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The King ran his fingers absentmindedly along the desk in his father’s study - his study. The void left by the old King was vast and intimidating, Carlos knew it would be foolish to try and fill it completely himself; he was not his father, he would have to find his own style, mould the kingship around himself.

First order of business were the letters his aids had placed atop the desk. There were only a few, but he knew there would be many more awaiting him. The pile was headed by a letter with the seal of his father’s first minister, the Duke of Alba. Carlos had never quite warmed to the man, although by all accounts few had, nevertheless, the Duke’s competence was not in doubt.

True to form Alba’s condolences were perfunctory and the meat of the letter businesslike. Carlos could not help smiling at the Duke’s comparison of the nobility to elephants, with ‘grey and wrinkly’ springing to mind - somehow he doubted this was what Alba wished to evoke. All sound hard-headed proposals and advice, the King would no doubt act on much of it over the coming days. There were also a few outstanding matters from the last years of his father’s reign - colonial governance, the long awaited issue of regional rights and his own education project that he would need to discuss. Making a note for an aide to schedule a meeting, he moved onto the next letter.


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To el Duque de la Victoria

Your condolences are most welcome and it is gratifying to hear that our grief is shared. Our royal father owed his throne in no small part to your efforts as God’s instrument and that he held you in great esteem as a result. It is comforting to know that we have men as steadfast and able as yourself guarding the realm; I pray we may count on your service for many years to come.

I remain,
Carlos VI, Rey de España

~*~​

His correspondence taken care of, Carlos braced himself for court, however most of his concern was directed towards his wife. As Prince and Princess of Asturias they had managed to maintain a relatively quiet lifestyle, keeping court functions to a minimum. The increase in state functions would inevitably strain her delicate state of mind.

Though the ability to be strong for the sake of another blessedly banished some of the doubts and weakness from his mind.


((Cabinet and suchlike will be up later in the week, y’all have until then to convince the King that he wants to grant your every desire, whether that be personal advancement or some pet project your character has))

 
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((Private))

""Slut! Slut Detected!" was what I believe he said. By God, if I have never seen over a hundred noblemen and noblewoman turn pale white at the sight!" said the Duke of Seville. The German men around him were laughing hysterically at this. The Duke of Seville drank his pint of beer, hops grown in Saxony. Germany had treated him well over the past few days. His journey across Europe has shown some progress in achieving his goal, but Germany was the prize. If he can get the Northern Germans to back his endeavor, then nothing can stop him. For now though, he was enjoying his drink and conversing with some notable German politicians and noblemen. The Duke of Seville though was not here to just tell stories, he had a proposition.

"Tell me, what does the Northern German Government think of its Southern German neighbor?" The bar went quiet at the question, and faces all turned to see who had spoken such a thought.

"You dare talk about the one thing denying a united Germany?" shouted one voice from afar. "The Holy Alliance be damned in its insubordination to agreeing to keep the Germans separate!" the voice said as it stepped out of the crowd to talk to the speaker. He was a middle aged man, with a growing bold spot and a long mustache. "If I was in charge, I would have told the Spanish to go to hell! Germany must be united by force of arms for peace is doing nothing to aide our cause sir!" said the man, who walked away into the night from the bar.

The Duke of Seville leaned over to a friend of his, and asked him who that was. "That was Otto von Bismark, a very vocal member of the Prussian House of Lords. He is always going off on that Germany should be united by force of arms and that the Spanish are messing up this process by getting the Holy Alliance to shell Prussia in all conferences."

"Just the man I was looking for..." said the Duke of Seville.
 
The Emerald of Elche: Part XI

Elche. The city had come to mean so much to Esmeralda. She had spent her entire life here, from her times on the street and later the convent to her many years as a prostitute. She had strived to achieve success beyond any of her peers, breaking free of her pimp and taking control of her own fate, and she had succeeded. Now she catered to nobles all over Spain and could attend balls and other frivolous events, a thought that’d be foreign to her more than twenty years ago. Yet despite it all, she still always came back to Elche. It was her home, a place of stability in her life. It had become as much a part of her as it had become part of the title she had assumed. It was nice to be home.

Esmeralda lounged back in her chambers within the Emerald, her beloved brothel. If she opened the door, she could hear the chatter of patrons downstairs, conversing with each other and the girls before stalking off to one of the private rooms. They were quite boisterous tonight, meaning either quite a few of them were drunk or her girls were going to be very busy tonight. She smiled at that. The brothel had been making a tidy profit since it had opened, and unlike the male pimps that dominated the industry, she paid her girls well. They had earned it, after all.

As Esmeralda thought more about it, she once again considered retirement. She had reached the age where fewer men found her desirable, even though she could hide her age with the right clothes and a little powder. What she couldn’t hide was the aches and pains that came with aging. She couldn’t pull off the manoeuvres she once did in her youth, and she was likely to pull something if she tried to be as flexible as she once was. No, her time entertaining clients was over. Now she could focus on caring for her girls and ensuring they could assume her position. Perhaps she could even prep them for handling nobles. A brothel filled with young girls who could as easily please a commoner and cater to a noble was a novel idea. Maybe it was time to prepare a new generation of prostitutes, the new “Emeralds of Elche”. Yes, she certainly liked the sound of that. Time for the next stage of her life.
 
THE ALBA CHRONICLES (XVII) ((Private))
The climate was very hot and dry in Morocco today – same as it was almost during all of the year. As a small group of Spanish hussars rode through the sandy plains near Oujda, their young commander was constantly wiping sweat from his forehead and drinking from a flask. It was previously full of cooled wine, with bit of sugar - and yet now it was almost mulled.

- Enjoying the weather as well, Ramon? - the officer asked his sergeant, once again raising the wineskin to his lips. It was none other that Don Ramiro Esteban Carlos Fitz-James Stuart y Soneta di Belmonte, once the socialite star of the aristocratic Madrid. However it was him – and yet not him. Three years in Morocco have changed the Count-Duke of Olivares, making him a hardened soldier. In the dusted cavalry uniform covered by a long cloak, with a sunburnt face (mix of brown and reddish spots) and with a long pink scar left by a lance on his neck during the battle of Tetuan, it was a different person now – grimmer and stronger.

- Yessir. If it is a winter, I am a crocodile! – Ramon Baltestes answered in a sullen way. It was an old trooper, in his fifties, a career NCO of the Spanish Army. Enlisting during the Carlist Wars, he served in all wars since then and has gained many medals and commendations. While he could never become an officer (among other reasons, because being unable either to read and write), this wrinkled sinewy warren was reliable and brave - and the young lieutenant was happy to have him under his command.

