Congress of Ishikawa (semi-closed)

[New Aeyariss]

CONGRESS OF ISHIKAWA



"The Sombreland Refugee Crisis, War in Bashriyya - those were the topics taking over the minds of the heads of states recently. What would be the fate of Bashriyya, reduced to ashes by Nifonese and Inyurstan bombs? How would spheres of influence be divided? Will Sombrelandian refugee crisis ever end?

Seeing ever growing set of problems, Maki Kojiro decided to once again call for the summit in Ishikawa - not even hiding his intent that this is where the spheres of influence would be divided. "

OOC: Okay. Welcome to the congress of Ishikawa. This RP Is closed to Kali Yuga and associated nations from outside the region. Classic rules such ass human only, MT and seriousness apply always. This is sort of a summit thread, so I want everybody to understand what is happening. This is partially inspired by congress of Vienna - a diplomatic summit taking very informal way of presentation, where among dinning, dancing and discussion important Geo-political topics are moved.

LIST OF TOPICS TO BE DEBATED SO FAR:
- Fate of Bashriyya
- Sombreland Refugee Crisis
- Trade/Protectionism.
- Spheres of Influence.

I want every nation of yours to know something about those topics and try to get in depth. Your nation has to have formed opinion about those matters - the more encompassing, the merrier.

Contrary to my other RPs, I am not requiring ton of writing to be done. You have to, however, post a short bio of your characters upon entry. This does not have to be long, but here is the scheme:

---

Winter has covered the land of the cranes, as thick white coat. Snow was everywhere and citizens of this modern land were wearing long coats to protect themselves from cold. Among this winter, the Akagi castle, once home to the mighty Chosokabe samurai clan, stood like a beautiful tree in the middle of the winter. It's mighty walls which once protected the shoguns of Chosokame clan were now guarding a place where meeting of important people from many counties was to be held. Shogun Maki Kojiro stood at the top of this mighty fortress, looking at the forests surrounding it. They were beautiful, and the area seemed like taken from some local fable. He turned around after he fulfilled his eyes with looking at landscape and entered inside. Inside the top of the castle a conference room was already prepared; powerful oval table where everybody could sit like an equal, and without prejudices about others. In the middle of the table were special TVs which were prepared in such way that everybody could see what was to be shown.

A lot of servicemen were running around. Showing good face was important for Nifonese, and everything had to be perfectly working. Shogun Kojiro turned around and bowed to Her Augustenss - a young raven haired woman in an elaborate kimono.

"Denka." the Shogun almost laughed in his heart when he said this, knowing that in fact he had more power than her. This not changed the fact that they were good friends "Everything is ready."

"Thank you my friend." Her Majesty the Emperor corrected ceremonial fan which was near her waist "I am glad I have you, Kojiro-sama. Without you I would have had to deal with this boring stuff myself."

"Well, Denka, now you have not. I promised your father that I will take care of Nifon while you get to enjoy the life of an empress without any duties." Shogun was experienced and cunning politician, but seemed calm and asking for help.

"But Kojiro-sama, I have one request."

What is it?

"Make sure that there will be no bloodshed coming out of it. Please."

Then, a sound of car engines was heard on the road near the castle. A motorcade carrying VIPs was closing in. The two separated, Shogun went to greet the guests, while the Empress checked his servants on last duties.

The summit was about to begin.

---

The three halls:

[*] Dining hall: possess three long low tables. Generally decorated for "traditional Nifon" - the walls are decorated with traditional Nifonese paintings portraying most glorious moments from Nifonese history, and there is large collection of samurai armour & weaponry on one of the walls.


[*] Dancing hall: Generally mixing traditional Nifonese decorum, mostly related to the sea and maritime activities, with European neoclassicism, of which Kojiro is great fan of. The music will be provided live by Ishikawa Orchestra.


[*] Square cabinet: Smaller room where only the most important figures will be allowed to later on for more formal negotiations. Modern apparition.

[Sombreland]

Before the summit, in what would be possibly the first in a series of exchanges, the Minister of the Left and Minister of Death, Prince Shaladew Kadav had his Director of Foreign Affairs express, through diplomatic exhale, first, gratitude and appreciation for the invitation, and, second, concerns about the term “Sombreland refugee crisis”. As the Minister understood it, this was a refugee crisis involving Wenchuanese refugees who had entered Sombreland, remained in Sombreland largely due to a general state of civil breakdown and internal conflict within Wenchuan, and had been unable to return home. When the Kingdom of Sombreland’s government had offered to work with the government of the Empire of Nifon to improve the situation in Wenchuan, the government of Nifon had refused to do so, with or without the help of the Kingdom of Sombreland, and had only offered on policy: to build a wall. When the government of Sombreland’s ministers had objected that this did not address the problem or, at least, weigh all options, the government of Nifon had refused to discuss the matter. Therefore, the government of Sombreland’s leadership had determined, this was a matter for Sombreland and its allies alone.

If, however, the government of Nifon was open to discussing the matter, the government of Sombreland was very interested in understanding what the government of Nifon had in mind. In which case, the government of Sombreland wanted specifics as to what options would be discussed. For the Kingdom of Sombreland, these included the following:
1. Moving refugees out through voluntary emigration.
2. Creating a homeland for Wenchuanese refugees.
3. Restoring order at least in the provinces of Wenchuan neighboring Sombreland

Furthermore, the word “debate” was objected to when referring to trade/protectionism, spheres of influence, and the Sombreland Refugee Crisis. The word was considered to infringe upon the national sovereignty and right of self determination of nations.

Finally, there was a request for clarification about whether or not this was to be a meeting of heads of state, heads of government, misters, or representatives.

[Europe a Nation]

Meeting of the Security Council of the Commonwealth of Eulabia.

Part One

President Mosley opened the door to the chamber, and there was an oval table in front of him, where other Security Council members were already sitting.

Mekhar Asul Karlsson, Prime Minister
Eric Macdonald, Security Council Secretary
Mereo Augusto, Foreign Secretary
Klara Savinkova, Defence Secretary
General Oskar Fairfax, and Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff
Jeanne Krupp, Chairwoman of the Eulabian Parliament
Director of the Eulabian Security Service
Director of the Foreign Security Service

Mosley took his seat at the head of the table without saying anything.

"Councillors, a meeting has been called today because it is a very turbulent period for the Commonwealth of Eulabia. Our country is opening up to the world after many years of isolation and this brings with it all its advantages and disadvantages. We have opened up markets and access to strategic raw materials, but we have also broadened our horizons to include many countries that are a threat to our national security, and that is what I would like to discuss today."

He paused for a moment before continuing.

"A country whose name will come up more than once is Nifon. We have had very neutral relations with Nifon until recently. We have never been a concern for Nifon until now. We have a lot of military equipment from Nifon from the civil war, but even then our relations were not very interesting. But that changed at the end of the last year. A key milestone was the conference in Galador, at which Mr Augusto was present and to whom I would like to pass the floor to summarise his findings from his discussions with the Nifon representatives." He said, beckoning to Augusto.

Augusto cleared his throat and began to speak

"The Empire of Greater Nifon, as Nifon is called, is a heavily militarized country. We disrupted their sphere of interest within our ICON alliance in late 2022 when we fully decided to incorporate Sombreland into that alliance. A somewhat calm situation escalated in Galador. We left Galador with a treaty that guarantees us a non-aggression pact, but, and now hear me out, just because we agreed to not have a conventional conflict with Nifon doesn't mean we are not in a conflict."

He paused.

"Let me tell you about the Ishikawa Doctrine. The Ishikawa Doctrine is the fundamental pillar of Nifon's foreign and security strategy, and Nifon, in my observation, adheres to this doctrine. The Ishikawa Doctrine places Nifon in the role of having to protect the citizens of Nifon, at all costs, from enemies. Nifon is convinced from historical experience that if they fail to protect their sphere of influence and therefore its citizens, they will pay a huge price for that failure. At one time, Nifon was nearly defeated, and from that war he took not only much experience with modern warfare, but also great paranoia. And this paranoia has put Nifon in a situation where they think we are in a state of war, and ..."

"Excuse me, Mr Augusto" interrupted him the Chief of Staff "but you clearly said that we have a non-aggression pact with Nifon, so why are you talking about the war. We're not fighting with Nifon, and from what you say; as long as we don't violate Nifon's sphere of interest, then there won't be a war."

"Dear General, don't be fooled by the defensive tone of this doctrine." Said Augusto. "In fact, it is a doctrine completely and unquestionably aggressive. The Ishikawa Doctrine aims to defend the national interests of Nifon not only from the moment of their initial disruption, but also before that imaginary line of conflict. Thus, although Nifon aims to prevent war, they are paradoxically willing to start a war to prevent a war where they will be the one at a disadvantage. In other words, Nifon seeks to be at an advantage in every situation and will use any means to do so, and therefore we should take note that what is going on now, as crazy as it sounds, is a war with Nifon. You have to understand that Nifon is so paranoid that they consider a state of war to be the primary state. There is no peace for Nifon. The country lives in the belief that it is in a permanent struggle for survival. They think they are at war. It is an absolute distortion of Clausewitz's theory of war. Nifon does not regard war as a continuation of politics, they regard politics as a continuation of war!"

