With Ambition

You contemplate on the opportunity presented to you. The Confederation, despite its ostensible unity, has always been divided. A sudden spark of ambition ignites within you. There have been those who tried to truly unite the Confederation under one political entity but no one ever came close. The thoughts of you uniting the Confederation under you creeps into your head and desires. You don't want to get ahead of yourself but you consider this as the first step into unifying the Confederation under your rule. Perhaps one day, the map, rather than showing the many and disgustingly fractured lands of the Confederation, would instead show the united land of the Kingdom of Ostgrenze. Nay, the Empire of Ostgrenze.

You turn around to Dietrich to ask the man's thoughts on the matter. "Well, my wise and most trusted adviser, what do you have to say of this?" Dietrich motioned his hand and opened his mouth but his face told everyone that he had no true opinion. "All I would have said were already said, Sire. This has its positive and negative possibilities but the decision ultimately falls to you. Any more opinion on the subject from my part will only serve to sway you from coming to a decision of your own."

You give it one more quick yet deep thought. But you finally decide that your Kingdom will not be some mere footnote in the books of history. You will see it rise to greatness. Fortune favors the brave and life is filled with risk. Some greater than others, but equally so the rewards.

"I believe," you speak while the others all hold their breaths, "that congratulations are in order." Beatrice's eyes widen in joy and glee. Franz Jacques sighs, relieved and glad. Wilbur claps softly for his Lord's upcoming marriage. Dietrich gives small yet repeated nods and a barely noticed yet still there smile.

Your mother quickly embraces you, muttering her thanks again and again. After a while she lets you go and allows the Arch Duke to approach you. "Wilbur," he calls to his man, "have the necessary papers ready. I believe a treaty is to be signed."

"At once, my Lord." He quickly bows and leave the room. Franz Jacques offers you his hand and you shake it, "Your mother will be in good hands..., my king" he says, his voice filled with genuine gratitude and respect. After a few second of shaking hands, you let go. "Be sure that she is. Hurting the Queen Mother is a crime punishable by beheading."

Franz Jacques chuckles, "I expect no less."

"If I may ask," Dietrich walks over to you and the Arch Duke, "where will the wedding take place?"

"In Lothelsabourg, of course. The people will need to see their new Arch Duchess," he faces you, "and their new king."