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The World

With the turn of century upon us it seems the world is not looking to have a brighter future, both metaphorically and literally. Recent technological advances have meant that peoples methods for killing each other have become ever more efficient and alongside this, smoke and soot block out the sun in many of the city hubs that have sprung up. And whilst the world still holds a white peace not everyone within it is happy with the situation. Crises spring up like wild fire and it seems countries are determined in some way or another to pull everyone into a conflict. Of course it doesn't help that most monarchs and rulers want more for their country than they already have. Will superpower blocs emerge or will there be a free for all in the war.

The Kingdom of Andramedie
The men in the circle were not celebrating new year. Most were filthy, covered in the soot and mud that was the constant companion of those without money or means. These people though were not complaining about their place in the world. No they were hapy with their lot in life. Instead they were Reactionary protesters. As a power away from Edoniras the Kingdom had had to import most of it's technology, however this was to the disdain of the masses. Forced to accept this new life a small group of craftsmen from factories are protesting and striking over a desire to return to the old ways. Traditional craft is disappearing in the Kingdom and people are feeling more and more disconnected from their country. If matters are not fixed soon then this could descend into something more violent, with the right backing.

The Empire of Lancia
In Primus stands the Imperial Palace, the home of the Lancian Kaiser, the head of state and the seat of Lancian power. Security is tight in Lancias most precious building and it would take a plan of extreme cunning, or madness, to crack it. This plan was neither, and so it was not a surprise for the guards to have the man, dressed in a dirty and ripped uniform that was unrecognisable, in shackles before he was able to cause any harm. In fact for the guards the capture was too easy, a man trying to scale a wall with a puny blade didn't even seem like a serious attempt on anyones life. However this was not the attempt. In another wing of the palace a large supply of gunpowder, hidden in a secret passage, was ignited. The powder blast did very little damage to the palace itself however it caused quite the large ball of fire and killed and maimed a number of servants. Though not a single individual of importance was harmed. The most recent images in newspapers will show a wing of the Imperial Palace ablaze as firefighters quickly put down the flames. The man arrested is currently in Lancian hands and with so little damage done to the Palaca a formal investigation is to be carried out, if the Kaiser so wishes.

31 December 1899

Capital Cusrok-Great Palace of the Sapa

The day of the celebration of the Sun , 31 of december , the people this day dont work only celebrate the Sun and the wealth they have thanks to him,as none works and all is celebration the Kingdom organizes a feast in every great City of the realm , all with his own entertainment and food for example the city of Cusrok celebrate the Sapa and the dinasty which is ruling the kingdom , Arerpia celebrate the machines and the wealth that brought to them,day of celebration and peace.The Sapa must give a speech this day every year.

This was the speech of the Sapa

-Today we live in comfort , with a lot of food and wealth , we are one of the richest nations in the world and today we celebrate the Sun but not only him , we celebrate too the people which helped us to construct this kingdom.The people today presend deserves all what they have,because we are a honest nation and we will continue to be.

The Sapa finishing his speech goed to the speak with all the ministers,to all of them give them a special conversation about the future of the nation this are the reports

31 December 1899- Ushrian Royal Palace

It was a long held tradition of the royal family to celebrate the new year with a small celebratory party; At least, when compared to some of the other festivals that would take place during the rest of the year.

The annual New Years Eve party was truthfully rather low key as far as formal events went; Guests were free to pick and choose from the arrangement of food at any time they wished, the decorations were few but tasteful and there were several differing genres of musicians that were playing the ballroom tonight, changing the style of music and dance every hour or so. The New Years Ever Party had long been seen as a chance for the elite who ran the nation to get together, wrap up loose ends and try to start with a fresh slate for the year to come. To that end, a section of the palace gardens had been set aside for the purposes of dueling if the need for it arose. While it hadn't been used so far this evening, the night was still young.

The party also served as a means for the nobility to make new connections and arrangements with their fellow nobles in the past, but the rather recent inclusion of the wealthier merchants to the guest list had also opened up the discussion for new trade routes, business ventures and even patronage. While some of the old traditionalist nobles grumbled and complained about the invitation of 'peasants' to their high class event, they did make a point of not complaining to loudly as to be overheard. The winds of change were blowing and if there was one thing the noble families knew how to do it was how to trim their sails and survive.