The warfare in Morocco has practically ended – the Sultan and his local elites bent their knees before King Carlos, understanding that servitude was better than annihilation. Some of them started to understand the pluses of European culture and rapidly, though Spanish merchants, bought luxury furniture, pianos and even alcohol (which was portrayed as medicine).

And the commoners in this state, based on piracy and slavery, were fucked anyway, whoever they served.

Still, some sources of resistance existed – and today Ramiro and his men were going to destroy one of the principal ones.

The problem was that Morocco was not very centralized. It may be called an Etxeto wet dream, for it was extremely feudal in its nature. The amghars, the local tribal chiefs, held absolute power over their territories, yet had various obligations towards the Sultan, like giving him men for his army. Many of them were slaughtered and taken hostage during the war, others agreed to declare their allegiance to the Spanish King. And yet some defied the will of Muhhamad IV, continuing to resist.

The most fierce of them was the Alawi chieftain, Hassan-al- Taudi, known as Almubaraza (Sabre). A cruel ruffian and Moslem fanatic, he has killed foreigners long ago the start of the war. His gangs caused many problems both to Frenchmen in Algeria and to any Europeans that arrived in Morocco. He kidnapped and robbed Western traders, raped their women – and then either killed them or sold to other barbarians. During the Moroccan war he was one of the generals to Muhhamad – yet after the end of it declared that he no longer recognized him as Sultan and would alone fight a jihad against the foreigners. It was not a wonder – he would have been otherwise hanged for his misdeeds.

And today they finally had the chance to finish with him, de-facto beheading the hydra.

- There is this shrine. – the Count-Duke of Olivares pointed at a small green temple, located near the secluded oasis. Surrounded from all sides by cypresses, it looked unnatural in the center of this desert. As Ramiro was told in the headquarters, this place hosted a certain "old cripple" сalled Ahmad, a mullah who was one of their agents, as well as his two sons. The cleric knew where Almubaraza and his riders were camping – and was ready to spill the beans for a good pay. This is why the lieutenant carried a small bag of gold with him.

When Ramiro and his ten soldiers approached the gates, all decorated with the Islamic moons, they immediately opened – and two men in white turbans, one a boy of seventeen and the other a muscled brute in his thirties, bowed to them. – Come in, come in . – the older person said in French, probably the only foreign language that was known by some of the locals. The soldiers dismounted – and the two sons of the mullah said to them. – Father in the garden. We water horses, you talk. Placing most of his men in the yard, the Count-Duke walked into a small thicket of figs and olives. In its middle they saw an old man, with a long bushy beard and tense black eyes, sitting in a chair. He smiled, demonstrating the line of yellow rotten teeth. – You are Ahmad? - asked the young officer in French, looking at the man. The stranger grinned again. – Yes. And you are my bag of gold? Don Ramiro demonstrated to him the money, even moving the bag, so the coins would clink – however, did not pass it to the agent. – Would give it to you when you tell us where is Almubaraza and his bandits.

The mullah stood up and walked towards the Spaniards. His crooked fingers extended towards the bag – and then moved back. - Of course. It is nice working with you, kafirs – even though sometimes I wonder… The Prophet has said that we are the chosen ones – and yet now we bow before you. How is it possible? The nobleman looked at the cleric with suspicion. Something was fishy here – and yet he did not know what. He answered, carefully choosing his words. – Well, one speck of dust in the world would not move without the will of Allah, yeah? So Allah himself has ordained so that we come here…. The mullah once again bared his teeth and nodded enthusiastically, answering in a sing-song voice. He was very happy about something – was it the money or something else? – Yes, yes, and He, in His omnipotence, also ruled that you would come today to me as well… He wanted to add something, but Ramiro suddenly drawn his dagger and, grabbing the mullah by the beard, pushed him towards one of the trees. – You are not one who you say you are. Quick, to the yard! The sentries and Ramon, the sergeant, looked at him in surprise - but followed their commander. The Count-Duke of Olivares, still threatening "Ahmad»"with his blade and dragging him forwards, quickly explained. – He is not a cripple, he walks as well as all of us. It is an imposter!

In the yard they saw quite a peaceful picture. The sons of the mullah have been putting plates with various dishes on the table. There was meat, bananas, a big bowl of steaming soup, a jar of camel milk. The soldiers were chattering among themselves, longing for the feast – and exchanging simple jokes with their hosts. All of it looked so innocent– and for a moment the lieutenant started to doubt his suspicions. And then the old man shrieked, in a loud shrill voice. – Selim, Abdullah! Run, my children! He has shouted it in Arabic – yet the phrase was not difficult to understand, since Ramiro already started to learn the local language. Immediately the older son lurked towards the gates, but the sergeant and another sentry blocked his way. The brute growled and brandished a knife – and in the next moment Ramon drove the bayonet of his musket into his chest. The man let out some kind of gurgling gasp – and fell. The mullah roared with rage – and the youngest of his sons stood still like a terrified statue.

- Quick! Check the horses! – the Count-Duke of Olivares ordered to one of the men – and then he rushed towards the stables. They waited for several minutes that seemed to be very long - and then the soldier returned, pale. – Our horses have been poisoned! Some of them are dead and others… neighing and beating hooves in pain! The "mullah" сackled, venom in his eyes and voice. He spit on the ground, his saliva brown from tobacco. – You would all die here. Allah would laugh when He would see the corpses of such animals rot in the desert! Ramiro knew that all these silly Saracens liked to speak in a poetical way – he was more down-to-earth person. – Where is Almubaraza? And where is the real mullah and his sons? – he promply asked, piercing a bit of the skin on the old man’s neck. The latter smiled unpleasantly, as blood poured down his chest. – These sons of donkeys are now in hell. And great Amghar Hassan… I would better die than inform on the Sword of the Faithful!

Ramiro sighed. They could do it the long way – and short way. But they could not afford the short way, otherwise they would fail their mission – and maybe lose their lifes. He gave a sign to his soldiers to bring the youth forward. Clearly the real son to this bastard. – What is your name? – he asked this wretch, as he trembled. – Selim-m. – finally answered the boy. Boy… Ramiro was only four years older than him. He threw a glance at the fake mullah, an inquisitive glance. – You lost one son – do you want to lose another? Tell us where is Almubaraza. The old man once again laughed – a nasty hoarse sound. For a moment he looked at his son, pity and anger in his eyes – but then mastered himself. And answered, defiance in his voice. – I am not like you, kafirs. I would not sell my soul even for the life of my son. If you kill him, he would feast with houries - for he is a soldier of Allah, like myself. The lieutenant bit his lips. It was a hard nut to break - but he would do it. Is he not an Alba? Is he not of blood of the Iron Duke? He grinned wolfishly and nodded to his men.

