The Coq in the Coop

It was a blustery day in Versoix. The wind tore down the boulevards as the motorcade weaved through the city; passing soldiers and APCs on street corners. Though, these numbers had been reduced greatly- it was hard to not notice. The overcast skies put a dimness to the returned bustle of the city. Sure, small numbers had walked off the job. Others were protesting. But the majority of Patois went about their day. The Emperor looked out the window at the pedestrians whom turned to look back. There were many emotions on display. Chiefly, an anxiety. There was no real panic anxiety. But a deeper more tearing anxiety. The future of these people was in their hands. To an extent, thought the Emperor wryly. Tomorrow, the propaganda machine would turn on. With around 27% of Patois undecided, at least 10 percent needed swaying. "The Eiffellanders will doubtless involve themselves" said a staffer, as if reading his mind. The Emperor turned. "Yes Charles, yes they will. They cannot help themselves. It is the imperialism that runs in their veins. Like ice. Except the difference between us is that Franks admit what we are" he said coolly, turning to look out the window again. "There is a victory in that. When a country denies its own character; it is dangerous. Like a therapist that does not realize they are a predator" he said, still gawking at the people on the street. The traffic was horrendous and the motorcade had stopped at many lights; despite the police escort.

"Do you think this is truly a good idea, your Majesty" said Charles, looking over the list of names. 35 mayors had been invited to Versoix. All of smaller and middling towns. Patois and Germanic. They would be handed a rather generous economic proposal in return for support of integration. There was a long pause as the Emperor breathed in deeply. "I do not know, Charles. I do not know. We will at least start building relationships. This can turn badly very fast. So far, we have the upper hand. But those Eiffellanders. They are a sneaky bunch. There is no telling what they might do. They know we have exposed them for what they are" said the Emperor, frowning. "And what is that?" asked Charles, looking up from his papers. There was another long silence. The Emperor looked down and then took another deep breath. He turned to his aid with a cocked eyebrow and a single word- "scared".

The mayors muttered to one another as they moved through the two proposals. The Rural and Municipal Economic Assistance Package was neither impressive nor mortally disappointing. Effectively- not great, not terrible. The Emperor sat stone faced as the mayors openly discussed various parts of the packages. Some points drew near universal approval and others were rather mixed. Some were met with rolling eyes. Slowly, as more mayors finished the reading the room became a clamor of debate and discussion. The Emperor eyed some of the mayors arguing with each other. Some arguments became heated. Others seemed totally bored. Slowly the Emperor rose and walked to the center of the room. As he did so, the talked died away around him.

"There are many things that can be said. I want to make it very clear that no matter what happens, this plan will go forward if integration happens. Those who oppose me have nothing to fear. I come to offer this to you personally as a sign of good will" he said, taking time to make eye contact with several. "I cannot imagine your position. Stuck between living as part of an Eiffellander vassal state or making the biggest decision in recent Patois history. In the end, I know you will support the right decision. The future of the people of this region is in the balance. Eiffelland has their own interests. But they do not care for the people here. They want to use you as they use Bourdignie as a whole. Or Al Magrab. It is their play thing they use under the guise of democracy. Eiffelland sits on an ivory tower, telling you that they are the good. But look at reality ladies and gentlemen. Eiffelland sticks hooks into wherever they go and give morsels to those who seek freedom. Have you not a referendum in which you may freely choose? Look at the referendum given to Al Magrab" he said, stopping to shrug in the most gallic of fashion. There were many nods and mutterings of agreement on some of what he said.

"You sit with the power to single handedly help your people earn their own path. A path which will enlighten their lives and give their lines better life. Education. Infrastructure. The voice they deserve. If you decide to help me bring both peace and prosperity here, you will be remembered as those who had the courage to say "we gave everything for the future of our people" he crossed the room to point out the window. "The clouds that gather are the clouds of indecision. Help me and we can lead your people to broad sunlit futures. If this endeavor fails, we must remember that the edge of the abyss is near to us all. We must not be inactive. Those who join me will have my personal thanks" he said, crossing back to his seat as once again a clamor arose. A mayor slowly stood and eyed the others as the discussion and arguments drained away.