"Forgive me Owlkitten, but it seems that Minister Artho needs to talk shop with me. I'll be back shortly, alright? "

"Fine, but do try to be quick Honey Bunny. You did promise me that we would dance tonight at some point."

"Of course. Try to have some fun okay?"

With a playful huff and a small "Fine." Queen Alanna kissed her husband softly before walking over to join some of her old friends as King Macdon turned to look at Minister of Industry Artho.

"Once again I am sorry to bother you your majesty, but have you had the chance to read my latest report?"

"I was actually reading it earlier this evening but I had to get dressed for the party before I could get into the fully details. You mentioned something about protests and strikes?"

"Afraid so your majesty. It seems that the import of foreign technology that was used to greatly enhance our ability to produce goods has met with something of a backlash. There is a small group of craftsmen from factories who are protesting and striking over a desire to return to the old ways while traditional craft is disappearing. One of their main rallying points is that they are afraid that we are sacrificing our culture for greed. It's still early days and those doing the protests and strikes are still fairly civil at this point but if we ignore it or if someone starts to antagonize them this could easily spread out of control like a forest fire. "

The King was silent for a moment as he considered the issue that his minister had raised. He trusted the man's assignment of the situation since he made a good point to employ intelligent ministers and if he said that this needed to be addressed then so be it. "Very well. I believe I will attend to this matter personally. I want you to send invitations out to the leaders of these strikes and protests to an appointment with me on... let's make it the forth. Might as well give them time to get the invitation and make their way here after all. I assume you'll be able to be present?"

"Of course your majesty."

"Very well then. If that is your only concern might I recommend the grilled salmon. The chefs really have done Ryūjin proud this evening."

And with that the evening continued on as the wheels of politics turned.

.........................

Summery: Having heard of the strikes and protests, the King has offered the leaders of said strikes and protests an invitation to meet with himself and the Minister of Industry and discuss the matter like reasonable adults.

31st December 1899

No. 11 Upping Street, Kyvern, Unified Realm of Albia and Terosa

Chancellor Larios sighed wearily as a sank into his chair. Ignoring the previous (and frequent) scoldings of his housekeeper, Mrs Grey, he hefted his feet up onto his desk and glanced to his right, out of his window.

Below ran a road, Upping Street. Famous for featuring the Chancellorship residence at No. 11, there were nevertheless few sightseers lingering outside. Perhaps the slow, grey drizzle had something to do with it. A few lazy horse-drawn carts eased by, and even an automobile clattered past.

Sighing again, the Chancellor dragged his feet off his desk and pushed himself forward. Below his solid eyeline lay various sheets of paper and assorted telegrams, letters and communiques. One file caught his eye, printed with the insignia of the Albian Intelligence Bureau. It was entitled: OPERATION SPARK-IGNITE - PHASE A. Larios opened it, flicking through the pages. He smiled. Anti-Vanjanan sentiments 'ignited' near the Runtish border with the Holy Empire. That would make the 'plot' much more believable...

He placed the folder to one side and picked up a second sheet of paper, this time featuring the emblem of the Albian Ministry for Foreign Affairs. True pro-Albian/Terosan feeling was reported to be growing on the Runtish islands that were rightful Albian territory. The Terosan majority on the islands, and the somewhat smaller but still large Albian minority were stirring, perhaps now muttering against the wrongful rule of the even lesser ethnic Runtish minority. Soon Albia would liberate its loyal but misgoverned cousins across the sea.

Scooping up a pen and snatching yet another sheet of (blank) paper from his nearby pigeon-hole, he began to scribble a message to the Vanjanan Jade. He already had conformation from Parliament, the Oligarchy and the Princes. Now just to send it off...

Grand Administratum Construct
31st of December 1899

The sounds of celebration had died down as night settled over Numburg. Distant fireworks could be heard at random but aside from that the city was unusually quiet.

A soft snow feel quietly outside staining the landscape a crisp white. The few straggeling party goes continued their way homebound albiet with some stumbling.

Markus Finch, 2nd Viceroy of Numburg peered out over his balcony watching the city sleep. His gaze slowly raised upwards to the distant industrial district. Even now in the middle of the night black smoke still rose into the air.

