A Good Impression [CLOSED]

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

KMSC Offices

---

Charlotte laughed at Herman's joke and eyed him thoughtfully. "I'll certainly ask Karl about that, then," she said. She glanced at his hands to see if he wore any rings. Many rulers wore ceremonial jewelry, and so she couldn't be sure. "Herman, are you married?" she asked after a moment's pause. Charlotte expected him to be- he was the monarch of a nation, and he was certainly at a marriageable age. He wasn't bad-looking, either, now that she studied his noble facial features and carefully groomed beard.

[Knessniet]

KMSC Offices

---

Charlotte laughed at Herman's joke and eyed him thoughtfully. "I'll certainly ask Karl about that, then," she said. She glanced at his hands to see if he wore any rings. Many rulers wore ceremonial jewelry, and so she couldn't be sure. "Herman, are you married?" she asked after a moment's pause. Charlotte expected him to be- he was the monarch of a nation, and he was certainly at a marriageable age. He wasn't bad-looking, either, now that she studied his noble facial features and carefully groomed beard.

"Alas, no.", was all Herman replied.

Then, the last brass band passed, and the parade was over.

So, Herman stood, and said, "Alright! Grand show, wasn't it? Now, we have a few hours of free time before dinner, so I'll get everyone shipped to the palace. Once you've there, you'll be free to do as you please. I'll be around, so I'll see you then!"

At that, the guards escorted them back to their bus, and Herman went back to his limo, he waved at Klaus and Charlotte, and invited them to ride with him.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

KMSC Offices

---

Charlotte hoped that she hadn't hit a nerve, since Herman answered rather abruptly. Before she could speak again, however, the parade had ended. Klaus the other men congratulated Herman heartily, with Ruprecht adding that he would like to meet "this Bevington man." Prince Karl, looking decidedly bored, reached for his phone immediately and headed for the limousine, the rest of the Royals following suit. When Herman gestured for Klaus and Charlotte to follow him, however, they did, with the Princess wondering why she was included.

They sat down inside the limo, and Klaus again thanked his counterpart. "A grand display, Herman, truly grand. We'll have to show some of the Capilean brass whenever you come to visit!" he smiled.

[Knessniet]

KMSC Offices

---

Charlotte hoped that she hadn't hit a nerve, since Herman answered rather abruptly. Before she could speak again, however, the parade had ended. Klaus the other men congratulated Herman heartily, with Ruprecht adding that he would like to meet "this Bevington man." Prince Karl, looking decidedly bored, reached for his phone immediately and headed for the limousine, the rest of the Royals following suit. When Herman gestured for Klaus and Charlotte to follow him, however, they did, with the Princess wondering why she was included.

They sat down inside the limo, and Klaus again thanked his counterpart. "A grand display, Herman, truly grand. We'll have to show some of the Capilean brass whenever you come to visit!" he smiled.

"Yes, quite. I have to thank Marshal Bevington for that. He chose the best of his regiments for this. I have arranged for him to come to dinner, so I'm sure everyone would enjoy meeting him. Now, I would most certainly wish to see your army marching. I have always been a fan of German marches.", the Grand Duke said.

Then, he turned to Charlotte, "Now, you may be wondering why I asked you to ride with me. That's because I kind of cut you off there, and I'd like to get to know you better."

The convoy made it's way back towards the palace, where it passed the beginnings of traffic resuming on Church Ave. It also passed the massive convoy of troop transports taking the troops home after the parade. They waved as the Grand Duke's limo passed, and he waved out the window to them, which received cheers.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

En Route

---

"That's flattering," Charlotte said, her pale cheeks flushing just the slightest shade of pink. "What would you like to know?" Klaus smiled at her and Herman encouragingly and remained silent to allow them to speak, making a show of looking out of his window at the cheering crowds.

[Knessniet]

En Route

---

"That's flattering," Charlotte said, her pale cheeks flushing just the slightest shade of pink. "What would you like to know?" Klaus smiled at her and Herman encouragingly and remained silent to allow them to speak, making a show of looking out of his window at the cheering crowds.

"Well, tell me about what you usually do. As I said, I have been kept very busy with managing the nation, so I'd like to hear how you spend your time. It's been awhile since I had the opportunity to reap the benefits of nobility without getting interrupted by some issue with the nation, so I would much appreciate a reminder of how good it is.", Herman said, smiling broadly.

