The Round Table on the High Hill

[Oneida]

You must be registered for see links

The Empire of Carinthia-Harkány
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Wolfgang Norbert Falkenrath

TOP SECRET

​

7th of March, 1956
Col. Dimitri Leninov
People's Commissar for External Affairs
Democratic Republic of Kadikistan

Two days ago, a world war almost began when a Kadikistani vessel came within range of the Carintho-Harkaner quarantine zone and nearly necessitated a military action that would have ended in an undesired fashion. This incident came very close to igniting a war that would have without doubt fundamentally altered the global stage and spelt doom for the Democratic Republic of Kadikistan or the Empire of Carinthia-Harkány, or both.

Let us now examine the current situation. The most recent intelligence reports that upwards of 200,000 Kadiki soldiers are along the border of Carinthia-Harkány and our own nation has placed 250,000 in response. These forces represent an initial deployment and both nations have the full capability of increasing those numbers at a rapid pace. That amounts to 450,000 soldiers currently and the potential for that number to increase to a million in the event of hostilities is a near guarantee.

What is also clear is that the international community is not siding with the Democratic Republic of Kadikistan. In the event of war, the best that Kadikistan can hope for is neutrality from foreign nations and the far more likely option is a declaration of war. The Propotine Empire is just one of such nations that have pledged support. The Varanasi Empire is one that is itching to expand its influence and if the Carinto-Harkaner and Kadiki nations are engulfed in a war, it is the perfect opportunity for a bloodthirsty empire to make its move.

This will result in millions of death, hundreds of billions if not trillions in damages, and an uncertain future for both of our countries. All of this will result from a nation whose fate is inconsequential to the survival of Carinthia-Harkány, save for international embarrassment. Still, our nations are forced to bolster themselves to the public to display our relative strengths.

This is why our Empire is requesting that diplomats from Kadikistan meet with diplomats from Carinthia-Harkány in a discreet location, away from the press, to begin negotiations of decreasing the tensions on the Gothic Sea. Amongst the topics discussed will be the policies regarding the quarantine in Milesia and decreasing the current troop deployments along the border.

This is not about weakness; it is about strength. If hostilities occur, that all perceptions of strength either country has will be replaced by the realities. Naturally, our countries will become weaker and all will suffer. A victor will arise, as in any military conflict, but the cost will be so great that a victory can hardly be declared. The time for posturing, show boating, and appealing to a base is over; it is time for both our leaders to move in the best interest of our people. We await the reply of the Kadikistani and hope that they see the merit in this proposal. ​

​

​

Signed and Sealed,

Wolfgang Nortbert Falkenrath

Minister of Foreign Affairs
Empire of Carinthia-Harkány


@Kadikistan

 

[Kadikistani Union]

Confidential Communiqué

Democratic Republic of Kadikistan
People's Commissariat for External Affairs
Col. Dimitri Leninov​

8th of March, 1956
Wolfgang Norbert Falkenrath
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Empire of Carinthia-Harkány

We have also received information on that most unfortunate event. An event, however, that would not have occurred if you had not enforced a blockade on the starving people of Milesia. But such matters aside we agree with the words of the esteemed Wolfgang Norbert Falkenrath in that this is a time for pragmatism and not propaganda. As you know the Kadikistani deployments along our shared border is merely the tip of the iceberg and we stand in awe of the impressive forces the Empire of Carinthia-Harkány has mustered. Indeed a confrontation between both our powerful nations would be nothing short of a catastrophe for both our nations. If it is within my power to prevent such a collective disaster than I will gladly oblige with the full support of our nation's grand government.

What we do not agree on is that Kadikistan would stand alone against the forces of Europe as you would have us believe. Undoubtedly your government has sought support of many nations, but we do not believe such an endeavour can be a undivided success. Since our Eastern Varanasi neighbours value the status quo in the Kalahari Sea region as much as Ivar we do not think you could persuade them to be a destabilizing factor. As far as the west is concerned; Vaalbara is torn by war and poverty and as far as Gallia and Germania is concerned Bourgogne and Eiffelland are not nearly as keen on starting a global catastrophe. However we do recognize the threat that your vast diplomatic network posed to our less popular commissariat.

We agree to engage in diplomatic talks that might defuse the tension between our two nations. We suggest that in the meanwhile we will keep our military activity in the Gothic Sea to a minimum in order to give the talks a better chance of success. Like the governmental representative of you Empire stated we also do not want to see the recent incident repeat itself. Not Linz nor Ivar can predict what a confrontation between both our fleets can lead to.

The People's Commissariat for External Affairs will leave it to our colleagues in the foreign ministry of Carinthia-Harkány and their superiors to determine the location of what will hopefully be fruitful talks. We do however urge that these talks will take place in a neutral location so that peace can prevail in an atmosphere of serenity.

Signed and Sealed,
_X_
Col. Dimitri Leninov
People's Commissariat for External Affairs
Democratic Republic of Kadikistan

 

[Rheinbund]

You must be registered for see links

The Eiffellandian town of Meißen is situated in the province of Sauerland, in the southern part of Eiffelland. It is 50 kilometers northeast of Weissenfels, and has quite an old architecture. It already started to grow in the middle ages. As a result, its architecture is mainly a mix of Gothic and Baroque styles. It is one of the first places in Gallo-Germania where porcelain was made, in the beginning of the 18th century, when Duke of Sauerland August II grounded a porcelain factory. Since then, Meißner Porzellan became well-known over the world. The company producing it even holds the title “Hoflieferant”, i.e. purveyor to the King of Eiffelland. Another product Meißen is famous for, is wine. Eiffelland is not really one of the big wine countries, but it produces quite a lot of white wine, and also some red wine and rosé (of course according to the official procedé and not by mixing white and red wine). Dry white wine is the wine art produced in Meißen and its surroundings. Also fruit is grown here.

However, the wine and the porcelain did not turn Meißen into a large city. In 1956, it had only 20,000 inhabitants. The Eiffellandians used the term “Kleinstadt” to indicate the kind of city Meißen was: A small city with some rural characteristics. It was this place that the Eiffellandian government had chosen for the meeting between Carinthia-Harkány and Kadikistan. When the King heard about the choice for this city, he said ironicly to the Chancellor: “I don’t think it’s a good idea to put a group of Kadikistani so close to Porcelain, Herr Kanzler.” On the other hand, the place had everything it needed: Relatively remote, and in a beautiful rural area. And Schloss Siebeneichen, where the meeting would take place, was situated outside the city.

