Member
Apartments of the Amrothan Prime Magistrate, Lalrial.
It was not exactly the height of the morning, but Lothar's expected guest Sourire Jamais had foregone, most understandably, a meeting that would fall far too early either. As a consequence, the myriad rooms that made up the Amrothan Prime Magistrate's accommodation, and by extension Lothar's own were still quiet. He had been surprised to find Charlotte had risen already and headed out, loyal Bannerguard in toe, but of course he did not begrudge her some free time amongst the myriad attractions of the capital.
He had risen early and tended to the most pressing matters. Letters continued to flow in abundance, though mostly concerned with minutiae or were for the eyes of Deiter - who had already, uncharacteristically early - departed for his office, though he assured him he would perform the necessary duties of a welcome. It had given him time to think and time to prepare. He had at least given the thought to put on something appropriate for the occasion, though he was sure any Veletian would consider it somewhat casual, nonetheless, that was how they expected the Amrothan, and he was not one to disappoint.
He had seen that Deiter's own somewhat cluttered general purpose room, now cleared and cleaned for the coming meetings that Lothar himself would no doubt have here, was up to standard. It left only the most notable of decorations, some gifts from House Valian, a few souvenirs from Dreiben, but it was comfortable, and he had come to like, perhaps too much, the softer seating the cushioned armchairs provided. No doubt that was their intent.
The sounds of an approaching party and the customary barks and shouts let him know that his time of diplomacy had begun to draw near. He trusted that Deiter would greet his fellow Prime Magistrate in good order.
Sourire Jamais arrived alone and on foot, dressed relatively casually, in the normal sort of semi-formal attire he'd wear to meetings of the Prime Estate. The Veletian noble had worked with Deiter, House Amrothan's Prime Magistrate, for more than long enough to know that fancy outfits and expensive gifts were wasted on the horse people of the western plains. Violette and Dreiben had an understanding to never understand one another.
"Deiter! The most humble of the Prime Magistrates! I would say the austerity of this place surprises me but it'd be a flagrant lie. If you have any spare cousins, my father would adore to have someone from a family with such a penchant for prudency as his steward. Kammeth knows if I was in charge of the family's finances we'd be bankrupt in a week, and chased out of Confluence by an angry mob in another!" Sourire wrapped his arms around Deiter and closed in for a friendly hug, patting the Dreibene noble's back.
Deiter was dressed partially for work and partially for comfort - yet even with such thought to a matter of formality, the Veletian managed, most likely without trying, tp outdo him on that front. He smiled the friendly smile that came from a familiarity bred from work and the all too necessary socialising, and returned the welcome in kind.
"Ah Sourire, You should try living on the Triangle Plain for 6 months with naught but your horse and what Lyriel deigns to give, it makes even the humblest home seem like extravagance." He said, extricating himself from the welcome and standing tall, smiling still. "I do believe most of my cousins are taken, both in the bedroom and in affairs of employment, but I shall keep an open ear for your father's sake, and your own, I very much expect I would have a nightmare emerging from Flusstadt if Confluence were to end up with its premiere family in such dire financial straits." He continued, drawing back just a step and motioning to the entrance he had positioned himself near. Knowing such a universal gesture would be understood, he began to move towards it, as a Bannerguard deftly came into view and opened it for them both.
"My brother will no doubt be interested in what you have to say, though I expect much of the capital will already have discerned what the Prime Magistrates have been conversing with the nobles about these past few days. I trust Violette's position on the election is as steadfastly in favour of Ralltene as I've been informed?" He asked, continuing the walk and talk as they entered the building, greeted by stairs - much of the downstairs of this section of buildings had been converted for storage or other uses, a practical matter that Deiter had inherited from his predecessor and mostly maintained - he cast a look back as he began to climb the stairs, doing the courtesy of showing nonetheless an interest in an answer largely known.