He was quite happy to see such a positive reaction. He looked forward to observing how she spent her free time. Few knew this, but he was a master schemer. He knew how to impress people, and he used his gift frequently.

As he listened to her response, the limo made it's way back to the palace. He had ordered that they take the scenic route, through the woods that surrounded the palace, separating it from the city.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

En Route

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"Of course," Charlotte answered, composing herself as she essayed an answer. As the limousine turned into a scenic trail, Klaus took special interest in the pristine nature outside of his tinted window. "I usually distract myself with athletics, as I told you earlier. I swim, for practice and for leisure, most every day in the Summer. In Fall, Spring, and Summer I run and play Fußball, sometimes for clubs, sometimes just for fun.

"And I adore books. I just finished reading Tolstoy's War and Peace- and naturally, I read the Bible every night before I go to sleep. Other than that..." She bit her lip while she thought. "I like to play those sports with my friends, mostly other scions from the Houses that associate with my family and then my siblings themselves, though I can't stand them most of the time." Charlotte thought about the conversation she'd had earlier that day with her brother and sister, which had tangentially mentioned Herman. "And I am naturally invited to a great many royal functions and am made to dance with a great many young noblemen," she said, a smile crossing her face.

[Knessniet]

En Route

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"Of course," Charlotte answered, composing herself as she essayed an answer. As the limousine turned into a scenic trail, Klaus took special interest in the pristine nature outside of his tinted window. "I usually distract myself with athletics, as I told you earlier. I swim, for practice and for leisure, most every day in the Summer. In Fall, Spring, and Summer I run and play Fußball, sometimes for clubs, sometimes just for fun.

"And I adore books. I just finished reading Tolstoy's War and Peace- and naturally, I read the Bible every night before I go to sleep. Other than that..." She bit her lip while she thought. "I like to play those sports with my friends, mostly other scions from the Houses that associate with my family and then my siblings themselves, though I can't stand them most of the time." Charlotte thought about the conversation she'd had earlier that day with her brother and sister, which had tangentially mentioned Herman. "And I am naturally invited to a great many royal functions and am made to dance with a great many young noblemen," she said, a smile crossing her face.

"How wonderful. I have always enjoyed books. Here, we preserve our history well, giving us plenty to read.", Herman responded. "It is good to hear you are acquainted with dancing, as we have something planned after dinner, which Karl should have mentioned."

Then, he said in a more hushed tone, "I might agree that your siblings aren't as charming. While I hate to slander my guests, I am concerned if I have to assign a servant to Prince Karl to keep him from using his phone at improper times."

The limo turned and pulled up to the curb as they answered.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

En Route

---

"You've planned a dance? How wonderful," Charlotte replied, a genuine smile touching her lips. "And yes, I'm sorry about my brother-"

"Me as well," Klaus interjected for the first time. "He is in no way indicative of how the rest of us feel. I, his father, and all of the etiquette tutors we could fly in haven't had any positive effect on him. And to think, someday he'll be Grand Duke." Klaus shook his head and sighed.

"Good luck finding him a Grand Duchess," Charlotte said, smirking.

[Knessniet]

En Route

---

"You've planned a dance? How wonderful," Charlotte replied, a genuine smile touching her lips. "And yes, I'm sorry about my brother-"

"Me as well," Klaus interjected for the first time. "He is in no way indicative of how the rest of us feel. I, his father, and all of the etiquette tutors we could fly in haven't had any positive effect on him. And to think, someday he'll be Grand Duke." Klaus shook his head and sighed.

"Good luck finding him a Grand Duchess," Charlotte said, smirking.

"Hopefully, he'll shape up. Now, we have arrived, so I have to inform everyone the schedule.", he said as he stepped out of the car. He helped the others out personally. Then, he addressed the guests that had just disembarked their bus.

"Your attention please! Dinner is at five, so you have about 2 hours to do as you wish! The servants know what we have on the grounds, and anything else you might want is 10 minutes away in the city! If you want to head to the city, we have a few sedans and drivers. Be sure to bring a guard, and tell the servants! However, we have plenty of entertainment on the premises. The servants should give you a guide to it. Now, I have a few things to attend to, and I'll be around the palace. See you at dinner!"

Herman then walked off into the section marked "Offices". The servants then gave each one a brochure on the options available to them.

