Kingdom of Braiyusal
Earlier this Summer 1836
Dinner in Zellon
Several days at sea had landed King Rolfe in the capital of Zellon, Evanston. It almost reminded him of home. Much like in Braiyusal the cities where packed with thousands of people of every walk of life. At first glance, he would have thought that they somehow got turned around, but he knew his home better than anyone. The weather was more gruesome compared to the warmer climates in Braiyusal, and the people paler. He was joined by two of his children Prince Nicolet III and Princess Jane. Nicolet welcomed the change, he had seen many lands, but this one had a hint of change that he liked. Princess Jane however walked cautiously behind, watching every step, and every bystander who gazed at their presence. It wasn't much of a surprise however, they where guarded by 24 Braiyusalian Elites on their journey. A somewhat heavy presence, but for them this was a new land.
Soon enough they arrived into the home of King James Conrad. The King's butler answered the door and invited the family inside. Where they were greeted by all the servants of the house and some guards and even the daughter of the King. However King James was no where to be found. When King Rolfe asked where he was the head butler escorted Rolfe to King James office while Kara took Nicolet and Jane to see the estate.
"Hello, your majesty King James, I figured dinner would be a bit more formal. Under different circumstances I would have thought this was a private date." He joked. It was a bit irritating to him that King James had not bothered to greet him in public with his two children. "But I take it this is business related."
"Of course, my apologies for not greeting you at the door I wasn't expecting you and I had asked my staff to not interrupt me. Please have a seat and yes this is about business, As you know the Naval powers of Nehelania and Skeptoni worry me. Especially Nehelania with their vast colonies and even having a steam driven train. However, I sense a war to be coming soon. Rather then having us each fight for ourselves we must be united us Island powers which require so much from our colonies and naval trade. I wish for us to become allies and staunch trading partners." James said as he finished up his letter.
Rolfe's face quickly turned grim. "I'm always willing to open up trade with a nation, but I can't trust your nation enough for an alliance. War will not dawn tomorrow, or even for months. Let our friendship flourish." He then began to take the offered seat. "I can understand Nehelania, but I have received no ill will from the people of Skeptoni, little contact as I've had with them." This lack of contact was strange considering the general vicinity of the two nations, but it had always been this way.
"King Rolfe you must think not only of tomorrow but for your family, I am old I'm not long for this world and I must secure my family and if you are able to help support them and myself we are always generous to our friends." James said standing up and heading to the window to look into the bay with most of the fleet at anchor.
"How do I know we are friends. This is the first contact we have had with Zellon in a long time. The first time I've even step foot in your lands. You ask me to think of my families future, yet at the same time ask that I walk blindly into a deal that may very well ruin my countries political relations." He then paused to regain his composer. His frustration was showing, and he knew that it was best to take a step back. "So, that trade deal is what you must learn to accept for now. All we want is time to trust, rather than to blindly follow a nation into war."
James nodded "Perhaps, I assume you'll be here for a few days? If so then we can continue these meetings over the course." A knock was heard at the door and the butler notified them that dinner was ready to be served. "Please King Rolfe follow me to the dining room." As they walked downstairs they passed various paintings of previous kings of the Empire and even some Queens. Once they finally got to the dining room the kids had already been seated and James sat at the Head of the table. They were served some soup before the main course of Pig, Lobsters and Chicken.
Princess Jane continued her reclusive state from earlier, she wasn't accustomed to change, and was doing a poor job at hiding it. Nicolet drank heavily, and laughed obsessively at any jokes said at the table. Eventually King Rolfe turned towards James and commented "The food is lovely, my only regret is that we could have shown the same courtesy." Referring to his two children's absentminded and disrespectful behavior.
"Oh please don't worry about. Why when I was young and traveled I wasn't the best house guest." James said while he looked at Kara who had been who had been somewhat quiet but attempted to join in the conversation when she could. Also at the table were some wealthy factory owners and prestigious generals and admirals.
"How kind of you, but if they do not learn now, then when?" He then turned to Nicolet, who was almost unconscious due to the heavy drinking. "You are my heir, act like it Nicolet. A drunkard makes a better fool then king." Nicolet sprung up, and put down the drink. His alcoholism had been a problem as of late.
"If you'd like I can have one of the drill officers make him into a real soldier. Though that'll take a few months." Zach said as he nearly finished his plate and took a sip of some nice wine.
"Not entirely a bad idea, but I doubt he would last that long. As much as I care for my son, he isn't the most..." he paused staring at Nicolet, who had started to fall asleep at the table. "Idealistic of men." Princess Jane continued in her silence almost as if she was brooding over the trip. After almost an hour of awkward silence had passed the guests had retired to their rooms, with plans on leaving come sunrise the next day.