To Lovely Montmaray [closed, Greater Prussian RP]

[Allanea]

Official Message from Alexander Blaken-Kazansky, Emperor of Greater Prussia, President of Allanea, King of Reichskamphen, Emperor of the Thousand States, Archduke of Dragkon, Liberator of Torontonias, Count of Centreville, Friend of the Elves, General-Secretary of the Confederacy of Sovereign States and the Coalition of Drug-Exporting Nations, President of the CAPINTERN

The Emperor of Greater Prussia is much interested in meeting Her Majesty Queen Olivia I of New Hayesalia. He has decided to issue to her a new honor, based on her longtime steadfast service to the cause of Greater Prussia in particular, and the cause of individual liberty in general, as well as the prosperity of her people and of all sapient mankind. Her nation had long been the beloved friend of ours, and it is time, we hope, for Queen Olivia herself and Emperor Alexander to also become friends.

For this purpose, His Imperial Majesty would like to visit lovely Montmaray with his royal cortege, and meet the wise and lovely Queen of New Hayesalia, so as to exchange gifts and honors with her, and generally gain an understanding of her character, so as to deepen and improve the longstanding friendship between our peoples.

Such a thing can occur at a time of Her Royal Majesty's choosing, all the better to showcase the best things about New Hayesalia and its elegant court.

*

Personal Message from Alexander Blaken-Kazansky

Dear Olivia!

I would like to reiterate less officially the contents of the formal letter you've just received. In short, I believe that beyond the formal diplomacy of diplomats and treaties, there is the informal diplomacy of personal visits, handshakes, and people getting to know each other better. True, our nations have been formally closely allied for a long while now, but I fully believe it is possible for us to build a closer cooperation than what we now have. While I am aware your own role in your country is mostly ceremonial I believe that forging ties depends on more than just formal authority.

As such I would be most happy to see you and your family, and to hand out gifts and tokens of my personal appreciation to them. The details remain to be hashed out of course – would you like my arrival to be ostentatious and formal or personal – should I come alone or bring a throng of bodyguards and escorts? It is a matter purely of taste, in my view.

Let us do this as soon as we are able.

[New Hayesalia]

OFFICIAL ROYAL COMMUNICATION
HER MAJESTY QUEEN OLIVIA OF MONTMARAY

Upon receipt of your correspondence, Her Majesty has advised that she would be most willing to meet the Emperor of Greater Prussia. Working with all the nations of Greater Prussia, New Hayesalia and the Province of Montmaray have benefited greatly. In achieving this, we can develop a tour involving talks to improve our diplomatic potential, to engage our monarchies in greater cultural appreciation, and to engage the New Hayesalian population with greater royal influence.

In achieving this, the New Hayesalian Government will engage the Allanean Government with an itinerary, travel and security arrangements. We are sure this trip will be most profitable in all spectrums of experience, and we welcome the involvement of the Emperor in New Hayesalian culture.

Official Message of the Montmarian Royal Family of New Hayesalia
Long Live the Queen

Royal Family International Communications Cell:

Office 17,
First Castle,
Port Eastgate,
2606 2000 0033

Queen's Office:

The Royal Office,
First Castle,
Port Eastgate,
2606 2000 9000

---

OFFICIAL ROYAL COMMUNICATION
HER MAJESTY QUEEN OLIVIA OF MONTMARAY

Emperor, it is indeed a pleasure to make proper contact with you. You are very correct in that my role is ceremonial. In modern democracy, my role is not a political one but it is an extremely useful and versatile one. My role is also primarily to the people of Montmaray, although I do have a role in representing this entire country in international affairs.

Your arrival would be a strong show to the people of Greater Prussia and the world, so there should most certainly be a showing of pomp and vigour. The Royal Montmarian Guard are one of the New Hayesalian Military's most historical and actively serving units, and they are the unit that most represents our Kingdom's history. Their main mission is also the protection of New Hayesalian officials, so they will provide our security arrangements and the provision of Allanean security is unnecessary unless protocol requires it.