It noted the pool, gardens, library, art gallery, private museum, game room, and even a fitness center attached to the pool. It also had a short list of attractions in Litchfield, for those who wished to go abroad. It, of course, noted that the guest rooms had cable TV and WiFi, and that they choice is up to the guest.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Ducal Palace

---

The Royals fanned out into the palace. Karl retired to his room; Hans, Ruprecht, Boris, and Heinrich went to explore the game room; Helené, Karissa, and Klara walked together to the gardens; and Charlotte went to explore the library. Klaus, left alone, saw Karl the guestmaster nearby and approached him.

"Excuse me, Karl," he asked, smiling, "I would be interested in the art gallery and museum. Would you mind showing me there?"

[Knessniet]

Ducal Palace

---

The Royals fanned out into the palace. Karl retired to his room; Hans, Ruprecht, Boris, and Heinrich went to explore the game room; Helené, Karissa, and Klara walked together to the gardens; and Charlotte went to explore the library. Klaus, left alone, saw Karl the guestmaster nearby and approached him.

"Excuse me, Karl," he asked, smiling, "I would be interested in the art gallery and museum. Would you mind showing me there?"

"But of course, sir.", Karl the Guestmaster replied.

He led Klaus down a few halls, and to a door that was much grander than the surrounding ones. Karl unlocked it and showed him into the art gallery. He handed Klaus the key.

"Museum is through the door on the right. Kindly lock up when you're done, sir.", he said as he left.

The art gallery contained many paintings from many different periods, from Byzantine mosaics in display cases to a couple Picasso's in ornate frames. It had a selection of every form of art possible to collect privately. It also appeared to be meticulously maintained. There are noticeable sensors on the piantings, and signs informing the guests not to touch the paining, or dozens of armed guards would swarm the room at a moments notice.

Through the other door was the museum. It contained artifacts and replicas from all of recorded history. There were several suits of armor, weapons of all kinds, and many gift given to the Grand Duchy from all over the world. There was the dress sword gifted to the Baron of Lee by Robert E. Lee in 1862, several ancient pieces of Muslim art taken by Knessniet in the crusades, and a wide variety of this seemingly military-oriented museum. There was even an impressive line of lifelike mannequins dressed replicas of every Knessian service uniform to ever be used, from heraldry-emblazoned surcoats to modern camouflage fatigues.

---

If the guests paid attention to the hallways, occasionally the Grand Duke would walk by, looking over documents as he walked, followed by a crowd of ministers and aides with stacks of paper. The ministers excitedly chattered at the Grand Duke, but he just looked over the papers, and grunted brief answers.

In the library, Charlotte found a collection books rivaling a public library. This all was overseen by a quiet old man, whom said his name was Oswald. He was the Duke's librarian and archivist, who was tasked with managing and maintaining all the books, art, and artifacts in the palace. He quietly looked over the lists, and then stood to make sure the book was in it's proper place.

As the time went on, good smells started coming from the kitchen area, with the servants hustling about. Eventually, the guests were informed that dinner was in 15 minutes, and to prepare themselves.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Ducal Palace

---

Klaus lingered in the art gallery, stepping back and taking a long look at each of the paintings. He was far from an art critic or even an art lover, but the works on display there were so starkly different from the Capilean pieces he was used to that he had to fully appreciate them. When he had finished, he unlocked the door to the museum gasped when he saw the sheer extent of the place. He'd expected it to be a small room filled with precious artifacts, not a labyrinth of history. It was a pleasant surprise, however, and the Grand Duke spent quite a while perusing the corridors and examining the various relics Knessniet had collected over the centuries. He took particular interest in the handful of American Civil War Era items; he had spent years campaigning in the Americas, and had taken a keen interest in their history. When he came to the ceremonial saber Robert E. Lee had presented to the Knessian Baron of Lee, Klaus thought of the gift he had selected for Herman. It was not but an antique and a conversation piece that might be worthy of this museum, should more come of their relationship; and yet, there was another gift, one that Klaus wouldn't be able to give to Herman tonight, but one that would be well worth the wait.

His train of thought was derailed by the sudden appearance of a servant, who announced that dinner would be served in fifteen minutes. Composing himself, Klaus finished examining the last display case and left, locking the doors behind him and making a mental note to return the key to Karl the next time he saw him. He entered the lobby to find the rest of his family waiting there for him. Charlotte was talking eagerly about the simply wonderful library that Herman had collected, and the rest of the Royals seemed to have enjoyed their brief downtime as well. Prince Karl was the last to join them, unsurprisingly.