"Your Majesty, I am the mayor of Weaux. We are but a small town. This package will barely change the way life will be impacted. And under this plan, it seems the bigger towns are getting the lion's share. Why is this not a more even distribution? Not only that, your Majesty, but if we back your plan...." he trailed off. "If we back this plan, and the referendum fails, where are we with our own communities. Our positions. It is simply too big of a divide" he said nervously. The Emperor nodded in genuine sympathy and understanding. "We know there are benefits and many agree that Eiffelland's behavior is at least.....questionable. But you forget, your nation invaded us. This is not something our people will easily forget", he said with a gulp. There were many nods and hushed voices of agreement.

The Emperor looked at Charles and they conversed merely through the looks. It was clearly going to be an uphill negotiation. But there was the twinkle in the Emperor's eye. Charles nodded slowly in agreement. It was time to appeal to their human sentiments- not only political ones.

West of Ujbuda

This war was not to be won by guns and bullets, nor hearts, but by brute force of the mind against the minds of the populace. The Tsar had begun the first stages of what he called the "Campaign of Truth" to further weaken his enemies while strengthening the image of himself and his associates across the continent and then globally.

A temporary pole was being erected of what would eventually potentially become an antenna farm for the Imperial messages and broadcasts. The temporary pole was to hoist the antenna that would broadcast the first message of truth across the region into Bourdigne. The radio broadcast would run over several varying hours of the day and night focusing its broadcast during the hours where more people were potentially listening to radio in the early morning hours, evenings, and the late hours of the night when the world always was its darkest.

The First broadcast would start in the morning, with its repetition being focused upon the Tarusan Times article that had been recently published about democratic imperialism and of various deeds being carried out by the Frankish Empire to attempt and bring further prosperity to the Patois regions of Bourdignie.

Campaign of Truth
Part Two
Broadcast open wave from Ujbuda

The occupation of Bourdignie and other countries continues unabated as it does in other occupied lands of the Kingdom of Eiffelland. The powers that be in charge of the Kingdom will continue the trail of denials against the truth but facts do not lie as the mouths that speak on behalf of the Kingdom will continue to do so hoping to keep people uninformed of all but their own fairytales.

The inalienable facts of the occupational forces of the Kingdom of Eiffelland are easy for those who seek the truth and information for their own decisions. The Kingdom of Eiffelland has a staggering 30,000 soldiers and countless aircraft in Ostmark. That is double the strength of the armed forces of Ostmark if not more when equipment and other personnel are included into the figure. The propaganda machine of the kingdom will say that it is once more for the protection of Ostmark from the evils of the Empire, a common theme and excuse for the vast deployments of its military assets across the continent.

One can then look at Bourdignie, a nation that is as well hosting approximately another 30,000 Eiffellander troops and countless amounts of equipment and personnel for that force. This is once more a force that is potentially in equal size if not greater than that of the nation that is "being protected" by the Kingdom of Eiffelland. The reasoning? Once more to protect this nation from the evil scourge of the imperial desires of conquest and domination. It is here, that one can begin to question the truth behind these reasons for a multitude of reasons. Why would a nation that has never had its recent independence threatened by the Empire of Tarusa, let alone attacked or threatened while being actively involved against Csengia in civil strife, need protection? With that thought process, why would it need protection when the Kingdom of Csengia has recognized its independence? Then one can look at the actions of the imperial armed forces in Csengia and see that they have only acted in the interests of Csengians and not the Empire, only securing and defending what territories the Csengians rightfully claim. With these facts so far asserted, one can then begin to ask themselves, why are so many soldiers required here if this isn't an occupation? Why are we outnumbered in our own country?

However this is not the end of the reach of the Kingdoms own imperial ambitions, one of control and domination while claiming to be the holy protector against evil. Take a look at Al-Maghreb, the former mandate that has been ruled as nothing more than a colony under the guise of the European Forum. It is here that the Kingdom has as many of its own troops as those of the people of Al-Maghreb in the national borders. The former mandate is facing a referendum much as that of Bourdignie, but with different options listed, but in truth they are the same options just phrased differently. Essentially endearing Bourdignie and Al-Maghreb to the servitude of the Kingdom for years to come. It is here that the same excuse is used once more, they have such large forces to protect against Imperial ambitions. One can dissect this lie with ease as the Al-Maghrebs own defensive forces outnumber the Askari of the Noks Free State by almost 3:1, with the inclusion of the Eiffellands military presence this jumps to 6:1. This indicates that the reason for such a large presence, as it does in all other states with Eiffelland troops, that they are not there for protecting anything other than the Kingdoms own interests by being able to quickly dispatch any internal resistance should they attempt and be removed by those whom have "invited" them.

