60th birthday of King Albrecht (attn: All with monarchs, ex-monarchs and dukes)

[Aegada]

"A pleasure meeting you Prince Ludwig, so ah what is there to do here other than talk to a bunch of nobles?" Proteus asked, he had no intention of staying but didn't want to risk invoking the wrath of his father. He looked around for his parents to make sure they were no where nearby and he then also asked, "Does the bartender ID people?" Proteus didn't want to live a life full of luxury and nobility he just wanted to be a normal teen, dealing with normal teen problems and doing normal teen things. Typical teen things included drinking and partying and since he didn't want to party with his parents friends, he decided drinking is his best bet to having a good time.

 

[Rheinbund]

“This sounds like you want to test some things out, Your Grace,” Ludwig said with a grin.

Getting drunk would be a faux pas at a party like this, especially in Eiffelland, a country where alcoholic drinks like wine and beer were valued very much but people were also expected to know their limits and stop drinking alcohol before getting drunk. Students and teenagers were jugendfrei with respect to this rule, but only when they were among each other, not at a party like this one.

“Here at this party the bartenders won’t ask for your ID,” Ludwig continued. “It will be different in the bars in the city, but here they won’t ask for your ID. However, that freedom comes with a responsibility. Drink whatever you want, but don’t get drunk. And stick to this Eiffellandian saying: Bier auf Wein, das lass sein, Wein auf Bier, das rat’ ich dir.”

At that moment, a waiter passed by. Ludwig asked for a white wine, and gave that wine to Proteus. “Here. Try this wine. Pelasgia, Bourgogne and Justiza are known for their wines, but Eiffelland is a wine producing country as well. We produce some fantastic dry white wines. And this is an Eiffellandian dry white wine.”

Ludwig himself was drinking an alcohol-free fruit cocktail. He had decided to wait with the alcohol until dinner. He had a reason to stay sober, at least according to him. After a sip from his cocktail, he continued talking.

“Indeed, it’s not an easy part of society we were born in, but unfortunately we cannot change the fact that we were born in it. The advantage is that the cage we’re in is made of gold. The disadvantages are that everybody is looking at it, and that everybody we share the golden cage with is looking at each other and at us. Luckily people are not always looking. The key thing is to find out when people are not looking, because those are the moments that you can do what you want.”

Ludwig took another sip of his cocktail. Then he continued.

“I have to say though, that this party is a typical occasion at which everybody is looking at everybody. Parties like these are not only for partying, they are also for diplomatic affairs. For affirming alliances and contacts, and for making new contacts. Basicly for networking. Also by you. You will get to know people, and in the future those people will help you with things and you will help those people with things. All the young people here in this palace will take up high positions in international companies and in governmental institutions, when they don’t become heads of state.”

At that moment, one of Ludwig’s cousins passed by. She was the 18 year old granddaughter of Prince Leopold, the King’s uncle.
“Julia, let me introduce you to Proteus Kappus, Crown-Prince of Aegada. Proteus, let me introduce you to my cousin Julia von Dietz-Hadamar.”

 

[Aegada]

(OOC- I can already see it now, Proteus is going to do something really stupid and dumb)

"Well I guess I just have to remember that my parents are here and that I can't get sloppy," he muttered to himself as he he took the wine glass from Ludwig.

"Guess I can chill here for a while," he paused and took a sip, "this is actually pretty good wine," he smirked as took another sip and listened to what Ludwig was saying. What he said was true and he knew that he would eventually be the one hosting events like this. He looks around and picks up bits and pieces of diplomacy between the many noblemen and women. He realizes that this is really just a cheap excuse for the heads of nations to reaffirm alliances and trade, ultimately there here to celebrate the birthday of King Albrecht of Eiffeland.

A young lady walks up and is introduced by Ludwig to Proteus as Julia von Dietz-Hadamar. She had long, mocha colored hair, thin build, had to be early twenties late teens, and was just in general stunning. He knew the opportunity he could have, but was scared of how a long distance relationship would work with being royalty. Regardless he took her hand and kissed it, "A pleasure to meet you."

