Meeting with a Kaiser - Part 1 (ATTN: Orlkjestad, CLOSED)

[Wolfenium]

"I guess," Paulus agreed, "however, the objectivity of their answer might be skewed though. I've heard from one of my aides that you've just signed a defence pact with the Grand Duchess. Knowing them, they might cry foul over this and claim all sorts of nonsense. But, if the inquiry were made with a group of neutral countries, then they would have less to deny about. We may have a high emphasis on the military, but sometimes, the best solutions may not require the most force."

[Orlkjestad]

"Not if they never find out. News hasn't spread to the public yet, right?"

[Wolfenium]

"No, not yet," she mentioned, "but would you rather I keep quiet about this?"

[Orlkjestad]

"No, I want the public to know... Wait, we're with the WA. I'm pretty sure there's something in the WA resolutions that is against military action in demilitarized zones. If there is some, we could use that as a casus belli and threaten condemnation unless we get an explanation. If there isn't, we bluff and do the same."

[Wolfenium]

"I see," Chancellor Paulus nodded, a slight smirk appearing on her face, "to be honest, we, the people of Wolfenium, are not eager to bind ourselves with the expectations and beliefs of the World Assembly. We feel that it is a severe violation of our right of sovereignty and would severely hinder the progress and development of the country.We won't oppose to the existence of the assembly as a whole, though, as long as they stay out of our domestic affairs.

As for condemnation, might I put forth a suggestion? The Commonwealth is a nation heavily reliant on aid and trade, despite its 'status' as a regional 'power'. Cutting them off would easily drive panic among the Amythysian leadership and would most certainly cow any further efforts to scare us. Sure, the common people would likely starve even more but I doubt their situation would change for the better anyway."

[Orlkjestad]

"So, you mean a blockade? Or trying to negotiate with the other nations in the region to cut off exports to Amythyst?"

[Wolfenium]

"I would say, more of the blockade," the chancellor confirmed with a smirk, "we can try sanctions, but since our navy is already on alert, I was thinking the former would be a faster and more effective option to use."

Looking at her watch, she excused herself. "I'm terribly sorry, Mr Christiaansen, but I'm running late. I have to attend a meeting at the Reichstag. You're welcome to visit later on. We have much to discuss about... In any case, congratulations on your victory. We look forward to working closer with your people."

[Orlkjestad]

"Alright, goodbye then." The Prime Minister then turned to the albino. "Lead the way to the Archives, if you will."

[Wolfenium]

The woman could only sigh as she replied, "affirmative." Walking up the steps of the Archives, more evidence of propaganda could be seen all over the architecture. Mosaics depicting the historic victory of the then South Astoli Alliance, against the Amythysians. Portraits and statues of the various monarchs were displayed in prominence on the foreground. However, one statue, seemed to be desecrated on purpose, missing a head - the head of a disgraced tyrant, who overthrew a dynasty and forever tainted the call for freedom.

"Prime Minister," she asked, as she opened the doors of the archives for the entourage, "you've mentioned earlier that you'd wish to share your nation's history with me. Perhaps you could give me some insight into the Federation's past?"

[Orlkjestad]

"Well, let's see...I'll start with early history. Civilization first appeared where Orlkjestad is now around 3000 BC. The first city states were founded along one of two rivers- the Gregorian or the Atki. The Gregorian is longer, the Atki is shorter. The two biggest ones were Anders and Ceythorn. Anders was the largest of the two, but most agree it wasn't as influential. It was located where the capital of Orlkjestad, Kolsvabard is now. Ceythorn was not as big, but it was definitely more influential. There were many more, as well. But, most were in the spheres of influence of the two largest ones. All except one, the state of Haasdonke, in the north. It was isolated from all others, therefore it became fiercely independent. These states became one of the most advanced civilizations in the world, making advents in philosophy, science, and mathematics never seen before. The city-states often fought, usually in just petty skirmishes. However, in AD 543, this would change. The Great Pyrillic War broke out between Ceythorn and Anders, the two's allies, and the two's territories. This would result in the deaths of over 600,000 people, and leave the states in a permanent state of disunity. This would eventually cause the southern states to fall to foreign invading tribes. These tribes came from the south, and knew only war. They sacked, pillaged, and burned wherever they went. Anderia was sacked in 698, and the first era of Orlkjestadi civilization ended. Only the northern states remained. This would be the only beacon of hope of reclamation of the southe, and in 799, a fire in the armory of the city of Kolsvabard, founded by the invading tribes, incited a whole unification movement. By 801, the king of Ceythorn, the newly crowned King Peter II, announced a united Pyrillo-Orlkjestadi state, starting with the annexation of the neighboring state of Daelin. By 812,the northern states would be united, and by 818, the southern lands were reclaimed. This would be known as the Pyrillic Union, and King Peter II was bestowed the title of "Magnificent". The man would now be known as "Peter The Magnificent", or "Pietermagnaipilie" in our language. However, the southeastern portion of the peninsula, as well as a small part of the northwest, refused to unite. This caused no problem, as the Pyrillic Union ushered in a new age in the region." He sat back and said, "How many Orlkjestadis are living in your nation? Any enclaves as well?"

[Wolfenium]

Schwarzlicht thought through for a moment, before responding, "although an official census on ethnic minorities in the country is inconclusive, I'm afraid estimates of ethnic Orlkjestadi in Wolfenium barely number a few hundred. Also, there are no known Orlkjestadi enclaves in Wolfenium either, given the lack of a sufficiently large population. Furthermore, most ethnic Orlkjestadi are expatriates rather than settlers. If there were any enclaves that had existed before the war, it would have probably disappeared by its outbreak. And if my estimates are correct, Wolfen-born settlers in your nation would probably be around the same numbers, if not lower. Unless you could inform me otherwise?"

[Orlkjestad]

"There's a few, primarily refugees from your war. About in the 3,000 to 9,000 range. Most moved back after the ceasefire. Mind if you'd show me around the archives?"

[Wolfenium]

"Affirmative," went the albino, as she guided the entourage across the halls of the archives...

There were few library-goers in the archives at the moment, owing to the chilly weather outside. Those who braved the cold were mostly professors and scholars from the nearby universities. However, there are a fair number of military personnel stationed here as well.

"The chambers closest to the archives are open to the public. Most of the books on display are mostly historical records and various books of studies. However, the archives also contained some of the more... sensitive documents in imperial possession. Things usually found in security compounds. I can't say more, but at the moment, my task here is to compile and catalog all classified documents in the archives, many of which were either lost or misplaced. On the surface, the archives itself is just smaller of the Chancellery and the Reichstag. However, the archives contain massive underground stores meant to protect the empire's vital records from destruction. Ironic, considering many historical accounts were deliberately altered and destroyed during the Sommer Dynasty.

But what can you tell me of your nation's libraries? What efforts were made to preserve the records of your Federation?"