The Sun Made of Water

[Großlausitz]

December 22
Yungdrung Gutsak

„Yes, I sent her to bed. I guess at home she’s a heartthrob, who has hers at the right place.” When the Foreign Minister talked about his daughter you could see his eyes light up with joy and love for his youngest child. “For her this trip is both a ‘bring your child to work’ day and a vacation. She was quite intrigued when I told her the procedure to elect the Rigpa’s successor is basically very similar to the election of the Holy Germanic Empire. Josefine loves one particular author’s historical novel series, which deals with the exciting period between the Knýtlings’ rise to the imperial throne and their eventual declaration of independence not even a 100 years later. In a nutshell, she was a little scandalized when I made her go to bed.”

“Cheers, Mylord Ripga,” Robert Beaumont raised his glass, listened to Thorlákur’s explanations and asked a couple of follow ups. When the Foreign Minister learned about the Rigpa’s move he couldn’t help but casting him a grin showing his impression. “Your Lordship, that is quite a move you have in mind. I can recall but one instance in Franconian history where our ancestors did the same. It was poor and hapless Jakob I, who rose to the ducal-electoral throne after his father’s untimely death. Please wait a minute. I have to wake the King, indeed.”

Ten minutes later the King arrived Beaumont’s chamber clearing displaying great curiosity of what was to happen and great interest in the things to come. “Don’t worry, Lord Rigpa. I was still awake. I may be semi-retired, but this matter is way too important to oversleep. And as my son can’t get out of the conclave I don’t see why I shouldn’t see to it.” The Foreign Minister quickly described the Rigpa’s concerns and his daring solution to the stalemate. As if he was lost in thought, King Alfred stroked his neatly trimmed and fully grey beard. “There’s merit to your idea, nevertheless. In the middle of the 15th century when my ancestors Heinrich signed off his de facto rule to your predecessor to pursue imperial ambitions. Today my country is fortunate enough to have a bunch of highly reliable and faithful friends to share the burden of common defence. Therefore, I believe it is safe to say we can observe our ancient promises as the liege lords of a good part of Oelar. If I’m not mistaken, Heinrich V’s writ that recognized the Clan Lords as tenants-in-chief of the Margrave of Oberschlesnitz hasn’t been discontinued, has it?”

“No, it hasn’t been. In fact, it’s the legal basis for the Crown Prince’s re-adoption of the title. I believe my colleague at the justice ministry have begun digitalizing these old writs. Anyhow, Lord Rigpa, I can assure that Franken will see to preserving your country’s stability and fragile peace. Oelar will see as much Franconian assistance as necessary and enjoy as much sovereignty as possible”, Robert Beaumont added seconded by King Alfred’s nodding. “Please do tell my son that we support your plan.”

One level above Prince Regent Jakob realized he was given a run for his money. While he had certainly secured some gains for Franken’s faction, he sensed his victory wouldn’t be as spectacular as he had expected it to be. Regardless of its result this event would be a valuable lesson in Oelarian politics. A gut feeling told him he would have to deal with Oelar more frequently in the near future. When the Margrave of Oberschlesnitz felt the Rigpa’s hand on his shoulder once more, one curious thought crossed Jakob Knýtling’s mind. Deus ex machina. He listened carefully to Thorlákur’s whispered advice.
​

 

[Gunnland]

January 10, 2011
Yungdrung Gutsak

Deus ex machina indeed. The Rigpa was more of a political actor than many suspected, unwilling to relinquish control with a rising Drakunian threat, a wave of political victories by Oelarian politicians in Kryobaijan's pocket, and the greatest height of Franconian influence since the fateful years before the Great War. But he was also an old man, and had successfully prepared a succession that would be secure, passing either to his great-nephew or the mild-mannered Alvitr scion.

The official successor to the rigpa's throne, Theodor Pallsson Gunn, was playing with his wooden train set. His designated Lord Protector, Isleifur, was studying the Doom in preparation for the trial of Rikarthur Gregorsson Geijer, who had been arrested by the Einherjar the week previous.

Rumors were that the spectacularly successful Left would have trying times deciding whether Lord Reeve Stoker, whose engagement to Margarethe Hjovarthursdatter Alvitr had recently been announced, would continue as its leader. Lord Provost Halvbefaren remained restive and dissatisfied, but could count the conclave as a marginal victory.

And the biggest variable of all, Robert Petursson Viereskog, began to make some surprising cabinet appointments.

 

[Großlausitz]

Nürnberg
January 11, 2010

Despite the Prince Regent’s ominous announcement before their departure to Oelar’s capital in December the Foreign Minister hadn’t received the promised ‘present’ yet. Since Robert Beaumont hadn’t been able to get any reliable information on the gift’s nature he wasn’t sure whether he would like it. Tonight, however, Prince Regent Jakob invited his Foreign Minister to join him for a private dinner. “Please bring your splendid young fiancée, Lady Elsa de Dreux. The Duchess and I would love to meet her. Furthermore, she’ll surely be delighted about your present, too,” Prinzregent Jakob had told Beaumont on the phone.