- Take off his trousers. As they started to do it, the old rebel looked at him, confusion now replacing contempt in his eyes. And this was good - first confuse your enemy, and then defeat him. - What... What you are going to do? - he whispered. The Count-Duke of Olivares partly hated himself for he had to do - but knew he would do it anyway. - I would not kill him, you fool. I would simply castrate him and then cut his eyes out. This is what you did to that German merchant, yeah? He may spend the rest of his life as a beggar, a shadow of a man. There was now total horror in the gaze of the grey rebel. Brandishing his dagger, Ramiro kneeled before the trembling militant. - I ask for the last time - where is Almubaraza? You answer NOW! The fake mullah opened his mouth and finally uttered. - He would be here in half an hour, with twenty horsemen. Would come from the direction of these mountains.

The Count-Duke of Olivares stood up and sighed. So it was not them coming for this jihadist now - it was him coming from them. They were outnumbered. What to do? Flee, leave this hound as victor? Never - for now they have the greatest weapon, weapon of knowledge.

- You two, guard this scum. Others, follow me. - the officer led his group towards a small hill, covered by trees, not far from the shrine. Here they could easily hide without being detected. He told his men-at-arms to load their rifles - and took one himself. In the Royal Guard he was considered one of the best marksmen, like father, like son. Today it would be seen if shooting living targets is as easy as the colored shields during regimental tournaments.

Some time passed before a small cavalcade appeared. Twenty dark-faced warriors, in loose djellabas and traditional red caps, armed with spears and old guns. Their leader was, however, different. With a proud and cruel face, he sported a tunic of red silk over an ancient chainmail - and even from distance one could see emeralds and rubies shining in his turban. It was Amghar Hassan. the Almubaraza. - Each pick a separate target and shoot. One of you shoot the horse of Almubaraza. The soldiers raised their rifles - and Ramiro did so as well. They waited for a moment when the group was completely close to them - and then their weapons thundered. Loud shrieks, cries and moans soon eliminated the silence of the desert. Many of the rebels were now only blood heaps of flesh and cloth, lying on the sand. Some of them tried to return the shots - but the Spaniards had time to fire again before they could, and the corpses and wounded invalids covered the ground. Some of the ruffians turned their mounts round and spurred away - but not their chieftain, Hassan. The first shot killed his steed and knocked him from the saddle, and when he tried to stand up, a bullet sent by Ramiro crushed his knee, making unable to walk. When the triumphant Spaniards walked towards the newly created field of death to pick him up, he was rolling his eyes, hissing and cursing in Arabian - but nobody feared him now.

Returning to the shrine, Sergeant Baltestes started to prepare their return to the headquarters. The hardest part was horses. Most of their died after being given poisoned water. They caught some of these that belonged to the bandits, but most managed to run away. And there clearly was not enough.

- Sir, it is a problem. - Ramon said, concern in his voice. He threw a glance at the prisoners - five wounded militants, Hassan, the old bogus mullah and his young son. - Even if we put some of the horses in the carts, we would not be able to bring these to our place fast enough. And in an hour or so the other men of Almubaraza would come, a hundred at least... He did not finish the sentence, yet Ramiro understood what he meant - and nodded. - ... And if we leave them there, they would tell our numbers and describe where we went. He stayed silent for a moment, lowering his head and taking gulps of the warm air, as if it was best champagne. When he looked up at his soldiers, there was dedication in his gaze - as well as coldness, similar to the one of his fathers. - Well... If they WOULD try to run, we would not have to bring them alive, would not we? Lots of voices confirmed his words, agreeing with the idea.

Ramiro was the first to pick the target. And he decided to take the hardest one - not one of these smelly long-haired long-bearded reapers, not the old liar, but the frightened youth, his son. He walked towards him, studied his face for a few moments - his brother would be that age in two years. Then took his sword out - and with one sharp slash cut his throat open. In a few minutes his soldiers shot the other prisoners. They now did not have heavy luggage - save for Almubaraza, who was left alive and tied to one of the saddles, Soon the detachment rode away, as speedy as they could.

In the headquarters Hassan was interrogated and soon gave the authorities the neccessary information, before the military tribunal condemned him to hanging for various murders of civilians. His men were hunted and slayed, other resistance groups were soon dealt with as well. Ramiro was commended for his excellent leadership during such a delicate operation - and for not losing one soldier in it.

He answered them politely - but did not tell anyone that at night he saw nightmares. Felt the sweetish smell of corpses, quickly rotting under the hot Moroccan sun, saw the frightened face of the young rebel - and his blood on his sword. Sometimes he woke up with tears on his eyes.

Some time passed and Ramiro was recalled to Spain. He felt that the service within His Catholic Majesties Army in Morocco changed him a lot. Made his stronger, more serious, more responsible - and yet left the part of his soul there.
 
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(From the Diary of Elena Victoria Veranzo-O'Connor Don)
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Green Fields, Green Dreams
Today father and I disembarked in the town of Cork. It was my first time seeing Ireland and father hadn't been there since grandmother died. We prayed at the church for the health of King Carlos VI and Irish independence. While Father's Gaelic was rusty he managed to hold a conversation with the priest, I couldn't understand everything they said but I could tell they were speaking about their mutual hatred for the English.

Passing through the beautiful countryside was both amazing and yet disheartening. Father spoke of the oppression of the Irish peasantry by their English overlords, he said it was natural for Protestants to be heartless oppressors, especially towards the Catholic faithful. He said 'deep down the heretics know we are right but they would rather repress and kill us'.

When we arrived in Connacht, we were greeted by our Irish relatives, I didn't say much as I speak little Gaelic, but I could tell father enjoyed himself greatly and I hadn't see him this happy in ages. Once again the topic was hatred of Britain and the hope for Irish independence. Father said he would do all he could to help gain support for Ireland back in Spain.

When dusk came, I decided to sneak out. I know father would punish me if he found out but I couldn't stand being cramped indoors anymore. The fields and the land were beautiful, this truly is a beautiful land, in more ways then one. As I returned to the manor, a redheaded servant girl caught, I was frightened at first, thinking she'd tell father I had gone out, she looked frightened and simply bowed. She was quite beautiful, just like this country, I wish my Gaelic was better so I could have conversed with the beauty, sadly it wasn't so.
 

Name: Dr. Gregorio Vicente Osorio de Moscoso

Date of Birth: 25 December 1830

Background: Gregorio is the third son of a minor noble in eastern Spain. With little chance of any significant inheritance, his father had hoped for him to pursue a career in the military, but Gregorio was of weak constitution and unsuited for such a path. Instead he possessed an aptitude for science and other intellectual topics. He spent much of his youth in study, but found himself most drawn towards religion and other matters of faith. Early on he sought a career in the Church, but his views often conflicted with his peers. To this day, he claims to have been ordained as a priest, although the Church has no record of this. With that path blocked, he followed his next passion: medicine. Gregorio attended the University of Zaragoza and graduated with top honours, now fully trained as a physician or medical doctor. He spent the years after graduation serving as a personal physician to several notable nobles throughout Europe, helping them with mental and physical ailments. He has become renowned for his many successful cases and an odd habit of involving faith and God in his methods. Now he aspires to a much loftier position that will set him for life.