A chill ran down the pasty mans spin and he held his great overcoat more tightly to him. His eyes were the subject of mystery while his smile was that of a younger man. An observant person might even notice that it didn't entire reach those mysterous eyes.

The man took a glance down at his fine Numburgian craft pocket watch and with that turned and left his perch.

He walked down a hall passing by a desk full of papers, the preliminary reports of an attack on the Lancian kaiser had been placed there but a few hours earlier.

The doors at the end of the hallway were modest. No grandoise embroidering. Inside was king sized bed with the finest silk blanket money could buy, Another desk, A safe, And above the bed hung a large painting of a younger Finch, a women, and a small boy.

Finch payed no heed to any of it and layed down upon his bed. Tomorrow would be the first day of the new century and he would have much work to do starting with planning Numburgian Trans Contiental Railway. On top of that a diplomat would have to be dispatch to Lancia to strengthen relations.

A Numburgian Luxary ship would would be arriving in Farligmark to pick up The Jade any day now as well. Preperations needed to be made for his arrival.

With that fresh on his mind the Viceroy fell into a light sleep closing the day in Numburg.

The Jade sat in his office, reading the daily newspaper. It was hard to believe that it was actually 1900, it was like a date out of some book, not reality. In fact, it was somewhat disappointing. He had always expected the 1900's to be different somehow, but so little had changed since his childhood. The same predictions kept being made, just with pushed-back dates and more outrageous illustrations. Even as Jade, he hadn't managed to get anything of worldwide importance done.

We'll make it someday, I'm sure! He thought, looking out the window at the sun just now making its way over the horizon. The first sunrise of the new year, the new millennium. Though it was not everything he and everyone else had hoped for or predicted, he knew it would become such a time. There wasn't anything he couldn't do, and by extension of that, the same was true for Vanjana.

A man walked into the room without asking, something Kalle was perfectly fine with. The fact he had not identified himself told the Jade who he was.

"Shikoba." Said the Jade, standing up to face the man. "What brings you here?"

The man made a series of odd noises, most somewhat reminiscent of clicks, then held up a card. It read "Telegram from Albia". The Jade was glad to see that his aide had remembered his request to speak his own language while holding the cards, hoping to learn it. He had gone to classes before, but every few weeks he would drop out of them, saying that he didn't need them to learn the language. In the end everyone had decided that it would be better to just keep him out of them, and Shikoba had volunteered to help him learn through immersion.

"Really? What about?"

Another series of noises came out of Shikoba's mouth, with the Jade staring at his lips the whole time. The expression on his face clearly conveyed that he still couldn't quite believe that a human was capable of making them. Nevertheless, he copied the movements in an effort to place the sounds, then moved on to read the card. Being pre-prepared, it wasn't exactly an answer, but it sufficed.

"I don't think you'll like it, Jade."

Shikoba handed the Jade the telegram, and he quickly frowned. It threw Shikoba somewhat off-balance, seeing the Jade frown. Sure, he did it plenty, but his actions followed patterns, and a frown right now wasn't anywhere near the pattern.

"I knew there were tensions, but I never imagined that they went this far! Wait for a moment, I'll write a telegram right now!"

Lacking a pen to write a response, Shikoba simply followed the Jade's orders. When he was done, Shikoba tucked the paper underneath his left arm. Noticing a map on the wall, he motioned to Numburg, hoping the Jade would get the message.

"Oh! The trip! I have to set up a suitable committee to deal with emergencies during my absence!"

The Jade rushed out of the room, knowing Shikoba wouldn't be able to say anything he could understand anyways. Undignified? Most certainly. Then again, the Jade never had been one to waste his dignity among those he considered friends. At least, as close to friends as one could get with the man.

I can't tell is he's a good leader because of his oddities or a bad one. Thought Shikoba, looking at the desk to see a knocked over ink basin spilling out onto the table. With a sigh, he walked into the hallway, searching for the cleaning crew.

The Imperial Palace, Primus
Kaiser Gabriel stood, observing the damage.that had been done to the palace. A tall man, the blond hair and blue eyes stood out as they did on any Lancian. He wore his royal regalia, deep gray mixed with stripes of black, with a few ornate golden stripes to top it off. While it was perhaps not the most beautiful combination of colors, gray and black was amongst the most common colors used in Lancian designs, and as such he had dictated the regalia should be composed of it.