When finally the dinner bell rang, the famished guests eagerly prepared to flood the dining room.

[Knessniet]

A servant came and escorted them into the dining room. It was just as grandly decorated as the rest of the palace. Herman was already sitting at the head of the table, and was currently signing a couple of remaining papers, which he shoved over to the aide standing beside him.

The servant said, "There are namecards indicating your seats."

Herman had strategically plotted where to seat each of his guests. Rupercht would no doubt be pleased to find a card next to his with the name, "Marshal Bevington". Klaus was seated at the other end of the table, a place of honor. To Herman's right was Charlotte, and to her right, Hans. Karl has been specifically placed next to Klaus, no doubt with the intent of ensuring he was kept from embarrassing himself.

As Herman finished looking over his papers, he said. "Good to see you all again! Dinner is beef roast with carrots, potatoes, and gravy. On the side we have bread. Now, of course, we didn't forget the most important part: Champagne! Oh, and our domestic guests have arrived."

At that, the important Knessians piled in. Among them was Marshal Bevington, who still wore his military finery, and several of the ministers they had been introduced to at the airport.

Now, the servants filled the glasses, and brought in the food. They also said to every guest individually, "Let us know if there is anything you want."

However, before the meal began, Herman held up his hand for pause. He then said, "Allow me to offer a prayer."

"Dear Lord, thank You for providing me and my domains with prosperity, and for allowing my guests a safe passage. For it is You who said to be hospitable. Now, as we take our daily bread, bless this meal and the realm. In Jesus' name we pray, amen."

At that, he then began eating, and motioned for everyone else to do so. In a pause, he asked Charlotte, "Did you enjoy your free time?"

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Ducal Palace

---

As soon as the prayer was finished, the Capileans fell upon their plates as much as they could without compromising their decorum. Ruprecht quickly struck up a lively conversation with Marshal Bevington, introducing himself as a general of infantry in the Capilean Army and asking the Knessian about what campaigns he had led. Klaus kept a careful eye on Karl to ensure that he was behaving himself, but also began talking to a Knessian minister, complementing his great country and particularly its beautiful architecture.

The food wasn't what the Capileans were used to, but the filling roast, bread, and potatoes and the savory gravy proved to be a hit among the heavy-eating Germanics. Charlotte smiled up at Herman as she delicately cut her beef roast. "I did, thank you. I got a chance to explore the library, which, I must say, is quite extensive. Do you read there often- or haven't you the time?"

[Knessniet]

"For that library, I make time.", Herman replied. "I have loved it since I was a kid. It was where my tutors taught me, and I have always been attached to it. In fact, Oswald was at one point one of my teachers. He taught me the history of the nation that I now rule. He once told me, 'One day, your children's children will read about you.' I'll never forget that."

As he said the last part, he looked Charlotte dead in the eye. He had plans, and from what he observed today, he knew that she was definitely going to play a larger role than she could have ever imagined.

He then asked, "So, was there any particularly memorable teacher of yours?"

As the Grand Duke was chatting, Marshal Bevington eagerly discussed his previous campaigns with Ruprecht. He even made small demonstrations with his food. Those usually ended with the Knessian roast beef sending a tactical fork strike to eat the enemy potato defenses, and swamp the evil carrots.

The minister Klaus had ended up talking with just so happened to be the Minister of the Interior. His department was broad, as in it dealt with the small things the other ministries couldn't be bothered with. Thankfully, this included the Office of Historical Preservation, so he knew plenty about the buildings Klaus was interested in.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Ducal Palace

---

Charlotte finished swallowed the piece of roast she'd been chewing before answering Herman's question. It gave her a chance to think about the inquiry, as well. "Hmm. I've had so many over the years, it's difficult to remember. I think that my favorite would have to be Herr Leuter. He tutored me in history, and it was the first time that I felt really connected to the past. Just seeing how all of those long-past people and wars and interactions affected my reality- it was really something."

Across the table, Ruprecht was having a great time reenacting famed battles with Marshal Bevington, using bread rolls as infantry and his silverware as artillery to relate his storied career. Klaus had struck up a lively conversation with the Minister of the Interior, and asked him about the history of some of the buildings he had seen, particularly a few of the magnificent churches he had spotted.

