French Lions: A Capetian France AAR
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January 1069
January 1069
He bit into a pear, and as the sweet juices entered his mouth he actually felt somewhat happy. Sure the food supplies were getting a little low, and he likely angered the Pope and peasantry by protecting the Jews of Senlis, but they are not King.
Suddenly. Philipe was interrupted by a knock on the door, and he suppressed a scowl, as his solitude was likely over,”Come in, if you must.”
As he turned his chair around he smiled as the ornately dressed older man bowed a little,”Uncle Boudewjin, I am glad to see you.”
The man nodded,”The same to you your majesty, though the Duke of Burgundy would be displeased if he heard you call me that.”
Phillipe chuckled,”Robert? The hell with him, he may be my uncle by birth but you act more like an uncle to me than he ever has.”
“Perhaps.”
“So what is it that you needed Duke Boudewjin?”
“Well as you know, as the replacement for the ailing Duke of Champagne as marshal, I am in charge of raising your troops. Well, I fear that you will be in need of them as the peasants in Chartres have risen up in revolt.”
Phillipe scowled,”Those knaves, why would they do so?”
“They are unhappy that you've been protecting the jews, and their leader, a veteran named Maurice, has denounced you as a “Jew lover”.”
Phillipe reddened,”Then damn them, I would like the levies across Northern France to be raised, and for you to crush the rebels.”
“Very well then, you have my promise that we will rout the bastards.”
“Good, I know I can count on you.”
One week later…
The king stood in the courtyard of his palace, as thick, fluffy snowflakes fell onto the grass, which was barely poking out above it. His queen, Ingrid was at his side, also standing as they regarded the man who stood at the gallows. Phillipe cleared his throat and coolly announced,”Maurice, as the leader of a failed rebellion against your king you are a traitor, and you will be hanged until death takes you.”
As the man started to protest a guard punched him in the face, and he stayed silent as the knot was slid over his throat. Another guard then pulled a lever, and the trapdoor under Maurice collapsed. The man struggled and gasped for breath for almost thirty seconds until he fell silent. Phillip then gravely announced to the small crowd of courtiers and servants,”Let that serve as an example to any who dare to rebel against my rule.”
He bit into a pear, and as the sweet juices entered his mouth he actually felt somewhat happy. Sure the food supplies were getting a little low, and he likely angered the Pope and peasantry by protecting the Jews of Senlis, but they are not King.
Suddenly. Philipe was interrupted by a knock on the door, and he suppressed a scowl, as his solitude was likely over,”Come in, if you must.”
As he turned his chair around he smiled as the ornately dressed older man bowed a little,”Uncle Boudewjin, I am glad to see you.”
The man nodded,”The same to you your majesty, though the Duke of Burgundy would be displeased if he heard you call me that.”
Phillipe chuckled,”Robert? The hell with him, he may be my uncle by birth but you act more like an uncle to me than he ever has.”
“Perhaps.”
“So what is it that you needed Duke Boudewjin?”
“Well as you know, as the replacement for the ailing Duke of Champagne as marshal, I am in charge of raising your troops. Well, I fear that you will be in need of them as the peasants in Chartres have risen up in revolt.”
Phillipe scowled,”Those knaves, why would they do so?”
“They are unhappy that you've been protecting the jews, and their leader, a veteran named Maurice, has denounced you as a “Jew lover”.”
Phillipe reddened,”Then damn them, I would like the levies across Northern France to be raised, and for you to crush the rebels.”
“Very well then, you have my promise that we will rout the bastards.”
“Good, I know I can count on you.”
One week later…
The king stood in the courtyard of his palace, as thick, fluffy snowflakes fell onto the grass, which was barely poking out above it. His queen, Ingrid was at his side, also standing as they regarded the man who stood at the gallows. Phillipe cleared his throat and coolly announced,”Maurice, as the leader of a failed rebellion against your king you are a traitor, and you will be hanged until death takes you.”
As the man started to protest a guard punched him in the face, and he stayed silent as the knot was slid over his throat. Another guard then pulled a lever, and the trapdoor under Maurice collapsed. The man struggled and gasped for breath for almost thirty seconds until he fell silent. Phillip then gravely announced to the small crowd of courtiers and servants,”Let that serve as an example to any who dare to rebel against my rule.”
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As someone whose paternal great grandparents fled the pogroms of the Russian Empire, I appreciate Philip for standing up for the Jews of France. It says good things that even in a community where incest, abduction, warmongering, human sacrifice and horse chancolers are memed over most CK2 players will usually try to protect the Jews, even if it is not politically expedient.
