Duchess Eliza

You raise your head and stand up, dusting off some non-existent dust, "Let's pay the Duchess of Toscana a visit." Lord Dietrich nods his head, "She would bring a lot to table if you can marry her. I will go ready a retinue for the journey to Toscana. But what of your mother's wedding?"

"I shall inform my mother and Arch Duke Franz Jacques to go on ahead and we shall catch up." You make your way to the door. Dietrich speaks up as your open it. "Sire, you sound as though you are sure you can beat the competition and secure a marriage with the Duchess."

"I'm not certain at all. We shall travel there and see if it is worthwhile. The Duchy of Toscana is culturally and linguistically different from us and is the southern most territory of the Confederation. It's too far from Ostgrenze. Even further than Lothelsabourg."

The distance between the two nations would make it difficult to manage. Add to the difference in culture. Difficult for sure but it has been done before by other nobles. But if not properly handled, Toscana would eventually seek independence or unify with their cultural and linguistic neighbors. You only intend to unite the Almains. The people in Toscana weren't Almains. But still, uniting with Toscana would offer much to Ostgrenze. It's fertile lands grew plentiful grain and grew grapes which was the source of their wines. In addition, usage of their ports and therefore access to the Great Mid-Land Sea. You hate competition for marriage but it couldn't help to try.

You inform your mother of your plan to meet Duchess Eliza. She makes no objections. But she does embrace you and you bid a safe journey, but also emphasizes not to take too long and arrive in Lothelsabourg in time for her wedding. You **** a smile and tell her not to worry.

You leave with your retinue of guards. Dietrich will remain in Ostgrenze a little longer. While Beatrice and Franz Jacques would leave soon after you for their intended destination. The trip to Toscana is a long one; about two weeks long.