'Madam Speaker, please accept this... humble gift of mine.' Inside the Slobberknocker boxing gym, a paunchy nobleman stands in front of Vina. Morgan turns her head away, looking rather annoyed. 'I've been telling this guy to get lost God-knows how many times already, Vina, but this visit really takes the cake.' 'I thank you for entrusting the rebuilding of Auchterigg to me.' The noble forces out a slavish smile as he avoids Morgan. 'I had previously called upon your manor several times, but your friend here didn't even allow me past the doorway. I simply had to give this to you in person, or I wouldn't be able to sleep at night!' Before Vina can even reply, he slowly opens up the extravagant case he is carrying, revealing its contents. 'A... speed bag?' Though it is just about recognizable by its shape, this 'speed bag' almost makes Vina break out in confused laughter. What should be a simple punching bag made of coarse fabric attached to a rebound platform had been covered in dark blue velvet and embroidered in gold with Victoria's coat of arms. Even more ridiculous was the complex ornamentation at its attachment point. 'I'd heard you appreciated a good round of fisticuffs in your youth, so I asked the most skilled craftsmen of Londinium to make you this speed bag. It's even got a few humble ideas of my own, like how the colors of the bag match with your esteemed Holy Orb of Order. Does it not signify the eternal union of your will and the heading of our fair nation?' The nobleman finds himself panting for breath after his lengthy bout of flattery, tugging at his necktie to give his pudgy neck some air. 'Have you been studying pugilism as well, Earl Caspar?' 'Why yes, of course!' The earl's eyes begin to shine. Vina walks over to an empty platform, hanging up the earl's gift. 'If it pleases you, my lord. As this is your gift to me, it is only right that you have the first strike.' The earl's face pales, but it would not do to refuse such kindness. He can but roll up his sleeves and softly throw a punch at the bag. It sways only slightly. 'Put a little more force into it, my lord.' 'But I can't, Madam Speaker! If the decorations get scratched—' Vina does not wait for him to finish speaking before driving a fist straight into the bag. It bumps up against the platform, the golden lions adorning its peak snapping in twain. Upon seeing such destruction, the earl stamps his feet in panic. One punch, then another. With each strike, the ornamentation shatters, sending countless fragments falling to the ground, so fast the earl cannot pick them all up. 'I... I spent a lot of good money on that!' The earl's face is a bright ruddy red. 'If you didn't like my gift, Madam Speaker, you didn't have to shame me like this!' 'Hardly, Earl Caspar. I actually rather like it. It's probably the finest speed bag I've ever used, once you strip it of the impractical parts. Much like you, my lord. When I look past your frippery and finery, I am reminded of your many contributions to the city's planning in your younger days. If you wish to find me, I will most often be in my office. On that note, don't forget to bring your project plans.' Vina halts her onslaught, looking at the bag. It continues swaying out of inertia, the golden coat of arms sewn onto it a blur. 'The Holy Orb of Order is esteemed by the people not because of its extravagance, but rather, because of the miracle of civilization our ancestors wrought. 'But it is clear that this current age of ours can hardly be called a miracle. 'Which is why, my lord, I shall hang this here, and allow all passers-by to give it a good drubbing. 'If there comes a day when it no longer sways, I hope it is not because people hold it in esteem... 'But because of their heartfelt approval of this coat of arms, made up of all Victorians.'