Of course, we will exchange gifts and tour a variety of our historic castles, including Second Castle. Port Eastgate, our Montmarian capital, is called the City of Diplomacy, and an interesting history of this place can be delivered to you on arrival in our country. I'm sure the International Visiting Cell of my staff will organise our meeting, and I look forwards to our professional and symbolic relationship.

Official Message of the Montmarian Royal Family of New Hayesalia
Long Live the Queen

Royal Family International Communications Cell:

Office 17,
First Castle,
Port Eastgate,
2606 2000 0033

Queen's Office:

The Royal Office,
First Castle,
Port Eastgate,
2606 2000 9000

[Allanea]

Personal Message from Alexander Blaken-Kazansky

Your Majesty, I will be pleased to meet you at any rate. Since I will not be bringing my family with me, I will not require a very paranoid form of personal guard, and the giant motorcades with which I am sometimes seen are generally a form of advertisement for my wealth and power. We can make an arrangement for any combination of Allanean/Prussian/New Hayesalian ostentation that your government is comfortable with, the most important thing, however, is that it be pretty.

[New Hayesalia]

OFFICIAL ROYAL COMMUNICATION
HER MAJESTY QUEEN OLIVIA OF MONTMARAY

Under current protocol, I am advised, that the arrival of a Head of State by aircraft is a military reception with the First Lord of Montmaray at Royal Eastgate International Airport. We would be able to provide transportation in a Royal A8 4.2 Quattro, convertible depending on weather and security situations. You'd then be transported to First Castle and review a much larger military parade, near the national anthems, gun salutes, et cetera.

There would thereafter be a reception at the Great Hall and Courtyard, which looks out over Royal Beach over to SecondCastle, a 500 year old castle nestled on Second Island, just off the coast of Montmaray. Drinks are served by Household staff and canapés, made in the Royal kitchens, are served. The event would go from 6pm until 9pm and music would be provided by the Royal Montmarian Guards Band.

You would be invited to a review of a number of locations in Montmaray, and on your final evening you would be the guest of honour at a State Banquet, where you would recieve the Knight of the Grand Cross of the Royal Montmarian Order.

Of course, anything that you would like to do could be accommodated.

We would also have some quieter days in which to relax and speak informally, enjoy the countryside, and other things. I would certainly hope that this would bring us closer together.

Official Message of the Montmarian Royal Family of New Hayesalia
Long Live the Queen

Royal Family International Communications Cell:

Office 17,
First Castle,
Port Eastgate,
2606 2000 0033

Queen's Office:

The Royal Office,
First Castle,
Port Eastgate,
2606 2000 9000

[Allanea]

Personal Message from Alexander Blaken-Kazansky

I am absolutely pleased at being offered these wonderful honors. I must consult immediately the Greater Prussian Master of Ceremonies, who has served the Imperial Line and now is providing consultations to House Blaken-Kazansky, so as to develop the proper way to properly thank Her Majesty for this generosity of hers.

I shall be arriving on the proper date aboard one of the Superjet-100s of Flight Group Allanea, the official transportation air fleet of the Free Kingdom's top officials. I will bring forth a range of gifts, both samples of Allanean art and various other items for you and your friends. Finally speaking I will unveil a Greater Prussian assistance package for your country, which is only proper and good given the contributions of New Hayesalia to the Greater Prussian Empire.

[Allanea]

Thus it was, upon the appointed day, the Emperor's personal Plane, an SSJ-100 Superjet, began to descend over the flat, square roofs of Montmaray. The plane gleamed slightly, its livery chromed-silvery in appearance, only the aircaft's flight name, the Pelican II written under the pilot's cabin in dark-blue lettering.
Alexander Blaken-Kazansky was on his way.

OOC: IT'S ALIVE.

[New Hayesalia]

APPROACH TOWER, ROYAL EASTGATE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, PORT EASTGATE, MONTMARAY

"Superjet 1, Eastgate Approach, beginning descent runway 2-9er left, acknowledged."