You must be registered for see links

The Eiffellandian government did not exacly know how the two meetings between Kadikistan and Justiza went, but they had some global information about how the Grand-Duke handled the meeting in Bourgogne, and how the Varanasese handled the meeting in Varanasi. The results of their analysis of both meetings were the following. The Grand-Duke of Bourgogne acted like a well-mannered diplomat towards the Kadikistani, and tried to mediate between Kadikistan and Justiza. That strategy was built on the presumption that Kadikistan and Justiza went to the table with the idea to work out their conflict in such a way that everybody would be satisfied. The Eiffellandian Government concluded that they would have done it the same way at that moment, simply because it would also have been the first time for them to be confronted with Kadikistan New Style. The Grand-Duke was probably overwhelmed by what he saw, and the Eiffellandians had a full understanding for that.
The Varanasi did it differently. They didn’t try to mediate, but actively took part in the negotiations and put counterproposals on the table themselves. Actually, they negotiated with the Kadikistani themselves instead of the Justizans. But more importantly, they approached the Kadikistani in a different way than the Grand-Duke did: They mirrored the Kadikistani attitude. Luckily in a civilised way. The Minister for Defence Ralf Clausewitz concluded about it: “Es hat sich mal wieder herausgestellt: Wenn man mit Gaunern verhandelt, muss man sich wie ein Gauner benehmen.” We have seen it once again: If you negotiate with rogues, you have to behave like a rogue.

But the Eiffellandians weren’t rogues. They were well-mannered diplomats.

The problem the Eiffellandians had with Kadikistan was not the political system. They didn’t want such a system in Eiffelland, but they considered the political system of Kadikistan an internal matter. Eiffelland’s own Marxist-Leninovist party, the KPE, even had some seats in Parliament. That was not a problem at all: Pleading your love for Marxism-Leninovism with words fell perfectly within the borders of freedom of opinion and freedom of speech. It would be different if the KPE would take up arms, but the Eiffellandian Government had already shown what would happen in that case. About a year ago, the far-right movement Gotisch-Eiffelländische Liga was dismantled by the Staatsschutz and the police. As a result, about 90% of Eiffelland’s fascists and far-right nationalists were serving long-term imprisonments, including forced labour in the coal mines.
And that indirectly depicted Eiffelland’s problem with Kadikistan: The fact that the country more or less forced Marxist-Leninovists around the world to grab power by force instead of by pleading with words that Marxism-Leninovism was really such a great system, and the fact that the country smuggled weapons to Marxist-Leninovist organisations around the world and stimulated uprisings and revolts all over the world.

In any case, now it was not the time to show your problems with your guests. Now it was the time to be an excellent host and receive representants from two countries that had amassed a number of soldiers along their border that represented the total number of soldiers in the Eiffellandian land army. The delegations from Carinthia-Harkány and Kadikistan would land on the international airport of Weissenfels, and then be taken to Schloss Siebeneichen in Raimers 300, luxury cars from Eiffelland’s own luxury car brand Raimer. It was already assumed that the Kadikistani would show up with a large security force, although that force would not be needed in the eyes of the Eiffellandians. They themselves fielded an enormous security force to make sure that both delegations were as safe as possible. The Kadikistani security guards would not be allowed to carry weapons, with Eiffelland’s own security measures as argument, and as second argument the fact that assassinating a delegation of the type that would attend the negotiations here would be a clear casus belli, and that Kadikistan would have Eiffellandian support in that case.

 

[Oneida]

Meißen, Eiffelland

“I must say, I was surprised to hear you would be the one going. Even more so, to hear that Wolfgang had recommended you,” Kaiser Ulrich IV stated.

“I apologize if this upsets you, your Grace, when Wolfgang approached me, I too was-,“ Jahoda was interrupted.

“You see, there you go,” Kaiser Ulrich IV barked “apologizing. Is that what you plan to do down there? Apologize for the glory of our Empire? Apologize for the progress of your people? Apologize for the pride of House Hauer?”

“With all due respect, your Grace,” Minister Falkenrath intervened “I know Mr. Jahoda and I have our differences, but I do believe he is a fair choice for this mission.”

“Mr. Jahoda is the reason you’re in your post, Sir Minister,” Ulrich IV’s tone was noticeably sour “Budai’s incompetence insulted the entire nation when Emil Jahoda took that seat. He paid for it, Budai lost his power and now is nothing more than an angry dog.”

“Chancellor Jordan agrees with my decision,” Falkenrath continued “He believes it’s a sign of good faith.”

“You’re sending one of them to negotiate with them. No proud Carinthian, not even a Harkaner. One of them,” Ulrich snarled.

“Your Grace, I plan to represent this Empire and your glory in the highest form,” Jahoda finally spoke.

The Kaiser turned his gaze to the Kadiki man standing before him. With a huff, the Kaiser grabbed his cane and struggled to stand, pushing away anyone who offered assistance. Once standing, the King moved slowly to his desk and pulled out a medal he had been given in the military.

“These, Kadiki, are the ones who represent this Empire. Jordan is soft. Unable to do what must be done,” the Kaiser stated “When he fails, when you fail, it will be the might of House Hauer that defeats the red menace and returns peace to this land. Now, leave me.”

Jahoda couldn’t shake the conversation from his head. His diplomatic team was rapidly discussing strategy, commenting on perceptions, speculating on attitudes. None of them had taken the time to notice the fine accommodations and the beauty of the Eiffellander countryside.

“At the very least,” he thought “We’ll be in a nice place.”

The car pulled to a stop and an aide came to open the door for Jahoda. When Jahoda stepped from the car, he showed just how unimposing of a figure he was. He was a pudgy fellow, and generally the shortest person in the room. He was dressed in a three piece suit with the coat open, clearly a man of luxury.

“It is a pleasure to make the acquaintance of you all,” Jahoda began “The Kaiser thanks the people of Eiffelland for offering such gracious accomodations.”

 

[Kadikistani Union]

Schloss Siebeneichen
Meißen
Eiffelland

The Kadikistani delegation was rather large as was their custom. Even before the communist revolution Kadikistani monarchs and nobility would have themselves surrounded by pompous looking troops in order to potentially intimidate the representatives from the other nation. It had also happened that Kadikistani leaders became the victim of assassination attempts, but it had been a while mostly due to the recently vacated policy of isolation. The incident in Bourgogne were the Justinian Foreign Minister attempted to challenge a Kadikistani Admiral to a dual was in retrospect a handy casus the Kadikistani's would use to keep sending large security detachments along with their delegations. No less then 64 guards would escort the Kadikistani delegation, them themselves being escorted by Eiffellandian security who disarmed them in a respectful manner.