[Knessniet]

Herman was quite happy with the response, as he always had a penchant for history, a evidenced by his museum. "I have always enjoyed history, so I'm glad that your teacher was a good one. All too often, a bad teacher will ruin a subject. That's why I hate geometry to this day. According to Karl, your grandfather has seen my museum. If you'd like, I'll show it to you tomorrow."

He decided to offer an activity for later, as then he would have more opportunities to talk with her. The more he talked, the more he liked her.

Marshal Bevington began to discuss his new book about military tactics, and demonstrating the tactics within with his food. If he wasn't in full regalia, one would think he were a giant child, having all too much fun with his food.

The Minister of the Interior was quite enjoying his animated discussion. He had always appreciated the buildings, and he was glad that someone else did as well. Not to say that the buildings were unappreciated, but he'd been discussing them for 20 years, and really needed a new opinion.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Ducal Palace

---

Charlotte smiled. "I'd like that very much, Herman," she replied. Further down the table, Klaus had begun to discuss Capilean architecture with the Minister of the Interior. It was in some aspects similar to Knessian architecture, but differed greatly in that it was influenced primarily by German and Tudor designs. Ruprecht, who had published his own war memoirs only a few years before, was greatly impressed by Marshal Bevington's book, and immediately made a note to order it once he returned home. The rest of the Capileans seemed to be having a good time too, and most were connecting with the Knessian officials who sat near them.

[Knessniet]

Herman made small talk with Charlotte, as everyone finished their dinners. Afterwards, the servants cleared the table. Herman stood to address the group.

"What a lovely dinner! Now, dessert will be served at the ball, which starts in about half an hour. That should give you plenty of time to get ready. Just head to the lobby once you are. I'll see you there!", he announced.

Then, he strolled off and away down through one of the many corridors of the palace. The servants informed the guests that there were cleaners on standby for last minute ironing. They also ushered the guests back to their rooms to prepare.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Ducal Palace

---

The Capilean royalty dispersed to their rooms to get ready, and reemerged one after the other about twenty-five minutes later in the lobby. The men wore fashionable tuxedoes or, if they had been in the military, freshly-pressed uniforms. Klaus wore his finest uniform, adorned with many tassels, medals, a green sash, and other such ornaments. His wife, Helené, Klara, and Karissa wore beautiful and expensive ball gowns. Karl looked surprisingly dashing in a bespoke suit, and looked to be in good spirits, perhaps hoping that there might be young Knessian noblewomen present at the ball. Last to come out was Charlotte, who wore an elegant, dazzling red ballgown that complemented her figure without compromising her modesty.

The whole group assembled and chit-chatted merrily, some of the men practicing their somewhat-rusty dance steps whilst the women fluttered in anticipation.

[Knessniet]

Soon, a Knessian guard appeared in dress uniform. He invited the guests to follow him, and led them to the ballroom.

It was a grand room, dwarfing all but the lobby and throne room. Gleaming chandeliers provided light, and shone perfectly upon the ubiquitous fine art that so adorned most of the palace. Guards in their dress uniforms stood at attention at all doors, and the crowd gathered looked just as impressive. Noblemen were adorned in the uniforms of the levies they commanded in wartime, and their sons in fine tuxedos, or in the case of some of the older sons, military dress. Their wives and daughters all wore ballgowns, ranging from mediocre of the modest baronesses, to the extravagant countesses in all their splendor, with their children similarly dressed.

Tables with various desserts lined one wall, while another was lined with tall windows offering a view of the gardens. A string quartet stood ready to play on a small stage, while a pianist sat in another corner playing ambient music while the strings waited for the guests to accommodate themselves.

In the center of it all was Herman himself. He had a fresh uniform on, with every decoration he could inherit or award themselves, with the exception of his Distinguished Service Medal, which he earned while in the army. Beside him was Marshal Bevington, and his foreign minister, George Lee, who was a Baron himself.

As his guests walked in, Herman greeted them. "My guests, good to see everyone yet again. Please, go enjoy yourselves. I have invited every noble family in the country, and only but a few couldn't make it. Besides that, we have Marshal Bevington, and a few other national interests here. However, I must preform an important task first."

Then, he went to the stage, and called for attention. Once he had everyone's attention, he boomed, "Before we begin, I have a very important announcement to precede our event. By recommendation of the High Command of the Knessian Army and the Joint Command of the Knessian Military, may I introduce the latest recipient of the Knessian Order of Chivalry, Quartermaster Sergeant Karl Fletcher!"