 

[Furlanìe]

Duchess Brigîlia came back to her husband and reported the informations extracted from the young man ''now I see'' said Alfonso glancing for a second at his left ''the continentals have really troubled histories; you should try this wine darling'' he lifted a bit the glass in his hand ''I can't say from where it comes, nonetheless it's good" "I'm sure it is, I'll try it later". The two started walking slowly towards king Albrecht that was greeting a numerous group of nobles hoping to intercept his gaze, ''the hat!'' whispered Birgîlia, Alfonso looked at her and smiled "good idea" the Duke put back his hat on and the long pheasant feather rose like a banner calling for attention over the heads of the other nobles.
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[Rheinbund]

Julia was bemused by this young boy giving her a hand kiss. She made a curtsy to him. What she saw, was a bit uncertain boy who tried to find his place. And that uncertainty made him kind of cute. Ludwig immediately noticed that there was something beautiful going on. He immediately remembered how he himself was seduced by a prince at a royal wedding two years ago—something he let happen and he enjoyed very much at that time. Despite the fact that he and his lover of that night were caught napping. Strangely enough, there were no rumours afterwards. The uncle of his lover held the information for himself—probably to use it later on. But to be honest: Who would expect from the extremely serious, extremely calm and extremely structured Ludwig, who never raised his voice, not even when he was angry, who talked quite softly anyway, and whose only passion seemed to be music and literature, would loose himself in a one‑night‑stand during a royal wedding, even given the fact that this extremely serious, extremely calm and extremely structured guy was also extremely good-looking with his light blonde hair and his sapphire blue eyes?

Ludwig didn’t want to destroy the beautiful moment, so he decided to take a step back. He excused himself to Proteus and Julia ("Sorry, but I have to do something. We'll meet later."), and left.

OOC: Aegada, you are completely free to RP the storyline between Proteus and Julia, except for one thing: No violence. In the end, Julia has to return to her parents unharmed and in one piece Although love can go its way

 

[Pelasgia]

The Empress and the Emperor had only barely walked and talked to a few guests when the Empress took notice of a the rather extravagant hat of Duke Alfonso. "Dear, is that gentleman with the rather festive hat not one of the Justinian Dukes you had met while you were in charge of the Naval Base in [MENTION=1839]Justiza[/MENTION]?" she asked, turning to the Emperor, with a suggestive look. "Why, of course! That is Duke Alfonso! And the lady next to him must be his wife. Lovely people, the two of them." The Empress took a moment to think before speaking again. "We should go and meet them then. They were as good as hosts to you, while you were half-exiled in Justiza. It would be rude to not acknowledge them, at least." The Emperor was a bit shy, a rare occasion, since he had actually forgotten the Duchess's name, being horrible at remembering names as always, but his wife left him little choice. Besides, he might have been a Laskaris eagle in every way, but that was little in front of what a Rhaoulēs lion could do when enraged.

 

[Aegada]

OOC- Proteus is a nice young gentleman, nothing bad will happen

 

[Furlanìe]

''We did get the attention of someone, not the one we were aiming at though" said Alfonso to Birgîlia noticing the friendly gaze coming from their side "Oh, the Emperor of [MENTION=1774]Pelasgia[/MENTION] is there -they stopped walking- put down the hat, we should really meet him"

Duke Alfonso was really bad in speaking or even trying to pronounce pelasgian words and so spoke in justizan, hoping the emperor reminded something of his permanence on the island ''Sunt laeto invero allo vedervi quivi, imperâtor[FONT=&amp]([/FONT]I'm really happy to see you here, emperor)" and made a slight bow with his head in respect of justinian etiquette but also to help Attalos intepret the meaning of his words if he didn't understand; Birgîlia intervened to avoid any risks with a perfect pelasgian ''Are your highnesses enjoying the party?" she bow aswell.

