The Emperor's Birthday (see OOC/RSVP thread)

[Excalbia]

"Excellent! Excellent!" Acosta said. "I'll let my government know and we should be ready to move forward in the next few weeks. This has been a very productive trip already."

"Thank you for your time, Lady Christina," Carlota added. "Excalbia is known the world over as a center of commerce and a bastion of liberty. I'm grateful that we've been welcomed so warmly. I'm only sorry my uncle wasn't able to make it himself."

Lady Christina smiled and nodded to Acosta. “Indeed,” she said, “a most productive meeting. I shall have my office follow up with your Ministry shortly.”

Turning to the Archduchess, the Minister of State bowed her head. “Thank you for kinds words, Your Highness. It has been my pleasure.”

[Excalbia]

"You are too kind, Ma'am", the prince said. "His Majesty has always held Excalbia as one of our closest and most trusted allies. We will never forget your support during the war, and I speak as a veteran who is grateful of those countries that helped us. But what can Excalbia do, you ask? Well, the time may come when things in Transmontana get heated. When it will be? I don't know, but it could be sooner than we think, as the situation in the Ostmark is uncertain and Narvasar, the Daytan satellite state, might feel an appetite for expansion. What you can do is to continue your support towards the King and his government, because we need the backing of a foreign power of solid international standing to face any... challenges that our neighbors may pose, or to initiate actions to preserve our territorial integrity and regional peace."

“Of course, Your Highness,” Lady Ashley began, “Excalbia will stand with Brasland to preserve international peace and your national sovereignty. However, perhaps some steps could be taken now to deter any future aggression.”

[Uncle Noel]

Stohlfel Amal had been running late on account of having packed his dinner jacket but not the corresponding trousers, leaving his staff embark on a frantic search of Citadel Excalbia for a suitable replacement. He had therefore arrived immediately after the Emperor's speech, though the contents had been made known to him. A small man, he was not entirely convinced that the replacement tuxedo entirely fitted, a point which had been frequently made by his wife Ixtli. "I told you," she muttered, "That it was too big."

"It's alright my love," replied Stohlfel, patting her arm as he scanned the room for the Emperor, "No one will notice."

"What size is it?" insisted his wife

"I don't know, the clothing sizes are all different here. I wasn't sure whether it was centimetres or inches. Oh, there he is." Amal guided his wife to the Imperial Presence. He proffered a limp handshake to the Emperor.

"Hello," he said pleasantly, "We've not met but my name is Amal, Stohlfel Amal. I'm the err, well I'm the..."

"He's the Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars," interrupted Itxtli, who wore a rather old-fashioned white dress with lace and empire-style lines "And I am his wife, Your Majesty" she curtseyed, poking her husband in the side as she did so. "Oh," he said, before offering a rather belated bow of his own.

"Yes this is my wife Ixtli, Ixtli Amal. She took my name, as you do." It would have escaped no one than the Amals represented the two major ethnic groups in Anahuac. "Yes," continued Stohlfel, "You met the Gen-Sec, dear old Noel, not so long ago. He sends his regards and apologies that he couldn't make it here himself but matters of state, you know how it is."

"You should say what you do," insisted his wife, "The Emperor is not going to know what a Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars does."

"Oh, well, I'm sort of the Prime Minister, if you will, at least on paper, but we all sort of chip in, you know."

There was a gentle cough from behind the Amals, though such were their stature that the Emperor would have been able to see the source of the cough regardless.

"Oh," said Stohlfel remembering that there had been someone else in the car with them, "And this is, well you know who this is I'm sure."

Suniefreda Hoogaboom, wearing a strapless emerald green dress, gave a perfectly correct curtsy. "Your Imperial Majesty," she said, "A pleasure to see you again so soon."

[Brasland]

“Of course, Your Highness,” Lady Ashley began, “Excalbia will stand with Brasland to preserve international peace and your national sovereignty. However, perhaps some steps could be taken now to deter any future aggression.”

"Yes," replied Leopold, "some steps will be taken, and when the time comes Brasland will need Excalbia's support. The long-suffering people of the Ostmark cannot continue to be ruled by a tyrant like Dietrich, whose appalling disregard for human rights has received no significant international sanctions."

[Excalbia]

"Yes," replied Leopold, "some steps will be taken, and when the time comes Brasland will need Excalbia's support. The long-suffering people of the Ostmark cannot continue to be ruled by a tyrant like Dietrich, whose appalling disregard for human rights has received no significant international sanctions."