Today's delegation included top brass of Kadikistan. No other then Nikolai Leninov, Ivan Tsjekova and Dimitri Leninov would be in attendance. Nikolai Leninov was known among the Kadikistani population as the 'Glorious Leader', but officially he was General-Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Kadikistani Marxist-Leninovist Workers' Party and Supreme Commander of the Revolutionary Armed Forces. Ivan Tsjekova was the well-known second most powerful Kadikistani, directly rivalling Nikolai's influence. He successfully ended the Kadikistani-Justinian crisis in Varanasi were Dimitri Leninov had earlier failed in Bourgogne. The latter was at the meeting only because he was People's Commissar for External Affairs and thus it was expected of him. But between his older brother and Ivan Tsjekova, Dimitri knew his contribution would most likely be minimal. That's the same reason Bramski Burukova, patriarch of the third Burukova Revolutionary Family, passed on this meeting knowing he would be overshadowed. The Obryanov's weren't represented because their patriarch was occupied organizing the 250,000 forces along the Carintho-Harkáner border as 'Chief commander of the troops of the South Western Direction'.

The two Leninov's enjoyed the Meißen countryside. Dimitri even semi-seriously mentioning that Kadikistan should construct a replica of this town to serve as a tourist destination. Kadikistani factories had for a longer time tried to emulate the fine product that Eiffellandian porcelain was, but without ever coming close to the perfection of it. Tsjekova was clearly different. He loathed what he conceived as decadence and mediocre testaments to a long lost grandeur. If it was up to him the future would look efficient, grey and brutalist. While the Leninov brothers shared a car, Tsjekova drove alone. But although that fact made their differences clear, they were unmistakeably members of the same military tradition as all three of them wore highly decorated army uniforms. Nikolai Leninov's uniform was custom white, indicating his superiority toward the other two who wore the more standard ceremonial brown army uniforms. It was agreed that even though the car driving the Leninov's would lead, both Ivan Tsjekova and Nikolai Leninov would exit their respective cars simultaneously. Such was a glimpse of the delicate dance of power and compromises typical to Kadikistani politics. Due to his function and protocols the 'Glorious Leader' would be the first to address the hosts: "In the name of all the people of Kadikistan, my most sincere gratitude for hosting these talks in such troubled times.

The athmosphere was promising. Not only where there two great powers facing each other, but it had also been a long time since the Patriarchs of both the Leninov and the Tsjekova families sat in the same room.

 

[Rheinbund]

“Ach du Scheisse, die ganze Truppe kommt hierher,” [1] Vice-Chancellor Kögler said when he heard that Kadikistan would send the complete top of the nation to the conference. Something that would never happen in Eiffelland. It often occurred that the complete Royal Family attended an event abroad, but then they would never travel together in the same plane. And in the case of government officials, either the Chancellor or the Vice-Chancellor would travel abroad, but never both, and certainly never both to the same place.

It was not Vice-Chancellor Kögler who hosted the conference, however. It was Chancellor Matthias Graf von Seydewitz himself, flanked by former Minister for Internal Affairs Philipp Neubauer, Florian Hörschelmann (a diplomat with the rank of ambassador) and Michael Gaetano (also a diplomat with the rank of ambassador, who was an Eiffellandian of Tiburan-Nichtsteiner descent).

It was also Chancellor Von Seydwitz who welcomed the guests and led them into the castle. He had decided to use a round table for this conference. In that way, Jahoda would seem a bit less alone compared with the Kadikistani delegation. The conference started with a good lunch. The Chancellor held a speech in which he thanked Jahoda and the Kadikistani delegation for coming to Meißen in order to get an understanding for each other.

After that, the conference started. Coffee, tea, water and fruit juice were served during the day.

[1] OOC: Translation: “Holy shit, the whole gang is coming to us.”

 

[Kadikistani Union]

"Surely the threat of war between two of the worlds most mightiest armies would justify the attendance of more than a mere minority diplomat. This an insult, brother.", Dimitri Leninov stated discretely, but in a vexed way during the lunch. "Calm down Dimitri, the fact that they send one of our own to talk to us must be seen as a sign of goodwil", Nikolai Leninov replied calmly and quietly tempering his much more reckless and emotionally unstable brother. "One of our own? That man is a traitor or at least a descendant of traitors who rather fled than bled for Kadikistan during the Great Revolution...", a quiet but noticeably aggressive Dimitri continued. "And how many Leninov's gave their lives during the Great Revolution, Dimitri?", Ivan Tsjekova interrupted with a small grin on his face. Dimitri, knowing that he was not in a position to return an insult to a man as mighty as Tsjekova, held his tongue after that but turned red from inner rage.

"Tsjekova you are here because such are the our ways to keep the balance between our two families in check. But I will not have you insult my family or my father's great sacrifice.", Nikolai whispered in the ear of Tsjekova while preparing to take another bite from the Eiffellandian food in front of him. Eiffellandian cuisine was popular in the Leninov family and the 'Great Leader' noticeably enjoyed it. Nikolai then shifted his head towards his younger brother, "Dimitri, you will not speak unless spoken to, you will not interrupt and you will not cause a war. You know how much I love my family, but I love Kadikistan more. You would do well to remember that.", Nikolai said in a way that only older brothers can. While the other nationalities on the table must have noticed the small internal discussion within the Kadikistani delegation the three made sure they didn't catch a word. Only true connoisseurs of the complicated and delicate Kadikistani internal power struggles would have the slightest idea of what just transpired, but those were only a handful of people throughout the world. The ambitious Dimitri saw war as a means for rising to power, the other two would attempt to prevent that but were far from allies.

Once the lunch was over the conference was to start. Nikolai Leninov was the first to speak, such was protocol among the Kadikistani delegation. "We once again wish to stress our gratitude towards our Eiffellandian hosts for having the courage and determination to host and moderate these most historic talks. Two of Germania's greatest powers have already faced each other on the diplomatic battlefield, but something much worse is lurking around the corner. Total war, gentlemen..", Nikolai paused for a few seconds to let the heavy word sink in. "What business does the Empire have blocking the People's Republic of Milesia, a loyal ally of Kadikistan, and shielding it from humanitarian aid and other trade it so desperately needs? Does Linz want a return of Ivernian imperialist dominance so dearly? With all due respect, we can not see the reasoning behind your great nation's involvement. But more importantly, how do you suggest both our nations will come out of this stalemate in peace and without losing face?"

