|
|
Post by Tim Fleischer on Jun 26, 2009 9:18:40 GMT -5
Today, there is much more hustle and bustle around Schloss Holzgerlingen even than usual. This is because the whole of the Grand Duchy is getting ready to host the new President and Arch-Steward of the Empire, Johann Boyen, who has promised the Grand Duke that he will dine with him tonight. While the meal itself will be a private affair, this does not stop the people arriving in droves outside the palace gates to cheer and shout.
Inside the palace, the Grand Duke and his family are getting ready to meet Herr Boyen. This will be the first time since Herr Fleischer was made Reichsklanzer that the two noble gentlemen will meet outside of an official capacity- for example, in the Reichstag, in the Chancellery or in the Private Council of the Emperor.
Back outside, a slick black luxury car with Holzer flags and the Imperial standard attached is welcomed by cheering from the crowds. The gates opened, it proceeded inside. It goes to the door at the front of the palace and out steps the President. The Grand Duke steps out and, shaking his esteemed friend's hand, welcomes him inside.
"Herr Boyen, it is a pleasure to see you. I trust your trip was not too uncomfortable?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Johann Boyen on Jun 26, 2009 9:49:55 GMT -5
The President warmly accepted the Grand Duke's hand and smiled. "Herr Fleischer, the trip was quite fine. Planes from Königriver to Holzgerlingen are quite quick these days. The car I had driven here from Beiersdorf- and in the boot you'll find a present." With this, the leader of the nation winked at his friend. Curious, the Reichsklanzer inspected the back of the expensive vehicle and finding the latch, lifted open the hefty car boot door. Inside was a crate of Freudenberg Dunkel. "Ah, you are too kind my President. Now come with me inside and we can continue this conversation over dinner." The Arch-Steward consented and was led inside. |
|
|
|
Post by Tim Fleischer on Jun 27, 2009 10:41:23 GMT -5
The party moved through the many rooms of the palace. Wonderfully decorated, with gilded doors and lots of furniture carved from the wooded regions of das Großherzogtum. The President was seated in a large dining room alongside the Duke and his family. They were feasted a delicious meal of duck and other game personally hunted by the Duke, with gravy and some potatoes. These were prepared by the master chefs of the palace in the kitchens below.
After dinner, the President and the Grand Duke proceeded alone into the study of Herr Fleischer, and they began to discuss topics of importance in the Empire.
"There is one matter of most supreme importance in Holzer politics today," began the host. "That is of the Kaiserial succession. The nation requires leadership, divinely and temporally acclaimed, the Emperor of the people. What is your intention as Arch Steward, Herr Boyen? Do you want to become Emperor?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Johann Boyen on Jun 27, 2009 14:03:26 GMT -5
As the Reichsklanzer spoke, the President nodded intently and thoughtfully. When he suggested that he assume the Imperial crown, he chuckled softly. "I agree wholeheartedly and with every fibre of my being that a successor to Frederick Augustus II is needed. However, I am not the right man. My background prevents me from taking the crown. My reign would no doubt be marred by certain Princes refusing to attend the customary General Diet of Noble Recognition. I have been musing on the issue of the succession for a while now." The two sat in silence as the President sat back and lit a cigar. After a few puffs he leant forward. "HolzIntel has prepared this dossier on the man I feel could be the next Holzer Kaiser." With this, Boyen handed Fleischer a folder bearing the Imperial Government symbol on the front along with the words: 'The Succession Question'. [Extracts from the second page of 'The Succession Question'.]  HH Prince Frederick Hubertus of Prutania
Duke of Leifgrad, Lieutenant of Baden
Born: April 10th 1982 Age: 26
Place of Birth: Wilhelm Castle, Baden, Baden Territory
Father: HRH Wilhelm IV, King of Prutania
Mother: HRH Princess Joan of Norona
Spouse: None
Children: None
Titles:
-HH Prince Frederick Hubertus of Prutania (1982-1998)
-HH Prince Frederick Hubertus, Duke of Leifgrad (1998-2004)
-HH Prince Frederick Hubertus, Duke of Leifgrad, Lieutenant of Baden (2004-Present)
Military Ranks:
-First Lieutenant (2001-2004)
-Colonel (2004-Present)
[/font][/blockquote] The President sat back, expectantly awaiting the thoughts of his Reichsklanzer. |
|
|
|
Post by Tim Fleischer on Jun 28, 2009 4:14:13 GMT -5
The Grand Duke reviewing the documents, joined the President by liting up a cigar. "Only 26, unmarried (at least unmarried and childless), and the son of a King. What makes you think the Holzer people will accept him? Too young, and may be a pawn of his father. The last thing anyone wants is a King of Prutania dominating the Confederation." He sighed. "That said, the succession crisis is the single most important issue facing the government of Holzborg today. It is our duty to solve it. And if you believe that this man could be the next Kaiser, I will support you."
Reichsklanzer then got up to pour himself some Schnaps brandy. "And supposing he is crowned, what of the government, Herr Boyen? There will be issues at the Chancellery and the Ministries."
|
|
|
|
Post by Johann Boyen on Jun 28, 2009 5:47:37 GMT -5
The President too helped himself to some Schnaps. "Your insight is valued, and your support appreciated. I do believe this man is the future of the Kaisership. The concerns you raise, I have already thought about. Frederick Hubertus' youth is key. The Empire needs new zeal, which is characteristic of the youth. Every Holzer will see him as representing the brave new world which we have strived to create." He paused for a moment. "And as for becoming a pawn- maybe he will, but who is to say he will become his father's?"
The Grand Duke raised his eyebrows. "What are you suggesting?"
Boyen poured them both another brandy. "Let us say that I envision a Holzer Empire where the Kaiser's involvement is much less obvious. I believe that between us, we can secure the future of Frederick Hubertus, the Holzer people and the nation's spirit!" With this he drained his glass, and Fleischer raised his. "As for the Chancellery and Ministries, I'm sure I could assuage any violent or vehement natures as Reichsklanzer. You would take over the Foreign Ministry. Would this arrangement be agreeable to you?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Tim Fleischer on Jun 28, 2009 14:13:47 GMT -5
Herr Fleischer, followed and emptied his glass. This was following by several puffs of his cigar. In his chair, he sat pensive for a moment. Then he spoke. "The affairs I can agree with." He sighed, before standing up and offering the President his hand. "I believe our business is concluded."
Boyen stood up and met his hand, saying, "This will mark the single most significant bilateral meeting in modern Holzer history." The Grand Duke nodded, then said, "And now with business done with- do you have time for a few frames?" He gestured towards a snooker table on the other side of the office, smiling. The President returned his smile and replied, "Off course."
|
|