While the wing that had been damaged was not of great importance, Gabriel was still mad over it’s lost. It had been a memorial wing commissioned by him to his his mother and the first ruler of the united Lancian state, Kaiserin Alena. As he had been known as the Great Conqueror for expanding Lancia’s border northwards, so his mother was known as the Great Uniter for bringing the divided Lancian Kingdoms, duchies, and city-states into one big Empire. She had died a mere two years after having formed the Empire, being so old after a long life of political games had made her weary of life. Gabriel was fond of her as she was actually the one to train Gabriel in the ways of politics, diplomacy, and governance. His father was too busy leading the military to pay much attention to his son.

Chancellor Ignatz, Gabriel’s most trusted adviser and life-long friend stood surveying the damage. He used to be a General, but long since had retired. His hair greyed and his eyes sunk, he wore much the same attire as Kaiser Gabriel, but it lacked the ornate Golden stripes and the crown. In his age he had grown to be a portly man, going from leading the great Lancian Armies in battle to merely studying writings and helping the Kaiser keep the Empire’s affairs organized. He was busying making preparations for the investigation, which was to be carried out immediately as ordered by the Kaiser.

“Damage reports Chancellor?” asked the Kaiser, in a tone that made it clear he was the Emperor of 64 million souls, and a proud and famous man.

“The wing and it support’s are totally destroyed, and the entire wing will need to be constructed. A majority of the writings and paintings of Kaiser Alena were destroyed in the blast, and only a few were recovered. The statue sent to us by the United Empire of Corustaria to commemorate the Treaty of Hantan was also destroyed in the blast.” responded the Chancellor, still focused on organizing the investigation.

“Dammit” swore the Kaiser under his breath, looking to the ashes of the destroyed wing. He once again turned and faced the Chancellor, with another question.

“The man who came, is he imprisoned?”

“Yes he is alright in the dungeons awaiting your sentencing Kaiser. Normally he would have already been tried by the courts the Parliament setup, but considering the circumstances they felt it best you personally decide on the matter.” commented the Chancellor Ignatz.
The Kaiser thought about what to do, making his final decisions and orders.

“I want an investigation conducted immediately. You currently have a total of 100 million in funds for the investigation Ignatz, and more can be provided if necessary, I just want everyone involved found as soon as possible. As for the prisoner, officially announce he his receiving a lifetime in jail for breaking and entering into Imperial Property. However, I actually want him sent down to our boys at Alkanas Prison on the Islands of Biel. See what they can get out of him. I also want my latest Imperial Order with the news laws enacted as soon as possible, I shall not let this slow down my plans for Lancia.” ordered the Kaiser.

“Yes your Majesty!” saluted the Chancellor and several of the surrounding soldiers. The Kaiser walked off, disappearing into the main hall of the Palace.

Near the Oldenburg Border, Train Car
The Lancian Crown Prince Erich sighed, looking out the window of the train. He had wished to stay at Primus after the incident at the Palace, but his father had not let him and ordered him on another diplomatic mission to Corustaria. Ever since the Kaiser came privy to the little nugget of information that was his relationship with Princess Lilian of Corustaria, the Kaiser had ordered Erich on more and more trips to Corustaria. While he was always glad to go see Lillian and serve the fatherland in whatever way he could, he wanted to be in his precious Lancia if anything went wrong.

Erich was a handsome man, a stunning image of a prince. His hair was short and blonde and combed back. His blue eyes shone, and even in his slumped down position in his seat he was clearly tall. Rather than royal regalia he wore his old black dress military uniform, the legendary Iron Cross reward pinned onto it, in addition to a slew of other medals. A saber in it’s sheath also sat next to Erich, the symbol of the Wilhelm dynasty emblazoned on it. He was reading over the various diplomatic proposals he had been given, all addressed to Corustaria. He set them down, not really caring. He did however open his suitcase, and pull out a small black leather case. He had ordered specially through a merchant company in Numburg. As he cracked it open for what seemed like the millionth time to him, it contained a golden ring with a beautiful sapphire embedded on the top.

