[b]Inside the Imperial Palace of Attolia[/b]

Lothair II sat in his private office. While the throne room was where he held his court, this little private sanctuary was where most of the decisions and planning were truly made. It was rather austere and simple compared to the throne room, but the Emperor preferred it like this. There was less distractions. Needless to say, what was there was still rather of considerable value. The desk and chairs that were the centerpiece of the room were made of imported wood from the East with fabrics and rich silks serving as the cushion and adornments for these chairs. These were rather recent riches that had come from their eastern colonies with much more to come or so it was hoped. Lothair II began to draft a letter, written to Admiral Topi Valtonen and bearing the Imperial insignia.

[i]To Adm. Valtonen,

Your progress and performance so far in overseeing the Imperial Colonies of the Far East have been promising. As my Admiral, you speak on behalf of the Imperial Throne, ranking even the governors of the Colonies. Thus, as the voice of the Empire, you are now tasked with a further objective in the name of the Empire. Take your fleet in the Far East and establish contact with the rumored Kingdoms and civilizations there so that we may begin friendly relations with the natives and further our trade. Needless to say, this time of exploration and trade is of utmost importance to the Empire as it will provide with wealth unimaginable. We already have established trade with most of our neighbors in the Old World, but the Far East and the New World present opportunities that will give rise to the grandest civilizations ever seen in on the planet. You will be the herald of this Golden Age for the people of Attolia. May your journey be fruitful and I await to hear of your successes.

His Imperial Majesty, Lothair II, Emperor of the Attolians [/i]

With his first letter out of the way, he also began to draft another one addressed to his Holiness...

---

Later that day, General Ilppo Rehn walked about the Imperial garrison where his men were drilling. He personally oversaw their training and made sure that everyone was performing to expectations and beyond. Not to mention that the Emperor himself was coming to inspect the troops today as well. To make sure that these men were properly equipped, numerous blacksmiths and gunsmiths were on retainer with the Empire to supply the Attolian military. He also had to deal with the logistics of his army as well. In the background, the sound of metal being hammered could be heard as the soldiers drilled. He could distinctly hear the blacksmiths talking:

"I would give a pinky for an assistant or an apprentice right now..." 

"No wonder we're so busy." 

"What do you mean?"

"You don't have any pinkies!"

From behind, the General heard "An apprentice? That should be easily done." The General turned and saluted. "Hail Emperor!" Lothair nodded in acknowledgement. 

"I did not expect your Majesty to arrive so early."

"Si vis pacem, para bellum. Although, I have drafted the letters and sent them. We must still be ready to defend ourselves if need be." Lothair replied. He then turned to the blacksmiths who were standing at attention. "How many apprentices do you need?"

"If we could each have one apprentice, then I believe we can all get a lot more done around here, my Emperor!"

"Then it will be done."

Lothair looked at the General and said "Continue to drill the men as you have been, General. I will go mobilize the youth of Attolia." With purpose, Lothair walked away from the garrison after his rather quick and impromptu visit.

The General didn't expect the Emperor to suddenly appear with little fanfare, but he wasn't surprised. The Emperor had a tendency to move at his own schedule and to see things with his own two eyes. With that, the General and the other officers continued to drill the men under their command.