Not sure if you're looking for a writing critique, but there doesn't seem to be any character reason for Philip to be doing this. One that could work would be that his mother is an Orthodox Christian, and thus he might have some sympathy for outsiders. Or else the crown really needs Jewish money.
Not sure if you're looking for a writing critique, but there doesn't seem to be any character reason for Philip to be doing this. One that could work would be that his mother is an Orthodox Christian, and thus he might have some sympathy for outsiders. Or else the crown really needs Jewish money.
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I'm sorry to hear that your ancestors were the victims of antisemitism/ethnic cleansing. Yeah most of the time I tend to protect or leave the jews alone, they've suffered more than enough over their existence. I do more than welcome critiques actually! One motivation for Phillipe protecting then is that he doesn't believe they are to blame, and even if they won't accept his opinion Phillipe will make people deal with his decision. Also another reason why he wants to protect them is that he wants to assert his hold over the crown, even if it means making the common people upset. Also a more in-game reason is that if you expel the Jews you get a bit less in the way of taxes. Thank you so much for commenting!
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Yeah, unless you are very weak(or fighting a large war) peasant revolts are fairly easy to put down. Thank you for commenting!
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Interesting! I've never really gotten those events short of the plague! I didn't know minor epidemics could trigger them!
Ironically, the peasant revolt is a good thing for Phillipe. Crushing it likely gives him a nice little relationship bump with his vassals.
Ironically, the peasant revolt is a good thing for Phillipe. Crushing it likely gives him a nice little relationship bump with his vassals.
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Yeah, I only encountered them a few times before, and they are nasty little events. You are right in saying that it will probably improve relations, though I haven't checked yet. Thank you very much for commenting!
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May 1069
May 1069
Phillipe stood quiet for a moment in the busy cathedral, filled with both excitement and unease, as he prepared to ensure his rule would be seen as legitimate, amongst those inside and outside of the realm. Indeed, the coronation attracted more than dignitaries and his vassals, it also attracted a scholar named Rorgon, who vowed to use his knowledge in the service of his king as a courtier.
The king had worked very hard over the past weeks to ensure the palace was extravagantly decorated, as he wanted to show the world that France and the Capetian dynasty were as strong as ever.
As he began to wander towards a group of nobles, who were enjoying some wine to chase away the heat of late spring, he was suddenly shocked to find Pope Alexander III turn from a group of clergymen and call him out,”King Phillipe, it is nice to see you.”
Phillipe bowed low to the ground,”Holy father, it is nice to meet with you as well.”
The Pope smiled warmly,”That’ll do, your majesty, tell me how do you plan on assisting Christendom.”
Phillipe got back up,”Well, I think I will try and help defend the Christian rulers of Iberia, should the Muslims grow aggressive.”
“Very good, that is one region that we will certainly need to defend from the infidels.”
“I hope you are enjoying your time in French court, holy father.”
Pope Alexander smiled warmly,”I am thank you, I am honored by the festivities and feel most welcome. I am sure that you will accomplish great things as king.”
Phillip blushed,”Your Holiness gives me praise that I do not deserve.”
The slightly older man laughed,”What nonsense, you already have shown your capabilities by restoring Papal authority over the appointment of priests.”
“Well I have little interest in overriding your authority, it is not the business of kings to appoint members of the clergy anyways.”
“Nonetheless you show more prudence than other rulers who defy the clergy’s right to appoint their own members.”
“Thank you again your holiness.”
“It is no problem, now, if you’ll excuse me I’d like to go meet with the Prince-Bishop of Rheims.”
“Of course.”
As that conversation concluded Phillipe met with his wife, Ingrid of Denmark who scowled at the back of a nobleman who she was previously talking to and Phillipe asked,”What is the matter Ingrid.”
Ingrid all but hissed with anger,”That man is annoying.”
Phillipe rose his eyebrows,”Why do you think so my Queen.”
“Because the old Count of Bourbon takes too many liberties, just because he’s seduced some provincial chits dosen’t mean it’ll work on me.”
Phillipe stood wide-eyed,”What?”
“He made certain insinuations, not enough to be punished for but I can tell he was trying to get me to agree to some dishonorable liaison.”
“You have my thanks for rebuking him then.”
“Yes, but I have a request Phillipe, a simple one.”
“Go on.”
“I do not want to have to speak with that lecher for the remainder of the day, if I do I’m afraid I will make a scene.”
“Of course, I will grant that request, you shouldn’t have to be around someone who makes such suggestions.”
