Plans of Conquest

Franz Karl stands imposingly, “My fellow monarchs,” you and everybody else seat straight, “what I am about to propose is war and the expansion of our respective territories?”

Trusted servants hand maps to King Francois and King Emmanuel showing changes to the borders of their respective kingdoms. Frankia had annexed the Frankian-speaking region of Zentraland while the rest of it went to Sudreich. It is a small change for Frankia but it would be only Frankian-speaking region in the control of Frankia. That then just left the Wollanian region in the Kingdom of Netherbel.

King Emmanuel has his eyes stuck to the image of his kingdom on the map Franz Karl’s servant gave him. Asturias had grown significantly, having annexed the entire Kingdom of Aragon. But he notices that the large islands in the Great Mid-Land Sea did not go to him.

Before either Francois or Emmanuel could utter a word, Franz Karl brings out third map. It makes the eyes of the two Kings plus Queen Arianna to widen and bulge out of their sockets.

Franz Karl takes notice of their reactions and speaks, “I present to you the unified Kingdom of Italia.”

It includes Toscana and the Venician region of Sudreich and the Italian-speaking region of Zentraland. Naples too together with the islands of Sicacor, Sylici and Sirdania. But the Holy States still split it in two.

“And who pray tell will rule this new Kingdom of Italia?” Asks Francois accusatorily. “You’re second son and his Venician wife?”

“Yes,” Franz Karl answers cooly, “but do try to calm yourselves, my fellow Kings. My son will be King of the Italians. He will be no puppet of mine nor his brother.”

“I wish I could accept your words as a guarantee, cousin,” says Francois sternly, “I want a written truce signed by him once he is crowned. Not wars between our nations for fifty years. Any breach of this truce and all restraints are off.”

“The same goes for me.” Adds Emmanuel. “And to be clear on the matter, the Balearic Islands go to my country.”

“Those terms are acceptable.”

“I accept that!” Affirms Emmanuel.

Francois grumbles as he was getting the short end of the stick here.

“Still though, Wollanian region and the Kingdom of Lisbon are not part of these new greater countries.” States Alana appearing quite entertained with the proceedings.

“Unfortunately those places are guaranteed by Grand Driton. The last thing any of us wants is to drag them into this upcoming war.”

Both Francois and Emmanuel growl. “He is sadly right.” Says the latter.

“But speaking of Grand Driton, this is where Arch Duchess Beatrice comes into play. Her close family ties to the Royal family of Grand Driton will keep them out of it. She will go across the Driton Channel and use her influence to insure they stay neutral.” It was a suggestion. It is a direct order disguised as a kind favor.

“I was beginning to wonder what I’d do in all this.” Beatrice says sounding a little bored.

“Are we in agreement in this?”

Everyone says “AYE!”