At that, the guetsmaster that had just shown the Capilens to their rooms hours ago came onto the stage in his worn military dress uniform. As he did, the Grand Duke pinned the new medal onto his coat. The crowd applauded, and the Grand Duke addressed them again.

"This award was granted due to Karl's bravery and humility while serving as his unit's quartermaster during the Knessian Intervention in Veitnam. During the conflict, he managed to ration his unit's 5 day food supply for 2 and a half weeks while the Vietcong cut our supply lines. Because of his expert skill, he saved countless from dying from starvation, and allowed over 300 otherwise doomed men to return home safe. This feat must and shall not go unrecognized, and to him we owe our most sincere respect. Thank you."

At that, he and Karl got off the stage, and he patted Karl on the back, and allowed him to join the crowd, where many of the guests congratulated him heartily. As that was happening, the music started again and Herman approached his guests. "My guestmaster is no mere servant, as we can see. I said he could work miracles, and he most certainly did on more than one occasion."

He then paused to allow his guests to react.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Ducal Palace

---

The Capilean delegation applauded loudly as Karl accepted his decoration, and each personally congratulated the guestmaster afterward. Ruprecht gave him a hearty handshake and began asking him about his time in the military. As Herman approached him, Klaus said, "Yes, it's about time he's gotten some recognition, if he served in the Vietnam War. He's a good man and a faithful servant, as far as I can tell. Now, when will the first dance begin?" he asked, smiling first at Herman and then at his wife, taking her gloved hand. Prince Karl had already slipped away from the group and had sought out a pair of attractive young eligible Knessian ladies. The rest of the Capileans found their partners or, lacking one, mixed into the crowd of Knessians to find one.

[Knessniet]

"It should be starting in a moment.", Herman replied.

As Charlotte went to look for a partner, the Grand Duke stopped her, and offered to dance with her.

The first dance was a traditional Knessian piece, using solely string instruments. It was quite interesting, from a musical critic's perspective. It was quite similar to a traditional Western European waltz, but with tones that give a hint of American square dancing. One trained in music would notice that among the string instruments, there was a fiddle thrown in among the more classical instruments. This would certainly explain the odd sound of the music.

Odd as it was however, it was lively. Herman had been trained to respond as quick as the music, as it was quite traditional among Knessian nobility. So, he was more than prepared to put on quite a spectacle for his new interest.

In Herman's mind, he now has found something quite out of the ordinary for him. His usual routine usually involves hyperactive aides, rich yet petty nobles, fierce generals, and dull ministers. Oh sure, he was fond of them, but now he has found something much better: A romantic interest.

Usually, at this point in his life, he would have married the daughter of one of the wealthy Counts in his realm. However, he felt like he was better than that. Thus, he sought out the Capilean royals after searching among the royal families of Europe for a suitable match. He passed over the Brits because they were too liberal, he passed over the Romanovs because they were dead, he nearly chose the main branch of the Hohenzollerns, but his investigations into them reminded him of the ever-growing diplomatic relationship his foreign minister kept blabbing about involving Nova Capile.

Now, one may express wonder as to how he found half of his knowledge. It's quite simple. He is a master plotter. If he hadn't had been born a Grand Duke, he would have no doubt joined some intelligence service somewhere. He has plans for nearly everything, as he makes a hobby out of it. One time, a foreign diplomat once nearly had a heart attack when the Duke showed him the mock invasion of their nation he had drawn up in his free time. In fact, he actually intended to show Charlotte his collection of plans the very next day. Not the sensitive ones, like his map of nuclear silos or his plans for seducing her. But he would most certainly show his plans about building a grand library for the University of Knessniet, and his ideas about restructuring the public library system, as he now found out she has an affinity for books.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Ducal Palace

---

The Capileans, at first unaccustomed to the blend of American and European harmonies that was Knessian music, quickly adapted to the lively melody and soon proved to be vivacious dancers to their partners. Charlotte, while caught a little off-guard by Herman's request to dance with her, politely agreed and soon found herself smiling and laughing at the Grand Duke's elaborate and animated movements. The other Hohenzollerns appeared to be enjoying themselves as well. Most of them had switched partners to find an unfamiliar face, which they got to know as they danced. Capileans were just as spirited drinkers as their Germanic cousins, and as champagne was passed around most partook heavily. The peppy Knessian fiddle music only spurred them on more, and the more free-spirited members of the Capilean royal family, such as Karl, quickly began to let loose.