He paused for a moment, watching the astonished looks of the council members, before finishing his speech.

"Therefore, once again, I dare to say that Nifon believes they are at war with us, and if we do not accept that fact and follow the precedent they have set, we will face great consequences. Thank you."

The end of part One

[Europe a Nation]

Part Two

After Augusto finished speaking, Mosley merely nodded in agreement. He himself had this feeling too, and Augusto only convinced him that he was right. The meeting room was silent for a while. The atmosphere was tense and no one dared to speak. After a moment of silence, the silence turned into the confused mutterings of a few participants.

"Nifon is a strategic trading partner, we can't afford a conflict with such a great power." Karlsson said, somewhat distraught.

"And that is one of the problems we will now face. Nifon will try to exploit our trade relationship." Augusto replied, watching Karlsson, whose gaze changed from confused to furious.

"I suggested it before, I'll suggest it again. It's time to threaten Nifon properly. Fear! That's the only thing those damn Asians will listen to." The Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, General Fairfax, raged.

"And risk war? Don't be silly, General..." responded Augsuto.

"We've had war recently. We have experience. If we can take out the air defences of Nifon, they'll be screwed." The general continued his rampage. His face turned red, probably from a combination of rage and alcohol.

"Unfortunately, our army is in no condition to meet Nifon on the battlefield." Said a rather disappointed Secretary of Defense.

"They are on the other side of the world. A few missiles and we're done!" said the general, but was immediately interrupted by Augusto.

"That may be so, but don't forget that we have a potential NIfon ally, Theedishland, on our border. Do you want that damned country to rob us of more territory?"

"B-but..." the general tried to respond, but was interrupted by the president

"Augusto is right." Mosley said, and the room fell silent again. "No matter how hard this is for us to swallow, Nifon will come after us whether we want it to or not. We have to face harsh reality. If Nifon wants war, there is no way to refuse."

Everyone was silent. No one wanted to oppose the president, except for one; Prime Minister Karlsson.

"In retrospect, Mr. President, The Kingdom of Sombreland has caused this whole ordeal. If that odd state didn't pretend being something it's not, we wouldn't have to deal with this situation."

"You may be right, but that’s water under the bridge now, Mr. Karlsson." Mosley replied in a calm voice. "Sombreland is our ally, and how even more so, ally in the fight against Nifon. Yes it's hard to turn a blind eye and pretend we don't know how this situation arose, but it's better than losing an ally."

"An ally!" Karlsson bursted out, "An ally who is only a burden to us. And they even dare not to pay for being a burden. If it weren't for us and our alliance, it would have been a puppet of Nifon long ago. We should have taken advantage of the situation and if anything, put a real pressure on Sombreland."

"But there was no need to." responded Mosley. "Sombreland quite willingly handed over the mining rights to us. Yes I was ready and still am ready to ground them the moment they try anything. If they throw us overboard, I'll prove to them that we're not to be fucked with. But I trust them," he added. "The Princess Regent is a strong leader and has charisma. Plus, she's very intelligent and I believe she's aware of the situation she's in and won't try to disrupt this alliance in any way."

Karlsson calmed down a little, but was not satisfied. Aware of his position as the second most powerful man in EAN, he decided not to make a fuss for now. "Very well then." He said. "How do you propose to proceed, Mr. President?"

The end of Part Two

[McNernia]

Cathcride, Archinia
Imperial Palace
Imperial Audience Chambers
Some Time Before

---

The Emperor of Archinia, King of Remuria and Prince-Protector of the Goidlenesian Union looked out the window, the last was a title that had been offered as people made the connection between pre-Christian, or Decolonized Goidelenesia and the monarchy. While some would say that Misogyny had been there always, the truth of it was quite complicated. Eamon VII was quite an intellectual who considered it his duty to protect his people stared at the spires of the arcologies and the skyscrapers.

He looked at what was the people in power, people who had chopped off Kings heads and kept the people poor. The Socialists had promised things but his ancestors had co-opted the whole issue forming the welfare state, when there had been corruption and the current problem ailed him. People marched in the streets against corruption, it was on the issue of Nifon that the Emperor had concerns.
Rumors of bankrolling anyone who would do their bidding, if the Republicans were willing to sell Nifon things then they would rival the Monarchists. Eamon V had signed away much of his powers as the Social Democrats had promised to placate the people and deal with those who were calling for a Republic. Working with the various right leaning Technocrats on the New Deal inspired programming the threat of Communism had be duly defeated.

But what if he did sign it over? Abdicate and the proclamation of a Republic…

“I don’t Know Your Imperial Majesty, the people are fine so long as they are listened to and I do believe to attend the Congress of Ishikawa or at least send your brother with me would be good to satisfy, i.e it would show Kojiro we take an interest in what we have to say.”

“I see in my Red Box, you want to get in a room with him, to get the future hashed out.” The hardened face turned with the blue eyes boring into him, it was said that the baptism changed a man if he came to Christ later. Eamon VII had never been expected that he would become a King until the age of roughly fifteen as the eldest brother he had was to be Emperor but he had been declared unfit and so it fell to him.
Ugseal Calgoreach looked at his liege as the man turned from the window. He hadn’t slept from the prospect of visiting Nifon as there were integralists standing up and petitioning him to invoke the moderating power. He looked at Calgoreach,”Prime Minister I am hesitant to use the Fascist word seeing as Facists tend to be idealouges, the Nifonese are Realpolitik and the Communist Party has been praising them for combatting Neoliberalism.”

“Yes Majesty.” If there was one thing Eamon VII didn’t like it was Neoliberalism, a Great-Grandfather had been inclined to write against such men and women. They threatened the Peace. The Union was an Internationalist institution co-opted by the local elite.
Eamon VII sat looking at his Prime Minister. “I would like a consensus with the Nifonese on trade, the collaboration on technology exchange.”

“I think that it would be good to get a containment of the Eulabian Majesty, if they were to take power the Communists would rise up.”

“Indeed prime minister, the one party rule of the past, as broken sometimes as it was did yield a sense in the people that the current sitituation is for the best.” It had held off the worst reforms, then 2020 hit and the Union Assembly had begun throwing its weight around, the low deaths and good healthcare which had been a key thing in stimulating the growth of populations and the prosperity of all Goidlenesia.
“The Nifonese are wary of us Your Majesty.” Ugseal Calgoreach was in terms of the Jewish community equal to one of the Emperor’s Kinsemen, a career technocrat of the law he was a good man, rather slight, more a man of the mind then the physical, Eamon VII was more physically inclined as he stood taller and somewhat broader but not by much. Wearing his Naval uniform of an admiral he bore helicopter wings. The sky was clear for the first time in some days, the rains had been good for Cathcride.

“What of the Gilsekians?” Asked the Emperor looking at his prime minister, the Cossack dynasty that led it had been concerned over Nifon, Goidelenesian Orthodox tendencies clashing with the overlordship of the Nifonese Empress, in the Emperors view the Lakambini was little better as she was an atheist and competent though Hinata’s constitutional role was well handled and the death of ones father tended to cause one to be quite irate.

“The Gilsekian Ambassador made it plain that the Government would be watching carefully and they had approached the Ancasleans about working on the issues of Nifon if the worse came to worse.”
Which meant Calgoreach failing to get things done. There was a lot of things to be said for the fact that he would be gone soon, within a few years, he was into his second Term, then it would be Augila, Calgoran or maybe Caldosean that would make the Nifonese wary. Eamon VII was quiet. “I think it is time, you sat down with Kojiro and got things done, made sure that he perhaps agreed to some reforms, more welfare, that would prevent some Communists, look at me, I sound like that Neolib Kovacs, if it was Communists they’d send those students guns and the Nifonese would come screaming for blood.”

“Unless the Aontas was Socialist through and through.” The prospect of fighting eighty countries would be quite daunting. Calgoreach was no socialist, a believer in consensus between patricians and the people as his Emperor was a Hamiltonian as much as that could be. There was no such thing as a free market.

And it was said that Kojiro was of the same mind perhaps. Though Austrian economics tended to be rather like the Neoliberalism which Globalism tended to favor. The Archinians were believers in state authority over the Captialists. One hoped Nifon would be of similar mind.

---

Prime Ministers Aircraft, Present Day, En Route to Kiosyu

---

“Will my sucessors keep things up?” Asked Calgoreach stairing out the window at the white clouds as the SST glided across the heavens. The luxurious state aircraft transported everyone from Imperial Family scions, Eamon VII included to the odd delegations of Members of the Assembly and Council of Peers and the diplomatic Corps. Archinias Ambassador to the Nifonese Empire had been recalled for consultations on a temporary basis over the whole issue of Sombreland.