While Herzogin Franziska gave Elsa de Dreux a guided tour through the Königsburg, Beaumont and the Prince Regent used the time to talk hard politics. Yesterday the Foreign Minister had presided over an informal summit between the EDF and Telora to discuss the next steps to sort out the mess Belmont left, as Jakob von Franken called it not very diplomatically. After touching that topic, they moved on to Oelar’s future. “These clan lords and leaders were and/or are tough to get along with. Their pursuit of politics is as if the ancient Electors and Dukes of Franken suddenly had access to modern weaponry,” Jakob Knýtling mused. Foreign Minister Robert Beaumont couldn’t help but grin. “There’s not much to add, your royal highness. Whilst the conclave was rough ride for you, it’s safe to say you earned some invaluable experience here. And you will need it. I can only help you so much with your ascension to the Margraviate. In their game you are now the king of hearts and I’m just your humble jack.”

“Now, now, Robert,” Prinzregent Jakob mockingly patted him on the back, “don’t you underestimate your role. A king is but a fool without his trustworthy advisors. This brings me to an important question: How often should I turn up personally in Oelar? Compared to Emperor Heinrich’s period there are so much more states and stately affairs to attend to.” Beaumont nodded affirmatively. “Some would be very happy to never see you again, while Alvitr would need your attention monthly, at least. Regencies are always critical periods. The designated Rigpa’s enemies could very well lurk at his own court and we can’t be sure how long the reigning Rigpa will be physically and mentally able to rule. As a middle way I suggest we gently groom your son Sebastian as a sort of special representative of our interests beside the respective ambassador. Compared to you, he’ll have to learn the ways of diplomacy and international intrigue much earlier.”

A little later the four of them were seated around the table in the crown princely couple’s private dinner room. Lady Elsa de Dreux, who was a 1.75m tall flaxen 19-year-old Aren aristocrat, was literally beaming. She was a student of history at the Reichstädtische Universität zu Nürnberg and very interested in historic as well as cultural artifacts like many of her countrymen and women. As Arendaal and Franken had always enjoyed a fruitful exchange of culture, commerce and ideas, Beaumont’s young fiancée wasn’t surprised to see some paintings and items created by Aren artists. She had quizzed her host with in depth questions about the artworks to the point the Duchess promised her to arrange for another tour alongside one of the Royal Household’s art curators.

Having enjoyed a fabulous dinner Prinzregent Jakob addressed Robert Beaumont in a solemn manner, which he deliberately did to stop Beaumont from admiring his girlfriend’s flaxen hair. “Robert, Franken has been your family’s home for several generations since they left Catholic Montelimar trying to make their fortunes in this Protestant kingdom. Many a competent civil servant, officer and even some ministers hail from your family. Although you are recognized as a member of the gentry a hereditary peerage hasn’t been granted to you yet. My father and I believe this ought to be corrected. Considering your own competent service as an ambassador and subsequently as a senior civil servant your claim to a hereditary title has come even stronger. That’s why you will be present at next Saturday’s New Year’s honours and receive your earldom from my hands. From Saturday on you and your respective senior heir– following the common semi-salic practice of peerage hereditary succession – will be known as ‘Graf von Miltenberg’ after your Franconian ancestral seat. At the same time you’ll be granted a noble house charter.”

“Last but not least it will make your upcoming marriage far more befitting to Elsa’s rank,” the Duchess of Schlesnitz added semi-mockingly.

Befitting to her age and joyful character Elsa enthusiastically hugged her older boyfriend, who was trying to suppress tears of joy. At last his family would be where it belonged. Sadly neither his father nor his mother were still alive to see this victory of their house.​

 

[Gunnland]

January 11, 2011
Nürnberg

It was not the only present Robert Beaumont received. As an epilogue to the whole Oelarian saga, he received this letter. He could have sworn it was in Margarethe Hjovarthursdatter's distinctively wiry scrawling handwriting (It matched a quaint hand-written thank-you note he had received for hosting the Oelarian delegation) but perhaps she and her brother simply had similar handwriting. And the same tone? Perhaps not...

Dear Robert,

Quite off the record I would like to thank you and Jakob Alfredsson, the Prinzregent, for your moderating influence during the Great Council. I trust you have not underestimated the political capabilities my bloodline - quite regrettably, perhaps - carries.

I will find Thorlákur Feargusson a quiet retirement in Arendaal or Eiffelland or some quiet and pleasant land (you might put a good word in to Emyn Arnen or Trier). It will upset Lord Provost Halvbefaren and the conservative Sarkonists considerably, I'm afraid, but Prime Minister R. P. Viereskog will have to accompany him. It is law under the ancient Doom that the prime minister follow the lawful rigpa. (It becomes so easy when you keep your laws unwritten, you see.) Of course, when the rigpa is abroad his successor must reign, and when his successor is not of age the lord protector must rule.

My sister will complete our family's pact with G. S. Stoker, ensuring the support of the leftists like Transport Minister Gutkind. I have appointed Commander H. B. Eir to the War Ministry contingent upon his support for Foreign Minister Roerich, who with Viereskog abroad shall be the ranking officer of the government and provisional administrator (or as we say, rogpa). In de facto terms, Niels Niklausson will have the government in his hand, just as I shall de facto be rigpa. All without offending the relevant parties...