Lady Ashley nodded in agreement. “Perhaps we should look to revitalize our military cooperation; we should put our military colleagues together to discuss the options.” She rubbed a finger against her chin, then continued. “In addition, we should arrange an official visit for the appropriate ministers to discuss further cooperation. Unless, of course, His Majesty would prefer to arrange a State Visit - either to Excalbia or a visit by His Imperial Majesty to Brasland.”

[Excalbia]

Stohlfel Amal had been running late on account of having packed his dinner jacket but not the corresponding trousers, leaving his staff embark on a frantic search of Citadel Excalbia for a suitable replacement. He had therefore arrived immediately after the Emperor's speech, though the contents had been made known to him. A small man, he was not entirely convinced that the replacement tuxedo entirely fitted, a point which had been frequently made by his wife Ixtli. "I told you," she muttered, "That it was too big."

"It's alright my love," replied Stohlfel, patting her arm as he scanned the room for the Emperor, "No one will notice."

"What size is it?" insisted his wife

"I don't know, the clothing sizes are all different here. I wasn't sure whether it was centimetres or inches. Oh, there he is." Amal guided his wife to the Imperial Presence. He proffered a limp handshake to the Emperor.

"Hello," he said pleasantly, "We've not met but my name is Amal, Stohlfel Amal. I'm the err, well I'm the..."

"He's the Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars," interrupted Itxtli, who wore a rather old-fashioned white dress with lace and empire-style lines "And I am his wife, Your Majesty" she curtseyed, poking her husband in the side as she did so. "Oh," he said, before offering a rather belated bow of his own.

"Yes this is my wife Ixtli, Ixtli Amal. She took my name, as you do." It would have escaped no one than the Amals represented the two major ethnic groups in Anahuac. "Yes," continued Stohlfel, "You met the Gen-Sec, dear old Noel, not so long ago. He sends his regards and apologies that he couldn't make it here himself but matters of state, you know how it is."

"You should say what you do," insisted his wife, "The Emperor is not going to know what a Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars does."

"Oh, well, I'm sort of the Prime Minister, if you will, at least on paper, but we all sort of chip in, you know."

There was a gentle cough from behind the Amals, though such were their stature that the Emperor would have been able to see the source of the cough regardless.

"Oh," said Stohlfel remembering that there had been someone else in the car with them, "And this is, well you know who this is I'm sure."

Suniefreda Hoogaboom, wearing a strapless emerald green dress, gave a perfectly correct curtsy. "Your Imperial Majesty," she said, "A pleasure to see you again so soon."

The Emperor gave Amal a slight bow and shook his hand. “A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Chairman,” he said after the introductions were finally made. He turned to Mrs. Amal and repeated the bow. “Mrs. Amal. A pleasure.”

The Emperor gave Suniefreda a smile and bowed again. “Ms. Hoogaboom. A pleasure to see you again. I hope that your grandfather is well.”

The Emperor gestured to a passing steward, who approached with a bow. “Stephen,” he said in lowered voice, “could you have someone find that box of Esperi cigars I set aside for Chairman Hoogaboom and bring them around for Ms. Hoogaboom?” The steward bowed again and departed.

Turning back to Suniefreda, the Emperor said, “Your grandfather mentioned enjoying an Esperi cigar that I gave him during his visit. I thought I might send him a box, if you don’t mind carrying it back to Anahuac with you.” He gave the young woman a knowing smile. “Meanwhile, I’m sure that my son James will be pleased to see you again.” He looked briefly over his shoulder. “He should be somewhere nearby.” Although he did not wink, he almost seemed as if he were about to do so.

Turning back to Mr. and Mrs. Amal, the Emperor folded his arms behind his back, his medals making a slight tinkling sound as the rustled against his blue sash. “And thank you for relaying Chairman Hoogaboom’s regards. Please pass mine along as well. I rather enjoyed our visit. And I hope that you’ll enjoy your visit.”

Tilting his head slightly, he asked, “So, Mr. Chairman, how do you and Chairman Hoogaboom divide your duties? It’s always a question that interests me about other countries with dual executives.”

[Brasland]

Lady Ashley nodded in agreement. “Perhaps we should look to revitalize our military cooperation; we should put our military colleagues together to discuss the options.” She rubbed a finger against her chin, then continued. “In addition, we should arrange an official visit for the appropriate ministers to discuss further cooperation. Unless, of course, His Majesty would prefer to arrange a State Visit - either to Excalbia or a visit by His Imperial Majesty to Brasland.”