What exactly did the Nifonese want from Archinia. Calgoreach had sold the relationship as potentially an access to the Wenchuanese resources. Maybe allowance to import technology to improve Archinian weapons, growth of the economy, cooperation on corruption which could be traced to the various Anti Nifon powers possibly though no one mentioned it since the Empire’s interests would be to maintain good relations with Eulabia but Nifon had been willing to deal.

“Hard to say, Caldosean could probably be the best bet as he is full-on realpolitik.” Calgoreach’s chief of Detail sat across from him in the SSTs lounge as the aircraft rocketed across the sky. His private secretary looked over from where she was checking a report and consulting with the Ambassador who would also be attending the Congress. Archinia was prepared to take refugees if it was necessary a positive thing by the Aontas Assembly which was full of various Republics who were valuing Democracy.

Democracy, organizing, if they slipped the bonds of the Empire, they could well fall under the influence of men like Kovacs ironically fulfilling a dream of the Socialists but more towards a Neoliberal outlook, ICON it seemed was poised to effect the issue of Nifon. A war would destabilize the region and send people fleeing across the world.

Archinias Ambassador to Nifon Aogan Cathal stared out the window. He disapproved of the Nifonese on the issue of a lot of things. Most notably the whole issue of Austrian Economics. A devout Hamiltonian, his family’s company had benefited a lot from contracts. People cryed conflict of interest but well the man had upheld HM Goverments interests. “Kojiro wouldn’t call a Congress unless he needed something.”
Calgoreach raised a eyebrow. “In the Game of nations either you act with ethics and forsake authority to higher nations or entities or you make yourself the highest power. Like with what we have done. Nifon is inclined to do that. Kojiro faces rivals at home and abroad.”

Calgoreach nodded. “So he wants to form an authority which he and Nifon will be masters of. “correct.” Said the Ambassador. “our region Prime Minister is remote but with our mining we can be of service to Nifon. I know that we have some Uranium which Murakami might have an interest in.”

“And what if he doesn’t bite?”

“Murakami will bite.”

---

Ugseal Calgoreach would be the first out of the Archinian Motorocade wearing evening dress a three piece suit with tails. The Ambassador much the same wau in terms of dress. The Prime Minister of Archinia it would have been made known valued stability as nebluos as that was he seemed rather at ease upon seeing the Shogun. “Your Excellency, we have much to discuss, I understand that your government is in the market for Uranium, we have a lot of it.”

[Inyourfaceistan]

Castille de Terro, Inyursta - 72 hours earlier

---

"How do you like sushi, Matteo?" Presidente Jean-Baptiste Calderone asked his subpresidente.
"My sushi? Well the more toppings on the roll the better. Caviar, eel sauce, tomago strips, you name it. But how do I like my questions? Like gringo sandwiches - plain and to the point, Monsenor Presidente" Replied Subpresidente Matteo Armano to his technical superior in a rather harsh and direct tone. From opposite sides of the political aisle, yet cast into a joint ticket for ensured electoral success, the two men shared a very unique relationship.
Rivals, allies; a mentor and his protegee yet also a reigning ruler and his likely usurper.
"Ta bien... How do you feel about visiting Nifon?"
"That eager to get me out of Castille?"
"Relax, you'll be in the heart of one of our most powerful global SACTO allies. A man with your ambition would do well to make friends while you are there..." Calderone chuckled as he patted Armano on the shoulder, before he summoned his security detail. There was always a poker-tier level of intrigue between the two - Armano often downplaying what he knew and Calderone downplaying what he knew that Armano knew, with Armano in turn downplaying what he knew that Calderone knew that he knew; and so on and so forth.

---

Akagi Castle, Ishikawa - Present Day

---

The Subpresidente arrived in Nifon, taking a private jet to a pre-arranged limousine and its escorts. Being from the warm tropics of Inyursta, neither he nor most of his aides & security (most of) were adapted for the cold winter of Nifon; and so in response Matteo donned a thick long coat with an equally heat-holding jacket on underneath.

In public, the issue of Bashriyya (or as known in Inyursta, Bashitriyya) would be forefront; it would be where Matteo and his entourage would make the most firebrand comments, the most absurd propositions, display the most fiery of latino passion and hand gestures as they made their arguments.
But on the quiet side, the real purpose was to signal to Nifon their support in its brewing conflict with Sombreland; that even though they may be halfway across the globe, Nifon has friends in high places...

[Europe a Nation]

Part Three

"What we need now is to preserve what we have and prepare for future conflict. It would certainly give us a tactical advantage to go to Ishikawa and present plans that will ruin Nifone's plans, but we would lose our strategic advantage. We'd only be escalating the situation. Time is what we need now. We have a lot of internal issues to deal with, such as reforming and rearming the military, and focusing on Nifon would only delay these important changes. But that does not mean that we are not in conflict with Nifon. We will play their "war game". But our goals now depend on the long-term strategy that is currently taking shape."

"That is why I suggest we go to the conference with the aim of obtaining security guarantees and consolidating our sphere of influence on an international scale. Our sphere of influence at the moment is part of the Eurabian continent, Angeland, and our overseas territories. If you look carefully, you will see how isolated and vulnerable Angeland and the islands in the strait are. The sphere of influence we are now building is with Sombreland, with whom we hope to share a common approach at the conference."

"To summarise, to buy time and security guarantees. To build diplomatic and economic relations, but not to tie us economically to our rivals. And last but not least, to codify and consolidate our sphere of influence and expand it to include Sombreland."

"Mr. President, I second the plan. Thank you." Said Mr. Karlsson more to get his point across than as a sign of agreement. "However, with all due respect, you are talking about long-term strategy, but your term is coming to an end. Have you considered how to pass your agenda to your successor?"

Mosley pretended to be caught off guard by that question, but he wasn’t. His presidential term was about to end in December, but of course he was prepared to do what is necessary when the time comes, but he knew that there are people who will do it for him.

And one of them was Augusto, who hastily reacted.

"Mr. Prime Minister, President Mosley took office at a time of crisis, a time when the nation needed him most. Yes, we averted an internal crisis. Our internal enemies had been crushed, but now we face external enemies. Theedishland, Nifon, TECT, and others They are all threats to us, to our homeland, to our interests. Normally, I would honour the constitutional process of transfer of power, but in this case, I would suggest making an exception. I propose to reset the president's mandate."

Mosley was glad that his apprentice stood for him, but to keep his face, he had to express reluctance. "Mr. Augusto, I sincerely respect your opinion, but I have to answer it with reluctance. We all know that the transition of power is a core element of all democratic nations. However, if the parliament and people approve this amendment, I will respect their will." He turned on the Speaker of Parliament. "Do what is necessary, Ms. Krupp."

Ms. Krupp nodded.

Mosley stood up and said, "So we have the backbone of the plan; we'll work out the details, and most importantly, we can never prepare for everything."

"Thank you. The session is over."

The end

[New Aeyariss]

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE EMPIRE OF GREATER NIFON

---

"OVER NIFON - ONLY HEAVEN!"

---

ATTN: To the Government of Sombreland.
SUBJECT: RE: Request
ENCRYPTION: TOP SECRET

---

Your Excellency:

The government of the Empire of Greater Nifon wishes to communicate the following to the Government of Sombreland:

1) That the government of the Empire of Greater Nifon believes that the refugee crisis in five northernmost provinces of Sombreland is a matter important enough for the regional security to assume it is not a matter merely of Sombreland and it's allies, especially in light of recent revelations regarding Neo Korean State's intent (of which the Nifonese side does not as of this moment consider the Sombrelander side to be in league of).

2) Out of options suggested in the message, the Empire of Greater Nifon wishes to inform that it supports 1, and is willing to provide support for voluntary emigration of the refugees from Sombreland. On the point two, the Empire of Greater Nifon is neutral; However the point three is contradictory to treaty of Galador, and thus impossible to be realized. Point three is also seen as contradictory to Nifonese interests.

The Empire of Greater Nifon has currently commissioned KENHA corporation to research potential new ways of resolving the issue. Once the report is known, the Empire of Greater Nifon shall notify the Sombrelandian government.

3) The Empire of Greater Nifon does not posses any capabilities to force Sombreland into any bilateral treaties regarding economic issues. However, our countries are already trade partners and therefore, debating policies of mutual exchange of goods - especially issues like tariffs which affect both nations - is appropriate.

4) The Nifonese state is humbly inviting the heads of states and governments, but it also understands that not all heads of state are able to attend. As such, persons with appropriate clearance are welcome to represent their nation.



Arigatou Gozaimasu!

---

- Tokugawa Asuka, Minister of External Affairs of the Empire of Greater Nifon.