Ingrid smiled a little,”Thank you Phillipe, I appreciate it.”
“No, thank you, some women would not tell their husbands of such a thing, it was honorable of you to let me know.”
The next hour passed without incident, as Phillipe and his wife stood clear of the “annoying man” and briefly met with some of his vassals that were in attendance, including the bastard Duke of Normandy, and before the ceremony began Phillipe parted with the duke by saying,”I hope that you stay safe in your war to take England. I would not want someone of your talents to be killed in war against the barbarous Saxons”
As the coronation ceremony processed Phillipe and Ingrid made their way to the dais, where Pope Alexander III and an entourage of clergy awaited them. As they kneeled before the Pope they were consecrated with holy oils, though Phillip thought the texture felt disgusting, he soldiered on. As the Pope lowered the crown onto Phillipe’s head he proclaimed,”I pronounce you, Phillipe Rex, King of France by the grace of god.”
Phillipe suppressed a small smile, and watched as the Pope slid a smaller crown onto his wife’s head and proclaimed her,”Ingrid of Denmark, Queen of France by the grace of god”
As the ceremony was finished, the large crowd in the grand hall burst into applause, happy to see that the coronation, delayed by the now dissipated disease, had finally taken place.
With the more formal elements of the ceremony over Phillipe rose and approached his stepfather, Count Raoul of Amiens,”I am glad to see that you and my mother are here Count Raoul.”
The count bowed,”We thank you for the invitation.”
“Of course I’d invite you, you are family after all, and have served France well for years.”
As the two stood in silence for a moment Phillipe spoke up,”In fact I have the perfect reward for your services. I now raise to the dignity of Duke, by making you Duke of Picardie.”
The middle-aged man beamed,”Thank you so much your majesty, it is an honor, and I am eternally grateful.”
Phillipe stood quiet for a moment in the busy cathedral, filled with both excitement and unease, as he prepared to ensure his rule would be seen as legitimate, amongst those inside and outside of the realm. Indeed, the coronation attracted more than dignitaries and his vassals, it also attracted a scholar named Rorgon, who vowed to use his knowledge in the service of his king as a courtier.
The king had worked very hard over the past weeks to ensure the palace was extravagantly decorated, as he wanted to show the world that France and the Capetian dynasty were as strong as ever.
As he began to wander towards a group of nobles, who were enjoying some wine to chase away the heat of late spring, he was suddenly shocked to find Pope Alexander III turn from a group of clergymen and call him out,”King Phillipe, it is nice to see you.”
Phillipe bowed low to the ground,”Holy father, it is nice to meet with you as well.”
The Pope smiled warmly,”That’ll do, your majesty, tell me how do you plan on assisting Christendom.”
Phillipe got back up,”Well, I think I will try and help defend the Christian rulers of Iberia, should the Muslims grow aggressive.”
“Very good, that is one region that we will certainly need to defend from the infidels.”
“I hope you are enjoying your time in French court, holy father.”
Pope Alexander smiled warmly,”I am thank you, I am honored by the festivities and feel most welcome. I am sure that you will accomplish great things as king.”
Phillip blushed,”Your Holiness gives me praise that I do not deserve.”
The slightly older man laughed,”What nonsense, you already have shown your capabilities by restoring Papal authority over the appointment of priests.”
“Well I have little interest in overriding your authority, it is not the business of kings to appoint members of the clergy anyways.”
“Nonetheless you show more prudence than other rulers who defy the clergy’s right to appoint their own members.”
“Thank you again your holiness.”
“It is no problem, now, if you’ll excuse me I’d like to go meet with the Prince-Bishop of Rheims.”
“Of course.”
As that conversation concluded Phillipe met with his wife, Ingrid of Denmark who scowled at the back of a nobleman who she was previously talking to and Phillipe asked,”What is the matter Ingrid.”
Ingrid all but hissed with anger,”That man is annoying.”
Phillipe rose his eyebrows,”Why do you think so my Queen.”
“Because the old Count of Bourbon takes too many liberties, just because he’s seduced some provincial chits dosen’t mean it’ll work on me.”
Phillipe stood wide-eyed,”What?”
“He made certain insinuations, not enough to be punished for but I can tell he was trying to get me to agree to some dishonorable liaison.”
“You have my thanks for rebuking him then.”
“Yes, but I have a request Phillipe, a simple one.”
“Go on.”
“I do not want to have to speak with that lecher for the remainder of the day, if I do I’m afraid I will make a scene.”
