"So I've heard. It speaks well of you."

"It could have been done with more wisdom and caution."

"I've heard that too."

"I should hope so. If more Kings had heard the story perhaps they would have had the chance to learn from it."

"I certainly have every intention of learning from as many mistakes as I can get anyone to tell me about."

"I hope you have the opportunity."

"Thank you."

"Have you run into particular challenges so far?"

"So far things have gone blessedly smoothly."

"I hope that fortune carries you a long way!"

"We'll see."

And everyone compliments the lovely coronation and heads home.

And Odette goes back to wheedling and calculating and trying and finally--

persuades the world--

swish (not a crack. like with Conquest teleportation, but a gentle whooshing sound.)