[New Aeyariss]

Ugseal Calgoreach would be the first out of the Archinian Motorocade wearing evening dress a three piece suit with tails. The Ambassador much the same wau in terms of dress. The Prime Minister of Archinia it would have been made known valued stability as nebluos as that was he seemed rather at ease upon seeing the Shogun. “Your Excellency, we have much to discuss, I understand that your government is in the market for Uranium, we have a lot of it.”

The Nifonese shogun looked at "Calgoreach ".

"Of course, your excellency." he countered "We were hoping to obtain greater access to that resource from a certain source, but sadly that source is now beyond our reach. Thus I am eager to hear your excellency's proposal."

[Civia Welephilostopia]

The Diplomat sent as the representative for Civia Welephilostopia would enter as quietly as possible before finding his seat. "My apologise for being late," He would look around at his counterparts in the room before continuing, "Is there anything that I have missed or that I should be informed on?"

[McNernia]

Ugseal Calgoreach would be the first out of the Archinian Motorocade wearing evening dress a three piece suit with tails. The Ambassador much the same wau in terms of dress. The Prime Minister of Archinia it would have been made known valued stability as nebluos as that was he seemed rather at ease upon seeing the Shogun. “Your Excellency, we have much to discuss, I understand that your government is in the market for Uranium, we have a lot of it.”

The Nifonese shogun looked at "Calgoreach ".

"Of course, your excellency." he countered "We were hoping to obtain greater access to that resource from a certain source, but sadly that source is now beyond our reach. Thus I am eager to hear your excellency's proposal."

Ishikawa City, Akagi Castle, Nifon

---

The prime minister smiled. He respected Kojiro for his idealism, the man had courage standing up to Neoliberalism, while Calgoreach was rather pro-Capital he was wary as it was the whole issue of unchecked power, an international order could not be built on corporations who could fall. As a Technocrat the favoritism of state authority was obvious.

Calogreach’s proposal was simple, Archinia would mine the uranium with Nifon working on such things as technology in the act with the adverse environments and the need to get something that would benefit both nations providing experience of joint work. The proposal included standardizing refinery procedures and such. A file was handed over to the waiting aides. Outlining Archinian requests for credit and that the Archinian need for Uranium stemmed primarily from nuclear power though the build up of weapons would be known to the Nifonese as a growth plan. The hope was working together would allow the sharing of technology. The prices were designed to be reasonable. Technology collaboration mostly rather than money.

Calgoreach turned to other matters. “What exactly is the intention of Sombreland in bringing ICON into your region?”

[Europe a Nation]

Commonwealth of Eulabia

Foreign Office
Lunden 26 March 2023

His Excellency
Prince Shaladew Kadav
Minister of the Left and Minister of Death
Kingdom of Sombreland

Your Excellency,

At the request of the President, Mr. Oswald Mosley, who is already on his way to Ishikawa, I have the pleasure of informing you of the outcome of the meeting of the National Security Council.

The Government of the Commonwealth of Eulabia has decided that the objectives of our mission in Ishikawa will be; Establishing friendly diplomatic and trade relations with countries in the region. In establishing such relations, the council has taken it as an important observation that any trade relations with our rivals should not be binding. Another point is also directly related to diplomatic relations, and that is obtaining security guarantees. Last but not least, the formal codification and consolidation of our sphere of influence.

We fully hope to promote our interests together at this important conference.

Yours sincerely,

Mereo Augusto
Foreign Secretary

[Europe a Nation]

President Mosley was sitting on the plane reading a book. It was a story about a ghost who lured people and then tortured them in an endless cycle of reliving their deaths over and over again. Until the main character had to kill the evil spirit with his mythical sword. The sword had astral blade and needed 3 aspects to kill the spirit. Form, Truth and Regret. That's an interesting concept. Mosley thought to himself when he was interrupted by the phone.

"Mr. Augusto, hello."
...
"I hope you didn't mention that..."
...
"Great!"
...
"You too."

Mosley hung up and put down the book. He looked out through the window at the lush green landscape of Nifon. His thoughts turned to his wife and how much she would enjoy it there. She was always talking about going to Nifon, but somehow never seemed able to get around to actually doing it. But todays journey to Ishikawa was to write history of his nation. The first Eulabian president ever to visit the land of the rising sun. A very historic occasion indeed.

The flight attendant came along and offered him a drink. Mosley asked for tea. He sipped it and let his thoughts drift back. He remembered the day he had been elected president. It's been 12 years. How time flies. Twelve long years.

He smiled and said to himself, "Not bad, not bad."

But as he sat there, he knew something wasn't right. Something was missing. There was this feeling of emptiness inside him. As if he'd lost something important to him. He couldn't pin it down. For some reason, all these memories only brought him regret. And all he could think of was that he wanted to talk to someone. Anyone. Someone who would understand what he was going through. Someone who would listen...

His thoughts wandered further. What if I die now? Then no one will be here to take care of my wife. No one will be there to hold the Eulabia together. He knew the truth. He knew Eulabia couldn't survive without him. The signs of instability, day by day painted pink or sealed with his propaganda poster to prevented people to see the true form of Eulabia. It was like being trapped in a nightmare...

It was at that moment that the plane began to descend.

***
As they landed, Mosley stepped out into the morning air. This would be a new experience for him. He had never been in Ishikawa before. After the attendants helped him out of the plane, he walked towards the tarmac where two cars were waiting for him...

[Common Territories]

Wilhelmshaven, Holy Dukedom of Luttenried
Bloodstone Palace, Audience Room 2

At the heart of the Holy Duchy, within the Bloodstone Palace, a familiar scene was playing out once again. Gathered together once more at the old oak table dominating the historic "Audience Room 2", the top echelon of the Holy Dukedom met to discuss an upcoming event that could change the very future of the Holy Duchy: The Congress of Ishikawa. Familiar high-positioned faces were summoned once more for this very important meeting. Of course at the head of the table sat Friedhelm von Luttenried himself, Holy Duke of Luttenried. But next to him was a figure who didn't hold a proper seat within the council yet had more power and influence than the council itself. Reinhard von Luttenried, eldest son and heir to the Holy Duke of Luttenried. Short well-kept blonde hair, a trimmed short beard, and well toned facial muscles, many women of the Holy Duchy had wild dreams of being picked as the future Duke's wife - or even a concubine. Of course his physique lacked nothing to be desired, having honed his inherited tall stature and physique over two decades with exercise in order to match even the most active of Luttenried's crusaders. His wardrobe matched not only his handsomeness but also his position within the realm. While not acceptable to dress too similarly to the Holy Duke due to their position and role within society, the heir to the Holy Duke iss an exception and was probably Luttenried's most well-dressed noble next to the Holy Duke himself. Sharing the same theme as his father, Reinhard wore a military styled suit fit for nobles of both military rank and social status. Dark green tones matched with black and white colors wrapped the heir of the Holy Duchy in both the Holy Duchy's and the Empire's colors; adorned were not only Luttenried symbols of status but also Imperial ones. It was no mistake that within Luttenried, Reinhard was easily the most admired and influential figure next to his father, the Holy Duke.

Heir to the Holy Duke himself, Reinhard held two titles within the Holy Duchy, his official title as Count of the Holy Duchy and his courtesy title Marquess, "Defender of the Crusade." Reinhard held three titles actually, his third also being Marquess within the Empire itself. A spitting image of his father during his prime, Reinhard was approaching his thirties at the crisp age of twenty-nine. Unlike many of his siblings, Reinhard was raised not only to succeed his father, but to excel even more so. Even from an early age, days were filled with lessons, training, and apprenticeship journeys many nobles only half-heartily took nowadays. His most daring apprenticeship of the many he took was serving with the Seekorps branch of the Luttenried Ground Forces at the crisp age of fourteen. Given "special" treatment, Reinhard not only served two years as a regular infantryman, but was elevated often to officer appointments to test his skills and and stress his leadership growth. Reinhard's patrol vessel even saw unexpected combat near Damar, coming under fire from Jihadi pirates looking to kidnap Luttenried vessels and their crew; rather than flee, Reinhard ordered the vessel to give chase into Damar waters where several pirate vessels were engaged and sunk. After his time in the military, Reinhard was welcomed back home as a battle-proven crusader, now receiving special training from the Holy Duke himself in matters of the Court. Fast-forward to today, Reinhard serves as his father's right-hand in matters of State. Whether it's military service, oversight into the Holy Duchy's nobility, or diplomatic endeavors with Luttenried's neighbors, Friedhelm's heir has been gathering notoriety as extensive as his resume.

