Valruzia

[Aethan]

A "throuple" in the Marble House?

The Chancellery's most guarded secrets may not be just about politics

January 5698

Barela's bodyguard allegedly involved with the Barela-Gadja marriage

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Behind the marble walls of Valruzia's most guarded residence, it seems that love may not follow the usual rules, as what began as hushed chatter among staff and social insiders has now blossomed into full-blown speculation: Chancellor Krystian Barela, his wife Ksenia Gadja and Barela's ever-present bodyguard are said to share a relationship that goes well beyond protocol and well beyond the couple.

Those familiar with the couple insist that the bodyguard’s role has long surpassed that of merely a professional protector. He is reportedly present at many private dinners, accompanies the couple on discreet getaways, and remains a constant figure in moments usually reserved for spouses alone. For some, this is just the usual function of a bodyguard, but for many others, is further proof that the bodyguard's relationship goes "far beyond mere professionalism".

Although Chancellor Barela's sexuality is no secret to anyone in Valruzia, this alleged relationship between the couple – who have a child – and a member of staff has drawn criticism from some sectors of society, who see it as completely "inappropriate", and others who even speak of the possible existence of "abuse of power" by the couple over an employee.

However, a staffer who spoke with us under the condition of anonymity put it more bluntly:
"If this were an affair, it would already be over. This is more like an arranged deal between all parts. Some people keep looking for a victim, there isn't one". The couple's child, born in 5690, has also been reportedly spending time with said bodyguard, way past his usual "working hours".

Officially, the Chancellery has nothing to say. Unofficially, the lack of a firm denial has only fed the rumors, as questions about the bodyguard's constant presence are brushed aside as usual "security matters". However, this newspaper has managed to get access to reservations made last summer, where the Chancellor's family spent some days abroad in vacation in Kampania, and the bodyguard, who has been working for Chancellor Barela since he first was elected as head of Government in 5690, was captured in some pictures along with them in time of leisure rather than working schedules. 

K.A.'s (Klemens Adamczyk)'s colleagues also seem to confirm these rumours unofficially, as they claim that he is the only one of them with a work schedule that differs "significantly" from the rest. In addition, some say that, in private conversations, K.A. – aged 39 – may have said that he has found his place "in a relationship", and said to be "happier than ever".

Of course, nothing has been officially confirmed, and the Office of the Chancellery repeatedly dodges questions on the matter. The government does not mention the issue, but internal sources from Forward Valruzia, the minority coalition partner, suggest that, if true, "it could be a scandal that would reshape the government", although others point out that the personal lives of individuals "should not and do not affect parliamentary politics".