“Good morning, sir.” Alastar checked his shields, in case Ryen became even more volatile than usual. “It’s not morning, except for those who lie in bed. It’s midday. It will likely rain later.” Ryen smiled broadly. “I expect you to begin work on the new boulevard by next Lundi.” “You have acquired the property or consent for that?” “I have done everything necessary. Now, you must do what I order.” “If we are to do it properly, I will need a map of which shops and dwellings we are to remove and a proclamation of your grant of authority to the Collegium.” “You’re questioning my word? How dare—” “Sir, I’m not questioning your authority. But when we start to remove dwellings and shops, without an official document, we will face great anger, and people may even attack us. Then we will have to defend ourselves, and people will be hurt. That will take time, and you wish the avenue to be completed as soon as possible. Matters will go far more swiftly with a proclamation and a route set on a map … and notices to those along the route.”
