In Chagny, the church bells only rang at 7 in the morning, noon, and 7 in the evening. Only on Sundays did they ring hourly. It was a tradition which hearkened back to the 1600's. Grand Duke Maximilien sat in front of a crackling fire and listened to the clang of bells in the distance which marked it to be 7 in the evening. He shifted in the velvet armchair and sipped his port. Claude Darc, the Grand Duke's Dean of Staff and the Count of Morteau sat in an identical chair. "I just don't know Claude" the Duke said, his eyes never leaving the fire. Darc was quiet for a long moment. "I do not know either. As I see it you have only a few options" Darc said. Maximilien was also quiet and it took Darc only a moment to realize he was waiting for Darc to go on.
"You can accept their offer. The Tiburan and Twentish Churches will back you. As will most of the Burgundian populace and royalists in Serenierre. Through your mother, you have the most legitimate claim to the throne. The other option is to delay. It is presumable that Tiburan and Twentish support will remain. Though you face the prospect of the Tiburan Pope not attending if you wait. As we mentioned, certain governments will support your new position despite support of the Church. As Coeurleon has not responded we cannot guess to their actions. You also face backlash from non-Frankish nations. Again, you have the support of both Churches not to mention support of many Orthodox and Jewish leaders. Option three is to claim the title but not take it" he said, standing and walking to a nearby table where he picked up a large lighter and lit a cigarette. Maximilien was still quiet. Darc walked to the window which looked into the courtyard. "These damned communists and republicans" said the Grand Duke. Darc was quiet before saying "the Republic is dead". Maximilien merely nodded. "The people see you as a savior. The communists will never succeed here. You need not concern yourself with them. The people just want stability now" Darc said, putting out his cigarette in an ashtray. "What happens when they want more?" asked Maximilien. "You give them a democracy we both can swallow" said Darc, sitting back down. The Grand Duke slowly nodded.
"You can accept their offer. The Tiburan and Twentish Churches will back you. As will most of the Burgundian populace and royalists in Serenierre. Through your mother, you have the most legitimate claim to the throne. The other option is to delay. It is presumable that Tiburan and Twentish support will remain. Though you face the prospect of the Tiburan Pope not attending if you wait. As we mentioned, certain governments will support your new position despite support of the Church. As Coeurleon has not responded we cannot guess to their actions. You also face backlash from non-Frankish nations. Again, you have the support of both Churches not to mention support of many Orthodox and Jewish leaders. Option three is to claim the title but not take it" he said, standing and walking to a nearby table where he picked up a large lighter and lit a cigarette. Maximilien was still quiet. Darc walked to the window which looked into the courtyard. "These damned communists and republicans" said the Grand Duke. Darc was quiet before saying "the Republic is dead". Maximilien merely nodded. "The people see you as a savior. The communists will never succeed here. You need not concern yourself with them. The people just want stability now" Darc said, putting out his cigarette in an ashtray. "What happens when they want more?" asked Maximilien. "You give them a democracy we both can swallow" said Darc, sitting back down. The Grand Duke slowly nodded.