Announce the Union

"I have no idea how you could have done it, my King. But you did." Otto claps and your soldiers cheer and congratulate you on your success. "Wonderful work of diplomacy and negotiations. Now we have access to the Great Midland Sea. If we can maintain go relations with the nations between Ostgrenze and Toscana, we shall prosper." says Otto happily while carefully holding the treaty between Ostgrenze and Toscana. You, Otto and two other diplomats signed the document while Eliza, Mathilde, Piero and another from Eliza's council signed too.

"How did you do it, Sire?" a man asks.

You smirk, "I sent you guys out to have some fun. You came back with needed information. I will see you all rewarded for this." The men all cheer again.

"Still, Sire." Otto speaks with concern. "You took a pretty big gamble. Had you been wrong-"

"-Duchess Eliza would have slit my throat. I know, Otto. I understand best of all. But it worked out in the end."

The next day, Eliza made a public announcement which informed her citizens of the newest development to their nation. She leaves out the more illicit details of course. That was need-to-know information that would be kept by a select few. The declaration of the union between the two realms was met with mixed reactions. Some were simply stunned while others were more vocal of their protest. Eliza assured her citizens that while there will be change to come there would be no change to their way of life and culture. It silenced several voices of opposition but some still shook their heads. Both you and Eliza know they can't do much damage despite how negatively they might feel. But nonetheless, keeping the people happy means keeping you both in power.

"Citizens of Toscana, your King!" She introduces you to the crowd, the people of Toscana. Your people now. To both your and Eliza's surprise, they all bow down.

"Raise, citizen of Toscana!" You neutrally order. They straighten up and look at you. "I know that you all are stupefied in regards to this sudden development. But I swear to you I have no intention of changing the way you leave. All I ask is your continued obedience to the law of your land, your continued loyalty and service to your Duchess. I am not a tyrant who is here to oppress. I am a King and I do not intend to miss treat my own people. Which now includes you."

First you are met with silence. It worries you but soon your face grows peaceful as the people applaud you and Eliza. It was one man at first but the numbers grew and grew until all were applauding. You and Eliza look to each other and sigh in relief. It work out better than expect and thank the Almighty above for it.

Later that night, Eliza throws a feast worthy of a wedding. Similar to a wedding you and Eliza seat next to each other. You offer the Duchess playfully, "Do you wish me to feed you?" She whispers closely to you, "I have a reputation to maintain, my King." You smile at her words.

While you do allow Eliza and Toscana some form of autonomy, the treaty made it clear that she had to listen to you. One way to show that they've united was the change of the crests that flew around Toscana. That will come a little later on when enough had been tailored.