“I’m sure the Foreign Office would welcome a state visit to Excalbia”, said Leopold. “Although the King rarely travels abroad, he’ll most certainly make an exception this time, as he's very fond of His Imperial Majesty. We’re distant cousins, you know. Third cousins, if I’m not mistaken.”

[West Phoenicia]

Dr. Anders took a canapé from the tray and nodded his thanks to the steward. “No, fortunately, our armed forces have rarely been called upon to defend our nation.” He gave a knowing smile. “One of the advantages, I suppose, of having a large and diversified economy supporting a large, technologically advanced military; few seem interested in challenging us directly. It also helps that we have generally have peaceful relations with our neighbors and the other countries of the Western Atlantic.

“That said, we have had occasion to employ our armed forces in various humanitarian interventions. Esperi, Marlund, Upper Virginia, Iesus Christi, southwestern Epheron and the Ostmark.” He didn’t mention that the last three ended ambiguously, due more to political machinations than anything that happened in field.

“Does your country find itself engaged in frequent conflicts?

"Depends what you mean by frequent," Countess Tia High said with a small chuckle. "When assistance is asked, West Phoenicia likes to stand up and help. But you may not be aware that my nations very independence is steeped in war. My nation broke away, many provinces to form a new nation and we have been at war on and off with our former motherland ever since."

The Countess took a small bite of her canapé.

"Since than The Confederate Kingdom of West Phoenicia has been involved in a number of wars and especially civil wars. It seems when a throne is involved it causes some people to react differently. Throughout our history wives have killed husband's to place their children on the throne of West Phoenicia. Sons killings parents. Sibling have murdered sibling or engaged in civil wars each thinking they alone deserve the throne even when they are married to each other as brother-sister marriage is blessed for our royal family it doesn't stop them for assassinations and civil conflicts., ," The countess gave a laugh. "Its endless. But West Phoenicia loves a good drama. Keeps us fierce like the Scorpion, willing to sting even its own to survive. "

"In attendance at this birthday is Queen Alotta Gryphon-Bush, 2nd wife of our polygamist king. Does this nation support polygamy or sibling marriages? " The countess was handed a glass of champagne, she took a sip and waited for a reply.

[Excalbia]

"Depends what you mean by frequent," Countess Tia High said with a small chuckle. "When assistance is asked, West Phoenicia likes to stand up and help. But you may not be aware that my nations very independence is steeped in war. My nation broke away, many provinces to form a new nation and we have been at war on and off with our former motherland ever since."

The Countess took a small bite of her canapé.

"Since than The Confederate Kingdom of West Phoenicia has been involved in a number of wars and especially civil wars. It seems when a throne is involved it causes some people to react differently. Throughout our history wives have killed husband's to place their children on the throne of West Phoenicia. Sons killings parents. Sibling have murdered sibling or engaged in civil wars each thinking they alone deserve the throne even when they are married to each other as brother-sister marriage is blessed for our royal family it doesn't stop them for assassinations and civil conflicts., ," The countess gave a laugh. "Its endless. But West Phoenicia loves a good drama. Keeps us fierce like the Scorpion, willing to sting even its own to survive. "

"In attendance at this birthday is Queen Alotta Gryphon-Bush, 2nd wife of our polygamist king. Does this nation support polygamy or sibling marriages? " The countess was handed a glass of champagne, she took a sip and waited for a reply.

Dr. Anders nodded as the Countess recounted West Phoenicia’s history of civil war. “After the Highland Kingdom - the precursor state to the Holy Empire - was founded in the 16th century there many revolts and civil wars. The rules of succession were largely undefined at the time and when there were too many claimants to the Sword…,” the Defence Minister shrugged slightly, “they took to the battlefield to sort things out.”

The Minister took another bite of his canapé, then continued. “As for sibling and polygamous marriages,” he paused, “even before the ruling house and upper nobility converted to Christianity, such things were not commonly practiced. And after Joshua I proclaimed the Empire and made Christianity the state religion,” he paused again, as if searching for word, “well, such things would be considered illegal.”

[Excalbia]

“I’m sure the Foreign Office would welcome a state visit to Excalbia”, said Leopold. “Although the King rarely travels abroad, he’ll most certainly make an exception this time, as he's very fond of His Imperial Majesty. We’re distant cousins, you know. Third cousins, if I’m not mistaken.”