Of course the two Luttenrieds were not alone. Reichskanzler Kunibert Wörner, Luttenried's highest ranking nobleman was present as always during such council meetings; Marquess Thomas Schwarz, the Holy Duchy's Minister of The Armed Forces was present as well; Earl Rochus Gottfried Adenauer, head of the Adenauer Family, was present primarily as a Luttenried aligned business ally as per usual; Matthäus Joschka Schnoor, Oberbefehlshaber of the Luttenried Order had also been summoned to this meeting; Earl Urs Fabian Jöllenbeck, another notable name due to his position as Minister of Internal Affairs & Economy was also an important member of the council summon for the meeting. A number of other Earls and allied families/entities trusted by the Holy Duke had been gathered as well - this was an all hands-on meeting.

"To start off with, I shall explain in better detail why you have all been summoned." The Holy Duke had rose from his chair to address the room. Not one to take a stand unless during such moments, the act was eye-taking and commanded respect. "As we already are aware of, the Nifonese are holding another gathering dubbed the 'Congress of Ishikawa.' They are going to use this event to not gain some diplomatic weight with major players within the region, but also no-doubt lay out their policy demands and world views upon those who accept the invite. They have assembled a list of topics that will for sure be discussed, and most of them have some or major implication towards not only the Holy Duchy, but also the Empire as a whole. His Majesty the Emperor has entrusted myself with handling the Congress on his and the Empire's behalf. But of course there are some caveats His Majesty stipulated going into this Congress. First, His Majesty decreed there to be no settlement or agreement bringing loss to the Holy Duchy and Empire, namely agreements that will affect territorial or economic standing that would result in net negatives. The Emperor cares not for our political situation within the region and has thus given the Holy Duchy vast freedoms in return for our loyalty, it is thus in our duty to make arrangements adhering to the Constitution signed with the Empire. Second, His Majesty decreed that Luttenried needs to increase the trade revenue the Holy Duchy receives and facilitates within the region during this Congress. His Majesty has made us aware that our quotas will be increasing this year as you know, and to offset the few losses we will see as a result, His Majesty has suggested expanding our secondary markets in order to trade more within the region itself. We have done this already, but the Emperor has stressed this Congress is a perfect time to increase those numbers not only for our sakes, but for the Empire's stake in the region as well. Third and last, His Majesty has stressed that although Luttenried is free to conduct its own affairs with modesty in mind... He has made it clear to myself personally that modesty when appropriate is to be practiced during such large scale meetings representing the Empire as a whole. With this all said and done, there is a lot of room for the Holy Duchy to improve and in doing so increase our seat of power not only within the Empire, but this region as well. Now is the time to remind this region, and Nifon, that this sea is split down the middle for good reasons."

What came next were some cheers, half-baked at moments, and some cheerful expressions of support. This was a formal meeting, but as formal meetings go the theme leaned more towards pep as much as prep. "Now that we have settled that matter, I will go over the agenda in this Congress and in order I expect honest rebuttable and opinions to initial thoughts I present to the council. I expect a productive and valuable exchange here in policy going forward."

The Holy Duke held a single paper containing the agenda items Nifon set. Aside from the agenda were some notes he personally took, otherwise what came next was straight from the heart. "First on the agenda, the fate of Bashriyya. If you're not aware, Bashriyya is a northern Afruikan nation with bloody history with our allies in the Santiago Anti-Communist Treaty Organization. Although we have not directly partook in the fighting like our allies, we have provided material and moral support throughout the years as they deal with the insanity that is Bashriyya. As Holy Duke, I couldn't give less of a shit about Bashriyya than I already do. That said, it has resources some in the alliance desire but none that we are interested in at this time. It may be worthwhile to pay attention to proceedings, but I see no value in this state when it has no faithful, no resources we desire, and is geographically irrelevant to us. There may be a point in the discussion we can recoup some of our support, but otherwise, who cares about Bashriyya." No one spoke for a moment, pondering over the Holy Dukes words along with their own knowledge of Bashriyya. Many didn't know or care to know about the sandy hellscape that was Bashriyya - quite a few weren't aware it had essentially failed at this point. SACTO had interests there but the Holy Duchy didn't, rather it only invested in SACTO operations in conjecture with the Empire so that it may see returns in the future. Hence why most at the table had nothing really to say - the Holy Duke said all there was to the matter. If there was an opportunity to regain some of the money and materials expended during the Congress, then Luttenried must make the opportunity seriously when it arrived.

"If no one has anything to say concerning the first agenda, then we're moving along. Second, Sombreland Refugee Crisis. As you already know, Luttenried has provided military and political support for Nifon's ongoing conflict with Sombreland and its ICON allies. It may be in Nifon's sphere of interest to care about Sombreland's affairs, but it is not in ours. My only interest in that God forsaken land is rescuing the faithful who wish to leave. As far as I know, there aren't any resources we're interested in other than the money we've earned building their military equipment. Thus it would be wise not to lose that customer if possible, even if they've lost trust and only wish to rely on us for future maintenance needs. The orders I have laid out in the past have been designed to earn favors from Nifon without prodding Sombreland's government too much. Nifon desires pressure be applied on their enemies, and we're happy to do it for a price so long as it's worth the pain. If needed I have already drafted additional measures, including legislation for the Diet to debate and actions that can be done immediately. Naturally these measures are tamed and wont harm either party aside from a few notable nations, but the Nifonese value that support more than anything at the moment and we must collect that favor while it's being generously given away. That is why, at this Congress, Luttenried will use this topic to apply pressure on Sombreland along with ICON. However, we will also be applying pressure on Nifon in private. Luttenried will collect its dues in the next two topics. If their terms are unacceptable, Nifon will stand without Luttenried or Imperial support from henceforth."

"I assume your Highness expects trade concessions along with taming their influence south of their sea borders in the Southern Furukuran Sea?" Asked the Reichskanzler inquisitively. "Surely it's a reasonable request to solidify where our influence spheres border each other, but I don't know how much more we can ask the Nifonese to bend on our already profitable agreements concerning trade. If you recall, it took extensive support and time from Imperion and the Empire to negotiate the Nifonese down to where we are now. I can't see them budging any further..."

"This is the perfect opportunity to usurp others in their import markets Reichskanzler!" Piped in the Earl of Jöllenbeck. A heavy fellow more round than tall, his skills lay more in the tongue than they do the sword. Portly due to his amassed wealth and greed, he was the only council member in the room not physically in top shape. He gained his position not through any Order influence or soldiering feats, but rather his ability to barter. Those who know him call him the "Earl of Snakes," for only a snake could barter its way into the chicken coop while preying on the coop's resources in the open. His generational wealth was built through generations of wise investments, their wealth grew further thanks to his shrewd investments and persuasive bartering talents. Out of everyone present in the room, the Earl of Jöllenbeck was the most successful in negotiating with the Empire in recent history, reducing Luttenried's quotas and garnering support from the Mainland in recent industrial investment packages to Luttenried. If anyone could barter a profitable trade among them, it was a Jöllenbeck. "Now is the time to compete harder than ever against others exporting to Nifonese markets! We have enough oil to easily usurp current suppliers - we can even process our oil into desired byproducts like fuel. I also believe now is a good time to push our minerals and fabricated products in Nifon markets. Our mineral exports earn quite the kickback already, but imagine if we provided even more and began seriously exporting our refined products to Nifon? There's also lumber and coal to think about. And although the Empire has increased their raw agriculture and processed food quotas this year, our strides in the field will still produce more than enough product to fill the Duchy Food Bank again this year. Nifon buys our food in bulk, we can surely get away with a haggle or two there right?"

"You've made your pitch clear Earl, but what exactly are you suggesting here policy wise?" The Holy Duke was both skeptical weary of the Earl's bravado, but indeed felt he was on the right track if solid policies were brought forth.

"It is my opinion that we propose a rework to our previous trade treaty, a 'revision' with amended policies if you would. First, the lowest possible tariff on our food related products - zero being the ideal goal. They may protect their farming industry with fierce strides, but there's still products and crops they don't grow we can muscle for cheaper tariffs on. The less taxes we spend on selling our excess food the higher our profits in general will be. Surely Nifon's puppets need that food too, no? I think it would be wise to once more look into expanding our list of partners to export food products to since everything sold is quite literally net profit for Luttenried since the Empire pays handsomely for what it quotes. Second, our mineral trade is already on good terms in Nifon, but I believe there's room for improvement. We can increase the amount sold, lower the tariffs paid, or even expand the market to other resources and products previously not bought. Their steel mills need materials and fuel after all, but maybe we can slip in some of our own refined materials as well? Lastly, I have connections informing me Nifon is in a... kerfuffle if you would, with their other oil suppliers. We've had to build more storage facilities at net loss to deal with our excess production since even the Empire isn't buying nearly enough. Our expansion into refining and processing our oil has been so successful as a relief to this issue that I believe soon we will be exporting our refined products at record highs. I can see us no longer needing to import such materials in the not-too longer future. Nifon has great potential when looking for buyers of these products. Specifically, I want to increase our oil exports to Nifon by double if possible, and we should find availability to export refined products like fuel and plastics into their markets."

