The Guests Have Arrived -- Important Developments

And speak of the devil, they presented themselves. Duke Dolphus, we've been informed, is a man of excess and it shows. He was fat, fatter than Francois. He gave off the impression of a man whose heart could give out at anytime. He was also boisterous, not that you hold it against him. His son, Waldur, did not seem to inherit his father's gluttony and talkativeness. He was quiet, uninterested and bored and not the kind from a man who enjoyed pleasantries. Waldur was the spoiled yet indifferent kind. You do talk to them and thank them for attending. While Dolphus was joyous, Waldur just grunted and looked at you as if you weren't worth his time. Nobles who looked at other nobles that way wasn't new so you take it with stride. You weren't going to let him get to you. Your sister might just kill him soon.

Dolphus and Waldur, you determined, were not evil men. Just selfish and irresponsible. They weren't cruel and harsh to their subjects, just indifferent of them and cared not for their plights. But that was just as dangerous. You were taught by Hermann years ago in passing that a king who does not attend to his people will lose his crown. You ask them if they are concerned with the situation back at their realm, their reply to you is, "Nothing is of cause for alarm back home." Before laughing it off. And all the while, Hannah just looks dejected.

When Dolphus and Waldur leave and are out of earshot, Hannah loses it. "Do you see what I have to deal with! My father is ignorant of the situation and my brother doesn't care! If this keeps up, the people will revolt and we could lose everything!" Elizabeth calms her down by bringing her into a tight soothing hug. Elizabeth rubs Hannah's back, telling her it's okay.

"Something must be done." Elizabeth quietly says to you while she continues to hug Hannah. Hannah pulls herself away, "But what?!"

Elizabeth looks to you briefly and returns her sights on Hannah. "I know a way," You say quietly, "But you are better off not knowing." Hannah dries her tears with her sleeves. Taking a deep breath, she resolves herself, "I must know!"

You then look to Elizabeth before setting your eyes firmly on Hannah, "How **** are you, girl?" You say dangerously.

It doesn't surprise you when Grand Duke-Elector Jan of Bohi doesn't come. It is no loss however. Duke Elbert of Rheinland is a no show as well. Neither was the ruling family of Falenwest.

But what is a surprise is that the King of Sudreich has paid you a visit. A man in his early 50's with his once blonde hair starting to turn white. He has a neat and clean beard and mustache. He stood tall and imposing, his eyes emitting dominance and power. Wearing regal clothes fitting a powerful man, this is none other than the High Lord of the Confederation, the King of Sudreich and the older cousin of King Francois and Arch Duke Franz Jacques. This man is King Franz Karl.

You announce grandly "Hail his majesty, Franz Karl. King of Sudreich and High Lord of the Confederation." You bow deeply as does everyone present. Franz Karl may bear a calm smile but he demanded respect.

"Stand straight, young King. Stand straight all of you." Franz Karl declares with an authoritative voice. He looks straight at you when he orders, "Out all of you now." It was loud or strong, it was calm yet everyone took the hint and left you alone with him.

Once everyone had gone, the King folds his arms behind his back and says quite calmly, "So you are the young upstart who is making a name for himself."

Confidently you remark, "Young, yes. Making a name for myself, aren't we all. Upstart, I wouldn't know about that."

"The Dritons would call you a cheeky fellow with your remark. Lothelsabourg, Toscana, all within the first few months of your reign," he starts walking around, "quite the accomplishment, wouldn't you say?"

"With respect, my King, I wouldn't say so. Lothelsabourg was in very essence offered to me and Toscana was a product of opportunity if I may put it crudely."

"But all without a war." He chuckles, "I sent my youngest son to woo Duchess Eliza. As you probably know, it ended up a failure."

"I am not at fault for that."

"I never said you were, boy king." That stings a little. "But that is beside the point. What is the point is that you managed to get Duchess Eliza to come to an agreement with you." He sounds a bit impressed. "My youngest son went there expecting it to be an easy task despite my prior warning that Duchess Eliza will not be so easily swayed by titles and high positions. He is my son and I love him but I find him lacking."

You remain silent so he continues, "I know you have ambitions, boy king. If you hadn't, you would have just married Eliza. I was planning on offering a marriage between you and my youngest daughter, Sarah. But I found out I was too late. Or am I?" He looks at you critically. "It's not too late, you know. You aren't married yet but you can still call this all off. Marry my youngest daughter and I swear I will not try to hinder your ambitions. Plus, my daughter is much more beautiful than that ugly creature you call your bride." He laughs mockingly.