Lady Ashley nodded. “Yes, of course, through Empress Clotilde.” She smiled. “I’m sure that the His Imperial Majesty and His Imperial Majesty’s Government would welcome His Royal Majesty’s visit. If your ambassador would care to contact Lady Christina, they can begin to arrange the details.”

[Uncle Noel]

Turning back to Suniefreda, the Emperor said, “Your grandfather mentioned enjoying an Esperi cigar that I gave him during his visit. I thought I might send him a box, if you don’t mind carrying it back to Anahuac with you.” He gave the young woman a knowing smile. “Meanwhile, I’m sure that my son James will be pleased to see you again.” He looked briefly over his shoulder. “He should be somewhere nearby.” Although he did not wink, he almost seemed as if he were about to do so.

Suniefreda curtsied again. “I am sure my grandfather will be delighted with this gift, so I shall preemptively thank you on his behalf.” She in turn passed it to an official from the Anahuacan Embassy and, taking her leave, disappeared into the crowd.

Turning back to Mr. and Mrs. Amal, the Emperor folded his arms behind his back, his medals making a slight tinkling sound as the rustled against his blue sash. “And thank you for relaying Chairman Hoogaboom’s regards. Please pass mine along as well. I rather enjoyed our visit. And I hope that you’ll enjoy your visit.”

Tilting his head slightly, he asked, “So, Mr. Chairman, how do you and Chairman Hoogaboom divide your duties? It’s always a question that interests me about other countries with dual executives.”

“Ah well,” said Amal, adjusting his bowtie, “It’s complicated because ah, you see, there’s two parts to the whole governing business in my country. There’s the state apparatus, of which I am supposedly in charge of, and the party apparatus. On the ol’paper I am Head of Government but really the job of the Council of People’s Commissars is to carry out the directives of the Central Committee of the Party.”

“Of which,” interrupted Mrs Amal, “My husband is also a member. He’s a very important person you know.”

“Yes yes my love,” he patted her arm again, “I’m sure the Emperor doesn’t need to hear all of it. But yes, the thing to, err, remember is that government positions are always something of a second-division to party positions. Dear Noel, for example, well he’s Head of State I suppose but the Council of State doesn’t really do very much, it’s the fact that he’s the General Secretary that makes him the big cheese as you say. Likewise men before me have been Chairman of the Council of People’s Commissars but they have only been functionaries, it’s only because I am also on the Politiburo that makes it, you know, important.”

Amal dabbed his forehead with a handkerchief, it being a little warm in the room. “The Politburo decides policy and we in the Council of Commissars have to work out how to put it into action. But, as I say, I have a foot in both camps which makes the implementation a little, er, easier. Well that’s the theory but it’s complicated.”

“That’s what people forget,” said Mrs Amal, labouring the point, “You can be called anything you like. Someone could walk in here and say “Hello Mr Emperor, I’m the Grand Minister for Deciding Everything” and you could say “Oh that’s nice, are you also on the Politiburo?” and if they say that they’re not a member then you know that they’re a nobody.”

“Well quite,” replied her husband.

“They’re a bum.”

“I think he gets the point dear.”

[New Mushroom Kingdom]

Vince watched the formal introduction of Excalbia's imperial family, with a moderate amount of interest. He paid attention to all the people introduced, even though he likely wouldn't be speaking to most of them he could not be certain and the more you know, the better at events like these. Unlike maybe some others, he was not at this event to find any sort of relationship, even if that's what the attending girls would be doing.

After the grand ceremony had finished, it was time for Vince to take a look around, both to see what this place was like but also to find someone that would be interesting to talk to, though he expected that most people would be occupied already some would certainly be free, and hopefully they wouldn't all be boring...that said, he was in no particular rush so he made sure to take his time and didn't dash around the place.

Princess Christiana, the Emperor’s sister, approached the Regent of the New Mushroom Kingdom, her glittering red gown twirling about her. “Your Excellency,” she said with a bow, “good evening. Are you having a good time?”

Vince watched as Princess Christiana approached, and he knew from looking around previously that she was the sister of the Excalbian Emperor. Not exactly someone he expected to talk to first, but he didn't really have any reason to complain about it. When she said hello, he bowed in return and responded back "Good evening to you too, your highness. I'm certainly having a reasonable time exploring your Palace and was in fact doing so while also seeing who was available to talk to. I believe you are Princess Christina, yes?"