Erich looked at it, it had cost him quite a bit, but that was of no concern to the Prince. He wondered if Lillian would say yes. It had been what, a year now? The two had never been able to see each other much, despite Erich’s frequent visit to Corustaria. Yet their love still growed stronger. The only real issue he had with the whole relationship was the Empress and his father treating more like a political move than an actual relationship.

Erich settled down as he prepared for the rest of the train ride, having been informed that payment had been sent ahead to Oldenburg to contract out a Corustarian ship for the journey to the Isles, as well as request for one or two Corustrian Naval ships as a escort. He napped off, thinking about the future.
Laws, Treaties, messages, and other diplomatic stuff

31st of December 1899

The Federal Republic of Aurora

With the new century coming so close, the people of the Republic enjoy the holy day of both rest, enjoyment and entertainment, the finest wine and beer served to the people of Aurora, the finest food lay in front of them in a massive feast, plenty to spare, the finest dancers, musicians, jugglers, actors for the theater and more all for the great people of Aurora.

While the Night started to die down, people drunk in the streets, some guards patrol the streets to ensure no one is harmed, the Consuls gather with the advisors and Secretarys, to discuss the new plans of the century. After many hours of debating, a few arguments breaking out and a drunk fist fight, the Consuls agreed on the future plan of this new century.

The Mighty railways that connect the Republic together will be improved and maintain it, both civil and military railroads, along with improving the Industrial complexes in all the major cities and towns through out the Republic. The Republic also strengthen its borders with stronger forts and defenses, only wanting to ensure the safety of the republic and its people.

The Economy is growing by the day, and the Republic wants to see it continue as such, the Republic invests projects that will increase jobs and businesses through out the republic, they invest about one billion Republic Thrones into the Economy, still allowing other businesses to grow and compete.

Yearly recuitment shows that another 130,000 men have joined the army. now the standing army is 700,000 men strong, to improve the military, the Military structure will be more fine tuned to get the men more organized and disciplined, while improve the military structure, the Military also improve the forts along the borders, increase defenses and the main forts themselves, again the republic only wants peace and informs their neighbors this as to not cause alarm to them.

The navy will also get increased size by the new warships being built
New warships under construction.
4 destroyers
3 Light Cruisers
2 Heavy Cruisers
Currently these warships are under construction.

The Republic prides itself in education and looks to improve it even further, new schools shall be built through the republic, along with a new University in the Capital city, Aurora.

Diplomats are sent to Albia, Andique, Numburg and Farligmark

With the Night at last coming to a draw a new day shines on the Republic and its people, as well as a new century, as they wonder what the future will in hold, they continue their daily lives, while they recover from the intense holiday.




Total investment is around 7.5 billion Thrones

The Royal Palace of Aldham

The turn of the Century was marked by little in particular in Corustaria, the state hadn't the money for any lavish affairs and for many the day simply passed like any other new years day. Deep inside, the Empress hoped that a few years from now the Corustarian Unification anniversary would be marked by much greater celebration. Tragically, even the nobles now had less interest in celebration. The state of the economy plagued the minds of everyone with any sort of power or national pride. Just a century ago Corustaria had been atop the world charges for it's economy, it's factories filling the skies with smoke and goods flowing from the harbours. Now it had been supplanted and needed to find a new way to lead the world.
This opportunity had presented it's self with the dreadnaughts. Corustaria had gone from being "one of the foremost naval powers" to the "indisputable ruler of the waves". But the Empress was no fool, ruling the waves provided little in the way of comfort when they could so obviously be supplanted once more as their economy lagged ever behind. Perhaps it was inevitable that a small collection of small islands with the least number of people of any great power would be economically supplanted. In figures, per capita Corustaria was in a better position than most. Corustaria's per capita for instance was 150% that of Lancia, 120% that of Vanjana and even 119% that of Aurora. This made the smaller people happy indeed and no doubt this contributed to overall stability. The little people felt they were wealthier than those of most other nations. This was all well and good as far as the Empress was concerned, but a good (if slightly misleading) per capita wasn't going to buy her additional ships or arms. It wasn't going to fund massive foreign ventures. It would simply be a bragging right and while she appreciated the chance to blow her Empires horn, the use of prestige had it's limits.

And detracting from this prestige was the international joke that was the Corustarian Army.