"Well, there you have it ladies and gentlemen. I think it is a fair offer" the Emperor said with a smirk. There were some open mouths. Some nods. Some murmurs. If the fairly good economic package wasn't enough; appealing to them personally seemed to have turned things. Dangling jobs, posts, and even titles in front of some of them. It was classic political horse trading at its finest. It had slowly gotten louder as the discussions reached a crescendo. Once again, the Emperor stepped forward, his hands up in a silent attempt to quiet the mayors. "You are without question, some of the most important people in what this country can and should be" he began once it had quieted down. "You will be rewarded. Help me with the people. Help them understand the message I bring. I mean to deliver the people from the heavy but invisible yoke placed on them by the imperialist Eiffelland. I mean to bring true peace and prosperity. Your reward will not be simply posts, nor only the satisfaction of seeing the economic packages bring prosperity to your towns and cities. Instead, you will be able to tell your grandchildren "I built this nation"". The Emperor looked about as the mayors exchanged glances. A slow but clear wave of clapping moved throughout the room. Some were less enthusiastic; with mere smirks or nods. A select few stood to leave. The first hurdle was easily cleared.

In the motorcade, the Emperor reviewed documents related to the offers made. "There are a lot of towns who will be needing new mayors" said the Emperor with a grin. "Charles, we must ensure that these mayors be held on a tight leash but not so tight as to make their collar visible. I want to be sure they are not impeded in drumming up support among the undecided and those who might be slightly reluctant. Make sure they have access to the good projections- economics and demographics. Leave the opposition figures alone. No slander campaigns. No digging up dirt. No blackmail. This will stand on its own feet. Those mayors that left, make sure we keep tabs on them anyhow- out of safety sake. I want this done cleanly. We have the momentum now" he said, putting the papers aside and looking out the window. The motorcade would take time to cross the city. He leaned back and stared at the roof of the car, exhaling. He looked at Charles who was deep in reading a report. The Emperor slowly sat up. "I believe I should communicate with the Assembly. Charles. Take this down" he said rubbing his hands together in thought. Charles glanced up and internally sighed. It was not the time for this. There was already so much to do. But he sighed internally as he produced a laptop.

"I have travelled this year many miles in the great democratic empire that is ours. The spectacle of this great collection of nations" he began, trailing off in thought. He bit his lip briefly and again looked out the window, closing his eyes. "great collection of nations, already united, will now hopefully be united further. I have learned that happiness is fuller when we stand united" he said, this time pausing to drink from a bottle of water. He shrugged and muttered to himself for some time before continuing. "It is a true blessing of Providence which has protected our army from war. I depart in a few days to place myself once again at the service of the Imperial Assembly in Chagny" the Emperor continued, eying Charles who was by now intent on typing. "Here in Bourdignie, I have resolved to make many sacrifices to ensure the blessings of democracy, commerce, and most of all peace. As is my duty, I will keep the Assembly most informed of the developments which are made in the name of the Empire and Frankish peoples" he concluded. The Emperor nodded to himself. It was just good enough to keep them off his back a few days longer. Soon, a new page would be turned.

Not only the HFE-emperor was on a trip in Bourdignie. Also Demissionary Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Schmelzer travelled in Bourdignie with a team. The difference was, that Dr. Schmelzer did not more or less summon the mayors to a central point, like the HFE-emperor did. He did not even consider such a move, because he considered himself not entitled to do such a thing. In Eiffelland’s eyes, Bourdignie was a sovereign country; only the government in Versoix was entitled to summon the mayors, and Dr. Schmelzer did not consider asking the government in Versoix to do so. Instead he went to the people themselves, talked to them on the streets, organised gatherings, and indeed also talked to local, regional and national government officials.
Eiffelland is a hierarchical society, but not in the sense that the people on top of the pyramid consider themselves something than the people in lower regions. The people on top call the shots, but also drink with the people under them. Despite his extremely formal appearance, that was also Dr. Schmelzer’s style. He treated everyone with the same amount of respect, from the janitor to the King. That opened doors in Bourdignie. As a result, many people listened to his arguments. Also he came with an economic aid package for Bourdignie, and that economic aid package was comparable with what the HFE-emperor offered. But apart from that, he made clear to the Bourdignians that they could live in freedom under a government that respected them and was chosen by them. He also said: “You freed yourselves from the shackles that Kovács bound you in, and you withheld Csengian attempts to put you in shackles again. You gained yourselves freedom. You have to make sure that you keep it.”

