Burgundian Summer: Attn Engellex

[Holy Frankish Empire]

von Pittenfeld estate, near Pillau

The von Pittenfeld family is one of the oldest landed families in Bourgogne. Initially part of Twente, the Pillau region was Bourgogne's Germanic region: Germanic in culture and language and Twentish in faith. It was a bit cooler than in the south but the wet summer had brought in a heavy humidity. Thankfully, the estate was tucked in a forest so the trees provided some shade. The baroque manor was initially a hunting estate but the war in 1760 left the main household destroyed and the von Pittenfelds migrated to their hunting estate. Now, the family mostly lived in Pillau and used the estate as a getaway. For this moment, it was on loan to the Ducal government. The Grand Duke looked tired and hot not slept well recently. He felt as if the Burgundian nation was being boxed into a corner from which it could not escape. At every point in which Bourgogne extended their hand, it was viciously slapped away. It dared not militarize the border with Serenierre out of fears of provocation. In the Grand Duke's mind, the nation was going to be whittled away as the communist conglomerate degraded it. The delegation from Engellex had been met quietly but smartly at the Pillau airport- a small honor guard and the Grand Duke's Dean of Staff led the small motorcade through the heat to the small manor.

Grand Duke Maximilien heard the motorcade approach through the cracked window. The study was small but large enough for some arm chairs and a small table among the bookshelves. He was dressed simply in a light blue buttondown shirt and tie, the sleeves rolled up to the elbow and his typical brown tweed pants. He had initially cracked the window to rid the room of pipe smoke but not all of it had gone. The screech of some brakes on the dirt drive brought Maximilien to standing. Flattening out this trousers, he debated fixing his sleeves but instead decided to leave them. He waited for the door to open and the Dean to show the delegation into the study.

 

[Great Engellex]

Von Pittenfeld Estate, Pillau, Grand Duchy of Burgundy

It was a slow afternoon, the kind the Duchess of Kew rarely had time to enjoy. She sat rigidly content in the back of the chauffeur driven Rolls-Royce Phantom IV, one of those exclusive vehicles manufactured purely for order and use by the Engellexian Republic governance and had naturally become an unofficial symbol of the Republic’s apparatus. This particular car belonged to the embassy in Chagny, and was almost exclusively used by the ambassador; the ambassador, Lord Edmund Bunbury-Barere, accompanied the Lady Chancellor in the back. It was decided appropriate to have the ambassador along for the visit, though he is unlikely to partake in the meeting, for it was agreed that Lord Edmund Bunbury-Barere was further along, if not entirely advanced in his knowledge of the Grand Duchy and her culture and customs. The ambassador had adopted quite a few of those customs himself, including a Burgundian wife, and was quite known for his Gallic fancy in Dulwich. But the underlining truth to his attachment was simply due to the fact that it was approaching almost a century since a Statesman of the Republic actually visited a neighbour, for the casual adoption of isolationism gave way to a contentment in mandarins of the Foreign Departments handling such affairs.

Lady Rosamund Cavendish, the Duchess of Kew, looked out across the estate as the car neared its destination. The sun was high in the sky, and occasionally hidden by the unfortunate number of clouds, it was a curious and uncomfortable weather the Duchess of Kew was discovering, fortunately the estate had a great number of trees casting dark, cool shadows. Despite the weather, the Lady Chancellor was surprisingly comfortable; not informed of the local weather, she was somewhat dressed for Dulwich, wearing a full-length tight silhouette black velvet, with black fur trim coat, accompanied by a matching black felt toque hat that was stylised by three fancied feathers. The elegant toque hats were fashionable in Dulwich society, and had themselves become part of the Lady Chancellor’s icon imagery. Fortunately for Lady Rosamund Cavendish, underneath the inappropriately warm coat, she was wearing a green kimono-style silk dress. The Duchess of Kew always held herself and her performances with the utmost flair.

The car turned onto the front court of the bricks and mortar of the estate, soon coming to calm and quiet halt opposite the entrance to the Grand Duke’s chateau. The driver got out, wearing his chauffeur livery, and opened the door for the Lady Chancellor. The Duchess of Kew, a relatively tall woman of a particularly slim frame, stepped out from the car; her sharp and soft black silhouette, contrasting with her fair alabaster Engell skin and fiery red curls gave that intriguing impression of an aristocrat lady arriving to a Dulwich soiree. Lady Rosamund Cavendish delivered a sharp, pouted smile of thanks to the head of the Grand Duke’s staff that curtsied and greeted her, before being directed inside.

