[hr][hr][center][color=0076a3][b][h2]HOUSE VALIAN[/h2][/b][b]Theodric Valian[/b][/color] [b]Valian Estate, Lalrial, Imperial Heartlands[/b] [sub][b]5th of Gerna | 1200 AU[/b][/sub][/center] [hr][hr] For Theodric Valian, the life of a Prime Magistrate was one he had to adapt to even though it wasn’t a role he had particularly ever aspired toward. Before his father’s death he thought himself as a lifelong academic with a bit of a stewardship lean. Much like his cousin, Lucius Valian, he had become quite astute with the science of mathematics and was thinking about advertising his skills as a potential steward to the lords in the Imperial Heartlands. After all, there were many dukes who had aging stewards who he could easily replace and give a fresh perspective on modern economics and mercantile arts. But King Alexander III had elected him as his representative in the Prime Estates after Theodric’s father had lost his life to a burglar’s blade. A event that oddly Theodric shook off quite well enough— sure, it was saddening to have such an event happen but estate invasion wasn’t exactly an uncommon thing in Lalrial… though rarely did it end up with a fatal conclusion. In many ways, he wish it didn’t happen in the first place. So here he was now, in the present, waiting on the arrival of King Alex III once again— this time for the imperial election. Though he also had to accommodate with the visitation of one of his fellow magistrates, James Conrad. His peer in the estates had a busy week and with the coming legislative issues that Lalrial’s higher nobility were talking about he found it inevitable to be forced to inquiries about how he felt about the soon-to-be election as well as other issues. “I think King Alexander is going to lean towards Jakinus Valarien.” James nodded as he had heard that is what many of the people believed. “I’m sure he will, though if I may can I offer my own two cents? Jakinus is a rather militaristic man and would want to strengthen the power the imperial crown has; which I would assume most noble and richer houses wouldn’t like as I suspect higher taxes would be implanted upon them would they not?” James asked looking around the officer which was very clean and well mannered. Theodric shook his head. “No, I don’t think so.” “Oh?” “Jakinus has a [i]honorable[/i] reputation, so I’m not sure if he’d impose harsh taxes or laws on imperial vassals; especially those that have been loyal since the beginning of the Empire.” Theodric responded. Admittedly he was putting a lot of faith in the word of mouth spoken about Jakinus and his reputation— a reputation that spoke volumes if it was true. Though it was a fact that he had never personally met Jakinus... or many Valarien’s for that matter, so he couldn’t say this came from personal experience. Even with that fact accounted for Theodric felt himself still on the fence and his opinions, much like the ones he spoke in the Prime Estates, changed from day to day. He never found his personal politics as concrete as his father’s had been. James chuckled “Loyal? For all of the elections, many lords have been loyal to different family members only to gain a step ahead.” “I don’t know what political history you are actually educated in, but that sounds like a fallacy if I’ve ever heard one, especially considering the great houses of Ethica.” “Regardless, even if he is as ‘honorable’ as they say he is still a military man; and working up on the northern wall hasn’t exactly shown anyone his proof of how he’d manage a kingdom. Perhaps he do well, though I’d guess he want to conquer those northern tribes and unite the land once and for all.” James paused, clearing his throat as he redirected the conversation. “Now, if I may ask who would you be so inclined to suggest to King Alexander about who should be the next Emperor or Empress?” The black-haired man sighed, “I really don’t know. Jakinus would unite the realm with a strong military and understanding of the Nordheim threat, Allianna knows the capital better than anyone with many ties politically, Ralltene has more trade connections than anybody else, Sophsi is well-liked by many, and Deand knows how to make the right deals with the right people.” “There’s a lot more contenders than that, but these are the ones I keep debating. Anybody could sit on the throne and be a good look for one reason or another.” He added as he took a sip of the wine-filled goblet in front of him. “That is something we can agree on very much. I also see you have taken the time to learn of the candidates well enough. While each of them have their strengths they all have weakness; the question is which of them has the least detrimental weakness.” “Very true.” “If you were to ask me, I’d say Allianna as she knows the capital, she helped rule while Jakinus was away and Ralltene traveled. She even has her own title, sure she whined for it but none the less she didn’t do a horrible job leading now did she?” James asked raising an eyebrow. “She also knows how to let the magistrates do what they were appointed to do in the first place. I think she’d be the least intrusive when it came to legislation, so I can see why you favor her.” “She would make all our lives easier would she not?” James chuckled. “But, I do believe that if you spoke to your Lord about who you believe would be the best for the job as you know the city and those in contest for it then he’d be more inclined to vote for the least terrible option.” “Your life easier, maybe.” Theodric laughed before he took another drink from his goblet. “I don’t know. I haven’t talked to my uncle, the King, in quite the while so I don’t know if I could. He is a former warrior himself, so I think convincing him away from Jakinus even if that’s something I want to do is going to be quite the endeavor.” “But, you must remember you aren’t alone in this. I mean you helped me in starting up businesses across most of the city. I could easily return the favor if you’d want. Besides, I’d love to meet your uncle whenever he reaches town, at least if you gave me the honor to?” James asked ready to get up as it seemed the conversation was dying down and he told Theo all he needed. “It’s an idea. I’ve already received word that he left from Harrow several days prior. He should be here quite soon, I wager. I’ll keep you in the know when he arrives and if he has time for pleasantries. My uncle… is a somber man.” “Please do, Though I believe I must be off. I’d like to give my lord a head count on which way the majority is feeling. It was nice speaking to you again though. I hope to see you uncle soon.” With that James got up and began walking out. “Very well. I will speak to you later.” [hider=Mentions]Jakinius Valarien Allianna Valarien Ralltene Valarien Sophsi Valarien Deand Valarien[/hider]