((Well, we all know how stupid rebels can be sometimes...))((I don't get the AI's priorites... They should have won by now...))
((Well, we all know how stupid rebels can be sometimes...))((I don't get the AI's priorites... They should have won by now...))
Before I make my decision, I would like some information.
How old is your son, and is he your heir?
Johann Leopold is indeed our son and heir. He is, at the moment, twelve years of age, which we believe is six years the senior of your daughter, making it an optimal match.
- His Majesty, Archduke Ferdinand III von Habsburg of Austria
Indeed.
I will allow this marriage, but I have two conditions.
First, the marriage is not to occur until my daughter's fifteenth birthday.
Second, to help restore the bond our nations shared, Johann must spent the three years between now and his coming of age in Hispania to learn of our Empire. My daughter will spend four months a year, most likely the summers, in Austria as well until the marriage, a similar amount of time overall but spread out due to having more time available to do so.
((I began writing this as soon as I saw von Politz's declaration. An entire letter exchange has passed, though, so put it where you will.))
When Velazquez heard of the Chancellor's weak peace offer towards a cruel traitor, he quietly bid his servants away, and locked his door. Ten minutes later, very little furniture remained.
"Distinguished members of the court, the Chancellor has just concluded a deal with the Habsurgs. Which Habsurgs? None other but those who assisted the traitor Montsegur not twenty years ago.
First, must make clear what laws have been broken from this covert intrigue to reestablish ties with those who would see us burn. The Recognition and Acknowledgement of the Obvious Lack of Transparency and Openness within His Imperial Majesties' Small Council and the Attempt to Exterminate it in Order to Stop and Eliminate Possible Fraudulent and Corrupt Behaviors Act has been broken, perhaps ironically by he who first petitioned for it.
Second, I must object to the notion of alliance with the Kings of Vienna. Not as retribution or punishment for their great crimes, but as simple security for the Hispanian people. This is a kingdom which has no objection to leaguing with our rebels and enemies. They have no objection occupying land of an ally. They have no problem murdering thousands of Hispanians on their rampage through Italy. Ask the weeping mother, what happens to those who killed her son? Ask the toiling father, what will happen to those who burnt his fields? Tell the wailing wife, where is justice for her husband? This was no act of war. It was a crime, going against rules older than any kingdom, against Commandments set down by God.
*he kneels*
Your Majesty, Emperor of Hispania, Caesar of Rome, & Protector of the Greeks, Savior of Hispania, Vanquisher of the Phoenix, God-ordained Alfons IX. You have the power to save Hispania from unworthy allies. Please, Your Majesty, I beg of you, and the Court, that this affair with Austria be terminated. I previously wished that provinces be taken from them adn given to our virtuos allies in France, and as compensation for the devastation left in Italy, and I still believe that would be the just action. But I now understand that not everything in politics can be just.
So I simply plead, for the protection of Hispania and its people, we must not, cannot, join hands with those that would destroy us.
We would desire for no official date to be set for the marriage, although we shall consent to it in principle. ((Depending on when the next Austrian heir is born, the marriage may have to occur earlier, but otherwise it is fine.))
The second arrangement is mostly acceptable. We only ask that Johann instead spend four months of the year in Hispania, similar to Sophia spending time in Austria, so that we shall have time to properly prepare him for the throne during the other eight months of each year. A three year absence is not preferable for that, but having him spend time in Hispania over a staggered period until the wedding will allow for it.
- His Majesty, Archduke Ferdinand III von Habsburg of Austria
I accept your amendments.
Personally, I find that our winters are quite mild compared to Austria's. Perhaps Johann would like to spend them here?
Empress Dowager Sophia de Trastamara, Prime Minister and Viceroy Superior of Hispania
Sophia frowned as the letter came to her. She did not like it, but she knew it was needed. It was naive of her to believe that the sacrifices would end with the civil war, it seemed. Her son's innocence of the price of his freedom and safety. It also gave her a position to claim to the others that the Imperials were the righteous cause of fighting for the Emperor.
Now it seemed her daughter would pay the price next.
Sophia passed the papers on to her son, and awaited his response.
((Private))
Velazqeuz bowed and exited, keeping his head low so that few could see the tears that welled up in his eyes. Tears for Hispania.