The ATC tower here at Royal Eastgate was a well organised temple of electronics, knobs and paper cutouts. People in uniform polo shirts sat in deep consult with their screens while ocassionally taking up expensive binoculars to watch their aircraft come into one of the two parallel runways. NH Airways formed the bulk- they were headed to the Domestic Terminal- but the occasional international flights always had a pair of eyes magnifying in on them. For the Allanean Flight Group, the carriage of the Emperor drew the attention of a majority of ATC staff. The counter-snipers from the Royal Montmarian Guard also watched the shiny Russian jet touch down, through their own binos.

Weather had today been incorrectly forecast. The 20% coverage was more like 40% and the day had become far more humid than anyone would have been prepared for today- a real pain considering the 34C temperatures now hammering anyone in direct sunlight.

Across the airport a welcoming party had assembled and ostensibly, the red carpet was ready to be fully rolled out once the air stairs docked with the Allanean Superjet. From the view of the press pool to the end of the runway, a large detachment of suit-wearing gentlemen and well-dressed ladies waited patiently for the large and impressive jet to come to a stop. At the head of the assembly were three people. One, the First Lord of Montmaray, equivalent in rank to about that of a State Governor, with the Allanean Ambassador Sean Clawson and his wife to his side.

This group stood to the left, and to the right stood an arrival guard of a company of Royal Montmarian Guards. Two platoons stood either side of the banner bearers and party, who held the New Hayesalian flag, Royal Standard and flag of Allanea. As was traditional, the air stairs were operated by uniformed member of the New Hayesalian Air Force. The first New Hayesalian to greet Kazansky on his tour would be Air Force Flight Lieutenant Brad Ewile, with a salute and polite greeting of "Welcome to Montmaray, sir."

The high temperatures were taking their toll. The RMG were a part of the New Hayesalian Army's special forces Legion, but their woolen black uniforms did not suit the wild heat today. Of the 90 members standing at ease, waiting for the jet to finish taxiing, three had fainted and been stretchered out by other soldiers in camouflage uniforms.

The plane came to it's position. Banners drifted in the wind as the high whirring of turbofan engines came to a close. An Allanean pilot looked out his port window, and shot a thumbs up. On that single, the airstairs began the approach to the front door of the shining aircraft, quickly followed by a red carpet with gilt outline. It was rolled out quite professionally and uniformly by two more Air Force personnel.

Within two minutes, the red carpet was prepared, Guards at attention and Ewile waiting for the Superjet's door to open.

Kazansky was about to go live to the world.

[Allanea]

Alexander Blaken-Kazansky had cheated somewhat. Outwardly, he looked to be wearing an ermine cloak, the traditional outfit of Greater Prussian Emperors for those few occasions where extreme formality was required. In truth, he had been wearing it now for the third time in his life, including even his coronation – but there was, of course, a small trick.

The cloak was fitted with a set of miniature tubes running through its thick cloth and fur, and a small electric motor and battery had been hidden in the outfit just behind the Emperor's shoulder blades. Between them, they allowed the hidden machinery to cool and circulate air inside the heavy coat. In other terms, Alexander's clothing was air conditioned, allowing him to descend into the sauna-like heat of New Hayesalia with little personal discomfort.

As Brad Ewile saluted Alexander, the Boy-Emperor saluted back, smiling radiantly to the New Hayesalian.

“Thank you, Lieutenant. I am happy to be here, among friends and allies.”

[New Hayesalia]

The press pool to the end of the red carpet lit up, with cameras coming up to head level and news cameras zooming into the Emperor as he made his way down the stairs. He looked cool and comfortable, despite the seemingly heavy coat. He walked down the stairs with the roundel of the New Hayesalian Air Force. As the Emperor neared the tarmac, the Royal Montmarian Guard company was called into attention. With a quick rise of the foot, they moved from the open-legged ease position to the straight and rigid attention, their arms held straight down the blood red seams of their pants and occasional dresses.