[A m e n r i a]

"H-huh?" Camellia blushed and seemed surprised at being called a lovely lady. "O-oh, yes, I meant to ask you whether you're Muslim, if I may. I'm sorry for asking something so...personal in the first time we meet." She looked down shyly, a small smile on her face.

Meanwhile, Cheonsa was dragged by his concubine to a nearby royal, as she was curious and wanted to talk to someone, whether guest or host.

[Excalbia]

“Ah well,” said Amal, adjusting his bowtie, “It’s complicated because ah, you see, there’s two parts to the whole governing business in my country. There’s the state apparatus, of which I am supposedly in charge of, and the party apparatus. On the ol’paper I am Head of Government but really the job of the Council of People’s Commissars is to carry out the directives of the Central Committee of the Party.”

“Of which,” interrupted Mrs Amal, “My husband is also a member. He’s a very important person you know.”

“Yes yes my love,” he patted her arm again, “I’m sure the Emperor doesn’t need to hear all of it. But yes, the thing to, err, remember is that government positions are always something of a second-division to party positions. Dear Noel, for example, well he’s Head of State I suppose but the Council of State doesn’t really do very much, it’s the fact that he’s the General Secretary that makes him the big cheese as you say. Likewise men before me have been Chairman of the Council of People’s Commissars but they have only been functionaries, it’s only because I am also on the Politiburo that makes it, you know, important.”

Amal dabbed his forehead with a handkerchief, it being a little warm in the room. “The Politburo decides policy and we in the Council of Commissars have to work out how to put it into action. But, as I say, I have a foot in both camps which makes the implementation a little, er, easier. Well that’s the theory but it’s complicated.”

“That’s what people forget,” said Mrs Amal, labouring the point, “You can be called anything you like. Someone could walk in here and say “Hello Mr Emperor, I’m the Grand Minister for Deciding Everything” and you could say “Oh that’s nice, are you also on the Politiburo?” and if they say that they’re not a member then you know that they’re a nobody.”

“Well quite,” replied her husband.

“They’re a bum.”

“I think he gets the point dear.”

The Emperor suppressed and urge to chuckle at the banter between the Amals and simply smiled. “I see,” the Emperor said. “The difference between the role of the Party and that of the State is one that… we do not deal with domestically.” He paused. “In any case, I’m honoured that you could come.”

The Emperor turned his head to one side. “May I ask a somewhat odd, or perhaps dense question, Mr. Chairman? Is there any historical or ethnic connection between Anahuac and the Nahuanl? I just met the Archduchess of Culhuaca and it struck me that there might be some ancient connection.”

[Excalbia]

Vince watched as Princess Christiana approached, and he knew from looking around previously that she was the sister of the Excalbian Emperor. Not exactly someone he expected to talk to first, but he didn't really have any reason to complain about it. When she said hello, he bowed in return and responded back "Good evening to you too, your highness. I'm certainly having a reasonable time exploring your Palace and was in fact doing so while also seeing who was available to talk to. I believe you are Princess Christina, yes?"

The Princess smiled. “Yes, Your Excellency, I am.” She turned briefly to a passing steward and took a glass of white wine. She thanked the steward and turned back to the Regent. “And, if I recall my guest list correctly, you are the Regent of the New Mushroom Kingdom, are you not?”

She turned to look about the room in the general direction the Regent had been looking. “The Summer Palace is magnificent, isn’t it? I love the open feel, all the plants, the fruit trees. One can imagine, even in winter, that you’re in a lovely garden, even when you’re inside in this ballroom.”

[Excalbia]

"H-huh?" Camellia blushed and seemed surprised at being called a lovely lady. "O-oh, yes, I meant to ask you whether you're Muslim, if I may. I'm sorry for asking something so...personal in the first time we meet." She looked down shyly, a small smile on her face.

Meanwhile, Cheonsa was dragged by his concubine to a nearby royal, as she was curious and wanted to talk to someone, whether guest or host.

Tariq smiled. He found Camellia's small, shy smile cute. “No need for apologies, Your Imperial Highness. My parents were Muslims and I was raised as a Muslim. After they were killed and I was adopted by Princess Christiana, she - and the entire Imperial Family really - made every effort to let me worship as a Muslim and study the Koran and the teachings of Islam. My mother made sure that I went to the mosque here in the capital every Friday and she brought the Imam to the Palace to teach me.” The young man shrugged. “I also attended Christian services with my mother, especially on State occasions - the Church of Excalbia is the state religion, after all,” he smiled slightly. “While I find beauty in the teachings of Islam and, to be honest, admire the Jesus of the New Testament, I’m not quite sure what I believe. I suppose that makes me an agnostic. For the moment.”

