"How inconvenient." Ruby was miffed.

After some trial and error you were able to find the right place.

The receptionist behind the desk, unlike the tired wood elf woman from before, was a bubbly wood elf woman.

"Hiya!" Said the newly met elf with a smile. "Can I help you?"

"Woah!" Bertha said. "How'd you get the bow so quickly?"

"Oh, this?" She took off the accessory and held it on her hand. "I dunno. I just got it today!"

"Ahem." Ayane cleared her throat. "Master John Doe would like to speak with you about getting a patent done. I believe a 'permit 101' was needed?"

And again the same explanations were drawn up and made.

"Of course!" Exclaimed the elf. "I'd love to help out! Just give me a minute while I get the green form needed to get it done."

"The green forum?" Ayane asked.

"Yes, the green forum is needed to make permit 101 available." This elf receptionist said. "Shoot. I don't think I have it here. Sorry!"

"If you don't possess it, then where can we get this 'green forum'?" Asked Ruby, still managing a smug smile.

"It should be on the fifth floor. Pass the second corridor to the right there, and you should find a receptionist there." Said she. "There's an elevator in the hallway to the right. It's right in the center of the building, you can't miss it.

"Sorry again about that! It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Savant!" She waved sheepishly as you and your wives departed.

Well at least you were making some progress. Though Mel's bad premonition was starting to linger in your mind, you hoped things would get wrapped up soon enough.

===

Five hours later and you were still nowhere near the end of it. Endless paperwork flowed from the countless elves that worked here. Words seemed to lose their meaning after being repeated so much and you were no closer to getting an update on that patent.

"Ugh..." Bertha groaned. "Purple forums, red forums, yellow forums... I think I'm gonna be sick."

A few of your wives weren't faring much better.

"Why are we even here again?" Mel asked.

"To obtain the patent." Ayane replied, still as composed and patient as ever.

"Then why the bloody hell are we still doing this, mate?" Cattleya almost snapped at her.

"Earlier today I mentioned how the Centrian government was merely a loose coalition of foreign interests and merchants." Ayane answered. "I believe most friction and confusion stems from how Eastia and Westphalia are constantly competing for influence in the city."

"No shit." Cattleya huffed. "Back in Eastia the paper pushes were proper nimble, mate. It'd take half an hour, tops, for the bloody faff to get sorted out, an' even fookin' less to get papers done."