 

[Rheinbund]

King Albrecht and Queen Marinka were busy shaking hands with people, but they did not overlook the presence of Duke Alphonso and his wife. After having shaken the hands of the Eiffellandian Duke and Duchess of Lausitz, who had arrived with their 21 year old daughter, and after having spoken to Prince Changchieh of Huxia and his family, they walked over to the Justinian Duke Alphonso and his wife. Meanwhile, Prince Franz, the fourth son of the King and Queen noticed Zhu Yongying, the 23 year old daughter of Prince Changchieh.

Given the fact that Albrecht was also Grand-Duke of Nichtstein, he was also proficient in Tiburan, the second language of that country. He knew that Justinian and Tiburan were similar, so he said in Tiburan: “Buon Giorno, Loro Altezze Duca e Duchessa Berlucci. Mi piace veramente da vedere Loro a questo giorno.” (Good afternoon, Your Highnesses Duke and Duchess Berlucci. I am really happy to see you on this day). He also greeted the Pelasgian Imperial Couple again in Katharevousa. Queen Marinka was less fluent in Tiburan and Katharevousa, but also she greeted both the Justinian Ducal Couple and the Pelasgian Imperial Couple in their respective languages.

OOC: Sorry for the delay, Justiza And now I hope the Italian was correct. That Italian course is five years ago now

 

[Aegada]

Aeolus and Delphine both returned greetings to King Albrecht and Queen Marinka, the typical happy birthday and the how have you been. The couple then turned and greeted the Justinian couple in a rusty Tiburan, something Aeolus hasn't used in a while, "A pleasure to meet you both, I am King Aeolus and this is my wife Queen Delphine."

Proteus was trying to keep a cool, collective face but inside his head he was scrambling for something to say to keep her interest. Luckily he found the words he thought he wanted, "Foods tastes great tonight, doesn't it?" He was either going to be disappointed or make something of this, and he doesn't feel like disappointed tonight. He combed his hair with his hair and started to collect himself, and took another sip of the wine Albrecht handed him.

(OOC- Hopefully Proteus has better game than me)

 

[Pelasgia]

"Very well, and you?" asked the Emperor, before following up with another statement; "By the way, this is my wife, Empress Maria-Eirene Palaiologina-Rhaoulina. I do not believe she has had the fortune of making you acquaintance as of yet." The Imperial couple returned the bow, and shortly thereafter greeted the Eiffellander Royals, in their native German, with another birthday wish to the King.

 

[Rheinbund]

Aeolus and Delphine both returned greetings to King Albrecht and Queen Marinka, the typical happy birthday and the how have you been. The couple then turned and greeted the Justinian couple in a rusty Tiburan, something Aeolus hasn't used in a while, "A pleasure to meet you both, I am King Aeolus and this is my wife Queen Delphine."

Proteus was trying to keep a cool, collective face but inside his head he was scrambling for something to say to keep her interest. Luckily he found the words he thought he wanted, "Foods tastes great tonight, doesn't it?" He was either going to be disappointed or make something of this, and he doesn't feel like disappointed tonight. He combed his hair with his hair and started to collect himself, and took another sip of the wine Albrecht handed him.

(OOC- Hopefully Proteus has better game than me)

OOC: He has. But I leave it completely up to you to RP the love story

EDIT: You can presume that the young Julia is completely in love with Proteus. At least for this moment. For the longer term, let's discuss that out

 

[Axeldonia]

The motor sputtered to life with a bang, causing the royal couple to yelp in surprise as the mechanic leaned back up, wiping oil from his face.

"The plane should be all set, your majesty."

"Excellent! I want us to depart within the hour!"

Rudolf III waved his cane wildly in the air, slapping his heels together.

"Oh how excellent it'll be to finally do something! Nothing interesting ever happens in Axeldonia."

"I could not agree more, my dear."

The plane was indeed in the air within the hour, and the royal couple went on their way to Eiffeland. Once there, the couple was introduced as Ludwig III and Susanne I of house Königstrand, the royal house of Axeldonia.

OOC: I hope it's not too late to join, but I chose to explain their lateness with a mechanical error.