"With all due respect to the Earl of Jöllenbeck, you are being too optimistic when it comes to the Nifonese." Earl Adenauer had spoken up now, convinced the Snake had crossed the line from being realist to delusional in his proposal. Adenauer knew full well that the Jöllenbecks are burning money on their investments into oil and have thus moved towards investing in refinery projects to make back that money. As viable as it was, there was a lot of personal gain mixed in that trade agreement even outside the oil industry. It was clear that the Snake was looking to make back his money by having Nifon foot his bills. But was his personal gain going to endanger the Holy Duchy with all that greed? "I love optimism as much as the next person, and I believe Nifon owes us a serious debt, but do you think that they'll seriously give in to these requests? The topic involves protectionism after all, and both of us know from personal experience how tough it is to enter the Nifonese markets when the State is actively protecting them. They've already went as low as I think possible in most areas, expecting more is not realistic - you may as well be asking for free trade at these rates. Though I share some of your views that if we can get away with more, we should export more to Nifon."

"That is where you're too soft Earl of Adenauer." replied the Snake with crooked grin. "Lets say you have real agendas you need met, or want certain products to sell no matter what. How do you convince the other party to accept them no matter what? I find that slipping your desired trade into the exchange as compromises to your opponent works best. They can turn down more than half of my proposal, but if we can settle on them accepting one third of them, we win in the end. For example, Nifon could shoot down all of our agriculture proposals but accept a fraction of the oil and mineral proposals I put forward. The result of that is significant increases in export sales to product we've largely had to store for future uses or sales. We would be making unrealized gains at no additional costs even for products we've never exported to Nifon before. I never start with my needed breaking point, and neither do you. If I want to sell fifty percent of my stock to you, im not offering it to you at its full worth, im doubling it at first. If we apply that to diplomacy standards, we stand to earn more with these favors I presume. The only thing we stand to lose going about it in this fashion are potential gains, not those already realized."

Adenauer wasn't pleased with the idea, but the Snake was simply making too much sense here. They both knew that the Jöllenbecks stood a chance of making serious profits on such an agreement, but so did the Holy Duchy. If the Holy Duke swallowed the distaste before with the Snake's antics, there's room to possibly do it again so long as the Holy Duchy and its Holy Duke profited too. The question is, how far can this all go before everyone is burned in the process? "I believe that is enough for now." The Holy Duke, raising his hand, indicated he had heard enough to make his decision. "Im in full support of Jöllenbeck's proposals. However, I will remind everyone that some modesty where appropriate goes a long way. That said, im expecting results from this Congress and for similar motions to be made aimed at potential clients. Is this understood?

Both men looked at each other for a moment, seemingly conversing through their eyes alone. Even if they disliked or disagreed with each other, there were two things they did agree on: Making money, and serving the Holy Duchy's best interests. Well that and biting the hand of the lion feeding you is never a smart move. "Yes, your Highness."

"Good. Since we covered the next topic with that discussion, last concerns spheres of influence. We may not have the full picture of what Nifon considers its sphere of influence south of their borders, but knowing their shrewd nature, I wouldn't be shocked to hear the Shogun suggest the muslim states to their south and to our northwest reside in their sphere of control. Proof of this is their naval base in Potomiak, where their strategy seems to be snaking their influence down the mainland's coastline as far as the heathens in Palmyrion. There is no doubt they see Potomiak and other muslim states in this area as under their sphere or influence. However, that conflicts openly with the 'Crusade.' We cannot allow the Nifonese to nest in lands we've deemed part of the Crusade, or else they'll begin to think they're the ones whom belong there and not us. It is my opinion the favor we hold with Nifon should be settled here. Using this opportunity, we make it clear as day where Nifon's presence is acceptable to the Holy Duchy. There is ample opportunity to finalize our borders here once and for all. What say you, my council?"

The room was silent but tense. Not that anyone disagreed with that viewpoint, but how it should be enacted brought nothing but distress and difficulties. Taking those lands was never the concern to modern Luttenried, holding them however... Nifon complicated the matter further with its talk of what is or isn't within its influence. Even though on paper the two are allies, simply observing the looks each nation's soldiers look at each other tells you how each view the other. Suspicion, distrust, competition, entitled, just some of the words you could choose to use. For many years now the topic alone was taboo within the Holy Duke's inner-circle because solving it was simply, well, not simple a matter. It meant either working with the Nifonese to settle upon some sort of compromise, or going to war even if the Holy Duchy risked Nifonese participation. The topic was reaching a boiling point. Luttenried would need to act sooner or later, or risk losing any claims they held onto concerning the muslim states.

Finally, an unexpected hand rose to be heard. "Your highness, if I may?" Reinhard, his own son, was first to break the silence. With a simple nod, he was given permission to continue. "Does Luttenried really need to control every single muslim state in the chain?"

"Hold you tongue, Count!" Matthäus Joschka Schnoor, Oberbefehlshaber of the Luttenried Order, hollered. "Countless Crusaders fought to their last breathes to hold what we do now. Entire castles slaughtered, survivors torturered to death, others sold into slavery. How could you even consider for a moment letting those who suffered the ultimate sacrifice die in vain!? I cannot stand idly by when such a notion is given breath!"

"In vain? No, the reason we're discussing this is proof their deaths were not in vain. You suggesting that alone is the greater insult, Oberbefehlshaber. But need I remind you whom you're addressing? Or should we leave it to His Highness to remind you?" The smile was clearly fake, hiding the offended man's clearly angered mood. But next to him, the Holy Duke presented no filter, not bothering to hide the anger written all over his face. His brow bent, facial muscles flexing, his gaze alone felt as if it could kill by firing crossbow bolts at any moment. Not only did the Oberbefehlshaber's perceived offense lead to him acting out in the meeting, he had directed his rage to another member nonconstructively. To make matters worse, his target was not only higher in rank by many multitudes with Imperial status behind him, he was addressing the future Holy Duke and the current Holy Duke's prized son. If it were any other man and not one with council status, insulting the heir with such hostility in front of the Holy Duke resulted in your banishment from the Holy Duchy - if the Holy Duke felt merciful that is. Aside from a father not tolerating an attack on his son, the Oberbefehlshaber committed multiple societal and unlawful sins doing what he had just done. Everyone looked on in bewildered shock someone could be so stupid to let such emotions run so wild that they would lash out and direct their rage to their future ruler. People have had their heads removed for far less in the Holy Duchy. The writing on the room was clear for all to see, and that writing was soaked in the blood of the Oberbefehlshaber.

"I... I am in the wrong. There are no excuses for my actions. I humbly apologize to His Highness the Count and to His Highness the Holy Duke! It was not my intention to insult your name nor your honor my Lords. Please, forgive me for my outburst and know I only acted so emotionally in part due to my admiration to our founders... It will not happen again, I swear this upon my name." It was rare to see such a well-built and in high positioned man show such fear and humility. Although often a counter-voice to the Holy Duke, rare was it to have ever committed such a violation of decorum in this manner. The Oberbefehlshaber knew very well he could be lined up against a wall any moment now for what he had just done if either the Holy Duke or his crowned heir decided it to be done - previous victims had done far less to earn that punishment. His title being taken and being banished from the Holy Duchy would be the greatest mercy to him right now. Although such dictatorial overtones were not the norm anymore in public society, they still exist very much so and are easier to discover with the more liberal society at large becomes.

"You are forgiven Oberbefehlshaber. But do remember your emotions are flames and that flame is better guided than blindly fed, less you burn yourself. I trust you're not one to play with fire, no?" The Holy Duke was still clearly angry, but his point had been clearly made and decided it was not worth going further with a man whom had proven both valuable and loyal up until this point. "However, you were on to something Oberbefehlshaber. What was the meaning behind your question, Reinhard?"

"Your Highness, I am making an argument based in realism here." Reinhard had quietly cooled off seeing as his attacker was neutered before his eyes. Now was the only time he could put on full display his plan to break the stalemate Luttenried has suffered since the fifteenth century. "Even during the conflict itself, we failed to reach Potomiak proper and couldn't breach Bourgougia lines. Even with Imperial assistance mind you, how much more land can this Holy Duchy administer while incorporating the land and its people into the fold? We have zero civil conflict at the moment, but that all goes out the window the moment we conquer other peoples whom practice different faiths. Regardless how we approach it, there's no denying the hardships we will face even if our Crusade ends in a complete success."

"What is your solution to this quagmire then, Reinhard?" The Holy Duke was interested to see how his heir, the man who would likely be overseeing such lands during his lifetime rather than him would approach the problem.