Sourire followed Deiter leisurely, not bothering to take in the sights from assurance there was nothing to see. "No, I'm afraid that's false. We're actually far more steadfast in favour of Ralltene than you've been informed. The Duchess's marriage to the man obviously has something to do with that. I think it's more likely that everyone in House Amrothan is secretly a Drathii spy than it is that Victoria will be voting for anyone but Ralltene."
Deiter chuckled slightly, reaching the top of the stairs and entering a smaller room that was largely intended for cloaks, boots and other items of necessity that were too valuable to leave outside, but typically too cumbersome or dirtied to be taken further. "I see our greatest secret has been revealed to the Veletian Prime Magistrate at last. I trust you will keep our Drathii loyalties quiet, for the sake of the realm." He responded, throwing in a wink to Sourire while inspecting his own footwear for unwelcome outside influences. Satisfied they were suitably clean, they remained on. He gave Sourire the courtesy of the time to use the cloak room for any of his own purposes before opening a door and moving down a largely spartan hallway - though the rug underneath was uncharacteristically rich, its horse motif giving away its Dreibene origin - a moment later, Deiter stopped at yet another door, giving it a light rap with his knuckles and opening it a moment later.
"Sourire Jamais, Prime Magistrate for House Gracieux, as expected, Bannerlord." Deiter stated, moving swiftly to allow Sourire to enter and to simultaneously remove himself from primacy. Lothar nodded his acknowledgement at Deiter, before turning his gaze to Sourire, granting him the acknowledgement of a deeper, respectful bow of the head that was a greeting from one noble to another, irrespective of any difference in standing. He walked forward from his position at the window, now behind him, returning to the cluster of furniture that made up the main feature of the room.
"Punctual, Magistrate Jamais, though I expected no less. Come, sit with me, and we shall talk of matters most unfortunately political, though I must confess it has given me cause to think of the future." Lothar said, motioning with his free hand towards the seating he had come to enjoy and the discussion of matters that now concerned the entire Empire.
The Veletian Prime Magistrate took his seat, folding his fingers in his lap and leaning forward slightly, his eyes trained on Lothar. "I would imagine that it is superbly obvious to you what my intentions are in coming here." he began, getting right down to business.
Lothar nodded, sitting and making himself comfortable. "Of course, my house holds a vote. You seek to know of its investiture. You no doubt hope to convince me to back Ralltene if I have already decided it should be placed with one of the other contenders. I will extend you the courtesy of the knowledge that I have not yet made that decision." Lothar offered, stated simply, allowing a moment before continuing.
"I have spent some time thinking on the matter, as well as speaking with those I trust to advise me fairly. In these times I would be lacking in wisdom to invest myself and the potential future of my house, let alone the entire empire, in people I yet no little of. I am, thus, highly interested in hearing what you have to say." Lothar finished, allowing his gaze to meet Sourire's, his posture attentive, but informal.
"There are two candidates that possess any realistic possibility of being crowned, excepting any of the former Emperor's third cousins attempting a coup. You are no doubt familiar with both of them, and their reputations. There is Ralltene, husband of Duchess Victoria, and Jakinius. Two sons of the same man with very different values and very different perspectives on the realm. Before I attempt to make any case, I would like to hear what the Bannerlord of Dreiben already knows. What have you heard of Jakinius and of Ralltene thus far? What do you, personally, believe to be each of their strengths?"
Lothar considered the two contenders for a moment, thinking upon what he knew and filtering what he knew to be unfounded rumour. The end result still felt woefully uninformed.
"Jakinius.. a soldier, a cavalryman of some measure at that, I believe. He was regarded as favoured somewhat in what opportunities life has extended to him, but has in turn devoted himself to the battles that rage in the north. I had considered him to be a poor option, no doubt eager to drag the Empire into one final conclusive march on the unbounded north and its Nordheim. Yet after some thought it is a judgement that I have too quickly made. Battle changes a man, makes him re-evaluate what is important. Until I hear him speak in the capital I will not rule him out. He possesses the noble attributes of strength and courage, a proven leader of sorts, if I am informed correctly, with a certain impetus for justice. If it has been tempered with wisdom he may yet prove himself to be a worthy candidate for Emperor." Lothar responded, turning his thoughts to Ralltene.
