inducted by Her Highness, Princess Regent Nicolette Ananto-Collins, who is the acting sovereign of the elite club.

"The Ancient Order of the Grey Smoke is perhaps one of the most secretive societies in the world," said Social Columnist James Conrad, who has reported for years on the goings on in this organization for La Moda. "They publish membership lists, so we can see who's on the list: It's mostly all active members of the Royal Family, high Government officials including the Chancellor, the Foreign Minister, many of the peers, and there are some other interesting names there as well. What is far more telling is who is not on there: From what we can tell, those on that list hold close confidence with the Empress, and everyone else, even leaders of very powerful nations, have to get in line with everyone else."

What goes on in the Order's secret meetings has never been documented anywhere, nor will any spokesperson confirm or deny any information about what happens after doors are closed. It is however believed that Order members can speak with the Monarch of Kalistan without needing a formal audience. Whatever the benefits are, Dame Pawlik, as she may now call herself in Kalistan, possesses them, and as the appointment is for life, whether she retires from office or not, she will always have a home in Kalistan and a friend in the Empress.

Sulari Gambling Syndicate under Scrutiny
The Bookmakers Association of Suldanor, the primary bet makers in Kalistan, who license in all Sulari casinos, and who operate maintain all pari-mutuels and off track betting facilities across the Empire are facing questions from regulators in Her Imperial Majesty's Finance Ministry, concerning three failed audits in a row. The Bookmakers' Association, who is a consortium of punters whose job it is to ensure odds and fair gaming has trouble getting its receipts to match its cash flow.

"There is at least some evidence of leakage," said Alexander De Soto, chief auditor for Her Imperial Majesty's Finance Ministry and Head of Accounts for the Imperial Bank. Leakage is industry jargon for missing money: It's usually associated with bank deposit receipts and income statements not matching. "We are asking the Bookmaking Association to turn over all records of income and expenditures for the last 20 years so we can look back to see if this is an actual good faith error, or if there is a systemic issue we need to look closer at."

De Soto and the Imperial Bank are beginning their inquiry following a statement from the floor of the National Assembly from Deputy Bradley Schwartzman last month. "Deputy Schwartzman said he was acting on a tip from several anonymous constituents that there was something off about some of the Bookmakers' operations. So he asked me to review the audits from the Association's records, and sure enough, there were some discrepancies that we were able to identify." He said the potential leakage can total more than 15 million Imperial Rubles over the last three years. "We need to compare the Association's bookkeeping for the last 20 years to determine what we are even looking at," said De Soto, who said The Bookmakers' Association has until November of this year to comply with Government requests.

Empress in Waiting prepares to Study Abroad
Her Imperial Majesty Empress in Waiting Carolina-Katherine Michelle Ananto-Connor is preparing to study abroad for the fall semester of 5690. She will be travelling to Nowagard, where she will lodge at the home of Lady Lena-Maria Kowalski, Courtesy Countess of Lhasa in the Duchy of Nevaras. Kowalski, who is a native of Nowagard Valruzia has offered the young monarch her home, which is near the school she will study Valruzian language at, as well as core curriculum studies like math, philosophy and politics.

"It is an honor to host Her Imperial Majesty at my family's home in Valruzia," said Lady Kowalski. "I will travel with her to the Capital, and stay with her for the first two weeks, before I will leave the rest of her stay to her Governess and security. My home is her home of course, and I believe she will find the experience rewarding and fulfilling." Lady Kowalski said she is working with the Royal Family to ensure that Her Imperial Majesty will want for nothing while she is immersing herself in Valruzian life and language.

Lady Kowalski said her family still lives in the Valruzian capital, and has invited Her Imperial Majesty to dine with them five nights of the week the entire semester. "The best way to learn the language is to speak it with native speakers," said the Countess. "Her Imperial Majesty told me that her intention is to speak as little Vrassan as she possibly can as she studies. My family will look forward to talking with her and introducing her to all the things our proud culture has to offer." Kowalski did acknowledge that her brother Szymon Kowalski is a member of the KPW, but said he was a pragmatist and is very kind. "I think Her Imperial Majesty and Szymon will have a lot to talk about," said Lady Kowalski with a smile. "Variation is the spice of life!" She added that her parents are ardent supporters of Forward Valruzia and the President. "When my father and brother start talking politics, things get quite animated in the Kowalski House."

@TheRepublic