“Of course, I will grant that request, you shouldn’t have to be around someone who makes such suggestions.”
Ingrid smiled a little,”Thank you Phillipe, I appreciate it.”
“No, thank you, some women would not tell their husbands of such a thing, it was honorable of you to let me know.”
The next hour passed without incident, as Phillipe and his wife stood clear of the “annoying man” and briefly met with some of his vassals that were in attendance, including the bastard Duke of Normandy, and before the ceremony began Phillipe parted with the duke by saying,”I hope that you stay safe in your war to take England. I would not want someone of your talents to be killed in war against the barbarous Saxons”
As the coronation ceremony processed Phillipe and Ingrid made their way to the dais, where Pope Alexander III and an entourage of clergy awaited them. As they kneeled before the Pope they were consecrated with holy oils, though Phillip thought the texture felt disgusting, he soldiered on. As the Pope lowered the crown onto Phillipe’s head he proclaimed,”I pronounce you, Phillipe Rex, King of France by the grace of god.”
Phillipe suppressed a small smile, and watched as the Pope slid a smaller crown onto his wife’s head and proclaimed her,”Ingrid of Denmark, Queen of France by the grace of god”
As the ceremony was finished, the large crowd in the grand hall burst into applause, happy to see that the coronation, delayed by the now dissipated disease, had finally taken place.
With the more formal elements of the ceremony over Phillipe rose and approached his stepfather, Count Raoul of Amiens,”I am glad to see that you and my mother are here Count Raoul.”
The count bowed,”We thank you for the invitation.”
“Of course I’d invite you, you are family after all, and have served France well for years.”
As the two stood in silence for a moment Phillipe spoke up,”In fact I have the perfect reward for your services. I now raise to the dignity of Duke, by making you Duke of Picardie.”
The middle-aged man beamed,”Thank you so much your majesty, it is an honor, and I am eternally grateful.”
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Pushing fifty but trying to be in the prime of his youth...CK2 vassals never change.
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Oh yes, though Raoul isn't a liability unlike certain vassals... I do however like that Phillipe starts out with at least one loyal one. Thank you very much for commenting!
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Making his stepfather a duke makes sense. Are you allowed to control the marriages of half-siblings?
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Yes it does thank you. Raoul has not only served France well, he also is one of Phillipe's most loyal vassals. Unfortunately I cannot control Adele's marriage as her father has lands of his own. In fact one interesting thing I've found out is that half siblings that don't have claims to your lands are just as valuable in making marriage alliances. Hopefully Raoul is able to marry the girl off to a duke, and hopefully Anna will be able to have more children with him. Thank you very much for commenting!
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I see what you mean about the seclusion wrecking his diplomacy skill. He's still not great, but at least he's got one skill that's mediocre.
In OTL Philippe had a pretty poor relationship with the church. It seems your version seems to be getting off to a better start.
And the old lecherous lords making their play for any woman that moves. Again given OTL, it would be an interesting turn of events if Philippe had his wife stolen by a lecherous vassal!
In OTL Philippe had a pretty poor relationship with the church. It seems your version seems to be getting off to a better start.
And the old lecherous lords making their play for any woman that moves. Again given OTL, it would be an interesting turn of events if Philippe had his wife stolen by a lecherous vassal!
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Yes, the only thing Phillipe is (barely) good at is diplomacy, even then sometimes he is less willing to listen to counsel that he doesn't like. Hopefully Phillipe is able to see the wisdom of having good relations with the church here as he already has vassals that have good reason to rebel, so doesn't need to make new enemies. Haha, one thing that does irritate me(slightly) about Ck2 is often times it's (generally) unattractive counts who are under your dukes that decide to seduce everyone that moves when as weak vassals they are very likely to be killed for doing so. It is fortunate that Ingrid rejected the Count of Bourbon, hopefully it bodes well for the royal couple's future. Thank you very much for commenting!
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November 1069
November 1069
“How hard can declaring war be?” That was what Phillipe though to himself in the morning, after eating an apple. He soon received the answer to his hypothetical question at noon, and it was not the one he wanted. Of all his council members only one, the Duke of Aquitaine raised his hand in support.
Phillipe scowled and rose from his chair,”Why won’t you, my council support me in this endeavor? Surely you all see that the Bretons should pay tribute to me?”
The bastard Duke of Normandy stood from his chair and calmly said,”There is no glory in such a thing, any one of us on the council could beat them ourselves.”
“Yes, but if we strike now and make them pay tribute, we will have ample coin to fight tougher foes.”