The welcoming party including the Ambassador shook hands with the Emperor with a small bow. What thy were saying was unclear to the press, but it was obviously a polite welcome to the Province. He shook hands with the Ambassador and met his wift, as well as meeting the larger assembly immediately behind him including Allanean diplomatic staff, Port Eastagte city officials and representatives from the National and Provincial Government.

As the greetings neared a close, a 2014 model Lexus LS600hL hybrid luxury car smoothly glided to the start of the red carpet. The passenger, a Royal Montmarian Guard with a black beret with a red band, the gold badgeof the New Hayesalian Army glittering just below an Onyx stone and a gold aguilette hanging from his left shoulder. The man had a thin haircut and looked to be around 30 years of age. His red epaulettes were covered by red rank slides with three silver metal castles, indicating his rank as a Guards Captain. Like his comrades standing in company formation, he wore decorations however the sheer number set him apart from his colleagues. His name was, as seen on his simple name tag, Jean Delecause, CCM. The CCM stood Conspicuous Conduct Medal, in recognition of a number of contributions he had made to the RMG and it's formation. Among his medals were both the Active and Operational Service Medals, The Military Medal, and the Excellence in Advance Combat and Security Medal.

On the other side of his black tunic above his gold name tag sat his Qualified Combat Proficiency Badge- seen on all other RMGs in the company, and by many members of the military in general. Around it he wore the Military Driver's Badge, the silver Specialist Skills Instructor Badge, the Combat Action Badge. To the top were the Parachutist's Badge, WIA Badge and the two Unit Citation badges that members of this battalion of the RMG wore.

This man was an extremely accomplished soldier.

As the Emperor approached, the Guard Captain stood to attention and bowed. He did not salute for two reasons. Firstly, he wasn't wearing the RMG's bicorne headdress. Secondly, as he introduced himself, he would be the Personal Aide-de-Camp to the Emperor on his trip to New Hayesalia. It explained the aguillete as well as the last star-shaped medal which read "Aide-de-Camp" on the banner atop the interior circle, and "THE EMPEROR OF ZELLATIA" on the interior circle. The two men exchanged light pleasantries and the Guard Captain saluted before ushering the Emperor into the Lexus, firmly closing the particularly heavy door and resuming the passenger seat. The driver, another RMG although only a Guardsman, also wore the black and red beret. Although he was the first person the Emperor had seen wearing sunglasses.

The luxurious interior of the Lexus was finished with wood sourced from the western region of Montmaray, and leather made by Montmarian tanners. On the hood of the car, the Montmarian flag flew alongside that of Allanea. Montmaray was an interesting little province. Although only about 8% of the New Hayesalian population lived here, Montmaray had maintained a level of sovereign spirit not matched by the other provinces. By result of an agreement in 2010, Montmaray had accepted a long standing offer to join the Hayesalian Union, although only year before had it Amalgamated into the Island Republic of New Hayesalia. With the Second Amalgamation, a number of concessions were made. New Hayesalia became a constitutional monarchy, although the influence of the Montmarian- not New Hayesalian- Royal Family was barely felt even in the capital, Revnami. Indeed, the Head of State and Government remained the Prime Minister. The role of the Monarch fit a position of Head of the Province of Montmaray and the Deputy Head of State of New Hayesalia. And of course, she remained in control of the Royal Montmarian Order.

The small Montmarian Army- there was no Air Force or Navy- became a part of the New Hayesalian Army. With a wish to maintain the character of the historic military force, the Royal Montmarian Guard was retained as a special forces unit with both a ceremonial role and law enforcement capabilities. Every man and woman the Emperor had so far seen in uniform were serving Special Forces troops with a mission of close personal protection. The unit lineage traced back to the historic Royal Montmarian Guard, established in 1829 to protect the Royal Family.

The Guard Captain spoke as the Lexus left the airport and began driving down the hilly street, closed off for the forming motorcade which included half a dozen marked police vehicles a number of unmarked security vehicles- some incidentally containing working members of the RMG.