"Ralltene, of course, is similar to his father, though distinguished in his own way, with a mind to the mercantile. I profess a certain ignorance to the intricacies of the matters of the treasury, but a strong realm is founded on the underpinnings of economics. Some would say this alone would make Ralltene a suitable candidate, perhaps they would be right. He has been described to me as a "different kind of same" - and while House Amrothan and myself respect the value of the status quo - I would measure such a thing against the standards of the time and the potential gain inherent in change, if it were to come. Ralltene is a well travelled man, with some attendant skill, I would gather, in the matters diplomatic, while his mercantile prowess is already spoken for and no doubt refined by his ties and time in Violette." Lothar paused once more, before continuing.
"Both have attachments to different Houses. Such attachments bring complications. A choice of either will elevate their position, even if only for the short term. At worst, in a manner of speaking, it possibly gives them free reign to whatever end that may be. Despite your statement, I believe at least several other electors will consider that Allianna has some standing in this race even if for that reason alone. It may yet cause a sufficient division in the vote. Yet that is secondary to our present course of discussion." Lothar added, offering up the lead of the discussion back to Sourire.
"Jakinius is a martial man, and Ralltene a mercantile man. Who one considers the favourable choice depends on what one imagines the role of Emperor to mean, to entail. It has always been my perspective that an Emperor's most important asset is not his ability at swordplay, but his ability to make the realm prosper. The sort of courage necessary in an Emperor is not the sort of courage necessary in a warrior. Warriors need to accept that when they fight, there is the possibility that they will die. Their courage is in that acceptance, in knowing that although they might die, their death will serve grander purpose. An Emperor, though, embodies all of Ethica. For the man on the phoenix throne, a warrior's courage, the acceptance of mortality, is foolhardiness. The Empire cannot die. There is no sacrifice to be made that is worthy of the fall of Ethica. And just as an Emperor's personal conduct is not bolstered by the virtues of the warrior, neither is his leadership. Ruling a kingdom is not the same task as ruling an army. In war, there is an enemy you must defeat, and your role as a ruler is to defeat him. To rule an entire empire of a dozen nations; I would never insinuate that the task of a soldier or a general is a simple one, but it is not half so multi-faceted and so compelling of thought, of cause and effect, as the task of an Emperor. I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt to my cook each morning that he will not burn my breakfast because it is only a single meal, and he has cooked it hundreds of times before. Ethica is more important, though, than poached eggs, and Jakinius has never ruled anything in the same category as an Empire—he is not the prized chef that Ralltene is. You are a wise ruler that no doubt prides yourself on your contemplative patience, but there is a point at which refusing to act is not a display of patience but negligence. It is safe to give Jakinius the benefit of the doubt that his speech upon arrival in the capital will not be all about the need to muster forth every able-bodied man in the realm and march them into the Webwood. But it is not safe to give him the benefit of the doubt that he has the wisdom necessary to temper his strength and rule Ethica effectively."
"While I may disagree with some of your preconceptions, I do not disregard your points... Sourire, if I may be so familiar, you have been sent to speak to me on this matter of politic on behalf of House Gracieux, and I would request, if I may, their own views on the matter. I need not hear any more speak of the failings or strengths, true or otherwise, of Ralltene or Jakinius. Let us be forthright, What does Gracieux hope to gain - truly, without the honeyed words - from Ralltene's ascendancy. I would ask of you too, why of all Houses, mine should be inclined to grant them the support they seek from sending you to speak with me. It is true we share an economic interdependency of sorts, and by no means do we share a dislike for each other, but we are not as firm a friend in the court as could perhaps be. This brings such questions to the fore of my mind." Lothar leaned forward slightly, bringing his hands clasped together, letting his gaze remain on Sourire.