 

[Rheinbund]

Chancellor Von Seydewitz was a man in his late fifties, but he was still a handsome man. He had brown eyes and almost black hair that started to gray. But that graying contributed to his handsomeness instead of making him old. His body clearly showed that he still exercised each day, although he was not overly musculous. He wore a taylor-made very dark blue suit that fitted him perfectly, a white shirt and a dark red tie. He always wore white shirts, made of a thicker cloth than normally so that it would not shine through. His suit was not a three piece suit, knowing that the vest would look like a tube on his body and mainly make him look very tall and thin instead of distinguishing him.
Former Minister Neubauer was a different type of man. He was somewhat older than Von Seydewitz, and he needed to wear a three-piece suit, because that would make him look slimmer. But despite the fact that he looked clearly older than Von Seydewitz (he was bald and he had a belly), he made sure that he looked proper and perfectly fit for the occasion. Also he wore a white shirt, as well as a dark grey three piece suit and a dark purple tie. He also had a different character than Von Seydewitz: He was more melancholic, less diplomatic, more a law-and-order man and less an intellectual. But he was also the kind of man that could broker a deal, and always saw the possibility for a compromise.
The other two diplomats both wore dark grey suits as well.

All four knew from intelligence information that in fact the Kadikistani were carrying out a military operation instead of a humanitary one, but they kept that information for themselves. They also thought about an argument that Jagoda could use: Indeed, the Kadikistani were helping out an ally, but so did the Carinthians. They remained silent for the moment, awaiting Jagoda’s response and also realising that indeed it was needed for both parties to come out of this conference without loss of face.

 

[Oneida]

“what a pristine opportunity has presented itself,” muttered Gergó Bajusz, a member of the Carintho-Harkaner delegation, in Hakaner. Due to the common language of the Carinthians and the Eiffellanders, the diplomatic team spoke in Harkaner. The majority of them were Carinthian, so the change provided some discomfort.

“I know, I can’t help but imagine the interest Linz would have in knowing so many of the Kadikistani leadership would be on a single plane,” Árpád Csorba muttered back.

Jahoda quickly shot both of them a look, despite the man’s smaller stature, he was the Representative of the Kasier, and they obeyed. After the delegation quieted, or at the very least stopped discussing the strategic advantages of murdering the Kadikistani leadership, Jahoda paid close attention to the demeanor of the Kadikistani. He couldn’t help but notice how bad it looked for Carinthia-Harkány, to have sent only a senior official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to meet with such high standing members of a nation that has 200,000 guns fixed on the border. “We haven’t even begun and we’ve insulted them,” Jahoda thought to himself “Still, you cannot truly deny the unique opportunity of having them all on one plane.”

When the lunch ended, Jahoda and the team sat and watched as the Secretary-General began to speak. Jahoda gave a small smile at the Secretary-General’s words, a kind display of respect. At the conclusion of the opening remarks, Jahoda cleared his throat and looked to the Eiffellanders.

“Gentlemen,” he began “words cannot fully articulate the gratitude of His Majesty, the Kaiser, in the willingness, openness, and bravery of the Kingdom of Eiffelland to host these most important talks. I will be sure to report to him of the warmness of the Eiffellander people.”

Jahoda gave a nod to the Eiffellanders and then turned his attention to the Secretary-General.

“There’s a famous Harkaner who has been dead for several hundred years now. He spent much of his short life in jail and the remainder of it in various brothers or taverns, but nonetheless his words remain something leaders have pondered for a millennium. I suppose in-between the bars and taverns he fancied some philosophy,” Jahoda chuckled “He spoke at great length about power. How leaders achieved it, but more importantly how they maintained it. One of his most famous quotes are that ‘power is only power when it is never used.’ I’ve seen the headlines; I am sure everyone has.”

“’we will sack Linz in weeks,’ ‘200,000 yet-buried corpses stand at the border.’ You see, we talk strong because we can. The power of Carinthia-Harkány and Kadikistan is infinite, unwavering, and dominate…that is until it is used. Then, all the headlines, all the propaganda, it’s meaningless.”

Jahoda paused for a moment, made quick glances at his team, cleared his throat, and began to speak again.

“To us, there is no such thing as a ‘People’s Republic of Milesia.’ We see a group of people, disgruntled by economic conditions or too well read in liberal arts college philosophy who have abandoned the laws of civility and moved to bloodshed to make their voice heard. The truth is we are not stopping humanitarian aide; we are reinforcing it by ending the flow of arms to these rebels. We are stopping it by demanding that reason prevail over violence.”

“You ask me how to end this stalemate without losing face. I ask you to conceptualize the alternative. How many millions of men, women, and children will need to die so that our leaders can come before the press and gather the glory of their resolve? All of us here today are here to save lives. With all due respect, Secretary-General, I would hope that we both are prepared to lose some face in order to preserve the lives of millions.”

 

[Kadikistani Union]

Nikolai Leninov poundered over Jahoda's carefully thought-over words and remained silent for a few seconds after he had finished talking. He gave himself some time to think as he lit a cigar and blew out a cloud of smoke before responding. "To us Milesia is a sovereign state waging a war of independence as well as a social struggle to emancipate itself from the fascist Ivernian regime. A regime who was until relatively recently a serious regional threat to both our nations. A regime that Carinthia-Harkány has for some reason chosen to support.". Nikolai paused for three seconds taking another drag from his cigar, "But it is pointless here to discuss the legitimacy of the People's Republic of Milesia.", Kadikistan's leader stated before Ivan Tsjekova intervened, "It would be wiser to discuss how both our great nation's would benefit from a prolonged destabilization of Ivernia, a nation with the proven potential of a great power.", Tsjekova said seemingly spontaneous with a metaphorical wink and a small grin. The delegation had thoroughly prepared themselves for this meeting and it was decided that should the topic inevitably shift to the Milesian question either Dimitri or Tsjekova would seemingly interfere with that statement or a variation of it. That way the nation's 'Glorious Leader' would not be caught stating such a immoral yet pragmatic thought that, for all they knew, might cause a heavy response with the opposing party. After those words were said each member of the Kadikistani delegation carefully monitored the reaction of the other delegation in an attempt to gain any insights in Carinthia-Harkány's level of receptiveness for such reasoning.