 

[Rheinbund]

King Albrecht and Queen Marinka enjoyed the conversation with the Imperial Couple of Justiza as well as Duke Alfonso and his wife, when the King and Queen of Aegada joined the conversation. They were greeted heartily, and were integrated in the conversation.

Meanwhile, Prince Franz started a conversation with Princess Zhu Yongying of Huaxia.

It wasn’t a planned action, not at all. Prince Ludwig was just passing by when he heard the conversation between the 59 year old Duke of Stolzenau and the 82 year old Duke of Bechhofen (who was the grandfather of Franz Schenk von Bechhofen). The two Dukes had chosen a remote place away from the crowd to discuss some things. Unfortunately, that remote place was in a corridor Ludwig had to pass at that moment. It was close to dinner, and he had prepared a surprise for his father together with his older brother Wolfgang, to be presented just before dinner.

“You know that my grandson Franz was arrested in Helgoland, or not?” the Duke of Bechhofen said.
“Yes, I heard about that sad affair,” the Duke of Stolzenau said.
“At this moment, there is nothing I can do. The boy will stay in prison for the coming five years,” the Duke of Becchofen said. “After then, I need to find a solution.”

The Duke of Bechhofen remained silent for a while. Then he continued.

“I can do two things: Either an arranged marriage, or send my grandson to a seminary or a monastry. My son doesn’t want an arranged marriage, but my grandson has the duty to continue the line. Therefore, I have to overrule my son in this matter,” the Duke of Bechhofen said.

“So you already made your choice,” the Duke of Stolzenau said.

“Yes. My grandson has to marry,” the Duke of Bechhofen said.

Then Ludwig said to nobody in particular, but clearly understandable to the two Dukes: “Indeed, the fate of the grandson of the Count of Bechhofen is sad. Especially given the fact that he is currently coupled to the classic example of the unmarriable woman of noble descent in a classic attempt to cover up a scandal”

Even for a Royal Prince, interrupting a conversation between two Dukes so senior in age to him was a rude move. But that didn’t stop Ludwig. He still had an axe to grind with the Duke of Stolzenau, and he was quite angry about the fact that the two Dukes were forcing someone he considered one of his study friends into something that would ruin his life, just to keep up appearances. Ludwig was aware of the fact that also such arrangements were part of the Noble way of life, but it should be possible to keep up appearances in a way that would ruin lives to a lesser extent.

“Your Grace, are you overhearing our conversation?” the Duke of Stolzenau asked sharply.

“Not in particular, Your Highness,” Ludwig replied. “I was just walking by and accidentally heard what you were discussing.”

“I understand. You were probably on your way to a nice young lady to ask for a place in her dancing-card,” the Duke of Stolzenau said. “And such a move would be about time. It is unhealthy that a young man of your age avoids the company of women in the way you do. I am almost starting to think that you are … holding desires of an unnatural kind. The ones that are usually covered up with arranged marriages with a classic example of the unmarriable woman. Then it would be better if you choose a woman yourself, Your Grace. I already saw that the eldest daughter of the Duke of Lausitz has a special interest in you. I’d say get into contact with her. This party would be a perfect occasion for that.”

“I thank you for your advice, Your Highness. I will think about it,” Ludwig said. “But regarding one particular example of the unmarriable woman, one that is also here at the party, face the fact that four of her engagements failed. Three of them failed because the future husband ended the engagement because of that woman’s impossible character. Three of her engagements ended in a scandal. The fourth and last one ended with the death of her future husband. That turned her from the woman who was rejected three times into the woman who mourns for her late future husband. The death of Matthias von Luckenwalde was the ultimate rescue of her face. My suggestion is to leave it at that. The situation won’t become better for her, especially not if you couple her to someone with … desires of an unnatural kind, as you call it. Either the future husband flees abroad so that the woman who honourably mourns for the death of her late future husband becomes the woman who was dishonourably spurned four times, or the marriage will be extremely unhappy.”