The hour, I understood to be urgent, spoke the Duchess of Kew as she removed her leather gloves so the footman could take her coat. I did not understand that the hour was also rather humid, Lord Bunbury-Barere, she continued dismissively to the ambassador. Local weather intelligence might seem trivial to some, given the event at hand, but to a Lady Chancellor or any lady holding a position within the Council of State, it was particularly important.

Departing the attachment of the ambassador, the Duchess of Kew was led farther into the interior, to the study of the Grand Duke’s; but before the gentleman had the opportunity of knocking on the door, Lady Rosamund handed the man a small wooden box bearing the arms of the Duchy of Kew. That is the Kew blend, she informed quite matter-of-fact, as though tea was as jealously a regarded cultural custom in Burgundy as it was in the Engellexian Republic. The gentleman knocked, the Duchess of Kew announced, and her entrance permitted. Tea, please. Soon, she instructed as she passed the gentleman. Your Royal Highness, Lady Rosamund Cavendish greeted, as she performed the curtsey of rigid protocol. Such dire times, for us all, she continued, approaching the Grand Duke with her hand held out for him to take in greeting. I trust your Highness has not been moved so terribly by the circumstance in Serenierre? Consider it a flattery of your government, your country, your effective rule. We do.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

von Pittenfeld estate, near Pillau

"Madam" he said in acknowledgment of her greeting, bowing his head whilst accepting her extended hand. "You speak such kind words. The situation at hand is rather tense to put it lightly" he began as he motioned the Lady Chancellor to the seats. "I do so very hope that the staff greeted you equitably and I very well hope you did not have difficulty in your travels. I do apologize for the informality but please understand I have been rather tested lately. This is my only real break from the madness that is Chagny in some time. If you wish, this evening the Pillau Ducal Opera is beginning their rendition of Faust. As I am the primary patron" he said as he sat, "I have a box at my disposal. I would have to make security arrangements soon however. These are dark times". The Grand Duke smirked but did not go further as to describe what amused him. Lord Edmund Bunbury-Barere had developed a fair relationship with the Grand Duke and kept Maximilien well informed that the Duchess was quite sharp. Maximilien assumed she would know of the old Burgundian republican propaganda notation on many posters which read "these are dark times". The sentence was mainly the target of many jokes and ironic humor in Bourgogne since the fall of the oppressive republican regime. Few knew but the phrase was banned from film and radio; though it still occasionally showed up in print.

The Grand Duke heard a knock and turned to see his Dean of Staff, Count Claude Darc, enter the room with two glasses of water which he sat on the small table. "I have been informed tea is on the way, your Grace" he said, bowing to both of them slightly. In Burgundian custom, the Grand Duke could be alternately addressed as your Grace or your Highness. Maximilien spoke softly. "May I introduce my Dean of Staff, Count Darc". Again the Count bowed slightly and excused himself, shutting the door behind him. The water, garnished with lemon and ice, was something the Grand Duke desperately needed. He had felt dehydrated as of recent but counted it up to fatigue. "If I may, I would like to begin some serious discussion" he said awkwardly. The Grand Duke's English, while not bad, sometimes did not form correctly. "Serenierre" he said, shaking his head. "Though a thorn in everyone's backside she may be, Kadikistan is the ideological imperialist of the day. Refusing to corral their Frankish underlings signals their intention to let things in this region get as devolved as possible. Serenierre's government has been erratic. Even normal communication with them is impossible. Hell, we attempted to return artifacts and they attempted to sue the museum because they closed their own border" he said, taking a gulp of the water. The Grand Duke had assumed Bunbury-Barere had conveyed the Grand Duke's habit of directness whilst being agitated. The Grand Duke was not easily agitated. He was known in certain circles as a severe pragmatic and could be highly shrewd. "I fear madam that Serenierre is leading us all down a road none of us wish to go and Kadikistan will not hit the brakes" he said as a knock interrupted the discussion and a servant appeared with tea.

 

[Great Engellex]

Von Pittenfeld Estate, Pillau, Grand Duchy of Burgundy

There is nothing so refreshing after an extended journey as a cup of Kew tea, Lady Rosamund was saying with an air of restrained animation as she sat sipping tea from a delicate piece of china, before sitting the cup and saucer on a small table beside them.