Thankfully, a chance had come to rectify that little problem. At long last, her daughter had submitted to the prospect of a marriage. And a marriage with the Lancian heir, no less. It was of course, important that she make sure Lillian know exactly where her final loyalties must lie.

The door behind her cracked open and the rectangle of light was cut off by the silhouette of a woman. The Empress waved her hands for her daughter to approach and the figure paused, flicking on the lights and illuminating the room.
"By candle light again, mother? It's so quaint of you." She said as she brushed a strand of black hair out of the way of her eye and crossed the room with her usual dull expression on her face. It was clear from the way she moved that, despite her best attempts to hide it, she was tired and had recently been roused by the guards who had brought the order from her mother. Her eyes were green which had always confused Emmeline. Inheritance had been documented for many, many decades now and yet Heinrich had blue eyes and she brown. She did not understand why Lillian should have green eyes. Her great aunt had Green eyes, but other than her Emmeline could not name a single family member within living memory on the Wight side that had Lillians green eyes. Both of them shared the same black hair though, while Heinrich had taken his fathers blonde hair and blue eyes. Yes, there was definitely more of her in Lillian than there was of her late husband, all the way down to her thin, petite nose. You couldn't inherit a voice, though it certainly had more in common with Heinrichs. If Lillian yelled, not a single person in the room wouldn't jump in shock. At age eight she had once set a poor maid to tears... and had spent endless hours begging for forgiveness after. It certainly held a commanding tone around it, though it could be soft if she desired it to be. Lillian had a lot to learn, but she was already far superior to her brother in getting people to do what she wanted; when one wasn't bragging all day long about how good they were at firing their revolver they might actually pick up on reality.
"I suppose you already know why I called you here. You and Erichs little escapade isn't about 'love' Lillian, whether you or Erich wish it was. Marriage is for politics, Sex is for children- and love holds no place in this game we're playing. Do you understand why I am allowing this to continue?
"Of course- With the support of the second largest army in the world, there is the chance of a full scale Corustarian restoration; With Corustarian Naval might and Lancian Military prowess, the lands are a blooming orchard and we can pick and choose whichever juicy fruits we so desire." Lillian said as she ran her fingers along the map on the wall
"And you understand the predicament we're in, however?"
"Yes, Heinrich is young and admittedly good at poking men with a stick, but he is not considered fit to rule the Empire."
"Precisely." The Empress gave a wry smile and slowly set herself down in her chair, tilting her head slightly as she pressed the question "So, what is the solution?"
"Simply let me inherit the title anyway." The Princess replied as she sat down in the chair opposite the desk, placing her hands against it and leaning forwards as she reached out to shift through the papers. Emmeline pushed various diplomatics documents towards her and the young Princess raised them and read through them all in turn
"Lancian law says that you must drop all claims to foreign titles."
"Really? Is that what father did, when he ruled both Hantan and Corustaria? It's hardly unprecedented, we're all aware those rules are increasingly outdated. I want to be the Kaiserin AND the Empress, and no archaic laws are going to stop me from expanding my empires. Both my empires." Lillian shot her mother a glance across the table, which she returned. There was a silence as the two locked eyes, before the Empress broke the silence again
"You're already talking as if Gabriel is dead and your Erich is rising to the throne, remember you've got a good two decades at least before Gabriel kicks it. And then when you kick it, who will you pass the title to? Heinrichs children, if he has any?"
"If? We're both aware you'll make sure he does, even if you have to force him to fuck his bride at gunpoint."
"Heinrich is a little lust filled beast, it's not him having children I'm worried about, it's him having legitimate children. Remember when I caught him with that servant girl, Laura? I don't think he's ever quite forgiven me for that..."
"I'm not surprised, you sent her to work for Lord Brimsby in the Colonies."
"4500 miles does wonders for destroying a relationship."
"Who will you marry him to?"
"Honestly, whatever dregs we can dig up. Monarchies are a dying breed... I wish I had more daughters, so many men floating around and no suitable women."
"We could just legalise homosexuality" Lillian smirked "We'd see how the boys enjoy it when they're the ones getting married to some fat slob a decade older than them."
"Being a woman is the best when you're a monarch. Half the world wants your hand and the other half thinks you're just a feeble little woman who is too feminine to be a threat. Your problem, Lillian, is that you never properly embraced your femininity. Use it, wear it as a shroud. Stop trying to prove you're as strong as the men and let them think they're in control... power doesn't rest where men think it rests, it rests where we decide. Manipulate him, Lillian. Spin him around your little finger."
"I don't think I could even if I wanted to, he's not fool, mother."