Of course he sometimes had to defend himself. There were people who believed the Tarusan and Imperial propaganda. Quite a lot to be frank. But still a minority. About 30% of the Bourdignians believed the story that the HFE would want to liberate Bourdignie from Eiffellandian oppression. This accounted for both the Francophones and the Germanophones. But the number of 45% of the Francophones being in favour of unification with the HFE was also correct. A Bourdignian explained this discrepancy in the percentages with a reasoning that the Eiffellandian highest politicians knew in the back of their heads but weren’t prepared to face: “We Bourdignians do not hate the Eiffellandians. Actually, we are very thankful that you helped us out against Kovács, and that you want to defend us against the Imperials and the Csengians. You definitely do not overstay your welcome. But we also see that Eiffelland and Bourdignie are wedged in between dicatorships who consider the fact that we are well-functioning democracies a threat to their own regimes, and whose armed forces combined are larger than Eiffelland’s armed forces. A war between the two empires and Eiffelland will be bloody and devastating, but in the end you will loose, and the two emperors are not interested in the damage their nations will suffer. Paul de Cuvier wants Bourdignie, at least Francophone Bourdignie, and he will take it with violence if he can’t take it without. And you won’t be able to stop him. Let’s face it: Democracy will end in Gallo-Germania. And don’t count on the Westernessers: They consider us the old world, they have given us up.”
Another Bourdignian said something else: “Eiffelland supported us against Kovács, and we are thankful of that. But we also know that exactly the presence of Eiffellandian troops in Bourdignie was one of the reasons for Paul de Cuvier to march in, and will be one of the reasons for that woman in Kispest to march west one day. Francophone Bourdignie will become part of the HFE; that will be the official outcome of the referendum, no matter what the real outcome will be, and no matter what the real wishes of the Francophone Bourdignians will be. But Germanophone Bourdignie has the chance that that woman in Kispest will stay at home if you leave.”

Dr. Schmelzer also experienced something else. An enormous lot of Bourdignians between 18 and 35 years old asked him about possibilities to get asylum in Eiffelland. He also saw that even more Bourdignians between 18 and 35 years old were applying for visa to get to Saba, Al-Magrab, Natal, The Federation of Westernesse, Mompracem, Solléga, Salen, Ostmark and Skånskelag. Even older adolescents indicated their wishes to flee Bourdignie.

But of course the Tarusan radio broadcasts didn’t go unnoticed. And they were countered with propaganda against the HFE, Csengia and Tarusa. Eiffelland hadn’t neglected their experience with strong radio senders, so a couple of potent FM, DAB and DAB+ senders were built up fast to broadcast in Bourdignie. The radio programs broadcasted over these senders were streamed on the internet as well. The Eiffellandians were so smart to use their knowledge about the music taste of the Bourdignians. The music was used to drag the Bourdignians to the Eiffellandian propaganda radio stations, and so the Eiffellandian propaganda for Bourdignian independence and against Tarusa, Csengia and the HFE found its listeners.

The propaganda war was also fought over the internet. Vloggers on MeTube, people twatting on Twatter, propaganda websites etc. But this was not only an Eiffellandian effort. Many Bourdignians twattered pro-independence and anti-HFE, anti-Tarusa and anti-Csengia on their own initiative.

With the mayors, largely, at work for Imperial interests and numerous pro-integration rallies being planned; the effort was in full swing. The referendum was approaching rapidly and there seemed to be more and more interest being taken by the youth. The Emperor had visited university after university. Participating in open forums and answering the concerns of numerous students. It had started off poorly but after the first, things went moderately well. It was becoming clear that there was a going to be a fair number of upset people, no matter the outcome.