There was a time when Dulwich looked upon a strengthened, powerful Bourgogne with caution, with concern, responded the Duchess of Kew. Now it would appear that that notion has been succeeded by the enterprise of Frankish Unification; of a united Frankish State under the authority of Chagny. Naturally some cry out that it is not much more than a nationalist imagination, those of us not inclined to that opinion, she continued, perceive a Frankish Union, united by a constitution, under a democratic parliament, is a much more agreeable, yet time consuming enterprise – not born from petty nationalism, but European necessity.

Should unification be achieved under the power of Chagny, it would surely steal the thunder of Kadikistan. Would you not agree? Lady Rosamund asked looking decidedly at the Grand Duke from beneath her raised eyebrow.

Kadikistan will oppose, of course. Any moves upon Serenierre will draw them their detached observation of your southern neighbour, or it may not. I am not quite convinced of the relationship between Serenierre and Kadikistan, I trust you, and your government, are, by far, much more knowledgeable on this front and can enlighten me?

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

von Pittenfeld estate, near Pillau


The Grand Duke smirked in agreement as he tasted the tea. He only helped himself to a handful of sips before putting the cup down on the saucer. "Madam, the old republican government was a danger to the world and to Burgundians. It is no surprise one might have viewed this nation as a threat. However, as we became more tolerant of other ideologies we seem to have become more targeted by said ideologies" he said, shaking his head in wonder. He shifted in his seat slightly and leaned forward, his palms resting on his knees. "As for a united Frankish people" he said, stressing the word, I do not think it an untenable dream but I somehow doubt the true possibility in my lifetime" Maximilien said, his smirk from the tea disappearing.

Maximilien stood slowly, shutting the cracked window. He made a gesture to her to wait a moment as he walked to the door, opening it slowly to look about and shutting it firmly. Returning to his chair, the Grand Duke slowly sat. He was quiet for a moment. "I have letters of support, wholly unsolicited by myself or my as it were agents, which support the return of my royal house to the ancient seat of Holy Frankish Emperor. I have not moved on this avenue nor the crown of Serenierre, which is mine by right. Though the crown of Serenierre stands unwielded, it is not for me to claim without the support of the vast majority of the people. Together, a united Frankish empire would offer a real change in the balance of power. It would fuel stability on levels not seen in many years. This is not something I must admit I am pursuing in any fashion. In fact, you madam are one of the few that know of these letters. They emanate from some of the highest political and religious figures on this planet. I ask for your deep discretion on this matter".

The Grand Duke sat back in his chair slowly, arching his fingers. "Kadikistan and Serenierre have a solidified alliance. Serenierre has some technology that Ivar finds appealing and Serenierre wants to upgrade their military. I find it odd that Kadikistan would allow Serenierre to do as it pleases in regards to Bourgogne. What I mean is that up until recently, Bourgogne would not have been a vocal opponent of this neo-imperialist communism. We were quite content to extend our hand, even defend their decisions. It was a cruel mistake on the part of both Kadikistand and Serenierre. While we see this alliance as a strong one, we sometimes sense that Serenierre is a junior partner to Ivar. However, we are deeply worried about how erratic Serenierre's government is acting. The raw aggression is dangerous. As we tried to remedy this, they shut any diplomatic communication down. Every time we extended our hand in friendship or at least understanding, it was viciously slapped away. Then Serenierre through divisions of soldiers on the border. Nine nations out of ten would have gone to war Lady Rosamund. Nine out of ten. Our military experts are confident that Bourgogne could defeat Serenierre in every war games scenario. Our military has the battlefield experience, leadership, and training" he paused, sipping the now cooled tea. "We could defeat any attack by Villesen but alone against both them and Ivar...." he paused again. "Bourgogne has no real fleet nor the requisite number of men to fight that war alone. Most importantly, I dont want the war and neither do the people. We suspect Ivar feels the same".

Maximilien crossed his arms and drew in deeply. "If Ivar does not chain their dogs in Villesen, they may have to face that prospect. The erratic behavior of Villesen is dangerous. Rest assured madam, we will not fire the first shot"

 

[Great Engellex]

Von Pittenfeld Estate, Pillau, Grand Duchy of Burgundy

Ah, said Lady Rosamund Cavendish glancing at the Grand Duke as if by this exclamation she was asking the monarch to wait, as she proceeded to refresh her senses with a sip or more of her delicious tea.