((Assume Esmeralda is still around but has started focusing on her brothel rather than personally attending to clients. People are free to make use of her girls as needed. ;)))

* * * * *

((Private - Keinwyn))

To His Majesty King Carlos VI, King of Spain, etc,

You do not know me, but I wish to offer you my most sincere condolences. I am a physician of no small skill and upon hearing of your father's ailing health, I had planned to return from a job in Two Sicilies to offer him my services, but it appears that I arrived too late. Spain has lost a most generous king who guided the nation well with his iron will. His loss will be felt throughout Europe for many years. While I was unable to use my skills to aid your father in his time of need due to my distance from court, I shall extend the same offer to Your Majesty. If you have need of a physician, either for you or another of the royal family, I would be more than willing to offer you my services. May you rule as wisely as your father.

- Dr. Gregorio Vicente Osorio de Moscoso

Included is an extensive list of every influential client Gregorio has served as a personal physician.
 
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To Dr. Don Gregorio Vicente Osorio de Moscoso

Señor,
Your reputation is well known and his majesty's household has received recommendations on your behalf from notable individuals.
I would be pleased to meet with you to discuss further your application. Should all be satisfactory, you may be invited to an audience at His Majesty's pleasure.

Regards,
Don Rafael de Arteaga e Idiáquez
Head of HCM's household.
 
Alejandro was shocked at the death of Rey Carlos V. He needed to send a letter of great importance to the new King, and so Alejandro set to work on it's composition. After many attempts he was satisfied with what he had written.

To his most Catholic Majesty, Rey Carlos VI todas las Españas, ((@Keinwyn))

I am most grievous when of the passing of your late August father. Allow me to serve you as I have served him, in your most elated cabinet.
I am your servant to what you wish me to do, but I would be most enthused if you could see me in a capacity to serve in the new colonial ministerial border that was presented by the Duke de Alba,

May God Bless thee, and I await your response most anticipantly

His Serene Highness Alejandro de Soneta di Belmonte, Minister of Public Works in the Rey Carlos V cabinet.
 
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It is announced that the following awards will be made as part of the King's coronation honours:

Tomás de Zumalacárregui e Imaz, Duque de la Victoria for his continued and tireless service to the crown and meritorious service in Morocco shall be made Knight Grand Cross of the Royal and Military Order of Saint Hermenegild, as well as a Knight of the Order of Isabella the Catholic.

For his role as head of the war office and long standing military service, the Duke of Zaragossa shall be made Commander with Star of the Royal and Military Order of Saint Hermenegild, as well as a Knight of the Order of Isabella the Catholic.

Rodrigo Fajardo de Mendoza, Baron of Polop shall, for long and meritorious service, notably against sulu, be made a Commander of the Royal and Military Order of Saint Hermenegild.

Don Carlos María de Alvear y Ponce de León, for long and meritorious service, notably in expanding our domains in the Niger, shall be made a Commander of the Royal and Military Order of Saint Hermenegild.

General Roberto Rafael Cortez Allende, for long and meritorious service, notably in expanding our domains in the Niger, shall be awarded the cross of the Royal and Military Order of Saint Hermenegild.

The Count of Vizcaya, for long standing service in government shall be made Commander of the Royal and Distinguished Spanish Order of Charles III.

HSH the Prince of Belmonte, also for long standing service in government shall be awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Royal and Distinguished Spanish Order of Charles III.


Both in recognition of their service, and in recognition of the need to provide adequate leadership for the greatly expanded army, the King further allows the promotion of the following individuals:


Almirante SAR El Infante Juan, Conde de Montizón
General de Ejército Isandro Durante, Duque Zaragoza y de la Torre
General de División Rodrigo Fajardo de Mendoza, Báron de Polop y Benidorm
General de División Carlos María de Alvear y Ponce de León
General de División Roberto Rafael Cortez Allende

~*~​

Carlos VI also makes some changes to his father’s cabinet, notably re-creating the old Council of the Indies as the Indies and Africa Council (as envisioned by the Duke of Alba), as well as reintroducing the Office of the Navy as a cabinet level post in recognition of the important role of the navy in maintaining a colonial empire such as Spain has begun to develop. He also merges Economic Affairs into the treasury brief, and Public Works into the interior secretariat.

First Secretary of State: Duque de Alba (Mars)
Second Secretary of State: Conde de Vizcaya (Dadarian)
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs: Duque de Alba (Mars)
Secretary of State for the Treasury and Economic Affairs: Duque de Escalona (Qwerty)
Secretary for the Office of War: Duque de Zaragossa (Otto)
Secretary of State for the Interior: Conde de Vizcaya (Dadarian)
Secretary of State for Grace and Justice: Conde de Veranzo (Imperator)
President of the Indies & Africa Council: Príncipe de Belmonte (ML)
Secretary for the Office of the Navy: SAR El Infante Juan, Conde de Montizón (Pluto)
Secretary of Church and Papal Relations: Arzobispo de Toledo (Luft)​

Governor General of the Philippines: Báron de Polop (lifeless)
Governor General of the Niger: General Cortez Allende (Terra)
HCM's High Representative at the Moroccan Court: Don Aldo Trumpo (Noco)

~*~​

((Private - Cabinet, RR))

We believe the realm is largely in good health, however, there are a number of outstanding issues that require our attention. First off is the matter of creating proper organs of regional administration, our royal father originally requested that these be limited to confirming traditional rights in the Basque lands, Aragon, and Catalonia, however, it seems to us that the monolith that is central government is ill suited to such an arrangement. We would appreciated your Excellencies opinions on this matter.
We also wish to request our Interior secretary’s cooperation on the matter of religious education that we raised whilst Prince of Asturias.
Internationally we face a precarious situation with the Holy Alliance in a very tense position, I expect Don Esteban will shed more light on this, though the opinion of you all would be welcome. Perhaps our coronation may be used as an opportunity for diplomacy, with the treasury so full the splendour of the Spanish Crown may be put on full display for foreign dignitaries.
 
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((Private))

"I won a medal," said Carlos Maria, looking at the letter from the King.

"You won a medal," said the aide.

"I got recognized...for sitting in Africa for several months," said Carlos Maria.

"Yes."

"And yet I still don't have any Frenchmen to fight!"
 