"Well, this is not a race in my opinion, your Highness. A measured series of actions and policies going forward will be our best option ahead of us. We've waited half a millennia so far, where's the urgency coming from now? If it were my choice, the political route rather than a unilateral military campaign is my first choice since it settles the embers faster than military domination. Regardless if you want to take everything in the end, doing so in one swing of the sword is simply not worth the pain nor investment it would cost - who knows if it's even possible anymore. I think of it like a game checkers really. Rather than going after the king in chess, checkers is eliminating your enemy entirely from the board. One piece at a time, minimizing your own losses along the way. In that sense, why not start with one piece at a time and work our way up according to the tempo? Our biggest mistake in the conflict wasn't how we fought battles, but how we chose to fight too many at once."

"What's your proposal going forward with the Nifonese then, since you seem to have thought hard on this topic." The Holy Duke was curious, even more so how his heir would approach the Nifonese.

"A good start would be ensuring we have at least a written deal with the Nifonese that states where the lines are drawn. Allies they may be, but at this point it feels as if conflict is one incident away from creating a spiral. We simply cannot ignore their violations of the influence border we had quietly come to establish with them while supporting their own claims of violations by another party in their domain. There's nothing stopping us from violating that agreement a hundred years or more from now regardless if the situation changes. Settling for not all of our initial desires now is the only way we can move forward on this topic without both sides walking away guns drawn. I believe a good compromise would have the border split in the waterway separating both half's of Potomiak and Jakarnapura. Their naval base just west of that split is theirs to influence as they have been for some time now, and the east will be Luttenried's to do with what it will. There may be different settlements or deals on the table in the future, but this I believe is our most favorable position and more importantly the fairest trade with the Nifonese we can offer. Anything else can be settled down the road when it's time to cross that bridge. Of course, any offer they make must be considered, but I'd prefer this border arrangement being the final compromise available for the time being."

The room was silent once more. A compromise being made, even if intended to be violated some time in the future, was a large pill too large to swallow. Everyone in Luttenried presumed one day the Crusade would once again presume and in doing so, the borders would stretch eventually all the way to the mainland if not onto their very shores; a pan-island route from Luttenried to the mainland cleansed the region of heathens, increased the Holy Duchy's base of power, and gave it access to the mainland itself. Agreeing to this compromise may very well be the final nail in that coffin Holy Duke Raginmund was once forced to hammer in himself. On paper the idea seems solid, after all the Nifonese were receptive to the both Luttenried and the Empire in recent times. But in historical and present day reality, the idea of truly giving up the western islands was simply too painful. Every Holy Duke dreamed one day of not only correcting the mistakes made during the Crusade, they wished with all their hearts those accomplishments would result in them becoming the first Holy King. At its heart, were these compromises, shallow as they may be in the long-term future, worth the cultural and political repercussions such an agreement would ensue? Or were they truly Luttenried forgoing its claims to the western islands forever?

"Im willing to give it a shot." The Holy Duke, set in his ways, decided if the stalemate was to end then the Holy Duchy's attitudes on the subject needs to be broken as well. Everyone in the room was thrown back yet not surprised. They too knew change was needed, but the fear of an unknown future was a frightening one to say the least. "Since this is your idea to begin with, and there needs to be a significant individual sent to represent these views, you shall be the one dispatched to the Congress, Reinhard. I trust you will bring back results that not only settle our sore stomachs on the Crusade, but will hopefully be sweet enough to make it all worth the hassle."

"I will do you, our people, and the Empire a great service your Highness. Luttenried will see success, with or without Nifonese support."

[Sombreland]

As the Royal Sombreland plane flew towards Nifon, the passengers sat in languished poses, on comfortable chairs in what appeared to be a portable lounge flying in the upper air, carried on vapours that lifted the great wings and bore it to the islands in the seas surrounding Nifon. As though in dreams, they rested, preparing themselves for what would no doubt be an ordeal. They would be in a land of strange tensions, of obsessive neatness and a simplicity that veiled the intrigues, and would all be posing as they presented themselves there.

The Princess-Regent lay her soft delicate cheek against a pale hand as she reclined, propped by silken cushions, and listened as the Lady-Countess Carnelian recited,

Ask me no more: the moon may draw the sea;
The cloud may stoop from heaven and take the shape,
With fold to fold, of mountain or of cape;
But O too fond, when have I answer'd thee?
Ask me no more.

Ask me no more: what answer should I give?
I love not hollow cheek or faded eye:
Yet, O my friend, I will not have thee die!
Ask me no more, lest I should bid thee live;
Ask me no more.

Ask me no more: thy fate and mine are seal'd:
I strove against the stream and all in vain:
Let the great river take me to the main:
No more, dear love, for at a touch I yield;
Ask me no more.

The Minister of the Left and Minister of Death, the weary and sleepy eyed Prince Shaladew Kadav, was reading something on the screen of a device held by his aide, and after a nod, he rose and went to the Princess-Regent.

"Your Majestic Highness," he murmured, "I beg your pardon for interrupting you listening to the recital, but there has been a reply from President Mosley's Foreign Secretary. It makes it clear that their foreign policy is largely about their sphere of influence being acknowledged. That is what they want us to support them with regard to."

The Princess-Regent for a moment looked ahead with narrowed eyes. "I do not remember my last meeting with President Mosley fondly. One moment, he was warm and friendly. The next moment, he was cold and distant. Yet the trade agreement is good, Yes. Unless they do something really strange, we will stand by them. Have you indicated thanks for the message and our agreement?"

"I have, Majestic Highness..."

"You did perfectly right," said the Princess-Regent. She closed her eyes, and listened to the dulcet tones of Lady-Countess Carnelian.

[Civia Welephilostopia]

Dan Moisk II would realise that the clerk had made an error when reading the message, that or the damned niffonese calander, who knew what it could've been. He was hear now. May as well look around ... "I say," He'd ask a staff member, "Can I have a tour of the entire are please?"

[New Aeyariss]

As the order of the ceremony suggested, due to sheer number of guests the host himself in person of the Nifonese Shogun was not able to greet them in person. Instead, each delegate arriving on the conference would be met with a proper representative of the Nifonese civil service corps, then provided with a limousine and an appropriate security that drove them to the castle. Inside, they would be led by elegantly dressed servicemen, who with full grace would direct them inside.

The servants would lead the representatives into the dinning hall, and inform them that each representative has been assigned a seat, as the protocol in Nifon goes, according to the representative's importance. At the edge of the table were two seats for the Nifonese Empress and the Shogun, with the shogun currently absent in the dancing hall with the Archinian prime minister, and the Empress sitting on her place in an elaborate robe composed of multiple layers, resembling that from the Heian period.

Each seat had a name of the guest. Closest to the Nifonese Empress, on her left side, was a seat for Princess Alvaline of Sombreland; to her left, a seat for President Oswald Mosley of EaN. Behind Mosley was a seat for the Prime Minister of Archinia; and behind Alvaline, a seat for Inyurstan Vice-President. Count Reinhard of Luttenreid, not being an acting head of state or government, was seated behind the Archinian prime minister; across the table was a seat for prince Kadav. Finally, Mosik was seated behind them all, being a person of least rank.

"Esteemed guests, let me personally welcome you in Ishikawa!" the doll- like Empress of Nifon spoke "I hope that our today's meeting will be fruitful. I wish to inform your excellencies that your excellencies are free to leave the table to attend to other rooms, where Kojiro-san currently is; but should your excellencies wish to return to the table, as the host I politely request your excellencies to stick to the designated seats. With that, I wish your excellencies a good time."

"How boring!" the Empress thought. She would rather read the newest tabloid and gossip with her friends, but without an occasional event like this, there was no chance she could enjoy the celebrity status her rank provided.

---

"Your excellency, of course Nifonese companies would be willing to such an endavour; but where exactly would the mining operations commence?" Kojiro asked "As for the ICON, at this point the intention of my government is to prevent it from becoming a threat to Nifonese interests. That is all, your excellency. "

[Sombreland]

The Princess-Regent, Alavaine, had entered the hall after a courteous greeting by representatives of her hosts. They did a marvelous job of concealing their natural awe at being in her presence, and she gave them kindly solemnity in return. The seating appeared to be appropriate, and, accordingly, she responded first to the welcome of the Empress, who said, "Esteemed guests, let me personally welcome you in Ishikawa!" the doll- like Empress of Nifon spoke "I hope that our today's meeting will be fruitful. I wish to inform your excellencies that your excellencies are free to leave the table to attend to other rooms, where Kojiro-san currently is; but should your excellencies wish to return to the table, as the host I politely request your excellencies to stick to the designated seats. With that, I wish your excellencies a good time."

The Princess-Regent, Alavaine, observed as Prince Shaladew Kadav, Minister of the Left and Minister of Death, bowed to her, to which she returned a nod and went to take his place. The Lady-Countess Carnelian and Grand Admiral Teroth each took up spaces behind her and the Prince respectively. As this occurred, the Princess-Regent,

"Your Imperial Majesty, on behalf of my grandfather, King Orian IX, I thank you for this welcome, and for being the host to this summit. Allow me to present you with a small gift in token of that gratitude." She reached back a hand, and, as though by magic, a box the size of two hands, made of red and black lacquer, was placed in it. The box had holes on ether side. Inside was a multi-coloured small tortoise, sleepily blinking. "This tortoise is a kind much admired in my country, for they are believed to be the form to which wise souls transmigrate. Of course, not according to Your Majesty's beliefs but they make fine pets, or they would be a welcome addition to a garden."