While monitoring even the smallest emotional reactions Nikolai Leninov changed the subject, leaving Tsjekova's subject untouched yet open. "Propaganda is propaganda, nothing more. When I was elected General-Secretary of the Executive Committee of the MLWP I vowed to have Kadikistan claim its rightful place on the world stage. Such a thing implies harsh and even undiplomatic statements in the press, something you surely realize. On the field Kadikistan will continue to take the most pragmatic approach possible to ensure that our interests are looked after and protected. Similar to the foreign policy of your nation before it so drastically changed course a few weeks ago and turned the Milesian question into a matter of honour neither of us can back-down off.", Nikolai once again took a few seconds as he took another pull slowly filling the round table with smoke and a rather untasty aroma. "We are off course willing to come to some sort of 'gentlemen's agreement' that would be mutually beneficial, but since you opened this topic we will leave the floor to you.". Nikolai looked straight at Jahoda and changed to the Kadiki dialect that he thought he could derive from hearing his accent. "What is your government's 'alternative'?"

 

[Oneida]

Jahoda leaned back in his chair, with a genuinely surprised expression. He knew that his mannerisms would be of great focus for the Kadikistani, as the mannerisms are always an important thing to observe. Body language has a harder time lying and deceiving than spoken language. Even knowing this, Jahoda still couldn’t hide his surprise.

“Suggesting to work together to undermine the Ivernish,” Jahoda thought to himself “Now that is unexpected.”

The Carintho-Harkaner delegation grew slightly unsettled after a noticeably long pause from the lead diplomat. The slight awkwardness was broken when Jahoda reached for a glass of water and then cleared his throat.

“It’s an interesting thought,” Jahoda began “Ivernia is without question a serious contender for global power. They and us have clashed at times in the past. When I served as Foreign Minister, we followed a status quo type foreign policy – the same that you all asked us to return to when we deployed to the rebel Milesia.”

The team looked slightly nervous as to what Jahoda would say, where he go, what intentions he either knew or presumed Linz had for a post-war Ivernia. Jahoda did serve as Foreign Minister under Budai. He and Falkenrath switched spots as many times as Wulf* and Budai did. However, Jahoda and Falkenrath did not have the same hatred for one another that Wulf and Budai became famous for. The most pronounced political rivalry in all of Carinthia-Harkány was complimented by a strong friendship between their foreign ministers. It was that very friendship that had many concerned about what Jahoda would do at these talks.

“However, post-war Ivernia is not the topic of these discussions,” Jahoda continued “Our plans for global domination can be held for later.”

Jahoda’s playful tone didn’t hit well with all of his delegation. Some laughed, others kept a cold face. Noticing the ones who lacked humor, Jahoda turned to them and simply said “Oh lighten up, won’t you?”

“In all seriousness though, let us begin somewhere less controversial. Surely the future of the quarantine will be discussed, that you have my promise. However, I think it safe to say that will be the harder negotiation. So, let us first begin with the troops along the border. Currently, 450,000 guns are loaded along that border and that makes a good number of people understandably worried. At the same time, it is not politically savvy for either of our governments to call for a completely de-militarized border. So, let’s try and find a compromise number. A certain number of troops that is capable of defending from invasion long enough for reinforcements to arrive, but not capable of launching a full scale invasion. We can go to the press and talk about our strengths and commitment to safety, but have the security of knowing a full scale war is not minutes away. What do you think, 20,000? 20,025?”

 

[Kadikistani Union]

Jahoda's answer was not what the Kadikistani delegation expected. The 'gentlemen's agreement' Nikolai Leninov was talking about aimed more at actions to soften the Carintho-Harkáner blockade in exchange for some economic perks. Knowing that the Eiffellandians were long-time allies of the Ivernish regime this wasn't the time nor place to discuss more thorough actions against Ivernia. But the fact that Jahoda received Tsjekova's provocative intervention so positively meant that the regime in Linz could become a potential partner in efforts to destabilize the Vaalbaran empire. Clearly another, more discrete, meeting would take place very soon were such endeavours could be discussed and even planned. But like his Carintho-Harkáner counterpart stated, talks about global domination and dividing the spheres of influence was not opportune. Jahoda's joke was received with a modest grin by Nikolai while his brother and Tsjekova remained seemingly emotionless keeping a straight face. Not necessarily because the joke was bad or even misplaced, but because Kadikistani's are notorious for their lack of humor. Unless it involves sexist or downright racist elements.

Nikolai kept quiet and listened carefully how Jahoda put a very concrete proposal on the table. They had expected such a proposal and even thoroughly studied the minimum of divisions at the mutual border that Kadikistan would have to maintain in the region without leaving the nation's western flank vulnerable. "While we definitely agree that a demilitarized border would be mutually beneficial we find the number of troops you propose to be to small. As you are well aware the lenght of our mutual border is quite substantial. So substantial that a mere division could impossible cover all its ground. You also know that the military has other tasks than warfare such as preventing illegal smuggling and immigration to name just a few.", Nikolai said firmly as he opened a map of documents that one of the assistants behind him had just given him. While quickly going through some pages he looked focussed yet nonchalant like a bad bookkeeper. After about six seconds Nikolai arrived at the right page placing his fingers on some Cyrillic writing. "According to our studies we would have to reorganize our current constructions into two military subdistricts each with at least one division. That would make the total strength at our border at 40,000 heads each. That is the minimum requirement to guard our western flank from not only war, but also various illegal activities. As you know the Kadikistani Revolutionary Army is also responsible for law enforcement in the more rural areas, so we do expect some leniency on that field. We would offer to make a similar offer regarding a potential maximum of law enforcement personnel, but we should not interfere with each other internal affairs so thoroughly. Surely both Linz and Ivar are best equipped to determine the amount of manpower they put in law enforcement themselves.".

Nikolai put down his halfway smoked cigar in the ashtray before him while swiping the documents to Dimitri who was sitting on his left. The latter still looked internally infuriated at the fact that someone of such 'low' standing was addressing them on behalf of Carinthia-Harkány. He took a sip of his drink, clearly enjoying the Eiffellandian way of creating alcoholic beverages, before finishing his plea. "We are willing to consider vacating several static and mobile defensive and offensive systems and infrastructure currently at our shared border should you take the exact same measures. Evidently we would both be allowed to preform maintenance on the existing static defences regardless if they are manned or not."