All I can say, Grand Duke, said she with a pleasant elegance of expression and intonation that obliged one to listen to each deliberately spoken word. It was evident that the Duchess of Kew herself listened with pleasure to her own opinion. Lady Rosamund returned her cup and saucer to the table. All I can say, is that if the matter depended on my personal interest, the determined union of the Frankish.. people should certainly be fulfilled in our very near future. I should have liked to have seen such an achievement long ago. And believe me that to me personally, and I daresay the Council of State, it would be a relief to return the energy and iron will from Kadikistan, and reinstate it within the hands of better bred and more skilful Powers of the Occident – of which the Occident has a couple – and to lay down all terrible business of revolution and subterfuge. But circumstance tragically sits against us, Grand Duke, and we must certainly deal with the hand given, spoke the Lady Chancellor.

Lady Rosamund looked dissatisfied for a moment. The Grand Duchy’s participation in a common action with the Engellexian Republic is evidently appearing necessary, it would undoubtedly be of high value to Europe, but I should inform that.. domestic matters do present a delay to any splendid policy of co-operation we may hope to fashion, Grand Duke, she informed with a short bow from the neck and a sincere smile for reassurance; if it did not already occur to the Grand Duke, the Lady Chancellor did not succeed at casual interaction no matter how determined her host.

It is my belief, given our mutual concern of Serenierre and Kadikistan, and judging by the latest of intelligence from around Europe that continues to fail to honour us with a slither of hope, that Kadikistan, under the direction of an evidently so skilful a command as Ivar, has by now already gained that victory needed to render Serenierre’s technological progression a mere bauble of their grand design, opined Lady Rosamund. She frowned briefly before continuing, though there was no definite dispatch confirming my theory one way or another, in consideration of what you have informed, there were many circumstances confirming the belief that a Serenierre and Kadikistan alliance is less sincere, and a more dressing of ideological solidarity for gross benefit of the imperial ambition of Ivar. Could my theory perhaps not explain why Serenierre behaves so ridiculously? That what you suffer by way of their erratic policy, is but a demonstration of their struggle against the Kadiki position and instruction? Lady Rosamund reached out for tea once more, resting the cup and saucer gently on her lap so to continue to speak. That is my theory, of course. A theory I should like to store faith in, but perhaps not just yet.

Now, Grand Duke, what is the position of Bourgogne with respect of the growing emergency of undermined sovereignty – Calidia, the struggles in Cumbria, Ivernia, and Cymru? It is alarming. Naturally, in Dulwich, we are.. to be so blunt, on the edge awaiting that need for us to bear down quite heavily on any revolutionary activity in the Republic and Himyar – the continent. We have communicated to the Cumbrian Government with clarity our position on the matter, and perhaps it did indeed sound heavy handed, but we are nervous that our weary neighbours may trial appeasement and a degree of toleration for a terribly short moment of peace. The Engellexian Republic could never stand for that, said the Duchess of Kew with her eyes fixed on the Grand Duke, and her tea being brought to her lips.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

The Grand Duke shifted in his seat but was rather stone faced at the turn of discussion. "Circumstances are very against us madam. I feel that we must indeed play the hand we are dealt...." he said coolly, his eyes shifting in thought. "but we must play it at the right time". The Grand Duke stood again and picked up a file from the desk and returned to his seat. He crossed his ankles, sitting back in his chair, pretending not to notice the brief look of dissatisfaction on her face moments before. "A delay in our relationship prospering is understandable but we are of one mind; we must fall into step. Bourgogne is simply being boxed into a corner along with the rest of the capitalist world. If Bourgogne, a nation that was willing to tolerate communism, is cajoled in such a fashion; I only see communist imperialism growing. As an entire community we must return this region to stability". The Grand Duke was silent for a minute. He considered two routes of discussion before deciding on one.

