Imperial Elections. [Ladislav von Wittelsbach-Luxemburg]

[unmerged(945)]

Johann was not at all surprised when Ladislav announced his candidacy. At least now it was out in the open, the way Johann prefered it. He had heard many things about the Wittelsbachs, and not least the influence the Wittelsbach Pope had over the rest of the house. Indeed, the Pope had been in Prague just prior to the election.

If the Pope was meddling in Imperial affairs as much as he suspected, then it was of great concern to Johann. In the past papal and imperial interests had struggled for centuries, the first 'phase' of these struggles ending with the Concordat of Worms in 1122. But now, if this Wittelsbach Pope actually did influence the election, it made Johann seethe with anger. It was bad enough that the Pope had such influence through the archbishop of Trier, but this, this would be too much. If true, and it was very likely that it was, how long had it been going on Johann wondered.

Sadly he could not talk to Ladislav about this directly, as it would have been an insult of unimaginable proportions. Johann had hoped to come to an understanding with the bohemians, as an Emperor supported by both the Wittelsbachs and the northerners would be far preferable to any alternative. Support from Pfalz he would not even have dreamed about off course. And now an understanding with Bohemia seemed quite far away too. Johann idly wondered how the bavarians would react once it became apparent that they could not hope to win the election. If Levi von Wittelsbach was as noble as his envoy suggested he could be useful in a number of Imperial positions perhaps.

Ladislavs words about Lotharingia and Genoa did not stir any great feelings in Johann, he himself had advised Joachim of the Greif to take action to see Genoa freed from Lotharingia. Sadly Karl Franz von Toppenheimer and his men had not been able to accomplish that.

Johann did not voice any of these thoughts, rather keeping them to himself, waiting for Archbishop Cullen to reply to the King.

 

[cccino]

In Lienz...

Leonhard was young, very young. Too young to be thrown into the chaotic mess in which his father had left the family, financially and generally. Twelve months ago he was a child, third son of a count and ignorant of the troubles which would be his destiny to inherit. Almost simultaneous with his coming of age, it seemed, his father had died, finally succumbing to the wages of his chosen lifestyle. His oldest brother and role model, Hans, heir to the county, had turned up dead; the middle brother's body was never found. His mother had quickly descended into madness.

With the destruction of his family, the boy was lost. But he had also inherited his father's titles and duties, his debts, and his reputation. And these had consequences almost as terrible as any other of the recent tragedies in his life, but at least they consumed his time and his energy, and helped him cast his grief aside. Leonhard was a simple boy, not stupid but inexperienced in the realities of life, and life was throwing him many harsh lessons. Diligently, he performed his duties as best he could, took what advice was given him and never thought to question the motives of his friends and counsellors.

At sixteen years of age, Leonhard was as tall and dark as Hans at twenty-one. At first, his mother had guided him as he received neighbours and creditors, insisting his age at eighteen or twenty, depending on the visitor, that he should not seem so young and naive as he was. Looking at himself now in the mirror, Leonhard did not think he could pass as twenty at close inspection. His mother had always been a strong woman, limiting Heinrich's indulgences as best she could, and working vainly to keep the family intact. If not for her, every last inch of ground, every last stone of the Görz estates, would have been lost to the Habsburgs or the Venetians when he was still an infant. As he continued to remember his family, and his childhood, Leonhard continued to stare blankly at the mirror. Suddenly he saw in his own face that of his brother, contorted in a frozen grimace as his body was found, bloody and white, murdered by man or beast in some epic struggle it could not be told. Leonhard turned away, fighting back the tears, and composed himself to meet the day's visitors, paying those who could no longer be avoided, and plying with excuses those whose demands for money were less urgent; all the while being cheated and deceived by his servants and vassals, burgraves who paid not their dues, castellons and chiefs who stole from town funds, advisers who schemed to accumulate von Görz properties for themselves.

Punished for the sins of his father.

 

[BusterBunny]

De Maillac, representative of Alsace, arrives in the election to observe what is going on. Since he left Strassbourg, much had changed, and most changes cames from the Empire itself.

Lotharingia was on everyone's lips, and all the people in the election had their idea about the faith of the Crown of Lothar. But none seemed much interested to actually asked the parties involved about their views.

It seems correct to assume Maria is the legitimate heir... but what one assumes without full knowledge remains only as strong as what it can impose on others... he thought to himself. The irony of it all made him smile.

He sat down and listened to the conversations.

 

[cccino]

Elsewhere...

Ludwig cast aside the goblet in disgust, wine splashing against the stones like so much blood. The candles on the table flickered with the movement, casting shadows dancing around the room, but never lighting the face hidden in near darkness at the far end of the table from which the lights stood. It had become a habit of his to sit in darkness. He rarely slept any more, and fatigue drove him to sleep during the day, in a room blanketed from all light and fresh air. At times he couldn't stop drinking, drinking to wash away the memories of his past, but right now the thought of it - of himself, he realised - disgusted and appalled him.