 

[Oneida]

Jahoda nodded his head as the Kadikistani before him suggested moving the number from 20,000 to 40,000. This was a modest request and one that Jahoda – and presumably the Kaiser and Chancellor – had expected. One of the reasonings behind the low number was the fact that 20,000 troops would not be well enough equipped to invade Carinthia-Harkány with any degree of success, this is true. However, Linz is fully aware of the problems in the north of Kadikistan. If Kadikistan was unable to adequately police its citizens, Carinthia-Harkány would find itself in a rather advantageous position. Jahoda leaned back in his chair, and looked to Nikolai.

“40,000,” Jahoda began “I am sure that Linz will find such a number to be far preferable to 200,000. I am sure that the details of such an arrangement can be properly worked out and amended at another time but I am happy that we can reach a peaceful escalation along our border. Having said this, I am proud to say that Carinthia-Harkány shall agree to a limit of 40,000 troops on the border, the zone of which can be worked upon by the pencil pushers.”

Jahoda grabbed a glass of water that sat in front of him and took a small sip, certainly not sufficient to quench a thirst. Surely, he was just stalling time before the negotiations took a noticeably more difficult term.

“Now,” Jahoda started “Let us discuss the transportation of Kadikistani vessels in Milesia. As you know, Cumbria, Ivernia, and Carinthia-Harkány are operating a naval quarantine of the area with our own fleet making up the vast majority of the vessels. I am confident that neither Carinthia-Harkány nor Kadikistan is willing to open fire upon one another for we understand the consequences of such an action. That is not to say that Carinthia-Harkány will not open fire, and I am sure that Kadikistan will also not back down should a corner be reached. Let us speak in frank terms. The soldiers you have in Milesia will have their resources cut significantly and will eventually find themselves in a rather unfavorable situation. Carinthia-Harkány needs to stop the flow of weapons to Milesia and force a faster end to the Civil War there. We also need a symbolic victory over Kadikistan, as I am sure you understand. I am confident that Kadikistan has put considerable thought into what type of arrangement they’d find acceptable and I can confirm to you now that Carinthia-Harkány has done the same. So tell me, what is Kadikistan willing to propose as a solution to this impasse?”

 

[Kadikistani Union]

Unlike during their last diplomatic mission to the West the meeting in Eiffelland had already proven to be a success. Jahoda had proven himself a man of respect and reason in the eyes of the Kadikistani leadership. If the second part of the meeting would be equally successful war would be averted, but nothing was certain since an even more delicate question was at hand. After Jahoda finished his argument Nikolai and Ivan jointly looked at their hosts in a way that clarified their suspicion of Eiffelland and their relations to Ivernia. The Kadikistani delegation would have to tread carefully not wanting to give the Ivernian cause more ammunition.

"Well of course we formally deny that there are any official Kadikistani military forces formerly or currently engaged in the Ivernian Civil War...", the General-Secretary could not help but release a small grin as he uttered those lies. All possible efforts has been put in to hiding Kadikistan's relatively big involvement in the conflict. Kadikistan had an expeditionary division fighting in Lowport and Waesfjord which it utilized to install a puppet-government that was increasingly successful in hi-jacking the Milesian republican uprising. But this involvement required much resources and logistics. Even since the beginning of Kadikistan's military involvement four months ago the 'Kadikistani Volunteer Brigades' and the puppet-regime required a steady stream of humanitarian aid, military supplies and reinforcements. The reinforcements being mostly Milesians who had spent the last 6 months training in the Rurikgrad facility. The large stream of supply ships required had not gone unnoticed by the other nations involved in the conflict. Kadikistani diplomatic channels played it off as 'mostly humanitarian support' while never denying sending military equipment as well.

Except for the incident of the 5th of April where a Carintho-Harkàner naval ship nearly intercepted a Kadikistani transport ship, sparking the escalations that caused this meeting, there had not yet been a shot fired in the Gothic Sea. The sole reason for this was that any attack on Kadikistani ships, military or civilian, would be considered an act of war by Kadikistan. So far no nation wanted to risk continental war over Milesia considering Kadikistan could not afford to be bluffing. "Why does your government wish the war to end? Surely Linz has nothing to gain from an Ivernia getting back on his feet?", Nikolai asked with genuine interest. He could not for the life of him see the reasoning behind it. If anything Carintho-Harkàny should focus more on internally dividing the Ivernian regime, who will without a doubt emerge victorious. But such things could not be said with the Eiffellandians present.

The Kadikistani delegation had foreseen this problem and prepared a note regarding Kadikistan's compromise. Nikolai gave the folded piece of paper to his brother who stood up and walked over to Jahoda's almost like he was marching. Besides the note Dimitri also placed an ashtray and a custom made reusable golden lighter in front of him. "Keep it", Dimitri said softly as he put down the lighter with a very detailed engraving of the Kadikistani coat of arms. The note itself said that Kadikistan had begun to dismantle the Milesian industrial areas currently under control of the People's Republic of Milesia and offered the Carintho-Harkàner government a substantial portion of the Milesian industrial capacity. In exchange Linz would have to provide the Kadikistani transport vessels with a corridor that would secure a continued flow of supplies into the Kadikistani controlled Dubra improvised port. At the bottom of the note it said that the reader was to destroy the note immediately after reading. That where the lighter and the ashtray were for.

 

[Rheinbund]

Chancellor Von Seydewitz, Former Minister Neubauer, Hörschelmann and Gaetano each had their thoughts when they saw Dimitri Leninov walk to Jahoda with a small note, an ash tray and a lighter. They didn’t know what had been written on the note, but they clearly understood that it was something the Eiffellandians shouldn’t know. Therefore, it could only be some kind of nasty plan. Tsjekova already hinted on “a prolonged destabilisation of Ivernia”, and now Nikolai Leninov himself implied that it would also be in Carintho-Harkáner interest if the civil war in Ivernia would continue. The secret note of which only the contents were secret surely pointed at that direction.
Eiffelland was not a military participant in the Ivernish Civil War. It did deliver material support to Ivernia (a.o. the delivery of some Mysterium II planes) and Bourgogne, but there were no Eiffellandian troops involved. The Eiffellandian Government doubted about whether that was a mistake or not, but it realised very well that it could not have played the role it currently played: Holding a meeting between Kadikistan and Carinthia-Harkány to avoid a war between those two countries.