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From the desk of Don Carlos Antonio Maria de Veranzo-O'Connor Don, Count Veranzo and Prince of Connaght
To His Majesty, Carlos VI, King of Spain ect.

Your Majesty,

I thank you kindly for offer of a ministry and I gladly accept. I'll conduct my ministry with the up most professionalism as expected of a noble of the Spanish Empire.

If it so pleases his Majesty, I would also like to inquire about the possibility of establishing a 'Hibernian Legion'. A force of Irish exiles to serve in the Royal Army, and for them to only return once Ireland is a free Kingdom once again.

With Regards
Don Carlos Antonio Maria de Veranzo-O'Connor Don
 
FRANCESC ÀLEX ÒSCAR ELOI ROMÀ
Duc de Menorca, Conde de Maó
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Date of Birth:
June 21st, 1803

Occupation:
Aristocrat

Biography:
Born in the Baleares, "Little Eloi," while well known among Menorcans as a generous aristocrat, is a relative unknown among the Court in Madrid, which he is often chastised by the few noblemen who are aware of his existence for refusing to attend without an official invitation from His Majesty himself, do to a combination of pride and his dedication to autonomy for what he perceives as a unique and greatly neglected region of Spain. While largely apolitical, he believes in federalism and regional parliaments as the most effective and representative means to organize Spain, regardless of how the King of Spain governs over the nation as a whole. Romà served very briefly as an officer in the Spanish Army before retiring at the nearest because he was taken too far from his home. Regardless, despite only ever being a low officer in the Spanish Army under Generale de la Casa, he used this "experience" to lay claim to the leadership of Menorca's militia, a claim few bothered to contest due to his influence and the relative insignificance of being "colonel" of less than forty men.


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Alejandro was most elated when he heard of his promotion to the presidium of the colonial governments, it was a role he had desired to be made, and for himself to have. Furthermore the King saw it fit to anoint him with medals, to recognize his contribution to the cabinet, and his long service to the realm. Immediately he send a letter of thanks to the new king. Also, in recognition of this great news, he commissioned a new coat of arms.

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To His most Catholic Majesty Rey Carlos VI of All Spains,

I am most grateful that you see me as able to lead to such a capacity, i shall promise to not disappoint. Furthermore, i thank you for bestowing the great honour of the medal of your forefathers upon myself, i promise to uphold their legacy. I am forever your servant, and what you want, i shall endevour to provide.

Yours most faithfully,
His Serene Highness Alejandro de Soneta di Belmonte, Prince of Belmonte
 
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To The Most Illustrious The Count of Veranzo and Prince of Connaght

It is with great affection that we regard those of Irish roots who have found fertile soil here in our domain, in addition, the Irish battalions currently in service are loyal and valorous, therefore such an initiative has our wholehearted blessing. Specific reconsiderations may be made to the Captain-General, the Duke of Victory and the Secretary for War, the Duke of Zaragossa.

I remain,
Carlos VI, King of Castile, Leon, Aragon etc.
 

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TO THE KING and Cabinet (Private)


Your Majesty, my dear colleagues,

It is once again a honor for me to lead the cabinet and I thank my Sovereign for His trust. Regarding the pending affairs of state, I must say the following.

The international situation is, of course, precarious. The Holy Alliance is an entity due to which we could guard the peace and tradition in Europe for many decades - and, as I did during the reign of the late King Carlos V, I would do my utmost to preserve it. However, we must understand that sometimes some happenings are beyond our control - we know that we already had to hold two international conferences to settle the German Question and it is possible that such problems would arise in the future again. Then we would need to consider our options. I remind the cabinet, that we, along with our Holy Alliance obligations, also have private arrangements with Austria, United Kingdom and Netherlands.

I believe that using the coronation of His Catholic Majesty as a unifying event for our partners within the Holy Alliance is a very good idea. Perhaps it would have been appropriate, if our august King has written letters to the monarchs of the Holy Alliance states, inviting them to Madrid for the celebration.

I have also improved and extended the draft act that has been previously written by the governmental committee set by myself in the regard of the regional governance. I believe that it combines a conservative nature with the wide participation of the local forces in the decision-making processes regarding their communities, in contrary to the practice of the liberal centralism as professed by the Christinos. Hopefully this proposal would be to your liking.

If we move to other matters of governance, I believe that it may be reasonable to continue to expand our empire in Africa. Perhaps such entity as the Caliphate of Sokoto could be a reasonable aim for our just liberation? However, I do await information from the President of the Council for Indies and Africa regarding potential opportunities, the statuses and relationships of such barbarian states that may be brought under the Spanish hand.

We could also consider certain measures regarding industrialization to generate more profit and create more labor opportunities within Spain. Perhaps a system of state-owned enterprises could be created - however, here I await for the expertise of the Secretary for Economics and Finance, We must also be sure that such path would not led to the growth of inappropriate attitudes and moral degradation of these common people who would work in the factories.


General of the Infantry Don Esteban Alonso Fitz-James Stuart y Silva,
Duke of Alba
HCMs First Secretary and Secretary for Foreign Affairs.