William nodded”Yes that is true but we still believe you should fight a realm that isn’t so weak.”
Phillip felt the heat of anger in his cheeks, but kept his veneer of civility,“Very well then, you are all dismissed, I suppose the realm will have to wait to conquer a more worthy foe.”
He then turned around and took the closest door to him, instead of the one that the members of the council took and walked through the halls of the palace, scowling. Within just a couple of minutes he stopped outside the door of his mother’s chambers. Still feeling somewhat angry he tried to get rid of the feeling and muttered under his breath,”Damn them.”
Feeling a little better he quickly knocked and swung the door upon, where he found his mother sitting in a chair, reading, while his stepsister Adelaide, the recently widowed Dowager Duchess of Champagne sat in another chair, sewing a small shirt, no doubt intended for her infant daughter Isabelle, who was being cared for in the palace’s nursery and Phillipe smiled a little,”Mother, Dowager Duchess Adelaide, it is nice to see that the both of you are doing well enough.”
Adelaide nodded and rose from her chair,”Thank you, your majesty. I assume you wish to speak to the Queen Mother?”
“Yes I do, though you may stay.”
The young woman sat back down and Phillipe turned to his mother,”You know that I wish to bring the Bretons to heel, right mother.”
She nodded a little,”Yes, it is a fine idea.”
“Unfortunately, my council, and even your husband don’t seem to think so, only the Duke of Aquitaine voted for a war to make them pay tribute.”
“That is unfortunate, but it is only a temporary setback.”
Phillipe rose an eyebrow,”Why is that?”
Anna laughed a little,”It is simple, you have two solutions, you can either fire some of the council members who object, or you can try to convince some of them to vote with you in this matter.”
“How would I convince them?”
“Well, if your natural charm isn’t enough you can insinuate that you may owe them a favor if they vote with you, those men would like nothing more than the illusion of power. At least some of the peasantry are pleased."
“Can’t that be dangerous though? The Duke of Normandy may seek to enact laws that reduce my authority.”
The woman took a sip of wine, and after putting the goblet down a table shrugged,”That is why you should seek the support of the less power-hungry members of your council, like the Prince-Bishop of Rheims and your stepfather. The Prince-Bishop may whore a bit but that hardly makes him a threat, while Raoul would gladly take the opportunity show his continued loyalty.”
Phillipe smiled,”Thank you mother, I will follow your advice. Hopefully it all goes according to plan.”
“Good, I hope it does too son.”
As Phillipe took his leave and left his mother’s chambers he felt a wave of relief wash over him,”It seems that the situation is not hopeless after all, and I will get what is best for myself, and what is best for France.”
There was still plenty of work to be done to make this happen, and so Phillipe stalked off to his chambers, and had a servant bring in three goblets, and a jug of wine, and set them on a table in the middle of the room. After the servant finished that he asked him to go tell the Duke of Picardie and Prince-Bishop of Rheims to visit him in his chambers and within a couple of minutes the two men entered, and Phillipe poured wine into each of the goblets and tok a small sip of his, the sweet taste of the red liquid lifting his mood a bit,”As you know I asked the council’s permission to try and exact tribute from the Bretons, and that endeavor failed. I would like to ask if the both of you would be willing to change your positions on the matter?”
The Prince-Bishop bluntly replied,”We do not feel too strongly and thus may change our positions, but not for nothing. What would you grant us for agreeing to this war?”
“A favor, so that you may have my assistance in our endeavors.”
The Duke of Picardie nodded,”Then I will support you in this King Phillipe.”
Prince-Bishop Hugues downed what was left of his wine,”I too shall vote for the war.”
Phillipe grinned,”Good, I will convene the council again before supper.”
Hours later…
Phillipe sat at the head of the table, and announced,”I have reconvened you all so that we may vote again on the matter of war with the Bretons, hopefully we will come to an agreement this time.”
The Dukes of Normandy and Flanders scoffed a little the vote continued without protest, and this time the Duke of Picardie and the Prince Bishop of Rheims voted for the war, giving Phillipe just enough votes to proceed with the war. He then suppressed a satisfied smile, and decreed,”Now that I have enough votes, The Kingdom of France now declares war on the Bretons to gain tribute from them.”
“How hard can declaring war be?” That was what Phillipe though to himself in the morning, after eating an apple. He soon received the answer to his hypothetical question at noon, and it was not the one he wanted. Of all his council members only one, the Duke of Aquitaine raised his hand in support.