"No, he isn't. He's a brave, strong and nice boy, I must admit I am a little jealous. I feel too young to be a widow, even if I am 38. Your father was a lot like this Erich. Make sure yours doesn't run off and get himself shot too. Someone needs to remind the Lancians that the days of monarchs leading battles are over." There was another quiet pause, before Lillian spoke again
"What if he never asks me?" She said, almost dejectedly as she reached out and took the bottle of wine in her hand, pouring herself a glass. "What if the Kaiser won't let him?" The Empress simply burst out laughing, much to Lillians chagrin
"Oh, he'll ask you eventually. I think he's probably finding it takes more balls to ask a woman's hand than it takes to fight in a war. As for the Kaiser, don't worry about him. His ships could hardly leave the harbour without sinking. He's not about to let this opportunity fall through the net... which is why we have to milk it for all it's worth when it does happen. This is a massive political movement, Lily." Lillian cringed as she did whenever her mother called her Lily "When it all commences I'm going to see if we can't arrange a nice shipment of bolt action rifles and some officer training from Lancia as a wedding gift of sorts; When the wedding comes no doubts all sorts will be in attendance, enough to give us some more economic connections and possible allow me and Welkynd to push..."
"By the gods, he hasn't even proposed and you're already planning to turn an eventual wedding into a business meeting! Is there no occasion sacred to you mother? Even at fathers funeral you were playing this game!" Lillian exclaimed, then suddenly wished she hadn't when she watched the change come over her mothers face
"My personal life can't effect my politics, daughter, and nor can yours. Every move must be calculated, every speech made to act as a delayed attack, each phrase the point of a blade. A marriage, when it does come, will no doubt be a very happy moment for you, but that doesn't change the fact that you are a Princess of Corustaria. You will always be a Corustarian Royal and that entails a duty that you must never forget. If you do forget it then a day shall come when you think yourself safe and happy, but your joy will turn to ashes in your mouth, and you'll never forget it again. Are we clear?"
"Crystal, mother." There was an awkward pause in the conversation as Lillian turned her attention back to the documents in her hands and then pulled one out, looking over it before quickly changing the topic "Mother, what is this?" She asked as she handed it over to her mother
"This is the letter I've been composing to Numburg. We have to open up our economy to potential foreign investment and Numburg are venture capitalists if I've ever met them. They have a strong industry, if I can negotiate some trade rights with them and get them to invest in Corustaria..."
"You are sure that is wise? Why not allow our allies in Lancia to invest instead, it will-"
"Lillian, your opinion of the Lancian people is far to high. I have invited them to invest in Corustaria, however they have the same problems as us... in fact, they've opened themselves up to investment. They have restricted us to 5% by virtue of us possessing Oldenburg, which is a shame but that shall suffice for now. Even with the 5% restriction I think we can be earning a fair billion or two from them by the end of the fourth quarter next year if we invest correctly. None the less, I have proposals for increased trade with them so we can make more money from the tariffs. I don't even know the climate over there after the attempt however if the Kaiser is being savvy he will exploit the attack on his palace for his own ends."
"Are you finally going to move away from our economy being entirely state controlled? We haven't had any companies operating here since the Empire Trading Company over half a century ago now..."
"Yes, I am. I've set out the provisions and the acts are passing through parliament tomorrow morning. The Crown will maintain control over a lot of industry, of course."
"And what of the Crown Estates?"
"All will remain as our private property, as they always have been." Lillian placed the final documents back down on the table as her mother finished speaking, and glanced up to her
"Is that all, mother?" Lillian asked as she rose from the chair, reaching out and taking the glass before finally downing the last of the wine
"That is all... just remember your loyalty lies with Corustaria first and..."
"The family second, Lancia third and Erich fourth. I swear, I shall be chanting this as they bury my coffin before you are satisfied." She spun on her heel and cross the room, placing her glass to the side table as she exited the room. One of the Lifeguards moved in front of the door and closed it, blocking the Empress out from the hall way again. She relit the candle and crossed the room, flicking off the light switch before spinning and heading back to her chair, collapsing into it

Oldenburg
As Erich stepped across the train he looked at the city. It was a strange mix of Lancian and Corustarian Architecture, having long ago been under the control of a newly formed and Ambitious Lancian Empire. A few Lancians walked around the streets, although they considered themselves Corustarian citizens. While their blood may run with the traits of a Lancian, their stance, culture, and way of life was Corustarian. Erich made sure his saber was firmly attached to his hip, as he boarded a motorized car that had been hired to transport him to the docks.