"Sir, as I believe this is your first trip to Montmaray. As your personal Aide, it is my role to assist you in any way I can during your State Visit. Should you have any questions or orders, I ask you not to refrain from immediately summoning me to assist you, should you need it. This is my assignment and it is a pleasure to be a close representative of Montmaray and indeed New Hayesalia. Do you have any questions at the moment, sir?"

[Allanea]

Alexander smiled contentedly. "At the moment, absolutely no questions. I have to admit, your country's hospitality is absolutely beyond reproach. I have not been treated better anywhere in the world, save perhaps my Aunt's palace in Menelmacar. Had I been wearing a hat, it would have been off to you."

[OOC: Little opportunity for me to really do anything but praise you!]

[New Hayesalia]

As the Lexus turned down Slate Drive, it appeared that the Emperor's words had come too soon. Although Slate Drive was Port Eastgate's diplomatic heartbeat, with embassies of many countries including an Allanean consulate dotted along the long, downhill street. From hhre was a clear view to the ocean, as well as the cityscape of Port Eastgate in what seemed to be a naturally formed basin, lightly descending from hills to the sea. Lining the road were people, many applauding and having turned up to watch the arrival of the Emperor. It wasn't huge- there were no little flags and loud whoopings, nor was the turnout particularly high. Dotted along the streets and watched carefully by the National Police keeping the area secure were protesters, who wielded signs including statements like "A.D.D- ALLANEAN DEMOCRACY DIES" "PRESIDENT FOR LIFE UNTIL DEATH, MAYBE!" and one particularly rude sign invoking the c-word as being the start of Kazansky's last name. It was hardly a good image, but indeed the right to protest was necessarily upheld.

"Well sir, I'm sorry about their welcome at least. I'm sure you can appreciate that we have to respect their right to free speech."

The motorcade made a few more turns. A deli was spotted just down a narrow little street, a Serbian man looking up from his sandwich in the commotion. The Lexus swooshed past in a flash. The speed limit for vehicles in Montmaray was usually a paltry 30km/h, but in fairness the average vehicle was little more than a souped-up golf cart. The Lexus followed through with it's motorcade through straight though jagged streets, reascending another drive and coming for the first time into view with the First Castle.

A gigantic grounds with a large ornate and beautiful fence had appeared. Inside, finely maintained, bright green grass gave way to hedges and a light grey lane leading to the palace front. The grass separated the road from the large ponds, lightly giving themselves away to more elegant greenery. The road circled around a golden fountain, and to the facade of the red brick palace. Solid, Montmarian oak doors were inside the covered verandah and red brick gave way to marble trimmings around elegant windows and pillars. Atop the two-storey high roof, circular ornaments representing the former Kings and Queens- engraved with their personal coats of arms- gave shape to the square roof. At the very top, the white dome rose high and above, truly admonishing the site as one of royalty. A flagpole rose above it, the Queen's standard gently waving atop.

The motorcade peeled away, with only the Lexus making the drive up the road to the verandah. To the left of the road,just before the loop began, a waiting press pool was eagerly recording and snapping pictures. Another formation of the Royal Montmarian Guard, armed ceremonially with Ripper Mk3 rifles, waited at attention for the world leader. To the right, a formation of the Royal Montmarian Guard's Band waited also at attention. In front of the columns holding up the verandah were two more RMG, bearing the personal standard of the Queen and the Empire's flag. The Emperor would perhaps also notice the ceremonial artillery pieces off to the far left, their muzzles directed above the pond.

As the Lexus pulled in, the trumpeters of the band, standing in the front rank of the Band, put their lips to the instrument and played a jaunty fanfare. Guards Captain Delecause exited the vehicle once it pulled to a stop, already havng ensured his beret was well shaped. The driver stared straight onwards. The Captain performed a precise marching walk- his arms left by his sides- to come around the Lexus to the rear passenger on the right side. Having come around from behid, he stopped ahead of the door and executed a perfectly times about turn, before outstrecthing his hand and opening the door wide. He stood at attention, the door handle still in his grasp, as the Emperor dismounted.