Phillipe scowled and rose from his chair,”Why won’t you, my council support me in this endeavor? Surely you all see that the Bretons should pay tribute to me?”
The bastard Duke of Normandy stood from his chair and calmly said,”There is no glory in such a thing, any one of us on the council could beat them ourselves.”
“Yes, but if we strike now and make them pay tribute, we will have ample coin to fight tougher foes.”
William nodded”Yes that is true but we still believe you should fight a realm that isn’t so weak.”
Phillip felt the heat of anger in his cheeks, but kept his veneer of civility,“Very well then, you are all dismissed, I suppose the realm will have to wait to conquer a more worthy foe.”
He then turned around and took the closest door to him, instead of the one that the members of the council took and walked through the halls of the palace, scowling. Within just a couple of minutes he stopped outside the door of his mother’s chambers. Still feeling somewhat angry he tried to get rid of the feeling and muttered under his breath,”Damn them.”
Feeling a little better he quickly knocked and swung the door upon, where he found his mother sitting in a chair, reading, while his stepsister Adelaide, the recently widowed Dowager Duchess of Champagne sat in another chair, sewing a small shirt, no doubt intended for her infant daughter Isabelle, who was being cared for in the palace’s nursery and Phillipe smiled a little,”Mother, Dowager Duchess Adelaide, it is nice to see that the both of you are doing well enough.”
Adelaide nodded and rose from her chair,”Thank you, your majesty. I assume you wish to speak to the Queen Mother?”
“Yes I do, though you may stay.”
The young woman sat back down and Phillipe turned to his mother,”You know that I wish to bring the Bretons to heel, right mother.”
She nodded a little,”Yes, it is a fine idea.”
“Unfortunately, my council, and even your husband don’t seem to think so, only the Duke of Aquitaine voted for a war to make them pay tribute.”
“That is unfortunate, but it is only a temporary setback.”
Phillipe rose an eyebrow,”Why is that?”
Anna laughed a little,”It is simple, you have two solutions, you can either fire some of the council members who object, or you can try to convince some of them to vote with you in this matter.”
“How would I convince them?”
“Well, if your natural charm isn’t enough you can insinuate that you may owe them a favor if they vote with you, those men would like nothing more than the illusion of power. At least some of the peasantry are pleased."
“Can’t that be dangerous though? The Duke of Normandy may seek to enact laws that reduce my authority.”
The woman took a sip of wine, and after putting the goblet down a table shrugged,”That is why you should seek the support of the less power-hungry members of your council, like the Prince-Bishop of Rheims and your stepfather. The Prince-Bishop may whore a bit but that hardly makes him a threat, while Raoul would gladly take the opportunity show his continued loyalty.”
Phillipe smiled,”Thank you mother, I will follow your advice. Hopefully it all goes according to plan.”
“Good, I hope it does too son.”
As Phillipe took his leave and left his mother’s chambers he felt a wave of relief wash over him,”It seems that the situation is not hopeless after all, and I will get what is best for myself, and what is best for France.”
There was still plenty of work to be done to make this happen, and so Phillipe stalked off to his chambers, and had a servant bring in three goblets, and a jug of wine, and set them on a table in the middle of the room. After the servant finished that he asked him to go tell the Duke of Picardie and Prince-Bishop of Rheims to visit him in his chambers and within a couple of minutes the two men entered, and Phillipe poured wine into each of the goblets and tok a small sip of his, the sweet taste of the red liquid lifting his mood a bit,”As you know I asked the council’s permission to try and exact tribute from the Bretons, and that endeavor failed. I would like to ask if the both of you would be willing to change your positions on the matter?”
The Prince-Bishop bluntly replied,”We do not feel too strongly and thus may change our positions, but not for nothing. What would you grant us for agreeing to this war?”
“A favor, so that you may have my assistance in our endeavors.”
The Duke of Picardie nodded,”Then I will support you in this King Phillipe.”
Prince-Bishop Hugues downed what was left of his wine,”I too shall vote for the war.”
Phillipe grinned,”Good, I will convene the council again before supper.”
Hours later…
Phillipe sat at the head of the table, and announced,”I have reconvened you all so that we may vote again on the matter of war with the Bretons, hopefully we will come to an agreement this time.”
The Dukes of Normandy and Flanders scoffed a little the vote continued without protest, and this time the Duke of Picardie and the Prince Bishop of Rheims voted for the war, giving Phillipe just enough votes to proceed with the war. He then suppressed a satisfied smile, and decreed,”Now that I have enough votes, The Kingdom of France now declares war on the Bretons to gain tribute from them.”
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