[West Phoenicia]

The Minister took another bite of his canapé, then continued. “As for sibling and polygamous marriages,” he paused, “even before the ruling house and upper nobility converted to Christianity, such things were not commonly practiced. And after Joshua I proclaimed the Empire and made Christianity the state religion,” he paused again, as if searching for word, “well, such things would be considered illegal.”

We live in a large world with so many distinct cultures. Luckily not ever country is the same, what a boring world it would be. But it does surprise me Dr Anders. Polygamy and sibling marriage is illegal in this Empire, yet you have a very open lesbian,  Princess Christiana isnt it? Sister to the king openly flaunting her lifestyle which conflicts with the teachings of Christianity. How is that allowed? Such practices of same sex relationships happen among the West Phoenician population, but we would never alllow it into the royal family." Countess Tia High took another sip of her drink.

"So this empire has Christianity as its state faith? In West Phoenicia we have a multi faith system. We have the True Path faith as one of the main state faiths. The True Path is a blend of Catholicism, Protestantism, Mormonism and Orthodox. We have found it has created a more harmonious environment. Of course people can still take part in their own denomination. But the True Path faith has more churches and more members. We also have the United Pagan Faith, which pays homage to a pantheon of gods, goddess and animal deities. We have learn to co exist by banning other faiths that cant assimilate into West Phoenician culture.

The Countess waived over Prince Glenton Gryphon-Bush III and Princess Royal Arsinoe Gryphon-Bush II. I would like you to introduce you to the next generation of West Phoenician royalty.

[Excalbia]

We live in a large world with so many distinct cultures. Luckily not ever country is the same, what a boring world it would be. But it does surprise me Dr Anders. Polygamy and sibling marriage is illegal in this Empire, yet you have a very open lesbian,  Princess Christiana isnt it? Sister to the king openly flaunting her lifestyle which conflicts with the teachings of Christianity. How is that allowed? Such practices of same sex relationships happen among the West Phoenician population, but we would never alllow it into the royal family." Countess Tia High took another sip of her drink.

"So this empire has Christianity as its state faith? In West Phoenicia we have a multi faith system. We have the True Path faith as one of the main state faiths. The True Path is a blend of Catholicism, Protestantism, Mormonism and Orthodox. We have found it has created a more harmonious environment. Of course people can still take part in their own denomination. But the True Path faith has more churches and more members. We also have the United Pagan Faith, which pays homage to a pantheon of gods, goddess and animal deities. We have learn to co exist by banning other faiths that cant assimilate into West Phoenician culture.

The Countess waived over Prince Glenton Gryphon-Bush III and Princess Royal Arsinoe Gryphon-Bush II. I would like you to introduce you to the next generation of West Phoenician royalty.

“Well, Your Excellency,” Dr. Anders began in response to Countess Tia’s questions, “sibling marriages are banned by civil law for reasons of…” The Minister was about to say ‘public health,’ but stopped himself. There was no point antagonizing a foreign dignitary. “For reasons unrelated to the Church,” he said instead. “As for polygamy, the Church, and indeed all the Christian denominations here, are far more… consistent in their opposition to polygamy than they are to same sex marriage.”

He folded his now empty hands behind his back. “Although the Church of Excalbia is the state religion, we respect religious and prohibit religious discrimination.” He smiled slightly. “Except of course when it comes to the Sword. The Emperor, as temporal head of the Church of Excalbia, is required to be a member of the Church.”

The Minister bowed as the Prince and Princess were introduced. “Your Highnesses,” he said pleasantly.

[Dominara]

Prince James, a boy of only 15, walks over to a corner of the room and sits in a plush armchair. He pulls out a notepad, and starts jotting down notes on the various dignitaries at the gala, seemingly lost in thought.

[Brasland]

Lady Ashley nodded. “Yes, of course, through Empress Clotilde.” She smiled. “I’m sure that the His Imperial Majesty and His Imperial Majesty’s Government would welcome His Royal Majesty’s visit. If your ambassador would care to contact Lady Christina, they can begin to arrange the details.”

"Thank you, Ma'am," the prince said, "I will mention this to the ambassador."