"Serenierre's erratic behavior remains explainable. We retain a few theories despite our intelligence network. We do think a large part of this behavior is the government solidifying their position in a manner. For what reason exactly remains unseen. Your theory is quite possible itself. I fear for the people of Serenierre. Not only the cultural Burgundians but for the entire people. I fear this endeavor by their government will drain the people of that spirit of life. I fear the government will destroy the people". The Grand Duke was quiet again and folded his hands over the file. "I am rarely scared of much madam but this truly scares me. I freely admit this" he said, his eyes were cold and staring directly into hers. He let a moment pass and presented the file to her. "This obviously does not leave this room. This is the general overlay of our final offensive against the Ivernish rebels. Unfortunately, the Ivernish are holding us up but we are prepared to smash the defenses. This operation will crush them utterly. Kadikistan's experiment will have its throat cut. As for Cymru and Cumbria, we have no official position as of yet. Bourgogne has had full hands as of recent and dipping toes into what some have called 'further potential quagmires' has been met with apprehension by certain members of the legislature". The Grand Duke looked quizzically at the door. He had requested fresh lemonade also be brought in but none had appeared. The staff largely was not his or he would annoyed but he simply chalked it up to incompetent staff.

 

[Great Engellex]

Von Pittenfeld Estate, Pillau, Grand Duchy of Burgundy

If there shall be an Era of Peace defining partnership, it shall be our partnership, said Lady Rosamund Cavendish drawing herself up in her seat to her full, rigid height to address the Grand Duke with a renewed effort of grace. Any and all lack of immediate prosperity in our Engell-Bourgogne relationship remains, at this time, a reasonable expectation from my considered opinion and not a guarantee. The Duchess of Kew leaned forward, returning her cup of tea from her lap and hand to the side table. Engaged, in Dulwich, are the politics of insular, domestic affairs, but I do remain hopeful to our mutual concern, for against those politics are aligned the interests and considerations of the Constituents of the Republic. The approaching Dulwich Conference will be but a canon firing into the face of the Republic’s indifference to regional concerns, the substance will be the security of the Republic and Europe most necessary, the Lady Chancellor reassured.

Bringing her hands together, Lady Rosamund Cavendish outlined her determinations from this private meeting, explaining that, it would be effective to the political cause in the Republic should I be in a position to put forward a document underlining areas in which we desire mutual cooperation. Nothing exceptionally formal, in fact it may be careful if we stipulate that at the bottom; but I do believe a document will achieve much, most especially in rallying necessary support from the Dulwich Conference. I believe we can find agreement on an understanding – even cooperation on the security affairs of Europe as our interests are not exceptionally large. The Duchess of Kew bent her head and was silent for a brief moment, allowing for that second or two of consideration between thoughts. The Dulwich Conference may even provide the Republic with the opportunity to formalise a security relationship between us, should the interest be mutual. But it would undoubtedly require formal acknowledgement of our self-asserted interests – mutual respect, and mutual agreement not to encroach upon those. What the Lady Chancellor was essentially putting forward, was the formal defining and acknowledgement of spheres of influence belonging to Engellex and Bourgogne, it was audacious, though she hazard the assumption that the Grand Duke wouldn’t be not interested in such a strategy for the advantage of mutual security and foreign policy.

Of equal importance, possibly greater in consideration of our regional, ideological frustrations, should be the establishment of a trading agreement. One that would not be limited so strictly to the Republic and the Grand Duchy; one that appeared as a foundation, gleaming with resolution and potency of our shared ideological leaning, that has the potential to expand in time as an adventure of capitalism in the face of communist imperialism in Europe – and significantly, our region. It is ambitious, Grand Duke, I am very much aware, but as the Lady Chancellor of the Republic it is my civic duty to be ambitious of prosperity and liberty.

The Duchess of Kew hung on to the words of the Grand Duke intently as he spoke of Serenierre. She bowed her head briefly in solemn acknowledgement, and agreement, of the Grand Duke’s belief in the destruction of the Serenierre people at the hands and policies of their own, communist government. I support that belief, murmured the Lady Chancellor as the Grand Duke continued. Lady Rosamund Cavendish received the file and proceeded to brief through some of its contents, listening to the Grand Duke as she did so. What is the position of the Ivernish Government? Why do they delay? She queried. Pausing for a moment the Duchess of Kew looked up from the file to the Grand Duke, what is the feasibility of raising the level of communication between our governments, at the highest level, so as to allow Dulwich to be aware of actions – their victories, and defeats, by Bourgogne in Scania the second after they take place? Possibility of an exchange of military attachment? It isn’t from an interest of involvement, and certainly not interference, but the associated risk of grand escalation with respect to Kadikistan. The Republic would certainly see it as necessary to be aware – a grander move from Kadikistan against Scania or, indeed, even the Grand Duchy has the potential to force our hand one way or another.

