Casser les oreilles

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Imperial Palace, Chagny

Chagny, the small capital city sat stilled in winter splendor. A blustery breeze shifted the light patina of snow that enveloped the buildings, streets, and statues. Chagny was not the glamorous city of Monterfil or as big as others. But at its heart, it was a city of tradition and of course- was indeed an imperial seat of power. While the Emperor held limited domestic power, he still remained at the head of international power. Though, the Imperial Assembly could veto decisions; the chances of them doing so was rare. Emperor Paul sat quietly behind his desk. He had just flown back from Versoix that morning. Though things had gone well, he was drained. It had been a long few weeks. The Emperor leafed through his briefing materials. It was not something he needed to stud in-depth. But was helpful nonetheless. Soon, a motorcade would pull before the palace. There would be a fanfare of anthems. Handshakes. Pleasantries. It would all be for the cameras. Then, they would sit in the cavernous, oak and mahogany library to discuss the future relations between the two empires.

 

[Justosia]

Imperial Palace, Chagny

Annabella's motorcade arrived. She wore white heels & a blue cocktail dress with white furs & a pearl necklace & earrings. They shook hands. Exchanged pleasantries. Then adjourned to the library. Annabella decided she would break the ice.

"Your capital is beautiful Your Imperial Majesty. I'm honored to be here. Congratulations on your recent electoral victory."

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

The Emperor nodded curtly, but smiled and led her to a set of wingback chairs with antique side tables. Far more casually dressed, the Emperor wore khakis and a button-down with a maroon v-neck sweater. With boat shoes and no socks. He had offered her a drink and sat and sipped his own. Lemonade with fresh squeezed lemons. The lemons had been flown in that morning. He sipped, cocking an eyebrow at the congratulations. He shrugged. "I am not to be the one congratulated. It was a Patois victory" he said, putting his glass down and crossing his legs. He looked at her quizzically. "It seems odd, madam, that we could not meet some weeks ago. Yet, I know you must understand. Now, I am happy to discuss whatever cooperation we may or may undertake as international partners" said the Emperor. He picked up a folder on the side table and glanced through it. "I think we may find that we may build much goodwill between our nations" he said, shifting in his seat. "I see the opportunity for much to be accomplished" he concluded, putting the folder down. He glanced at her with a disarming smile, folding his hands in front of her. The ball was now in her court.

 

[Justosia]

Annabella was noticing a trend. These male counterparts of hers, they seemed to not care for the more regal dress. Granted the outfits are an endeavor in & of themselves, but as a woman, & aristocracy/nobility, she adored it. The pomp & ceremony. It made her feel closer to God. Still, this man was different from Yuri.

"I'd love some lemonade thank you, & of course. May God bless them. It is also regrettable our paths could not cross sooner. Our nations share certain noble traits. Belief in a strong government with a strong economy for example. I believe our nations can prosper together via trade, incentives for multinationals, etcetera. Other avenues may be explored for the fruit they too may bare."

Annabella had her very fair share of briefs & dossiers before she left Avalon. She could stomach no more but would of course be studious should anything be handed to her.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

The Emperor nodded and arched his finger. He was silent for a moment, thinking carefully. He nodded finally and exhaled. "It is not a chance to pass up to work on our trade agreements and improve our prosperity. It is without question that this can be mutually beneficial. I have several ideas that I would like to discuss, especially in regard to trade barriers" he said with a smirk. The Emperor stood and walked across the room, scanning one of the bookcases. "You know, there are so many books in here that even I get lost" he continued, scanning a lower shelf. "I always spend at least an hour a day in here. Its rather therapeutic" he said, crouching down. "Have you read Guillaume Shakespois?" he asked, stepping to the next line of shelves.

Finding the book, he pulled it from the shelf and began searching for a page. "Do play the horn to his purpose, and by his hollow whistling in the leaves and foretells a tempest and a storm day" he read, shutting the book. He walked over and sat back down again. "I think we must discuss a more pressing issue" he crossed his legs and leaned back in his chair. "This Antarctic business. It is not........" he trailed off. "It is not good publicity nor policy to pursue anything there. The Empire is not enthused about any pursuit of resources in Antarctica" he said, leveling a neutral gaze.

 

[Justosia]

Annabella wasn't expecting for this subject to come up as Ambassador Torres assured her, the matter was resolved.

"Upon arrival, the expedition merely observed before being immediately called back via my personal order. A misunderstanding at the European Forum was resolved. The region shall remain undisturbed."

She replied cordially.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

The Emperor nodded slowly. "I understand it is resolved. Yet, it is something we were rather concerned with. We remain concerned with the decision making process. But I am assured this was largely a misunderstanding. These do happen. Though, I feel it would be less than honest if I did not share this raw concern" he said. "I feel transparency is the proper thing in such discussions as ours. I think there is a solid foundation for us to build upon. Especially with the ever changing climate, we must find our comment ground" he said, leaning forward. "The world is a place in which monarchies such as ours are not the most numerous" he said. He sat back and gauged her expression before continuing. "You see, no matter how prosperous or free our people will be we will always be a target. That is why we must set an example of friendship and partnership".

 

[Justosia]

Annabella heard Paul of course. It was easy information to digest. She looked at him with a plain honesty.