Leopold kept looking at the lavish surroundings and saw that Crown Prince Joseph was nearby. He had never met him and was eager to do so. Besides, it would be a good opportunity to interact with both the head of the government and the future head of state.

"Ma'am, if you don't mind, could you introduce me to His Imperial Highness?", he said, discreetly pointing at the heir to the throne. "Maybe we could share our idea with him and listen to his input."

[New Mushroom Kingdom]

Vince watched as Princess Christiana approached, and he knew from looking around previously that she was the sister of the Excalbian Emperor. Not exactly someone he expected to talk to first, but he didn't really have any reason to complain about it. When she said hello, he bowed in return and responded back "Good evening to you too, your highness. I'm certainly having a reasonable time exploring your Palace and was in fact doing so while also seeing who was available to talk to. I believe you are Princess Christina, yes?"

The Princess smiled. “Yes, Your Excellency, I am.” She turned briefly to a passing steward and took a glass of white wine. She thanked the steward and turned back to the Regent. “And, if I recall my guest list correctly, you are the Regent of the New Mushroom Kingdom, are you not?”

She turned to look about the room in the general direction the Regent had been looking. “The Summer Palace is magnificent, isn’t it? I love the open feel, all the plants, the fruit trees. One can imagine, even in winter, that you’re in a lovely garden, even when you’re inside in this ballroom.”

Vince turned to face the same direction the good Lady was facing, and then said his response to the question "That is indeed my position, it is quite a handful. Yes, this Palace is magnificent, and the unique garden and island entirely surrounding it magnifies it's glory. Even the inside benefits from the environment created by the flora and fauna arranged outside."

[Excalbia]

"Thank you, Ma'am," the prince said, "I will mention this to the ambassador."

Leopold kept looking at the lavish surroundings and saw that Crown Prince Joseph was nearby. He had never met him and was eager to do so. Besides, it would be a good opportunity to interact with both the head of the government and the future head of state.

"Ma'am, if you don't mind, could you introduce me to His Imperial Highness?", he said, discreetly pointing at the heir to the throne. "Maybe we could share our idea with him and listen to his input."

“Of course, Your Highness,” Lady Ashley said. She turned towards the approaching Crown Prince and took a few steps towards him.

“Your Imperial Highness,” she said with a bow.

Crown Prince Joseph paused and turned towards the Chancellor. He gave a slight bow. “Your Excellency,” he said.

“You Imperial Highness,” Lady Ashley said, turning towards Prince Leopold, “may I present His Royal Highness, Prince Leopold of Brasland.”

The Crown Prince bowed. “Your Royal Highness,” he said, “it’s a pleasure to meet you. Welcome to Excalbia. Please extend my greetings to His Royal Majesty when your return home. I hope that you’re enjoying the celebration.”

[Excalbia]

Prince James, a boy of only 15, walks over to a corner of the room and sits in a plush armchair. He pulls out a notepad, and starts jotting down notes on the various dignitaries at the gala, seemingly lost in thought.

A tall young man of college age with thick blonde hair approached the young prince and sat in the chair beside him. “Hello,” the young man said, “are you enjoying yourself? You seem… a little alone over here.” The man had a sympathetic look in his eye. “By the way, I’m James. Prince James. The Emperor’s youngest son. And you are?”

[Excalbia]

Vince turned to face the same direction the good Lady was facing, and then said his response to the question "That is indeed my position, it is quite a handful. Yes, this Palace is magnificent, and the unique garden and island entirely surrounding it magnifies it's glory. Even the inside benefits from the environment created by the flora and fauna arranged outside."

“Indeed,” Princess Christiana agreed. “It’s my favourite of all the imperial residences. Unfortunately, it is so more convenient to maintain a permanent residence in the city. Otherwise, I’m certain that I would stay here all the time.”

She smiled and turned back to the Regent. “But enough about our palaces, Your Excellency. Tell me a bit about your country. I confess that I’m afraid that I know little about it.”

[A m e n r i a]

"Uh..huh.." Carmilla nodded. "At least you're still sane, alhamdulillah. If you ever have any doubts in your faith, you're free to visit Amenria anytime. You could also talk to our father, he did fight the Devil, after all." Camellia added, "A leader cannot have a lost soul. I hope you find enlightenment before you gain more authority." Both twins smiled.

Cheonsa, now alone, approached the boy scribbling on his notepad, who seems to be Prince James. "Excuse me, are you drawing something? May I have a look?"