With Caution

You contemplate on the opportunity presented to you. The Confederation, despite what it is, has always been divided. The map of the Confederation was a disgusting display of the many fractured and disunited lands it contained. The thoughts of you uniting the Confederation under you creeps into your head and desires but you don't want to get ahead of yourself. There have been those who tried to truly unite the Confederation but no one ever came close. Caution rises quickly within you. You dare not risk your and your family's downfall. Perhaps the Kingdom of Ostgrenze is best not having over stretched its hands.

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 it's positive and negative outcomes 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 have to content itself to simply be nothing more than a small territory within the Confederation. Perhaps one day it will rise to greatness but it will not be you who'll risk it. Fortune may favor the brave but some risks were simply too great. This was one of those risks.

"I believe," you speak while the others all hold their breaths, "that it is in the best interest of Ostgrenze that such a union and all it pertains not happen." Beatrice's eyes widen in shock and dismay perhaps even a little anger. Franz Jacques has the look of devastation on his face. Wilbur shakes his head in disappointment and sympathy for his Lord. Dietrich gives small yet repeated nods while his lips remain flat and unmoving

"Get out," Your mother hisses. "Mother, please understand-" You try to explain but she is wants nothing from you right now. "GET OUT!" She screams while tears spill from her eyes. It is a crushing and heartbreaking sight to see. "GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!" The Arch Duke wraps his arms comfortingly around Beatrice.

You feel a hand hold your shoulder. You turn your head to find Dietrich giving you a pleading look before nudging his head towards the door. Now you are a King and this is not something you should take lying down. But this is also a different situation. So you figure it's best to leave. You meet eyes with Wilbur who can only give you a nod of respect. It's not really something he can hold against you. You are after all thinking of what's best for your Kingdom.

You and Dietrich leave and head back to the throne room where you have a strong feeling you'll have a repeat of an earlier conversation.