And standing precisely eight steps away stood her Majesty the Queen Olivia I. She wore a neutral face which to a slight betrayed a mixture of happiness and ackowledgement that the coming time was going to be quite busy. The two approached each other, and the Queen extended her hand to the Emperor.

[Allanea]

"Well sir, I'm sorry about their welcome at least. I'm sure you can appreciate that we have to respect their right to free speech."

"Apologies? Why?" - Alexander asked - "You should be proud of your country. I have never insisted Allanea is a democracy. Sure, it has democratic elements - elected legislatures, for one - but really, you have to understand, it was at worst a democratic republic. That it is now formally a constitutional monarchy is merely a change of labels, one that I feel lends respectability to the whole enterprise. At any rate, free speech is a sacred right, and the fact that your country not only has free speech but its citizens have a tradition of regularly exercising that right, speaks well of your culture and civilization."

As the First Castle came into view, the Emperor smiled appreciatively. "A modest design. Not like the Baroque palaces of Reichsburg, then." - he preferred not to mention politely that he actually preferred the baroque and rococo styles.

Some Time later

As Alexander shook Olivia's hand warmly, he spoke. "I am honored to be your guest and the guest of your lovely country, Your Majesty."

[New Hayesalia]

"Quite, Emperor. I trust your flight was decent?" she replied, in her firm voice. He replied that it was. As she moved slightly, sunlight glinted off a blue and gold insignia attached to a blue, red and yellow bow on her gown. The insignia was that of the Sovereign of the Royal Montmarian Order, her order of chivalry.

"Let's inspect the troops." she suggested, after a short discussion. She walked alongside the Emperor to an RMG soldier wearing a red belt and holding a sword in front of him. His rank, two metal castles, signified his rank of Guards Officer. He stood as the commander of the Guards assembled, and he saluted the two Royals as they approached. He reported- "4th Company, Royal Montmarian Guards Company, Amalgamation Guards, ma'am!" She acknowledged him, and the party of three began to inspect the party.

The Guards stared forwards, holding their weapons vertical and their hands over the magzines. Even as the two figures passed in front of them, they were unwavering. These RMG soldiers were trained in ceremony, part of the Amalgamation Guards Precision Drill Team. Usually they wore New Hayesalian Army uniforms, but today donned the historic "blacks."

The two came to the end of the first ranked, and turned to inspect the second, third and rear ranks. Returning to the front, the Queen nodded to the Officer and he saluted before bringing the Guards back to attention. Their legs snapped back to straight, rifles perfectly 180 degrees down. The two Royals were ushered back to the front of the verandah, where a rectangular red carpet had been set down. As they did, a single trumpeter of the Band stepped forward and played a single mid-range note for a bar. The Guards Officer called his men to stand at a Royal Salute as the National Anthem of Allanea followed by the Royal Anthem was to be played. The band quickly started, their music provided the backing to the song Allanea. The King sang as did the Guards, who had learned the song to give it a hearty backing, as the Queen watched the Allanean flag rising on a flag pole just behind the assembled armed Guards:

When from a journey three friends are returning,
Or from a job that's well done,
Often we hear with the friendly rejoicing,
People demanding "Raise One!"

We'll raise the glass for our heroes' memory,
Those who fought on the Pole,
We'll raise a glass for the soldiers of liberty,
Noble in part and in whole!

One for the Air Force,
One for the Infantry,
One for the Land of The Free,
One for the Boy Scouts,
One for the King,
One for our Sweet Liberttiiie!!!

Communist cities burn on the horizon,
Labors of evil undone
On their ruins troops pour some "poison",
Cherering, demanding "Raise one!"

Let us remember Allanea's heroes,
Those who fought and died,
Let us remember the brave and the valiant,
Those who won and survived!