"Well Charles, it is up to God now" the Emperor said somberly as the motorcade headed to the Versoix airport. Charles looked up and nodded. The two largely sat in silence as the car twisted along the highway. "What?" blurted out Charles, pulling out his phone to read. The Emperor looked up sharply. "Yes?" he asked. Charles glanced up briefly, his eyebrows raised. "Sorry, your majesty. But...You must see this" he said, handing his phone over the the Emperor who read it in silence. The smirk on the face of the Emperor's aid was not mirrored. He slowly handed back the phone and leaned back, folding his arms. "Schmelzer actually issued an official statement to that?" the Emperor asked in disbelief. "He responded to some editorial opinion?" the Emperor asked shaking his head. "It seems the government is nervous, totally out of its depth. It is one thing to take on an article. But an editorial opinion piece...." the Emperor scoffed. "Well sir, I think things are falling relatively well into place. But the Trier government is not taking this well at all. It seems things are getting out of hand" Charles said, handing over a few folders that were marked with the huge blue Y- indicating top secret. "It seems, according to this report, that there is some unusual military activity. We don't have the details yet. But it seems they are going to be shifting as much as 10% of their budget towards defense" Charles said, exhaling sharply. The Emperor scratched his neck and read intently. After several minutes he handed them back. "I want this information to be an intelligence priority, Charles. I want to know what Trier is up to. Those snakes in Trier are not going to stop. We've hurt their pride. And as we know, pride is a tremendous sin" the Emperor concluded.


The motorcade stopped briefly as the Emperor wanted to talk with several farmers that could be seen working their fields from the highway. Of course, it was a great photo op. But it was also more than that. It was an attempt to get one last insight. After all, this could be the Emperor's last visit to Bourdignie depending on the outcome of the referendum. He spent about an hour with one farmer, sitting on an old and near crumbling stone fence. The two spent an hour talking after the Emperor had the media hustled away. Somewhat dirty and tired, the Emperor returned to the car and was silent, looking at the fields about him before opening the door and sitting down. It was indeed a quiet ride to the Versoix airport.

The emperor left, but Minister Dr. Schmelzer stayed. He continued campaigning and encouraging people to campaign for Bourdignian independence. He had only been away from Bourdignie for being sworn in as minister in the new government. In-between he reacted on a new article in Le Moniteur Universel, which was dubbed more and more Le Menteur Universel in Eiffelland, and also by quite a lot of Bourdigniens.

During his campaigning, he visited many universities and universities of applied sciences to discuss with students. Often he made sure that he visited universities after the emperor did to counter all the arguments the emperor had used. People from the independence camp visited the emperor's rallies to note down all the emperors arguments and answers to questions, only to counter them on posters and the internet afterwards.

Poster and banner campaigns were not limited to that. Also the slogan "We didn't fight off Kovács to submit to another dictator; vote independence" became visible all over Bourdignie and all over the internet, in French and German.

Apart from this, Dr. Schmelzer continued approaching people on the street and government officials, as well as organising gatherings. In parallel, a team consisting of many people rallied for independence and continuing the good ties with Eiffelland. They also focused on the fact that the emperor initially did not want a referendum: "Note that the emperor initially refused to hold a referendum; he is not interested in our opinion but just wants us to abide by his rule." The emperor's economic aid package was told to be an empty promise: "The emperor doesn't have the money available."

Dr. Schmelzer was so smart to leave the emperor's devout religiousness out of the equation, but many people campaigning for independence did not. They placed the emperor's conservatism in social matters in contrast with Eiffelland's civil liberties, and warned that integration with the HFE could lead to significant steps backwards in women's rights and gay rights, as well as prohibitions of abortions and contraceptive methods.

Campaign of Truth
Part Three
Broadcast open wave from Ujbuda

It was the day before the people of Bourdignie would take to the polls and decide their fates. The time for another round of news and information to come across the airwaves. It would be the long shot, the strong arm voice of reason.

People of Bourdignie. Don't let the occupiers of your cities and country take away what is truly yours. Your Freedom.

They will continue to tell you they are there to protect you from the threat of the Kingdom of Csengia, that the Csengia is horrible and has ambitions against your state. These are false lies. Ask yourselves, has there been any threat against your state since its inception and recognition by the peace treaty with the governing forces in Kispest since its inception and signing by the late General Horvath? It has not, there has been no hostility only peace. There has been no infringement or ambitions to bring your newly independent country back into statehood with the Csengians. These are lies that are told by those who wish to subjugate you themselves, by being the "protector" of your state, look no further than elsewhere. There are many reasons the Kingdom of Eiffelland is isolated on this continent, it is not because they choose peace. They took advantage of the opportunity that arose by sowing chaos in their southern neighbor and looked at your state as a consolation prize when it found out it would not be able to keep the entirety of the peoples on its southern border in a weakened state.