A Decree for Proper Administration of the Kingdom of Spain

We, CARLOS VI, by the Grace of God, King of Castile, Leon, Aragon, of the Two Sicilies, of Jerusalem, of Navarre, etc, decree the following:
I. We affirm that a new regime would be set in the regions of the Spanish Realm.
a. Each of these regions shall be comprised of a varying number of provinces, as defined in the existing bureaucracy of our nation.
b. Each constituent province shall be comprised of a varying number of municipalities.
II. A regional government will be formed in each region.
a. Regional governments are subordinate to the national government in every aspect, unless they are specifically granted a power to exercise over the territory and inhabitants of their region by Our act or decree of Our government.
b. The regional governance as established is responsible and subordinate to Us in every aspect.
c. Membership of a regional government grants an individual the same privileges granted to members of the national government
d. Membership of a regional government does not exclude an individual from taking place in the national government.
III. We would appoint Viceroys, one as executive for each region. The Viceroy is the formal head of the regional government , the highest civil authority of each region and serves in that capacity at Our pleasure. The Viceroy may simultaneously hold the office of Captain General of each region and act as its highest military commander.
a. The Viceroy is to possess a Spanish patent of nobility or belong to the clergy .
b. The Viceroy must have been born within the region or lived there for at least 20 years and/or his primary assets must be located there and he must be an inhabitant of the region in question during the entirety of his term.
d. The Viceroys are empowered to adjust regional taxation and tariffs by up to 5% and subsidize local industry and agriculture. The Viceroys also have the power to veto any decisions passed by their respective Real Audiencia (Royal Audience).
e. The First Secretary of our Council of Ministers may appoint an acting Viceroy for the region until Our confirmation or appointment of a permanent Viceroy.
IV. In each region an Real Audiencia would be constituted. Each Real Audiencia would be comprised of sixty members serving in this capacity at Our pleasure. The members of the Real Audiencia for each region would be elected in the following manner:
a. Twenty members of each Real Audiencia would be appointed by Ourselves and serve at Our pleasure. These members would bear the title of Regional Councillors and are to correspond with the criteria for the selection of a Viceroy as set by article III of this decree.
b. Twenty members of each Real Audiencia would be nominated by the landed nobility of each region from its ranks and confirmed by Us. The procedure of the nomination of these members is to take place in accordance with the local fuero rights and specifications for each region. The specifications are to be drafted by Our government in consultation with the local nobility and confirmed by Us. These members would bear the title of Delegate Lords.
c. Twenty members of each Real Audiencia would be nominated by the clergy of each region. The process of the nomination is to be set by the Primate of Spain and confirmed by Us. These members would bear the title of Lords Spiritual
V. The regional Real Audiencia possess the following powers and duties:
a. Each Real Audiencia has a charter to issue local ordinances with regards to local culture, local taxation, health, spatial planning, criminal and civil law and powers of the municipal authorities. The extent of the powers is defined by the local fuero rights and royal charters signed by Us or our predecessors for each consequent region. Each ordinance of the Real Audiencia has to receive the approval of the Viceroy and Us before being enacted into power.
b. Each Real Audiencia acts as the junta de hacienda (« royal financial board») of the region. In this capacity it meets monthly and is to monitor the spending and the financial activities of the Viceroy and his local government («privy council») and is empowered to demand any information in that regard from the Viceroy. The results of such enquires are reported by the Real Audiencia to the national Secretariat of Finance or directly to Us.
c. Each Real Audiencia acts as the highest appellate court of the region in regards to the lower courts of the first and second instance with exception of crimes against the state or faith which are to be investigated by special tribunals..
d. Each Real Audiencia possesses other powers and privileges as set by this and other Royal decrees and charters.
VI. The regional Real Audiencia is reelected each five years, however may be dissolved anticipatorily:
a. By the resolution of the Viceroy and upon Our confirmation. In this case the Real Audiencia must be reelected in a period of time not exceeding six months since the dissolution
b. By the resolution of the Real Audiencia itself and upon Our confirmation. In this case the new Audiencia Reale must be reelected in a period of time not exceeding six months since the dissolution
c. By Our decree for a period of time as set by the decree
VII. Each Real Audiencia nominates its President in accordance with the procedure set by itself and sets his powers and duties. The President of the Audiencia Reale takes his office upon Our confirmation.
VIII. The Viceroy of a region appoints one Governor for province his region. The Governor may also be appointed directly by Us.
a. The Governor is an executive to the Regional government and holds no individual powers, except for those specifically granted to him.
b. The Governor must correspond the criteria as set by each Real Audiencia and approved by Us or by Our separate decree.
c. The Governor must be an inhabitant of the province in question during the entirety of his term and must have been for at least four years prior.
IX. The male inhabitants of each municipality within the region nominate the Magistrate of the municipality. The Viceroy would either approve of the candidacy of the Magistrate or withhold His approval and 1) order the new nomination procedures to take place, 2) appoint the Magistrate directly.
a. The Magistrate is an executive to the regional government and holds no individual powers, except for those specifically granted to him.
b. The Magistrate must correspond the criteria as set by each Real Audiencia and approved by Us or by Our separate decree.
c. The Magistrate must be an inhabitant of the municipality in question during the entirety of his term and must have been for at least four years prior.
d. The procedures of the nomination and the voting rights of the populace during the nomination procedures are set by each Real Audiencia, however to nominate and be nominated as Magistrate, the inhabitant of the region should 1) provide the registering officer with positive references from the provincial Governor regarding his loyalism and law-abidance and from the diocesan Bishop regarding his regular church attendance and good morals.
X. All regional actions and ordinances combined may not lead to an (increased) deficit on the national budget.
XI. This decree does not relate to the administration of the Spanish colonies.
 
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The following pamphlet appeared in various Spanish cities:
((Aimed at poor (and secondarily middle) classes:))



The Third Estate

People of Spain!

...

Though, Spain has forgotten the victories of our fathers, who could speak their mind without fear. Today's Spain is a country that is not a community of free men like it was decades ago, the ideas of our fathers are spat on, and this land is no more than a property of the privileged few. The first and second estate, the lords temporal and spiritual, are the only ones that decide the fate of millions. The rest of Spain, the commoners, have no more say in the public matters than cattle.

...

In modern-day France, Britain and Germany, constitutions safeguard the rights of this third estate through parliaments to ensure that the voice of the common man, one of the numerous artisans, workers, labourers or farmers, is heard in the palaces and cathedrals of the small group of men who consider themselves as the only ones fit to rule the rest. But it is that "rest", that vast majority of men who, through their spirit and through their hard work, gave birth to our nation, and in order to guarantee just social order, those men must be granted the right to speak their mind - and be heard.

...

Therefore, in order to safeguard their rights, the third estate must use its collective strength and, through peaceful means, must strive for the right to be represented, and for a constitutional assembly to be called in order to prepare such constitution that would guarantee the basic rights to all men alike.

- Lucius Albinus
 
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A MISSIVE TO HIS MAJESTY, KING CARLOS VI, KING OF ARAGON, etc.
((Private - Keinwyn))
Your Majesty, I write this letter to inform you and your advisory bodies of the present status of the Baleares, that region of Spain detached from others in both the geographic and cultural senses. As it stands, our region has made clear its loyalty to the present institutions of government and society, operated overwhelmingly under those tenets of a virtuous society, and continued to operate in a state of blissful ignorance de facto. We are a proud archipelago, with a proud people and great pride in our way of life, in our language, which we perceive not as a part of a Catalan identity, but as a part of a Balearic identity.

Do to this unique status as separate from the homeland but connected in loyalty and respect for the privileges of government, I believe it would be most suitable for these islands to be given some degree of autonomy - not in the sense that we might form our own, all-powerful governmental bodies, but rather that we be granted a Royal representative who would exercise a more immediate organizational authority over these islands - so that we may operate efficiently to achieve peace and justice, even as we are largely not integrated with the rest of the nation.

Should Your Majesty decide to consider in greater depth this proposal to establish a Governor of the Baleares with the ability to exercise royal authority on behalf of you, Your Majesty, I am, of course, eternally available to the needs and desires of the Crown and will gladly offer expertise, establish local contacts, formalize plans, and, if it be so willed by the authorities that govern all portions of society, administer in the name of the Spanish Crown.