Robert Beaumont did not need to finish reading to confirm with Prince Jakob that they had won, after all.


Yungdrung Gutsak

Ella Koch was surprised to see herself staring down at a simple diamond ring in a box being held by a grey-robed monk in his new Yungdrung Gutsak apartnment. For the past few weeks, the descriptions of Fr. Matteus of Ljonyja, O.S.M. from her briefings - "Savviest of the conservative political operators" - clashed with the more emotional descriptions of the handsome, sensitive, intelligent man that ran through her head, although in the softer, vaguer language of the heart.

"Ella, I'm asking you to marry me..." He smiled. "...This time I can promise I'll still have a job."

If she accepted, Olmolungring's first Minister of Education & Welfare would have been appointed as a priest and monk of the Order of the Swordbrothers Mimir, only to be a layman the following day.


Ljonyja, Oberschlesnitz

Swollen-faced from crying, the last person on earth or under it that Katja Benjaminsdatter Geijer expected to see was Margarethe Hjovarthursdatter Alvitr, who crossed her threshold with an imperious gaze. Nothing needed to be said about Rikarthur Gregorsson after the two women exchanged one look.

"Katja Benjaminsdatter, you are a fine cheesemaker..." An uncomfortable silence followed in which the undaunted Alvitr woman walked around the Geijer farmhouse. An innocent place. "The Lord Rigpa regrets the affair your husband has gotten himself into. Although he must do as the LORD commands in matters of justice, Thorlákur Feargusson would be honored if you would serve in his retinue during his retirement abroad. The number is here..." Margo laid a piece of paper down on the table, and ended on a crueler note. "Your life here is over, I trust. Good day."

 

[Großlausitz]

January 11, 2011
Nürnberg

Don’t judge a book by its cover or ‘Der Schein trügt!’ was the first thought that crossed Robert Beaumont’s mind when he was reading I.C. Alvitr’s letter. The little Rigpa’s regent was one of the rare breed of intellectuals who were blessed – or as he would probably put it – with fine political instincts and strategic talent which were vital to secure one’s power position. Apart from occasional encounters during his tenure as an ambassador to Oelar the Foreign Minister had to rely on intelligence dossiers to assess Alvitr instead of personal knowledge. It seemed the conclave’s outcome had awakened Christian’s slumbering talents.

“I hope I caught you before going to bed, your royal highness. There’s something you need to know,” the designated earl called his Prince-Regent half an hour later, “Well, you could appoint him a stranger knight of the

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.”

As the letter happened to be delivered just a few minutes after Beaumont and his girlfriend Elsa de Dreux left for the royal residence, he only read it upon their much later return. “My dear, I’ll be with you in a bit,” he kissed his fiancée on the cheek and went into his private study. These days handwritten communication was very uncommon, even in the diplomatic service. Nevertheless, Robert Beaumont had personalized private and official stationery. His private one featured the Beaumonts’ family crest, which would change on Saturday, too, he realized.

Smiling happily, the Foreign Minister poured in a glass of Oelarian whisky he had bought upon the Rigpa’s recommendation, reclined in his large chair and enjoyed the taste of the spirit slowly rolling down his palate. Life was good, wasn’t it? He made a mental note to call his personal tailor to have him cut a new suit for the occasion.

Dear Isleifur,

Thank you for your kind words. We all do our duty, don’t we?

Your plans to have the Rigpa spend the last few years of his life abroad make sense from both a political and personal point of view. Thorlákur Feargusson deserves a quiet and pleasant retirement. Frankly, I’m pretty impressed about how you handled Viereskogg and checkmated him. The Prince Regent jokingly called the prime minister’s new role his just desert for being so stubborn during the conclave. Moreover, I can see your point about having an unwritten constitution. Being an adept scholar you will surely use that to your advantage.

Please convey His Royal Highness’ and my congratulations upon her marriage to your sister. May she have a rewarding and amiable relationship!

Yours sincerely,

R. Beaumont

Yungdrung Gutsak

She had discussed this matter before with her boss Valerian Poller. The embassy’s chief of security and head of the intelligence mission had more than mixed feelings about Ella Koch’s relationship to the monk. “This’ll probably be a sort of dead end of your immediate intelligence career, Ella. Bear in mind the potential emotional tribute of juggling your loyalty towards the service and your loved one will be huge. For your own sake I urge you to quit the intelligence service. Your psychology doctorate will allow you to set up a practice, a consultancy or anything between here.” Ella Koch had given Poller’s comments much thought and returned to him with a definite answer the following day. “Boss, I’d like to thank you for your good advice. If my relationship turns into a marriage, I assure I’ll quit the service. Officially,” Koch smirked cryptically.

Indeed, Koch had made her political allegations very clear to her boyfriend and fiancée-to-be at several instances. “Matteus, I do love you and I’ll always will. If you EVER try to use my love to make me work against my home country, I’ll have to kill you. As to your original question: YES, I do. And now kiss me.”​