Pannonia was the sick man of Europe, ask yourselves why? Do you want to be the sick man of Europe now? Prosperity is for those who seize the opportunity, your economy was not hindered with the continued conflict in the Zaran regions, your trade was allowed to continue. Would the Frankish Empire have brought its military to defend itself from a threat on its border with Bourdignie if Eiffelland troops were not present in Bourdignie? The answer is no, another avenue would have potentially been taken. Will a continued presence of troops from the Kingdom of Eiffelland lead to deteriating relations with the Kingdom of Csengia with its policies of hostility towards it and the Empire of Tarusa? That can be answered with an loud and clear YES.

The choice is ultimately yours, it always has and always will be yours to make. If you wish for peace and prosperity the clear choice is either requesting Frankish Troops to be stationed alongside Eiffelland troops to ensure your freedoms remain and your state remains independent. The best option would be one that see's yourself completely free from the yokes of the "brethren" to the North, demanding the withdrawal of their forces. It is the presence of these forces that resulted in force being used by the Frankish Empire. It is this same presence with its mal intent against the Kingdom of Csengia, The Empire of Tarusa, and the Holy Frankish Empire that will lead to further estrangement, isolation, and hardships for your nation. Life can be difficult, or life can be easy. Life can be full of peace, or full of strife. Take a moment and see for yourselves, then make the choice that the world knows is correct.

Chagny

The Emperor stood in the long window looking out into the little square. The city was still and the lights lit up the pale brick-brown of the cobblestone road. He sighed as the TV blared from the corner. Election coverage straight from Versoix. The TV was the only light source until the door opened and the footsteps of his faithful aid Charles and His Eminence entered, leaving the door to the palace's hallway open. The light flooded in and the Emperor winced as his eyes adjusted. The two men bowed slightly by inclining their heads before they stood still- awaiting the Emperor. "Ah, Cardinal Camus" said the Emperor. "Nice of you to join us" he concluded. "It is a pleasure your Majesty. I only wish to serve Frankish interests" the Cardinal said, inclining his head once again. Quickly, Charles crossed and handed over some papers within a thin folder.

"It seems we are clearly ahead in the Frankish speaking regions. The Patois are not as dense as we thought. The youth and surprisingly the elderly have been our stronger allies. It seems the middle-aged are rather divided" said Charles, shrugging. The Emperor did not speak but instead leafed through the papers, his eyes eagerly scanning each line. He glanced up in question and Charles knew. The Emperor's gaze was unwavering. "I...well. The Germanics are a bit more....divided it seems" Charles went on. "Too close right now. The Germanic region results are being counted the slowest" Charles went on- his gaze averting the Emperor's. The monarch sucked in heavily and puffed his cheeks. We walked slowly back to the window to stare out in thought.

Camus took a step, putting a finger in the air. "What if there was another way" said Camus, his look stern and unhindered. "What if some bishops were to be part of some confirmation committee. To help.........ensure........that everything is 'kosher', as the Hebrews say" said Camus, a broad but somewhat sinister smile crossing his face. The Emperor turned slowly, trying not to let his jaw sag. Now Charles again shared a look with the Emperor. "We can massage any results we want" continued the Cardinal, his smile somehow growing.

The people of Bourdignie had spoken. Francophone Bourdignie would join the Holy Frankish Empire, and Germanophone Bourdignie voted against continuing Eiffellandian presence. Chancellor Rheinfeld immediately ordered the Eiffellandian troops to withdraw in a swift but orderly manner from Bourdignie in cooperation with the government in Versoix. Furthermore, he adviced Georg von Heidemar-Fulda to abdicate as Grand-Duke of Bécs-Altstadt. It would be impossible for Eiffelland to defend a small enclave without a legal connection to it.

The Patois who voted against unification with the HFE generally accepted the result while gnashing their teeth, except for a group of about 1000 people. They decided to leave the country. The most fulminant anti-emperor twatterers went to Eiffelland.

Also the Germanophone Bourdignians who voted in favour of Eiffelland's troops remaining in Eiffelland accepted the result while gnashing their teeth, but also among them there were some who decided to leave.