In Faithful Servitude,

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Duc de Menorca,
Conde de Maó
 
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Recognising the importance of creating proper organs of administration; holding in disdain those tendencies towards an overbearing central regime intent upon uniformity and disregard for tradition; holding in high esteem the good of devolving upon local competencies executive capacity consistent with their level, it is our desire to delineate regional government in such a manner as to foster community spirit and a love of civic responsibility in locales across our realm, amongst men both great and small.

Therefore, we, CARLOS VI, by the Grace of God, King of Castile, Leon, Aragon, of the Two Sicilies, of Jerusalem, of Navarre, etc, have decreed and do decree that:
I. We affirm that a new regime would be set in the regions of the Spanish Realm.
a. Each of these regions shall be comprised of a varying number of provinces, as defined in the existing bureaucracy of our nation.
b. Each constituent province shall be comprised of a varying number of municipalities.​
II. A regional government will be formed in each region.
a. Regional governments are subordinate to the national government in every aspect, unless they are specifically granted a power to exercise over the territory and inhabitants of their region by Our act or decree of Our government.
b. The regional governance as established is responsible and subordinate to Us in every aspect.
c. Membership of a regional government grants an individual the same privileges granted to members of the national government
d. Membership of a regional government does not exclude an individual from taking place in the national government.​
III. We would appoint Viceroys, one as executive for each region. The Viceroy is the formal head of the regional government , the highest civil authority of each region and serves in that capacity at Our pleasure. The Viceroy may simultaneously hold the office of Captain General of each region and act as its highest military commander.
a. The Viceroy is to possess a Spanish patent of nobility or belong to the clergy .
b. The Viceroy must have been born within the region or lived there for at least 20 years and/or his primary assets must be located there and he must be an inhabitant of the region in question during the entirety of his term.
c. The Viceroys are empowered to adjust regional taxation and tariffs by up to 5% and subsidize local industry and agriculture. The Viceroys also have the power to veto any decisions passed by their respective Real Audiencia (Royal Audience).
d. The First Secretary of our Council of Ministers may appoint an acting Viceroy for the region until Our confirmation or appointment of a permanent Viceroy.​
IV. In each region an Real Audiencia would be constituted. Each Real Audiencia would be comprised of sixty members serving in this capacity at Our pleasure. The members of the Real Audiencia for each region would be elected in the following manner:
a. Twenty members of each Real Audiencia would be appointed by Ourselves and serve at Our pleasure. These members would bear the title of Regional Councillors and are to correspond with the criteria for the selection of a Viceroy as set by article III of this decree.
b. Twenty members of each Real Audiencia would be nominated by the landed nobility of each region from its ranks and confirmed by Us. The procedure of the nomination of these members is to take place in accordance with the local fuero rights and specifications for each region. The specifications are to be drafted by Our government in consultation with the local nobility and confirmed by Us. These members would bear the title of Delegate Lords.
c. Twenty members of each Real Audiencia would be nominated by the clergy of each region. The process of the nomination is to be set by the Primate of Spain and confirmed by Us. These members would bear the title of Lords Spiritual​
V. The regional Real Audiencia possess the following powers and duties:
a. Each Real Audiencia has a charter to issue local ordinances with regards to local culture, local taxation, health, spatial planning, criminal and civil law and powers of the municipal authorities. The extent of the powers is defined by the local fuero rights and royal charters signed by Us or our predecessors for each consequent region. Each ordinance of the Real Audiencia has to receive the approval of the Viceroy and Us before being enacted into power.
b. Each Real Audiencia acts as the junta de hacienda (« royal financial board») of the region. In this capacity it meets monthly and is to monitor the spending and the financial activities of the Viceroy and his local government («privy council») and is empowered to demand any information in that regard from the Viceroy. The results of such enquires are reported by the Real Audiencia to the national Secretariat of Finance or directly to Us.
c. Each Real Audiencia acts as the highest appellate court of the region in regards to the lower courts of the first and second instance with exception of crimes against the state or faith which are to be investigated by special tribunals..
d. Each Real Audiencia possesses other powers and privileges as set by this and other Royal decrees and charters.​
VI. The regional Real Audiencia is reelected each five years, however may be dissolved anticipatorily:
a. By the resolution of the Viceroy and upon Our confirmation. In this case the Real Audiencia must be reelected in a period of time not exceeding six months since the dissolution
b. By the resolution of the Real Audiencia itself and upon Our confirmation. In this case the new Audiencia Reale must be reelected in a period of time not exceeding six months since the dissolution
c. By Our decree for a period of time as set by the decree​
VII. Each Real Audiencia nominates its President in accordance with the procedure set by itself and sets his powers and duties. The President of the Audiencia Reale takes his office upon Our confirmation.
VIII. The Viceroy of a region appoints one Governor for province his region. The Governor may also be appointed directly by Us.
a. The Governor is an executive to the Regional government and holds no individual powers, except for those specifically granted to him.
b. The Governor must correspond the criteria as set by each Real Audiencia and approved by Us or by Our separate decree.
c. The Governor must be an inhabitant of the province in question during the entirety of his term and must have been for at least four years prior.​
IX. The male inhabitants of each municipality within the region nominate the Magistrate of the municipality. The Viceroy would either approve of the candidacy of the Magistrate or withhold His approval and 1) order the new nomination procedures to take place, 2) appoint the Magistrate directly.
a. The Magistrate is an executive to the regional government and holds no individual powers, except for those specifically granted to him.
b. The Magistrate must correspond the criteria as set by each Real Audiencia and approved by Us or by Our separate decree.
c. The Magistrate must be an inhabitant of the municipality in question during the entirety of his term and must have been for at least four years prior.
d. The procedures of the nomination and the voting rights of the populace during the nomination procedures are set by each Real Audiencia, however to nominate and be nominated as Magistrate, the inhabitant of the region should 1) provide the registering officer with positive references from the provincial Governor regarding his loyalism and law-abidance and from the diocesan Bishop regarding his regular church attendance and good morals.​
X. All regional actions and ordinances combined may not lead to an (increased) deficit on the national budget.
XI. This decree does not relate to the administration of the Spanish colonies.
((aimed at nobility and the poor a little bit.))
~*~​

To His Excellency, the Duke of Menorca - ((Private - Firehound))

We, having received your missive are heartened that our plans may have been anticipated and desired by our subjects. News will no doubt have reached you of our decree on regional administration, and we believe that this may permit and elevate the local peace and justice you desire.

Agreed as we seem to be on allowing decision making to devolve to lower competent agents, it would appear unfathomable should we interfere without good reason in the selection of provincial governors. Knowing you not, we have no justifiable reason to commend your service, nevertheless we should be content to confirm you to that position should the pertinent powers grant it.

We thank you for the commendable concern shown towards our Balearic subjects, and would be delighted to receive you at court should it prove convenient.

