Chapter 11
A Sporting Chance
6th of Sixthmoon, LC 290 (6 Charles 9)
Benvenue, Catuna County, Principality of Rovena, United Principalities of Laruna
Although Prince Marco Severo did have a throne room in his palace for ceremonial occasions, he conducted most of his business in an ordinary if rather large office like any common politician or corporate executive. The aristocracy in Laruna had grown weak and only clung to the old titles as a matter of tradition and to better define their status vis-Ã -vis the other nations of the world. Rank seemed so unclear when dealing with people from republican nations like Verness and the Malvinas.
Of course, true power was not found in titles and names but in gold and iron. It was the bankers and the industrialists who were the real rulers. The nobility was just a facade, except for the few who were savvy enough to become bankers or industrialists themselves.
It was good for him to reflect on the way of the world because it was all coming to an end. Or was it? Was this New Earth Empire so different? Did their titles mean anything or were they just an empty shell? Who held the purse strings? Who commanded the economy? Would anything actually change if the nations of Miravel agreed to the Saintcharles Accords?
It was too late now to ponder on the possibilities...
His phone buzzed and he picked up the receiver.
"Your Highness," his secretary said, "Oberst Manetti is here."
"Send him in," the Prince said.
"Yes, Your Highness."
The door opened and in walked Oberst Manetti, his aide-de-camp and a pair of bodyguards. Oberst Manetti put up a stern front when they first met, but thanks to Marco Severo's diplomatic policy, that mask slipped away and the Oberst proved to be a rather warm and genial person. Under different circumstances, he probably could have been a friend.
"Marco Severo, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Oberst Manetti asked. "Some new development on the Hill you want to tell me about?"
The Prince was quite certain Oberst Manetti did not need him to be informed of what was going on in League Hall.
"Not quite, Herr Oberst," the Prince replied. "I wanted to let you know that I have been elected High Prince."
"Congratulations," Oberst Manetti replied.
"It is not something to be congratulated for, I am afraid. A High Prince is only elected in times of emergency, as in war."
"Well, I'm sorry to hear that. What's the emergency?"
"You know of the situation in Palatinia, surely."
"Yes."
"And you are also aware that our nation is bound by treaty to Palatinia."
"Yes."
Oberst Manetti's bodyguards went for their weapons, prompting the Prince's bodyguard to do the same.
"Stand down," the Prince told his bodyguard.
"But, Your Highness..."
"I said stand down."
"Yes, Your Highness," the bodyguard said reluctantly.
Oberst Manetti simply nodded for his men to stand down as well.
"Am I to take it that you won't be trying to ambush us?" Oberst Manetti asked. "Or is there a battalion waiting for us outside?"
"I am not so foolish, Herr Oberst," Marco Severo replied. "And I rather like this city. I do not want to see it suffer the same fate as Capitolinus."
"What is it you're wanting to tell me?"
"I want you to withdraw all your personnel as soon as possible. I can give you until midnight. If you cannot leave by air, take refuge at the Byrandian embassy. If you do not know the place, I have prepared a map for you."
Marco Severo took a slip of paper and slid it to the edge of his desk.
"I can only give you until midnight," he repeated. After that, as a member of the League of Six, I must treat you and your men as enemy combatants."
"That won't end well for you," Oberst Manetti said. "Break your treaty and you won't have to share Palatinia's fate."
"It is not so simple as that. Even if I could sacrifice my honor and the honor of the nation in a bid to save our own skins, we would face our former allies to the east and west and then there is Byrandia to the north as well. I cannot imagine them failing to take advantage of the situation. My family and I would suffer reprisals for our actions and I would be replaced by someone who would fulfill our treaty obligations, likely with more vigor than I ever would. At least this way I can attempt to mitigate the damage."
"I have a better solution," Oberst Manetti said. "Swear yourselves to the Empire now. Don't wait on the negotiations in the League. You'll be recognized as Imperial citizens with all the protections that go with it. Any attack on your territory would be an attack on the Empire and will be dealt with accordingly. Anyone who moves against you here in Laruna would do so as traitors and enemies to His Majesty the Emperor. Save yourself. Save your family. Save your people and your lands. You're an intelligent man, Marco Severo. You know this is the only way."
The Prince sighed.
"If we were governed by logic and cold reason, your way would indeed be the only way, but it is not so simple. An oathbreaker will not be forgiven. Our people would tear themselves apart. The only way forward for us is under one banner: the banner of war... and the banner of defeat."
"So you're doing this knowing you can't win?"
"There are only a handful of fools and hotheads who imagine any different outcome. I was elected not to lead our people to victory but to manage our defeat."
"I can't talk you out of this?"
"If there was a better way, I can assure you I would take it. Our nation must taste defeat if we are to accept the new order. However, I do not want my people to suffer as the Palatinians have been made to suffer for King Seleuceus' folly. That is why I want you and your men to withdraw out of harm's way and insofar as it is possible, I would like to avoid any direct conflict with the Empire."
"I don't know how understanding my superiors will be," Oberst Manetti said, "but I'll do my part. It's the least I can do."
"Thank you, Herr Oberst," the Prince replied.
"It's a pity," Oberst Manetti said. "You will be dealt with as a rebel for standing opposed to His Imperial Majesty's will, but I feel it is a waste of quality material. You could have been a worthy servant of His Majesty the Emperor. I suppose in your own way you are serving him if things go as you intend."
"I serve the people of Laruna first, Herr Oberst."
"Serving the children of the Father of All Humanity is serving the Father. The official history may not recognize you for it, but the secret chronicles will."
"So long as my people have a tomorrow where they can look back on today, I do not care how I am remembered."
"The matter will be settled shortly. Take what comfort you can in that."
If there was any comfort to be found in his words, it was dampened at the thought of the butcher bill to be paid first. How many of Marco Severo's people would have to suffer and die before their pride was killed? He did not relish the thought, not in the least.