"I think we're blessed to be seated in Eastern Europe where the most prominent nations are monarchies. Yourselves. Tarusa. The government in my name. However I understand your concern for how time can often be cruel to institutions no matter how fine or divinely ordained. Rest assured that region will remain off limits per a recent order of mine."

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

The Emperor seemed to weigh the simple response before he nodded and stood. "Come" he said with a smirk. The brisk pace was typical of the Emperor who nodded at staff and ignored some of the footmen who were rushing to open doors. He himself opened doors before the darkly clad footmen could move to open them. Through galleries and hallways, the Emperor noted some interesting facts about the palace and he seemed to be moving at a rapid pace speech-wise. He stopped abruptly in a foyer and turned. "You know, what really sets us apart?" he said, shrugging. "There are nations out there that do not understand us. I wonder, why? Why do they not take the time to try? Sad really" he said with another shrug, turning towards a set of stairs and then through two industrial doors and down another set of stairs. The glamour of the palace long gone, the Emperor led down a long hallway as palace staff and workers stopped to bow their heads or pretend that they had not seen them. The Emperor turned to a large kitchen and rolled up his sleeves. "Have you ever made yourself a meal?" he asked, an eyebrow cocked.

 

[Justosia]

Annabella's reasoning for the Emperor's first question was that Socialists & Communists were simply crazy when it came down to it. Couldn't be reasoned with & didn't really want to reason with anyone or anything else. Seeing as how Paul asked the question than quickly moved on, she gathered it likely rhetorical. She moved on to his second question.

"There was a time I made my own meals, regularly. However all that stopped when I married into our current Royal Family. My late husband wouldn't have had that at all. Thought that was beneath Justosian monarchs."

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

The Emperor nodded almost somberly. So, it was true that the Justosian monarchs were still as stuffy as it was said. He grinned and beckoned her to the corner where he rolled up his sleeves. Washing his hands, he turned his head. "You know, there is something about making food that truly clears the mind. For centuries, Frankish chefs have been renowned. But that is some rather hyped nonsense" he said. Drying his hands, he pulled out a pan and two veal steaks. "There is something that just makes sense about cooking" he said. The Emperor proceeded to begin sauteing the cutlets. "I feel like our two lands can find a lot of common ground. What I am interested in knowing, is what is your national path. You see, the Empire is now thinking about the world not next year, but in 10 years" the Emperor said, flipping the cutlets.

 

[Justosia]

His question was one the Emperatriz asked herself every night.

"Prosperity. Peace. General I know but it's all I want for my people. That comes of course with security and stability. I accomplish this in part by not getting the government in my name involved in any unnecessary conflicts. A strong economy is also a wonderful too for national security I believe. I trust that if I keep the ship stable if you will, that our economy will flourish. Which can even help broaden international relations. Finally, little girls. Their literacy. Especially those of the under privileged. Making sure they're given all the tools to succeed in this new millennium. You see, I am the first female sovereign of my land. The expectations were all over the place frankly. Unfortunately sexism will always find a way to rear its ugly head. I must battle on many fronts daily. A crown will always find a way to be heavy...."

She washed her hands.

"I haven't had veal in quite some time."

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

The Emperor smirked before returning his focus to the food. Within a few minutes, the veal was ready along with a small salad. Picking up a serving tray loaded with plates, he led his guest through winding corridors and up a set of stairs to a sitting room, its walls painted a pale blue. The furniture was rather utilitarian and mid-century. The table was a short glass table and the lighting was provided by art deco wall sconces. It was a warm but seemingly out of place room. Far smaller than the others, it was rarely seen by guests. "This is where my family dines" he said as attendants pulled out chairs for them to sit in. "As you mentioned, earlier" he began, cutting his veal as another attendant poured a very fine wine for them both. "Education for both boys and girls is central in the Empire. Imperial Code ensures that women are on an equal footing as much as possible. I, rather we, know that the future is not for one nor the other- but both. After all, we are here to discuss the future" the Emperor said, taking a bit of the veal and sipping his wine.

"Now, as for an economic agreement, I have some proposals for you to peruse on your trip home. If they are to your liking, I do not see why we cannot come to build our relationship. The main thrust of these proposals is for us to seek economic cooperation and reduce trade barriers. While we are not necessarily open to any kind of direct security partnership- these economic relationships tend to breed such things organically; do they not?"

 

[Justosia]

Annabella introduced the wine to her palate. A bit drier than the reds back home. Still decent. She prayed before eating. The veal was a refreshing blast from the past.

"Reducing trade, tariff barriers was on my mind on the trip over here Your Majesty. I'm glad we're on the same page. I look forward to reading this. I believe our nations can do good together in Europe."

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

The Emperor raised a glass. "To good fortune" he said, before taking a sip. The veal and salad went down easily and staff had brought in several folders that were placed on the table. "I believe the yellow and blue folder holds the overview of this material. In all, we can see that there is a direct effort to bring together nations not with frivolous matters but with real partnership". With that, the Emperor showed her around the small art gallery, really no more than a bathroom sized alcove and some of the other notable places before escorting her to her motorcade. A quick handshake and it was done.

 

[Justosia]

Annabella dissected the visit in her head. The two pillars huh. It's a boys' club but neither seemed overtly sexist. They were hospitable. Mostly businesses. Very few frills. She thought Changy was pretty but still wasn't used to the cold weather like in Kremlyov. She began going through the folders & shooting secure texts back home.