In any case, Von Seydewitz, Neubauer, Hörschelmann and Gaetano felt that Carinthia-Harkány and Kadikistan agreeing upon prolonging the Ivernish Civil War would not be an outcome of this meeting they would favour. In the interest of Ivernia, a country Eiffelland indeed had ties with, such a scenario was something Von Seydewitz cum suis had to prevent.

Neubauer took the floor. “Gentlemen, with all due respect, you are overlooking something. A destabilised Ivernia may seem in your interest, because it would mean the weakening of a potential opponent. However, given the geographical position of the country, an unstable Ivernia will turn out disadvantageous to Kadikistan and Carinthia-Harkány. Or do you think that the … armed conflict in Ivernia will be limited to the country itself and not spill over to the Gothic Sea? I tell you, if you let this armed conflict continue, either you will have to be involved in it for the next decades, or you will have to intervene in a couple of years. Furthermore, I think there is no way we can justify that the people living in the region that some people call Milesia have to continue to suffer.”

 

[Oneida]

Jahoda was genuinely surprised by Nikolai’s actions. He took the note from the Kadikistani politician and gave him a warm smile in exchange.

“Surely he can’t be serious,” Jahoda said to himself.

The contents of the note were entirely irrelevant because the message it sent to the Eiffellanders sitting in the room was that Kadikistani was about to propose a course of action that Eiffelland would at the very least find disagreeable. He twirled the note in his hand, trying to get a read from the Eiffellanders, which proved unnecessary as they began to speak.

As the Eiffellanders spoke about their opposition to a destabilized Ivernia, Jahoda read the note. Surely enough, the proposal was one that Eiffelland simply could not know about. Despite that, the proposal was one that Carinthia-Harkány could agree to. It offered quite a strategic advantage to both countries. Destroying the Ivernish Empire would be a blessing for Carinthia-Harkány and make a long-time rival in Bourgogne all the easier to deal with. Still, something of this nature could never be public and Jahoda needed to think quickly. He was so deep in thought that he didn’t even realize the Eiffellander had stopped speaking.

“Burn this note,” Jahoda read silently. He folded the note and placed it in the breast pocket of his jacket.

“Now, now,” Jahoda began “Minister Neubauer. Surely you know that it would never be in the interest of Carinthia-Harkány to allow the continued suffering of the Ivernish people. They have been, for many generations, considered brethren amongst us. I simply must apologize if my words have in any way been misconstrued to indicate that we would somehow prefer continued suffering. The post-war Ivernish economy is of great concern to both of our economies, as I am sure you know. It is an important discussion to have, but we have not agreed to anything yet here today and certainly no agreement shall arise that actually prolongs suffering.”

Jahoda paused for a moment and grabbed the lighter that Nikolai had given him.

“I would have hoped you thought higher of your Carinthian brothers,” Jahoda stated “But, I must say we’ve made such progress thus far…a break is in order. You know, the Misses doesn’t like when I smoke, but she isn’t here, is she?”

Jahoda looked toward the Kadikistani delegation.

“Surely, you’ll join me for a quick some break on the countryside. Some air will do us well.”

 

[Kadikistani Union]

The passing of a note clearly upset the Eiffellandian hosts, who grew very distrustful and even agitated in a short amount of time. Nikolai and Tsjekova could not help but utter a modest smile as they saw the Eiffellandian and Carintho-Harkàner diplomats react. In Kadikistan and many other countries it was normal for notes to be exchanged during meetings and congresses, even when there were only two parties sitting at the table. It was a way not to disrespect the afflicted party while getting a message across that superseded hurt feeling or nervous reactions. Nikolai had thought the host would have expected that he would not be privy to all agreements made and that certain things simply were not meant for his ears. But perhaps the Kadikistani delegation needed to be a bit more tactful, as not to put their Carintho-Harkàner counterparts in a more difficult position. And Jahoda took a more pragmatic, although equally transparent, approach when he invited the Kadikistani leadership for "some air".

Do not worry, Kadikistani's are great at keeping secrets., Nikolai said with a metaphorical wink as he stood up to accompany Jahoda outside, closely followed by Ivan Tsjekova. Dimitri preparing to follow his two countrymen, but Nikolai non-verbally signalled his brother to stay seated. Something that annoyed Dimitri who remained silent and obedient, but clearly agitated. As the men walked outside Nikolai and Ivan gave themselves a few seconds to appreciate the beautiful Meißen landscape that surrounded them. In Kadikistan they had gotten accustomed to grey brutalist-styled buildings and heavy industry decorating there skyline. Both of them had estates outside the capital, but since the latter was were the power was concentrated they rarely left, especially the past years. As the Kadikistani's made their way outside, their many medals glistering from the sun, Nikolai casually walked over to Jahoda, Ivan closely behind. "I did not mean to cause any inconvenience, Jahoda." The Kadikistani leader said discretely as they started walking away from Schloss Siebeneichen and into the luscious gardens. Nikolai awaited Jahoda's response, leaving him to initiate whatever was about to be discussed. Nikolai didn't want to seem overzealous again by surprising his counterpart once more. Ivan came around flanking Jahoda while opening his silver cigarette-holder, "Take one, my friend" he said firmly as he put the one he took for himself in his mouth. Kadikistani tobacco was quite strong and not very loved by anyone other than the die-hards, but refusing it would be an insult as the tobacco industry plays a major role in Kadikistan's economy and is thus a source of pride.

 

[Oneida]

Jahoda had been briefed on the Kadikistani’s love of their tobacco. It was one of a million things his team tried to tell him about on the flight down to Eiffelland. He was worried whether the information was the consensus of social science or the consensus of arrogant Carinthian elites. Either way, the man graciously accepted the cigarette, taking the first puff and noticing just how strong Kadikistani tobacco is.

“I must say, Nikolai,” Jahoda began “If Carintho-Harkaner and Kadikistani tobacco is correlated to our respective military strength, my people may have little reason to sleep easy at night.”

Jahoda laughed, but truly the cigarette was a drain on his good spirits. Surely, he couldn’t let his Kadikistani friends know of this. He wasted no time however, and reached into his jacket and pulled out the note that Nikolai had given him. It immediately caught the attention of all involved. Without delay, Jahoda pulled out his own lighter and lit the note, watching it burn in his hands. After a moment, he let it drop to the ground and he put the flame out with his shoe. The note was nothing more than char. Saying nothing, he pulled out his handkerchief and pen.

