[center][h2]Holy Empire of Vigentino - February 1905[/h2][/center]

Pope Carlo Bocci leant back in his chair. Despite his position, his office was modest. His desk was not intricately carved, his chair wasn't some regal throne, and yet the small chamber served as the beating heart of the Holy Empire's power. 

Two other men stood in the room, standing on the other side of the desk and carefully watching the Pope's face for any hint at his thoughts. Bacco Schiavoni, and Cino Barbato. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the diplomat that had recently returned from his unsuccessful mission to Melgaria. The silence dragged on, Cino nervously shifting on his feet slightly until the Pope suddenly leaned forward and spoke. 

[b]"You will return to the Kingdom of Melgaria, sir Barbato, and you will remind his majesty King Simon Itonzo that you are an emissary of Vigentino. And that means you speak with the full weight and authority of the Holy Empire. You are not merely a man, you are a representative of Vigentino, and of myself, and I would expect you to be treated as such. I hope that he will prove to be more accommodating.[/b]"

Cino Barbato nodded in thanks before quickly stepping from the room, leaving the two old friends alone together. The Pope managed a smile before speaking to Bacco.

[b]"Was the world always such a mess, Bacco? It always seemed like such bliss when we were young[/b]."