7th of February, M.E. 754

Quiet birthday this year, as I wanted it. Uncle and I had a nice lunch. He took me to my favorite seafood restaurant on the square. After a few meetings, I met up with Noctis, Gladio, and Noctis' friend Prompto. Not much to that other than snacks and conversation. We threw a few darts and played poker. I won, as always.

When I arrived back at my desk, there was a small box and a dessert of some kind, with a note attached. It was from Aleya, stating she had left the reports in the file. She'd hoped I had a pleasant day and wished me a happy birthday. The dessert she called 'Tomato Cake'. It was a no-frills treat, a color varying between pink and red, and very spongy. I wasn't sure I would like it, but I found it positively delicious. It must be a Galahdian recipe. I'm determined to re-create it in the future.

Also, she left a watch. As frugal as she is with her money, I was beyond amazed at the quality and design of the timepiece. It's very fashionable. She appears to know my taste quite well. I shall thank her for it in the morning.

14th of February, M.E. 754

I'll quickly admit I was a bit hesitant regarding Aleya's teaching methods. It appeared to me she gave Noct more leisure time than study. We argued about it quite extensively, and when I say argued, I mean it in the fullest sense. I found myself raising my voice on more than one occasion, as did she. She told me I could not expect to hold everyone to the standards I set for myself—a profoundly confounding suggestion—and told me to give her time to prove her method. So, despite my grave concerns for His Highness' average, I gave her the time she requested.

It paid off. I'm completely aghast at Noct's new grade. He pulled it up over fifteen points—well into passing. I must have her explain her method straight away.

19th of February, M.E. 754

I received official word today—Master Yore has properly been relieved of his duties. Upon digging into past incidents, it seems there were other inappropriate infractions—long concealed—that spoke of his bigotry. His Majesty has no tolerance for such behavior.

The Empire has been re-routing fuel lines. The pipework that stretches through Lucis has been gradually diverted with the last few lines supplying only to Insomnia and a few stations beyond her border. There is decreasing traffic outside of our gates. Between the fear of the night and the waning fuel supply, most of the citizenry are staying at their current place of residency. What little travel occurs seems to be well-planned and to large, generally safe areas, such as havens and tourist areas. (Galdin Quay and Lestallum, for example.) From the reports we are receiving, the world without is slowly turning into a wasteland. The King is sending what support he has to protect the fuel lines as well as any remaining fuel stations.

Aleya's brother has been deployed, of course. I'm not sure I'm entirely comfortable with her staying alone at her current locale. The crime rate has doubled there over the years. It doesn't help the situation that I've learned she walks here every day and home every evening. She states it's more industrious. Some would call it more reckless.

Apparently Noct's friend Prompto has requested tutoring from my assistant. While I'd be pleased to think he is asking to better himself, I cannot help but suspect he has far less noble thoughts. I've seen the way his eyes travel when an attractive woman happens by. I have no trust that the subject he is studying has anything to do with academics. Not that he would act upon the thoughts he has of her. He turns as red as a Lucian tomato when she even glances his direction.

She's so naïve. I really must educate her on the real ways of this world.

20th of February, M.E. 754

Another successful Founders' Day. The citizens seemed thoroughly and delightfully distracted. His Majesty was in good spirits and remains well-supported. I dare say I even caught a glimmer in Noct's eye, and he detests such official pleasantries.

He complained afterwards about the operatic music; About having to sit for hours on into the evening in a sea of old men. I promised him an after-party next year.

Though, eventually, he'll have to grow up and sit as straight-backed as his father. Hard to imagine.

10th of March, M.E. 754

It's raining today. It always fascinates me that rain can enter our crystalline shield that protects the city, and yet seldom else can. The crystal is indeed a marvel.

Noct's last few weeks of classes are nearing before his graduation.

We've heard rumors of shard mining. Aleya and I are working on the reports. It's my hope his Majesty will be quite pleased with our work, if not the news.

15th of March, M.E. 754

It is as we feared. The shard mining is not being conducted by our neighbors in Lestallum, to the west. No, but it appears the Empire is involved. Once Aleya and I research more about the mining process, we'll be able to present the information to the Senators in a timely fashion.

Aleya's been invaluable. She was apparently happy to be roped into this research project of mine. We, of course, are keeping our good Prince apprised of the situation, a future king must know the state of his future country. However, we're careful on how hard we goad him. The King has made it transparently clear that he intends Noctis to have as normal an adolescence as possible. In his words, 'Noct will take his rightful place as heir, but only when he is ready'.

I dare never dispute His Majesty. On events regarding Noctis, there is no quarter.

21st of March, M.E. 754

His Majesty's 48th birthday went splendidly. Noct was on his best behavior, as was Prompto. The Oracle sent her best wishes via Pryna. The event was grand. There's not much else to say regarding the matter. It was a long evening, and it will be an even longer week. I doubt the Insomnian people will mind; They'll take any opportunity available to revel. Outside the Citadel gates, the people rejoice.

Inside the gates, there's much work to do. Best to turn in as early as possible.