I remain,
Carlos VI, King of Castile, Leon, Aragon, etc
 
THE ALBA CHRONICLES (XVIII) ((Private))

The Duke of Alba leaned towards his table, reading the pamphlet again and again. It looked disturbingly nasty - not only because it was antimonarchical, but because the rhetoric had a tedious smell, similar to the one of the products of the French revolution had. Really, why all these radical liberals just could not be Spanish, having to simulate foreign examples even in writing? – Have you discovered who has authored this filth? – the First Secretary of State asked dryly and looked at a portly bearded man standing before him.

- Not yet, Your Excellency. – the man asked hesitantly. In his role as the acting head of the Special Investigations Section, Colonel Hernando Gomez was a high-ranking officer of the feared secret police, even though he did not look the part. Despite his military rank, he usually wore a simple grey frock, was of small stature and had bespectacled eyes. Yet he was not to be underestimated - he was schooled by the Archbishop of Toledo and, despite the errors of the good cleric, this school was good.

- Well, let’s get to it! – the Prime Minister said impatiently, walking from one end of the cabinet to the other. Since the retirement of Cardinal Poricelli and the long interim period, he had to more or less oversee the secret police as well. Hopefully, with the new Minister of Justice being appointed, Don Esteban would be able to delegate more to him. He certainly had enough on his shoulders. – First of all, I believe that it is a educated man…

Colonel Gomez was quick to demonstrate how diligent he was – and duly reported to the Duke. – We have already reached out to all our branch offices, to the governors and provincial police departments. A person named Lucinus Albinus does not reside in the Spanish Kingdom… The Duke laughed, in a rather predatorial way and drummed his fingers on the table – and then looked up at the officer, asking softly. – Have you tried looking in Italy? When the colonel gave him a surprised look, the statesman sighed and shook his head, before giving the explanation. – It was not one man, it was three men – and all of them long dead… The most influential of Spanish aristocrats after the King chuckled, as Gomez grimaced at his mistake. This man had ambition and will to learn – all of this was important for a public servant. Lightening his cigar, Don Esteban continued. – All of them consuls of Ancient Rome, tribunes of the plebs, edils, and so on… So do we get from it?

The brown eyes of the chief of secret police began to shine, analyzing the information. He may have lacked education, but he was intelligent. He immediately caught the meaning of the words of the First Secretary. – Enamored with the Roman republican rubbish – and a classic scholar. A typical member of intelligentsia. The Duke of Alba nodded. He once again grinned and continued to analyze the situation. - And, due his knowledge of Rome, clearly someone who easily reads in Latin. What members of the educated class are good at Latin? Сolonel Gomez thought for a few moments, before answering. Then gave a careful reply, looking at his superior. - It is said that Latin is the language of doctors, clergymen and lawyers.

The Duke of Alba laughed - and his sharp drawl resembled the howl of a wolf this moment. Then, looking at the clouds of cigar smoke now flying near the richly decorated ceilings. he spoke up again. - Exactly. Lets think. A clergyman? He would not have uttered these blasphemous words about the cathedrals and spiritual princes. Some disbarred loons happened, but we know them all, easy to check - and high chances are that they are already in the prison monasteries of our good Archbishop. A doctor? Many of them are of liberal crowd, but their latin is usually strictly professional... they know how to call liver in the ancient language, but do they read, say, Suetonius? Not really. A lawyer seems to be the most logical choice... Esteban walked towards the mirror and looked at himself. The hussar of the past was gone - but he did not look an old man yet. His moustache and hair were now grey, and yet his gaze remained steely and his hands strong. - A lawyer! Roman law is the basis for our law, so they study the history of the Roman state and gulp all these facts about their legislators and policians way before they become a licenciado. And remember that lawyers were the driving force of the French revolution....

The officer of secret police was scribbling away, writing down the suggestions of the Duke, and nodding. - So I would, first of all, look for a lawyer, with sympathies for ancient Roman republicanism and French jacobinism (all these allusions regarding the third estate...) ... Rather unversed in the ways of poor people - since he tries to distribute such literature in cities, while the main bulk of our common populace are in the country... The Duke of Alba sat down again and took his quill. He needed to write something - and yet first it was necessary to finish with the colonel first. - Yeah, but dont forget it may be an unorthodox variant like a former cleric or a doctor. And - do it correctly. Start by searching through the first city where this shit appeared - it may be his home town. Check the big universities. Use our agents to infiltrate the distributors, then try to get the information from them. They would lead you to the organizers and authors. Then - grab them all. At the same time let our little birds in the higher liberal circles feel out - who could possibly use this nickname and produce this crap...


Published in the state newspapers and distributed along the countryside, where the priests and alcaldes are asked to read it out to the peasants ((Public))

Who are the true friends of the people?

Over the years the late King Carlos has again and again demonstrated that he is a true father to His people. His love for the common men took many forms and shapes. It was through His gracious acts that the good farmers received lands, so that their families could live well. It was He who abolished serfdom, granting complete freedom from feudal obligations to thousands of men. It was He who has fed and helped His people during each famine or each epidemy, despite all costs. For Him Spain was a large family and He did not love His own sons by blood more than Spaniards - the sons entrusted to Him by God. He has proved His love by deeds - and His August son has followed him, through granting the poor people the possibility to much more actively participate in the development of their communes.

However there are other so-called friends - these who are friends only in words, but are truly the enemies of the people. These are the jacobins, the liberals, the republicans. These are the the useless people, alien to any true work, who are able only to read and write seditious books. Do they understand the Christian soul of the Spanish farmer, when they have rejected God for the false idols of the revolution? Do they understand your interests, if, unlike the landholding class, they would not differentiate a potato from a carrot? Do they understand your patriotism - if they are again and again ready to sell their fatherland to foreign powers to get the constitution that would allow them to bring down your defender, the King, and let them lord over you, filling your ears with lies and false promises?

They talk about glorious times of ancestors, when liberalism was triumphant - but they mean not yours ancestors, who bravely fought for their King, County and Faith, but they mean their ancestors. The cowardly traitors, who, sporting round hats. licked the bottom of Napoleon and looked at Frenchmen burning your houses, raping your daughters and wives and robbing you? They see you as a vehicle that they wish to use for their own aims - aims similar to one of that their predecessors during the French revolutions achieved, through murders of their own countrymen, desecrating Churches and destroying the traditional ways.

However I know that the Spanish people are wise and loyal - and they are with their King, not the foreign apes. Develop your land and become richer through labor and zeal. Care for your families. Help to make your communities better - and the King would take care of your needs.

Stay loyal to God and Throne as you always did - and Sun would always shine upon eternal Spain.

((Aimed at Poor strata))

 
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