Let's raise a glass for the heroes of Axackal,
One for Jay August's brave lads,
We'll raise a glass for Truth and for Liberty,
Their fire burns in our hearts,

Cheer for the men who commanded battalions,
Froze in Antanjyl's snows,
Let's drink for those who fought in Yazmarea,
Those who conquered our foes.

Let us remember who fought in Kahanistan,
Beat back the Kravenite hordes,
Let's raise a glass for our great Yurkan Victory,
All our heroes, and more!

Let's raise a cheer for our Army and Soldiers,
Raise one for Boy Scout Hill!
Our soldiers have never surrendered -
Cheer, for they never will!

The drummer made a long roll and the Royal Anthem began, the Guards singing but the Queen standing upright as she listened to her own anthem, the Band playing the tune of Haste Now, Hear The News.

Haste now hear the news.

Haste now hear the news,
From the fields south.

We now have a King,
We've split away from the old ground,
Split from the,
Warfare,
Of the battle at Bastion.

Listen thee,
The King is free,
At his tower at Eastgate-town,
And the Queen,
She is free,
At her tower at Eastgate-town.

We are gone,
From the Retalimoran plains of combat,
Shall we regroup ourselves,
And tend our land,
And honour our rightful King,
Who stands argent at the night.

Haste now, hear the news,
Montmaray arise,
Montmaray arise,
Free we stand,
Under guise,
Of King and his grand Queen,
Stand with us,
Or against us,
We will prove their valid claim.

Haste now, hear the news,
The crown is set upon our King's Head,
Haste now, hear the news,
Here we stand our own nation.

The Band completed, and well off to the side, the voice of a yelling Guardsman struck through the difference. His order was simple, directed to the seven guns. In quick time, they fired a volley, each gun firing two seconds after the last. Six seconds, precisely, after the last gun fired, the process repeated, and then repeating once more for the 21 gun salute. New Hayesalia had rolled out the red carpet in style, with pride. And it ws time now for the two Royals to enter the red bricked First Castle.

[Allanea]

"Your Royal Majesty," - Alexander began. - "The troops are truly impressive. If they fight as well as they parade - and this being New Hayesalia, I can only assume that they do - I am now certain regarding the security of the Empire's capital region from any attacks from the East. Nobody will get past those men." - he paused - "And of course, the singing is excellent. In Allanea perhaps only the top choirs can perform at this level of quality."

[New Hayesalia]

"Well, Your Highness, I have a lot of faith in these men and women. They've always served with distinction and I always have trusted them with my life. Their ceremonies are always exciting, I must add. Please, come inside."

The two entered the Reception Room. Fitted with gold leaf and red fixtures, incorporating mahogany wood and the allure of crystal surrounding an elegant water feature in the center, the room was obviously designed to impress. The walls were covered in portraits and landscapes of former rulers and famous scenes, such as the signing of the Montmarian Accession and the Battle of Hollow Bastion. A portrait of the Queen occupied the central, far wall. Encased tightly in front was the Montmarian crowd, two uniformed RMGs standing aside it as they did 24/7. As the two walked, the taps of their shoes echoed, aligning with the trickle of the water feature. The room seemed to glow with grandeur and style.

"This room was originally built in 1800, but it was nowhere near this grand until well after the Montmarian Accords. Those Accords were how we separated as a nation. Of course, we revoked them in 2010 to join the Greater Island Kingdom, but they gave us the right to establish this monarchy in the first instance and begin to develop the province how we saw fit. That was before globalization, and the growing influence of the Hayesalian Union through the years. Nonetheless, we were able to nurture a fledgling monarchy. In many ways, it would be similar to the current situation in your home country, I presume?"

[Allanea]

"It is an excellent work of art," - Alexander said, looking at the painting of the Battle of Hollow Bastion. "The portrait is, I think, also quite astounding, it captures your character I believe." - saying this was a bit of a gamble, he hoped that the Queen was actually fond of her portrait.

"And it must be remembered Allanea has for most of its history been part of Greater Prussia under an Emperor, nor is the title of King of Allanea a new one. In a sense we are coming in touch with an older tradition."