By what little he could gather from agents in Frankfurt, his letters had been received, but no further news followed. His soul was torn apart anew each day, for his self worth depended entirely on the scheme he had planned. It was a torment of his own making, and he longed for the days when he cared not for love or life, and his heart and mind were dead to his sins. He had no doubts but that he was headed for the eternal torments of hell, but the scheme was his repentance and his contrition to those still alive. Its failure would kill him as suredly as he had killed...

Ludwig had lied to the Electors. My motivation remains the good of the Empire. Perhaps it would be in its best interest, but what of that to him? Even as he considered the letter, he knew that he had done Leonhard a disservice in his portrayal. He had not lied, as such; God would no longer let him lie. Die, lie. Such things should not be said about one so innocent. That he would make a good puppet. That he was naive, and easily manipulated. Such things were best hidden, not paraded. But he had said only what he thought the electors wanted to hear.

A neutral candidate, uncorrupted by greed or personal agenda, unaligned and having no hatred held against him by the powermongers of either side, Wittelsbach or no.

Again, he justified to himself, he had said only what he thought the electors needed to hear. He had neither hate not love for the Wittelsbach; they were inconsequential. Neither had he any personal ambitions. Once the scheme was completed, successful or no, he would take his own life and meet his eternal punishment. This he had already decided. Even Leonhard was unimportant, in a way. How he might personally be considered by those in the know, or what he might go through by this scheme were unimportant. His duty was to restore the pride and reputation of the name von Gorz, in the most immediately glorious way possible.

But if he had failed, Oh if he failed! Suddenly he was filled with anguish. It was a stupid idea, an elaborate and optimistic idea. He had given himself only one chance - for every day before he took his life was a torment - only one chance and he had cast it aside it on this ridiculous plan!

Ludwig stood, and passed by the lights. Beneath his shaggy fringe of dark hair and unshaven beard, the hideous scars that pulled and twisted his face were suddenly revealed, eternal reminders of his shame.

 

[Mettermrck]

​

Augustin listened to Ladislav with grave interest, nodding at few points, his eyebrows raising at others. When the König was finished, he cocked his head slightly. ”I wouldn’t underestimate the influence of the Wittelsbach, Eure Majestät. The mere presence of two candidates from the same house only illustrates that point, to say nothing of Seine Heiligkeit in Rome. The influence of the Wittelsbach house is both an advantage and disadvantage to any candidacy, I feel. And with the election of a Wittelsbach, both sacrum and secular would be under the same familial bond. Certainly a zenith, wouldn’t you say?”

He waved a hand politely to forestall any objection. ”That being said, as a servant of the Church, this bond would not necessarily be objectionable to myself. I also believe that the candidates should be judged as men, not necessarily by who their parents were.” His eyes swept the room to see if anyone else was listening, and then flickered back to the pair, Ladislav and Johann.

”Lotharingia seems to be on everyone’s tongue. I can assure you all that, in the haste of electing a proper candidate for Kaiser, we will not solve this issue today. At the very least, we can hear each candidate’s view on the matter, as Eure Majestät has so kindly demonstrated, and most certainly, the view of the Lotharingians themselves.” Augustin beckoned to the Alsatian representative. ”Herr De Maillac, I invite you to shed some light on the situation? I would be most interested to hear the origins of this Philippe and his claim. Also, perhaps some background on Burgundian laws of succession? I confess perhaps I am more unenlightened than my fellow Kurfürsten here. In this, I beg everyone’s indulgence.”

For a moment he thought he was finished, but remembering something, he continued, taking a few steps idly as he did so. ”Yet certainly we cannot allow Lotharingia to be the sole criteria for election? There is so much more to consider. I would ask the candidates to speak on the relationship of the Reich to economics? Is the Imperial Commerce Commission worthy of continuance? What of the Martial Bulle? Is a new Kaiser willing to revert some of these obligations back to the Fürsten? Seine Majestät, Ladislav, spoke of his kingdom’s ties to Hungary? How would this affect the Reich?”

Realizing that he had perhaps said enough for the present, Augustin nodded slightly and stepped back, inviting others to speak.

 

[Petrarca]

Herr Erzbischof would be no pushover, Ladislav realized. He liked that, though. If he lost, then the Archbishop could be counted upon to maintain some degree of accountability from the Purple and the other institutions of the Empire. If he won, then having a savvy young theologian in such a powerful position would be a boon to his administration and restoration of the Empire.

"A zenith reached by means other than cooperation or coordination. Others would have the Kurfürsten believe that the Wittelsbach house is some group of malevolent conspirators attempting to rule the world from Praha or Rome," Ladislav said, holding the anonymous letter that cited the many enemies of his line. "Our cousin from Bavaria silently gains supporters for his candidacy, while our nephew from the Rhine declares his own and will indubitably vote for himself. We will go to him and ask him to remove himself from the candidates, but it will be as an Imperial prince to another prince, explaining our reasons as compellingly as possible. Had there been some Wittelsbach plan, then only one of us would have run, and the many disparate branches would have voted en masse to produce a new Emperor. What Mainz will do, what Pfalz will do, these are mysteries to us because our family's reputed unity of action is not so."