Sourire returned Lothar's gaze. "There is more than one threat that faces the Empire. Talk of the Nordheim is abound, but not of the Drathii, or of the numerous other hostile peoples of the multiple foreign nations on multiple foreign continents that threaten Ethica. All of these threats have a single factor in common, a military one, but one that only Ralltene—with Violette's support—could hope to effectively manage. During the beginning of the Great Drathii War, Ethica's naval forces encountered the invasion fleet before it landed. But, because the Imperial Navy was and is disunited and underfunded, it was not the Imperial Navy that encountered the vessels, but whalers of Aeche. We cannot fight off foreign invaders with harpoons and whaling vessels, or with a decrepit, disunited, and long neglected Imperial Navy. Victoria, once Empress Consort, wishes to stabilize the North along a natural defensive perimeter, and divert saved resources towards forming a unified and strong Imperial Navy. The Veletian Marine will be absorbed in its entirety into this naval force, which shall be placed under joint Imperial-Veletian administration. Our shores will be safe from all external threats, and we will be able to smite any and all invaders before they even make landfall. Zero civilian casualties and no damage whatsoever to infrastructure. This would obviously benefit Violette a great deal, offering the experienced sailors of the Veletian Republic their merit-due place as defenders of Ethica's borders. Equally so, it would benefit Dreiben. Our interdependence, which you brought up earlier, would see to that. But most importantly of all, it is a way to increase the security of the realm without endangering her great houses, another priority of the Gracieux's. A strong Imperial Army can used against House Amrothan or House Gracieux as easily as it can be used against the Nordheim, if not more easily. A navy, on the other hand, cannot be used as a tool of subjugation. Not only would the realm's territorial integrity be sustained, but also the stability of her political structure. All of the benefits of centralization without any of the drawbacks."
"So House Gracieux seeks to wrest control of the direction of the Imperial Navy, foregoing any niceties that may be placed around it." Lothar said, simply. "Understandable, I am not completely ignorant of political want and need. It is however likely to have the Mivaen's complaining to all who will listen, if not other houses who may see Graceiux control, no matter how shared or beneficent, as a direct escalation of Violette's desire to control trade. As I say, it is perfectly understandable, and somewhat less politically charged than other courses of action. Nevertheless, I'm sure the Starborn envoy in Reiterburg will consider me first on his list of people to complain to. I am dreadfully averse to the hearing of the complaints of dignitaries, as I'm sure you understand." Lothar smiled, a genuine but obvious admission. "I appreciate your directness, and there is some merit to what you have presented. I would be remiss, however, to not at least hear what Jakinius has to say, and I'm sure Allianna's perspective, even if secondary, is a courtesy I should at least extend. You can consider my interest peaked, of a sort, but I am hesitant to guarantee my support for Ralltene without as complete a picture as I can gain. It is.. shall we say, unpleasant to speak of, but there too may be more offered to we Amrothan than a guarantee of the continued prosperity we already share. Distasteful, but the core of the dance that is so often played out by our collective houses when they reach earshot of the capital it seems. I'm sure Duchess Gracieux of all people understands that perspective."
Sourire nodded, standing from his chair and reaching out his hand to shake Lothar's. "It was pleasant to meet you, Bannerlord. I hope you come to the decision that will best serve your people and your House, and I hope to continue my productive professional relationship with Deiter in the Prime Estates."
Lothar took Sourire's hand and shook it in a tried and tested display of diplomacy, casting a glance at the silent figure Deiter had become in the back of the room. "The pleasure is mine, Magistrate Jamais. I could make it a standing order, but I doubt Deiter has any reason to find fault with yourself in the affairs of the Prime Estate. Do extend my best wishes to House Gracieux. If the Duchess would be so kind as to pass on my love to my Nieces in the charge of her house I would be grateful." He nodded at Deiter, who made ready to escort Sourire, before returning his sight to Sourire and inclining his head as both a mark of respect and a dismissal.
He watched for a moment as the man left, before rising and making his way back to the window, letting his eyes peer into the beating heart of the Empire, the Imperial City, Lalrial, as if searching for some wisdom in the movement of the people, the wisps of smoke.
"Interesting times indeed."