A few guards carefully sat with him, the Wilhelm Dynasty’s symbol on their uniforms, as well as a Iron Cross, as those with the prestigious medal were the only ones trusted to guard such an important Lancian Figure. Many watched as the car passed by Oldenburg’s buildings, trying to catch a glimpse of the famous Prince. Erich grew tired of it, he thought after the many times he had taken this same road and this same car that they would stop, but the never did. Erich focused on making sure all of his preparations were sorted for the trip.

As he stopped at the dock he saw the contracted ships awaiting him. As he left the car his guards quickly surrounded him, pushing back the tide of people. He boarded the boat, luggage and all. He prepared for the long trip to the Isles, and settled down for a much needed nap after the long train ride to Oldenburg.

Office of the Chancellor, Primus
The Chancellor sat in his seat, a nice cushy office chair, behind a brilliant and large shiny wooden desk. He sighed for a minute, looking at the latest reports from the on-going investigation. The news of the Numburgian connection was highly disturbing to the Chancellor. Just as the Kaiser was beginning his plans to repair relations with Numburg and hopefully open up the path to loose union and then eventually full unification, this happens. While the Chancellor was sure that the Numburgian government had no involvement, it still reflected badly that Numburg was linked in any way.

“Just my luck, this is going to take some political maneuvering” thought the Chancellor, sighing once again as he stood up and looked over the files. Someone from the Nobility in Primus was involved in this plot, as they were the only others ones beyond the Kaiser, the Chancellor, and the Ministers with access to the Royal Library. All of his cabinet was too loyal to get wrapped up in this plot, at least not intentionally. He began planning the next stage of the investigation as one of his investigators come in.

“Chancellor Sir! The Kaiser has been informed of the recent developments with the investigation and has allocated an additional 50 million for use. Orders sir?” asked the investigator.

“I want everyone with access to the Royal Library names on my desk. I also want any connections to political parties or groups they are associated as well, particularly if those groups or parties are connected with Numburg or anti-Government groups. Send a investigation party to Numburg, and tell them only to approach the Grand Viceroy and say nothing to anyone else, inform that the matter is of high importance and that is why they can only speak to the Grand Viceroy.” responded the Chancellor.

“Yes Chancellor!” finished the Investigator, stepping out and carrying out the Chancellor’s orders.

Treaties, Laws, Spending, Diplomacy stuffs

Grand Administratum Construct
Winter 1899-1900

The Dawn of a New day across Numburg. The ground swathed in white. The toil of 39 million souls busying themselves with their daily reutine. The state was rarely lacking jobs for its mostly male workforce. Women were not permitted to work in 'unladylike' conditions.

Viceroy Finch was enjoying a breakfest of eggs and ham when a message runner approched him and placed 2 sealed letters. One baring the seal of the Wight Family the other the seal of the Lancian Chancellor. He opened the Wight address first.

The letter detailed an investment opportunity no Numburgian would pass up. Albiet some fine details would need to be worked out.

He softly placed the creme paper down and then opened the second letter. This one however did not please Finch. A frown crossed the mans face something he rarely did.

The letter from the Lancian Chancellor informed the Viceroy that 10 Lancian agents of unknown objective were soon to enter the country.

This disturbed Finch more than anything. Why were Lancians entering Numburg and why could they only talk with him. It was troublesome to say the least.

Finch turned to his liason.
"A group of exactly 10 Lancians will be arriving in Numburg on official Lancian buisness relatively soon. See to it that I am informed as soon as they do.
Also I want a message detailing our interest and appreciation sent to Corustaria."

The Liason bowed and walked off to dispatch The Viceroys orders.