“I am sure many of you know there is ethnic tension in my country,” Jahoda began, as he was writing “It’s mainly the ego of the Carinthians. I sometimes feel they are more concerned with fashion and architecture than they are food and poverty. I imagine it’s one of the reasons they sent me to Eiffelland…they can’t bare to see another Germanic people do better than themselves.”

Jahoda handed his handkerchief to Nikolai, it read:

I don’t trust the Eiffellanders to have not bugged the area around us. They are a fine, neutral people, but not without lust for information. I don’t deem your proposal to be outrageous, unless of course the public was to ever get wind of it. The ruin of Ivernia is as always in the interest of Carinthia-Harkány. That being said, you shall have your corridor and we will protect your operations. The details will be discussed further between our two governments along secure lines. But, I do request one thing: Allow us to seize a Kadikistani vessel. Put whatever you want on it, no sailor shall be harmed. A victory among the press will do well with Chancellor Jordan’s Administration. Burn this when you’re finished.

“I think we can all agree what a wonderful scene the Eiffellanders have put on display for us.”

 

[Kadikistani Union]

The respect of both Nikolai and Ivan for Jahoda was going up as this meeting was proceeding. Then again it was hard to go even further downhill than a 'refugee traitor that abandoned his fatherland during the Glorious Revolution'. Either way Jahoda's effort to consume the notorious Kadikistani tobacco was appreciated as well as his way of respectfully getting a message across. After quickly reading the message Nikolai proceeded to blow his nose in an effort to help hide it. More skilled Eiffellandian agents could quickly discover what was happening, but at least an effort was being made to conceal it. The downside being there was actually nasal mucus in the handkerchief which made it more difficult to burn. Something Ivan Tsjekova quickly noticed as he started burning the handkerchief. Regardless he was very thorough and made sure no evidence would ever be found. The burning mucus did cause a rather unwanted aroma which made the company move a few meters further without calling it out.

"It would be very unfortunate that a vessel delivering humanitarian aid to the Milesian people would be intercepted by your Imperial Navy.", Nikolai said, the handkerchief still smouldering in the background as they continued their walk. "That is of course what we are here for. To avoid such a thing from happening.", the General-Secretary continued hoping that Jahoda would understand what he was aiming at. On their walk Ivan had been casually picking leaves from nearby bushes and small threes, not because he liked to hurt defenceless immovable objects but because he didn't want to raise suspecion for what he was about to do next. The next leave he took quickly disappeared into his sleeve. Very slowly and inconspicuously he would occasionally drop the leave into his hand and use his nails to inscribe it with a badly written but clear message: "SMalL TrAnspOrt, 5 cReW, SmaLL aRMS, wE DeNY". Tsjekova pulled off another leave and took it into his hand hiding the leave with the message. He nonchalantly threw it on the ground in the direction of Jahoda's feet.

"It appears your shoelaces are untied, my friend.", Nikolai mentioned politely hoping Jahoda would notice the message. Kadikistan was offering the Carinthia-Harkány a victory that Ivar could play off as an act of 'imperialist aggression against humanitarian aid for a starving people'. The capturing of a humanitarian ship would not force Kadikistan into a military retaliation like a military transport would. Naturally Kadikistan needed a win in return as playing the victim without reimbursement could make the country look weak on the international scene. Ivan, a man who's family is known as the more moderate of the Great Four, figured that the resulting peace agreement 'under Kadikistani pressure' would be victory enough, but Nikolai wasn't so sure. "You owe me for that, Jahoda. I wouldn't want to see Linz pay for your medical treatment should you trip.", he said in a comically arrogant way. The deal was slightly unbalanced since Carinthia-Harkány would be the one with an actual win. "First they militarily block our interests in Ivernia, now they get a ship and a major international victory that puts them on the map as a superpower, the ones who defied great Kadikistan!", Dimitri would scream after the meeting. But Nikolai had more pragmatic patience and knew that Linz owing one a favour was more valuable than gold.

 

[Rheinbund]

It was not the note itself that the Eiffellandians upset, although they considered it quite rude in such a small circle. It would have been different at a large conference, but this was a discussion in a small circle. Furthermore, at a large conference, the people walking around with the notes did so behind the backs of everyone. Here suddenly the note was more or less pushed over the table. Maybe indeed not everything was destined for the ears of the host, but then you shouldn’t make that clear in this way.
But that was not what irritated the Eiffellandians. If the message on the note was not destined for Eiffellandian ears, it could only contain a dirty deal, maybe even at the expense of Eiffelland, certainly at the expense of Ivernia, and with that also at the expense of Eiffelland’s de facto ally Bourgogne, which fought in the Ivernian civil war at the side of the Ivernian government. And that on Eiffellandian soil. This was not what Von Seydewitz envisioned when he organised this meeting. Unfortunately, there was not much that Eiffelland could do to prevent this from happening.

Indeed, the garden was bugged. Jahoda was right with that assumption. The Eiffellandians had expected that the respective delegations would like to discuss some things outside the conference room. There were also guards with binoculars, partly to guard the terrain against intruders from outside, but also to watch the garden itself. In that way, the Eiffellandians knew very well that Jahoda and the Kadikistani were exchanging notes while telling how much they liked the landscape. They knew that actually two chats were going on at the same time, although they didn’t know the exact contents of the second conversation.

Of course they also heard Jahoda’s remark about another Germanic people doing better than the Carintho-Harkaners. Was that the case? Eiffelland had a very strong economy, that was true. “Made in Eiffelland” had become synonym for “extremely reliable and very high quality”. And that made Eiffellandian products popular around the world.
But that also meant a risk for Eiffelland. It didn’t have the population Kadikistan, Carinthia-Harkány or the Propontine Empire had. Despite its economic strength, the country was still too small to be a superpower. On the other hand, thanks to its economic strength, it was also too strong to be really satisfied with the role of regional power. The people in charge of the country were smart enough to not take up the role of a superpower, but in spite of that they were still not happy when a delegation of another country let them know too clearly that they weren’t playing in their league.

In any case, the Staatsschutz was more than capable to read behind the nice words about the landscape of the country. In the sense that it knew that something else was discussed as well. They would never know the exact contents of that second conversation, but from that moment onwards they would distrust the good intentions of both the Kadikistani and the Carintho-Harkáners.