Then he continued to the Duke of Bechhofen: “Your Highness Herzog Schenk von Bechhofen, may I suggest a different way of covering up the scandal? A girl with unnatural desires for instance, so that they can play the perfectly married couple to the outside world while in reality they give each other all the freedom they need? In the end the only thing that matters is what is publicly known; what happens behind the scenes doesn’t matter. You yourself made extensive use of that golden rule, so give your grandson the opportunity to do the same—with his wife’s approval.”

After that, Ludwig walked away, leaving two Dukes gnashing their teeth for anger behind.

It was a public secret that the Duke of Bechhofen used to have quite some extramarital affairs and often used to visit luxury brothels. It was also a public secret that his marriage was not really a good one. The Duke of Becchofen was not the only Noble of his generation who used to visit lxury brothels or used to have extramarital affairs, but he had more extramarital affairs and went to the brothels more often than all other Nobles of his generation.
Maybe these extramarital affairs and visits to brothels were a consequence of the habit that a marriage among nobles used to be more a business affair than a love affair, which was definitely still the case for the generation of the Duke of Bechhofen. Luckily that was changing more and more, at least in Eiffelland (where the previous King had taken the initiative by letting love prevail over business; luckily his father approved that, probably because the girl in question was from Noble descent).

The Duke of Becchofen was the first one to talk.

“Die Unverschämtheit,” he said. Approximately: “The insolent boy”.

“The real impertinence is that it is officially allowed to exercise these unnatural desires in all other parts of this country than Helgoland. How sad it is that your son was arrested, the authorities over there did the right thing,” the Duke of Stolzenau said. “And you will do the right thing with finding a girl for your grandson. The only way to tackle these unnatural desires is the love of a woman.”

What was not known to the public, and not known even to the King himself, was that Prince Ludwig (a very good pianist) and Prince Wolfgang (a very good violinist) would play the andante of a sonata for violin and piano by Mozart, the King’s favourite composer. Just before dinner would start, the concert master of the orchestra took the floor.

“Your Majesty King Albrecht, Your interest in and efforts for classic music is well-known in the country. Thanks to the König Albrecht Musikstiftung, many young musicians have the possibillity to study at the conservatories in this country. I myself studied at the conservatory of Köln thanks to a stipendium from the König Albrecht Musikstiftung. Also on behalf of the many more musicians who studied at Eiffellands conservatories with stipendia from the König Albrecht Musikstiftung, I want to thank you for stimulating classic music in Eiffelland.”

Then the orchestra started to applause, causing the audience to applause as well.

“It fills us with joy to see that you ignited the love for music in your own children as well. Two of your children even play music instruments. And they are here to perform the Concert for Violin and Piano number 3 2nd movement of your favourite composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. May I have an applause for Prince Wolfgang and Prince Ludwig?”

At that moment, Prince Wolfgang and Prince Ludwig entered the stage. They bowed for the public, and started to play.

After their performance, they bowed for the public again to receive the applause. After the applause, the conductor took the floor.

“Meine Damen und Herren, I have the honour to announce that dinner is ready. On behalf of King Albrecht and Queen Marinka, I invite you to go to the dining room. Enjoy the dinner.”

OOC: This is what Wolfgang and Ludwig played:

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[Rheinbund]

The motor sputtered to life with a bang, causing the royal couple to yelp in surprise as the mechanic leaned back up, wiping oil from his face.

"The plane should be all set, your majesty."

"Excellent! I want us to depart within the hour!"

Rudolf III waved his cane wildly in the air, slapping his heels together.

"Oh how excellent it'll be to finally do something! Nothing interesting ever happens in Axeldonia."

"I could not agree more, my dear."

The plane was indeed in the air within the hour, and the royal couple went on their way to Eiffeland. Once there, the couple was introduced as Ludwig III and Susanne I of house Königstrand, the royal house of Axeldonia.

OOC: I hope it's not too late to join, but I chose to explain their lateness with a mechanical error.

OOC: No. It's not too late. Be welcome