The Princess-Regent spoke to the Empress in a warm, friendly, but courteous tone, trying to convey that, while they were both heads of state, the Princess-Regent was acting head of state, while all Nifon was embodied in the young woman sitting beside her. The Princess-Regent, Alavaine, had black hair that was held from her fine oval face by two hidden little braids but fell like a cloak of raven's wine darkness to the middle of her back. She had a brilliant complexion; a voluptuous eye, veiled by long lashes; delicate coral lips; a slender neck; a graceful, opulent figure, and concealed in a neat and well polished and fitted shoe a delicate foot. She wore a solid ruched side fitted formal dressed for the occasion, as well as delicate jewelry.

Meanwhile, as they took their places, Grand Admiral Teroth whispered to Prince Shaladew Kadav, "This is new. Head of state here first, head of government arrives after? Where is he?"

Prince Shaladew Kadav suppressed a yawn. "If I knew, my dear fellow I would not be minister but a Nifonese chamberlain. Do not fuss, all will occur as the divine wheels accord."

[Taokwang]

The next arrival to the hall was a clear and stark contrast to that of the Sombrelanders, putting aeons old opposites like "night and day" to shame. Stepping into the dining area was Yang Lichang, the corpulent and unkempt warlord of the Wenchuanese province formerly known as Tiělǐng. He had spent the past several months solidifying his rule in the province, and has since proclaimed it as the newfound "State of Taokwang". Though whether by nature or inexperience, it was immediately obvious the man had no decorum or grace in his mannerism. He walked into the room the same way one would walk into a local bar, his entire demeanor relaxed and exceedingly casual. It was near impossible to tell that Yang was an official from any nation, let alone the head of one.

"We couldn't have scheduled this meeting for sometime in the summer instead, Maki?" he bellowed with a smile as he casually strode into the hall. "Damn near froze my balls off just getting inside from the limo! Ha!"

Striding up to the first chair he took a liking too, he sat himself down. At least, until his aide nervously corrected him and pointed to the name card indicating the seat was reserved for someone else. Yang squinted at the card for a moment, then gave an exasperated sigh as reluctantly lifted himself back up to find his seat and rest there instead. His mood recovered, however, as his eyes wandered the room and locked onto the two women near the end of the table.

"Hot damn...nobody said there'd be beautiful women here!" the warlord said, chuckling to himself. "And here I thought it was just going to be chickenshit diplomats and self-absorbed snakes I'd be suffering through. Might actually have been worth it to show up after all! Wait a minute..."

Yang's gaze was now locked solely onto the Princess-Regent, his eyes looking her up and down as his brow furrowed with thought.

"...I know you. You're that lady that's in charge of Sompar-land, right? Hah! Didn't know I'd be meeting you here! Name's Yang Lichang, I'm your neighbor across the border in Wenchuan...or, whatever the hell is left of Wenchuan. Bunch of people fled through my place into yours a while back. They doing good over there in Sompar-land?"

[Europe a Nation]

President Mosley was the second leader to enter the hall, leading his delegation. President Mosley was the third leader to enter the hall, leading his delegation. He was supposed to be the second but his entrance was interrupted by some, he guessed foreign leader, who looked like a regular from some Wenchuanese pub.

A rush of emotion ran through him before he reassured himself that he must keep his cool, for this was not so much disgraceful to him as it must be disgraceful to the nation this man leads, and more importantly, how disgraceful it is to Nifon. After all, what the diplomatic protocol will look like at this conference is Nifon's responsibility and this was an unfortunate failure at the very beginning.

He followed up and responded to the empress' welcome speech.

As he approached the Empress after the Princess-Regent, he noted how different they are despite their age and de jure positions in their governments. He had met with the Empress a few years ago and was expecting to see some development in her attitude, but he didn't see any. She, despite her forced smile, seemed bored and not happy to be there... And where is Kojiro? he wondered.

Maybe the Empress was sent to entertain us while Kojiro took care of the important stuff. Mosley wished he had a figurehead puppet as well. He found it amusing.

President Oswald Mosley

Mosley neither bowed (for it was not a protocolar necessity and he didn't respect the empress that much to show such a gesture of courtesy), nor did he offer to shake hands (for he can't offer a handshake first), but was ready to shake hands if offered by her.

"Your Imperial Majesty, I'm pleased to see you again after all this time. It is a great honour to meet you here in such a beautiful and majestic city where history is being written."

After greeting the Empress, he went to his reserved seat next to the Princess-Regent, whom he also greeted warmly.

As in the case of the empress, he didn't offer a handshake, but was prepared to do so if offered by the Princess-Regent.

"Glad to see you again, your Majestic Highness! I believe that this conference will only strengthen our friendly relations." Mosley greeted the Princess-Regent and took his seat.

[Sombreland]

After whatever response the Empress gave to her, the Princess-Regent, Alavaine, sat at her place and was speaking with the Lady-Countess Carnelian.
"Please make sure that there is some nice spring water. I want us to be careful not to insult anyone..."

While this was going on, a fat Wenchuanese man had wandered around, sat at a chair, and then went to sit down at another, to the wondering eyes of the Sombrelanders attending the Princess-Regent, Alavaine. They watched with fascination, as though he was simply someone who had wandered into the wrong meeting. They wondered what he would do. And then, suddenly, he spoke.

"...I know you. You're that lady that's in charge of Sompar-land, right? Hah! Didn't know I'd be meeting you here! Name's Yang Lichang, I'm your neighbor across the border in Wenchuan...or, whatever the hell is left of Wenchuan. Bunch of people fled through my place into yours a while back. They doing good over there in Sompar-land?"[/quote]

"I am the Princess-Regent of Sombreland, Alavaine de Cressa. You are Yang Lichang, Kyatze of Taokwang. And it is a great delight to meet you," said the Princess-Regent, Alavaine. "I believe that this summit will address how well the Wenchuanese are doing in Sombreland..." and then a familiar face, and ally, arrived, to her great delight.

"President Mosley, I am so glad to see you here and in such evident good health! Congratulations on the acclaim of your people!" exclaimed the Princess-Regent, Alavaine. She was concerned, a little, with this relationship, for she had sensed his displeasure during their last meeting, yet she was genuinely, deeply, glad to see him. "I do beg your pardon, this is..." she gestured towards her corpulent interlocutor. "Yang Lichang, Kyatze of Taokwang. Kyatze Yang, this is President Mosley of Eulabia."

[Civia Welephilostopia]

Dan Mosik II would enter from an unexpected direction. His tour had been highly informative and throughout he had learned about the architecture, art and fashion of the palace. As he walked in from one of the side doors he noticed the Empresses elegant Komino. He would give her a small nod before walking over and asking her, "That Komino is quite something your Excellency," He would pause slightly before continuing, "Do you know anywhere I could get a Komino as nice as that for my wife? It's our aniversary soon." He would await a response.

[Taokwang]

"Nice to meet you all," Yang said, drawing a cigar from his pocket and attempting to light it. "Fancy place, eh? I bet you guys see these kinds of things all the time, being from Sompar-land and...where were you from again? Julia or something? Either way, I'm hoping this thing's going to be over quick and Maki doesn't take his sweet-ass time being melodramatic over stupid shit like he always is. I...uh..."

The fat warlord stopped his conversation to focus his attention towards his lighter, which was evidently no longer capable of igniting his cigar. After a few more tries, he haphazardly chucked the lighter over his shoulder, his aide catching it and stowing it in his own pocket.

"Anyone got a light?"

[Europe a Nation]

President Oswald Mosley

Mosley frowned... Julia? What's he talking about. But he's looking at me... Oh, he means Eulabia.

"Uhm, I'm pleased to meet you, Mr. Yang, and it is Eulabia, The Commonwealth of Eulabia. About the lighter, unfortunately, I'm not a smoker, and I assume we can't even smoke here, Mr. Yang." Mosley responded, but didn't offer a handshake.

He looked at the Princess-Regent, seemingly bewildered. He realised who the guy was. But why was he here...

[Taokwang]

Yang Lichang raised an eyebrow and looked directly at Mosley.

"What? Why the hell not?" he asked. "Well, I mean I can't smoke if nobody's got a light, obviously. But nobody told me I couldn't, so that's on them. Anyway, Mr. Eulabia, I'm curious what brings ya all the way out to Ishikawa. I mean, I don't exactly think you're from around here, so I don't know what you're aim is. Unless you and the princess there are a thing and she just felt like bringing her bedside toy with her. You two ain't fucking, are you?"