Chapter IX: The Return of the di Medici and the short reign of Guiliano di Medici.
February 11, 1512, Streets of Florence
A servant of the Republic appeared on the balcony of the Dukal Palace.
"People of Florence! The great Gonfaliere of Florence has died! The last wish of the Great Leader was to restore Monarchy, since he feels sorry for the di Medici, and he feels Monarchy is better for the people of Florence.
I request three minutes of silence for the great leader!"
Three minutes of silence...
After the three minutes the crowd cheers!
"God Bless the Gonfaliere!!
God Bless the di Medici!!"
Three days later, Grand Cathedral in Florence
The Cathedral was stuffed with people out of respect for the leader.
"...So let us pray for the Eternal Gonfaliere, that he may be accepted in Heaven, sitting next to God, where he belongs.
Hereby, I bless Piero Soderino and his reign over Florence.
In nomini Patri, Filii, et Spiritus Sancti, Amen."
February 17, Streets of Florence
"All hail the eternal leaders of the Florentian Duchy! All rise for the di Medici!!!!!!"
The thriumphant Florentian Army marched through the streets of Florence.
Behind them, there was a golden Roman Quadriga where a young man stood. It was Guiliano di Medici.
The Parade continued untill it reached the Dukal Palace.
In front of the Dukal Palace, the Florentian Cardinal, the Supreme Commander of the Tuscan Army, ten members of the High Council, and... Niccolo Machiavelli were gathered.
A massive golden throne stood in front of the Palace, high above the crowd. The Duke went up the stairs and rose to the Throne.
The Cardinal spoke: "Your Majesty, the people of Florence are delighted to have a di Medici back on the Throne."
The Commander of the Tuscan Army spoke: "My Lord, It is an honour for me, and my soldiers to serve a di Medici again."
The President of the High Council spoke: "Therefore, we wish to offer you a gift..."
The Cardinal spoke: "Duke Guiliano di Medici, Duke of Florence, Florence has conquered all of Italy except for the pathetic Papal States. Therefore, I have the power to crown you,
King of Italy!!!!! Will you accept this honour?
The suprised Duke looked at Machiavelli, who winked, to show that he had to take this title and he spoke: "I will fulfill my duty, for the people of Florence, and Italy!!!"
The crowd cheered!!
The Cardinal placed the crown on the head of the newly crowned King, and a new era in Italian history began.
February 20, 1512, Royal Palace of Florence
Machiavelli and his new master (or servant?), the King of Italy were having a meeting about the future of Florence.
Grandduke of Florence, King of Italy: "We must annex what is left of the Papal States, as soon as possible. We have had 12 years without a war, and most nations are favourable thowards us."
Machiavelli: "You forget one thing, Guiliano, we are ALLIED with the Papal States."
Duke: "Can't we leave that alliance?"
Machiavelli: "No, then we will have more social unrest. And if we attack the Papal States, we will have France, Savoy and Britany against us! I think it is best to wait untill the alliance expires, in 1517, then re-ally with France and annex the ally-less Papal States. I advice you to send gifts to Austria too, because they hate us."
Duke: "Yes, sir."
Global situation in 1512.
The Papal States, France, Savoy and Britany are allied with Tuscany.
Genoa is allied with Venice and the Teutonic Order.
Spain is allied with Naples and some other nations.
There has been a war between France and England, where France controlled two English provinces, but the result of the war was only a payment of England to France.
France has annexed Navarre, and England possesses all Irish provinces, except the two southern provinces.
Spain and Portugal appear to have discovered the new world, but they don't want to share their maps with anyone.
March 1513, Milan
"This time, we have to succeed."
"Milan for the Milanese!"
"People of Milan! Do not accept Florentian dominace!!! REVOLUTION!!!!!!!!"
"REVOLUTION!!!"
"REVOLUTION!!!"
"REVOLUTION!!!"
"REVOLUTION!!!"
"REVOLUTION!!!"
"REVOLUTION!!!"
A revolt occurs in Milan. 13,000 Milanese traitors besiege the city that is controlled by Florentian defensive troops. But the entire Tuscan Army is on it's way. 39,000 men will fight the rebel scum.
It would be an easy victory.
Alas, Guiliano found that he needed to show his heroic efforts and command the army himself.
He was hit by a Milanese sword and died three days later in a hospital of the reconquered city of Milan.
Lorenzo II di Medici was crowned the new Grandduke of Florence and King of Italy.
