"So now he speaks of negotiation. Well, better negotiation that outright rebellion.
Let me pose you a question or two, sir. What will happen to the Union in the span of a couple of decades if the vassalization is ended? Do you expect that it will be stronger? Or will it break altogether? Two states of nearly equal size and strength, economically and politically, would be formed, side by side... and I am to believe that they would not soon become natural rivals? It is a small thing that Sweden is sacrificing in order to obtain Scandinavian unity. After all, it is not as if a Swedish noble could not be elected to the Union crown next. Furthermore, it is not as if Sweden is taxed more heavily, or has fewer rights in any other sense, than Denmark or Norway. Were it not for old rivalries that still simmer beneath the surface, all of Scandinavia could very well be a single, unified state, no different from England, Castile, or Austria. And that is the goal that I strive for. Tell me, in such a country, would Sweden still be in "vassalage" to the crown? No! The only difference between the future that I see, and the one that you see, is that in your future, there would be much strife and animosity between fellow Scandinavians that would not take place in my future." The King stops and pauses for a breath, then rubs his chin thoughtfully.
"Something just occured to me, Lord Persson, that might make your people more happy. I shall see if I can explain it to you without making a fool of myself...
If the entirety of Sweden can be run by a Union Council, made up of the highest nobility throughout the land, why not the entire Union? Why not a "Council of Kings" from each of the three lands- Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Each land could then also have its own Union Council for the purpose of electing a King, unless of course they would prefer to retain the old hereditary system as the Norwegians have. I am not a power hungry man, Lord Persson; I simply strive for Scandinavian unity. So what if we maintained the Union, but equalized the power? Marshall Tott would be the King of Sweden, I assume; and I, the King of Denmark and Norway, for I already am. Plus, this would allow us greater unity between the two lands- our armed forces, our economies, would be unified, and would be the better for it. What do you say?"
A long silence followed the King's words, as a stunned Persson simply stared, openmouthed, while Erik looked off in the distance, lost in thought. Suddenly, the King brought his hand to his forehead, and with great concern in his voice, said,
"Perhaps I am still not well... I don't know what has come over me, it is a silly idea, and would never be accepted..."
While the King mumbled to himself, Lord Persson gathered his wits and prepared his answer.