The Lady Chancellor sat back in her chair and reflected for a moment on the historical differences between the two nations, and the realities of the modern world. We haven’t been friends, as such or very much, Engellex and Bourgogne; but we can become allies, which would be a good deal more effective.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

The Grand Duke was silent, taking in the words of the Duchess. The proposed spheres of influence was an interesting but delicate topic. Bourgogne was perhaps the most powerful it had been in 70 years. Its influence was global. Yet with the global influence came global concerns. Power projection was a real issue for the Burgundians whose navy was minuscule. The aggressive neighborhood was another weight on Burgundian shoulders. Though a smart man, the Grand Duke did not wish to directly commit to such an agreement without talking to staff. He could make the decision right there but knew outside input helped. "Madam, there is certainly potential for an agreement, but I think it may be wise for me to know the exact details before I can verbally agree to such an idea, and the lord gave us twice as many ears as we have mouths and thus we should listen twice as much as we talk. I shall have to consider this and discuss it with my staff. Please do not take this as some manner of immediate refusal or refusal in general" the Grand Duke said with a light smile. "I fear though similar, we still have some differences in foreign policy which could restrain us. As for a trade agreement, the devil would lay in the details".

The Grand Duke was quiet, narrowing his eyebrows in thought. "I apologize for any delay in response as I have not slept well". It was true the Grand Duke had not slept well. For some time he would awaken, drenched from terrible night sweats. Nightmares were like some vivid inky ocean he dipped his legs into and he tried to awaken from; desperately clawing for the beach of consciousness. He was quiet again and sat back. "We must present some manner of a united front this is plain. However, where the front line lies is the question. I will think on it. I cannot give an answer without this thought" he said, gently drumming his fingers on the arm of the chair. "Allow me to answer by the end of this day as to a trade agreement".

As the topic moved to Ivernia, Maximilien drew a deep breath. "The Ivernish delay simply because they seem to think we need more and more preparation. I believe they overestimate enemy strength. Gramelski, our commander in the region, can only push them so hard. He is technically under Ivernish command but has been creating strategy for some time now" the Grand Duke said, in a detached manner before scooting forward to the edge of his chair. "We are happy to keep Dulwich informed of developments. As you can see, once Ivernia green light's our attack, this can be over within 30 days. All they must do is to take off our leash".

The Grand Duke stood and walked back to his desk and sifted through some papers, muttering quietly to himself about his own organizational skills. Finding the right set of papers, he flipped through them. Finding the right paper, he set it aside. "If you give that to your military adviser or staff" he began as he walked back to his seat and gesturing to the paper on the edge of the desk, "you may embed observers with our aerial and ground units".

"However, this should be done sooner rather than later. I should also state that these men will not be privy to general staff meetings without the permission of the Imperial government" he said, noting that it was an Ivernish decision to allow observers into a secret meeting or not. "Our intelligence indicates that Kadikistan will not escalate". He turned over his shoulder and called through the door. In walked a Ducal Army captain who was dressed in khaki slacks, with sharp creases and a uniform shirt. Saluting stiffly, the man came to an at ease position. "This is Captain Ducre, my intelligence officer" said Maximilien. Ducre nodded and stood nonchalantly. "Please inform the Duchess of the likeliness of Kadikistan escalating the Ivernish conflict.

The young Ducre's face was motionless. He clearly was gathering his thoughts. "Your Grace, I find it very unlikely. Simply put, despite their fleet, Ivernia and Bourgogne have total air superiority. To try to escalate would be disaster. Furthermore, we have destroyed port facilities all over Milesia. Roads and tracks leading to the ports are constantly hit. Even if they reinforced, the troops would be mostly moving on foot and harassed by aircraft non-stop. They can barely supply troops now. Ivar may rattle a saber but they are not Serenierre. They are mostly pragmatic. I believe they know that escalating the Ivernish conflict could lead to war. A war with Kadikistan might not go well for Bourgogne in the long run but Serenierre would likely be overrun simply if one considers the numbers and state of their military. Serenierre lost would be a problem for Ivar" he said. Suddenly quiet he turned to the Grand Duke. "Is there anything else sir?". The captain was dismissed politely.

"Madam, we can bring stability to this world but Kadikistan's neo-imperialism is a threat. I do not care that they are communists. They could be fascist-anarchists. We want stability"