"I thank you, Herr Erzbischof, for judging men by their faith and actions rather than their parentage. Some here could stand to do well by following that advice. Now, for the questions you raised. We wholeheartedly support the Martial Bulle in its proper form, which states that Imperial War is only declared when the Emperor and the Reichstag make such a decision. One of our key points in reconciling Burgundy has been to win their full acceptance once more of the Martial Bulle, for we consider it a vital mechanism in the defense of the Empire. Similarly we support the Commerce Commission, if it is adminstered in a just and proper fashion. In the past the Duke of Bremen used it to scuttle the attempts of his rivals to form trade associations. That is not the spirit of the Commission. It was meant instead to foster trade and prosperity in the Empire as well as enforce such decisions as the embargo of heathen princedoms."

"Then there is the Reichskammergericht, which is silent due to the Count Palatine's lack of attention and the three empty seats. This body is the ultimate dispenser of justice for much of the Empire, and for it to lie dormant is a shameful situation which deprives the princes of their fair due and leaves justice in favor of the arbitrariness of the Imperial Purple and the force of arms."

"de Maillac," Ladislav said, turning to the Alsatian, "the delegate to the Reichstag from Alsace attempted to explain the proper procedure according to Burgundian law. Most of our fellow princes are wedded to the idea of declaring one claimant or another as legitimate, yet we were informed it was not so. Please elaborate, for if we are to uphold the laws, we must know what they are."

 

[unmerged(945)]

Johann smiled as the Arcbishop of Cologne asked about other issues.

"Yes indeed Herr Archbishop, one issue cannot be the sole criteria for the election. In the long run other issues might even prove to be of much greater significance."

"Trade is fundamental to the wealth of the Empire. As such the imperial laws must stimulate and protect trade if at all possible. The Imperial Commerce Comission can become a much greater tool at accomplishing this than it is today. Especially interesting is its work at standardizing currency, and I believe such standardization can be used in other areas too to great effect. The beaurocracy of the ICC leaves something to be desired however. In the future I believe this must be adressed to make it easier to approach and the ICC needs to become more informative as well. Princes have been fined simply because they have been ignorant of some of the ICC`s practises and rules."

"Finally it must be said that trade is not desireable at all costs. In the past certain Imperial princes traded with the heathen even the Holy Father and the Emperor both had declared these same heathen as the enemy. Perhaps the best example of this is the actions of genoese merchants during the heresy of the Dorias. Some things must allways stand higher than mere profits and gold."

"I believe the martial bulle as it stands is a good compromise between ensuring Imperial princes sovereignty and ensuring the stability of the Empire as a whole. Therefore it should stand in its current form."

"As the King of Bohemia mentioned, the Reichskammergericht is silent at the moment. It has long been my view that the gericht is too dependant on one person. Reforming the gericht to make it less dependant on a single prince should therefore be considered carefully. I believe the Empire would be better served by a more dynamic gericht, one where it is easier to appoint a new judge, temporarily or permanently, should one of the judges be absent."

He then turned to de Maillac. "I too wish to learn more about the situation in Lotharingia Herr De Maillac." He gestured to the other two Electors. "It does seem like you have yourself an audience."

 

[Petrarca]

"It is easy to appoint a new judge. If the Richter-Kurfürst does not do so, then the Kaiser has the right to select new justices subject to the approval of the Reichstag," Ladislav added.

***​

Dietrich Cardinal von Ehrlichman found himself, unfortunately, in the halls of the Kurfürsten once more. His search for the mysterious Graf Leonhard had produced no results, despite his public declaration that he had business with the man. Now the old man raised his voice once more and spoke with a parchment in his hand, the very effort taxing him. "My liege, the King of Bohemia, casts his vote for King of the Romans, according to the Bulla Aurea of Karl IV, for his own candidacy." With that he held up the document bearing the royal seal and declaring Ladislav's vote while from the corner of the hall Ladislav himself looked and flashed a smile. von Ehrlichman had never failed him, never let him down, and always kept his faith in him. The slow realization of this filled him with a humble joy, and he awaited patiently the Erzbischof's next questions.

Meanwhile, von Ehrlichman moved to speak with Lothair von Wittelsbach in private. He began by saying, "Your Lordship, let me begin by noting that my liege has yet no heirs..."

 

[unmerged(945)]

And as the current situation shows it is not allways that easy Johann thought to himself. He had absolutely no intention of answering Ladislavs rather sour comment though. After the coronation in Gelre Ladislavs sisters was supposed to travel to Brandenburg. If his majestys sisters was in Berlin at the moment, Johann was quite sure he would send them on their way as soon as possible, as keeping them inside Brandenburg would have no further purpose.

Ladislav had categorized him as a 'northerner'. It was perhaps time for Johann to start to act and think like one.

 

[Mettermrck]

​

Augustin stood waiting for De Malliac to speak, yet he decided to speak more on some of the other issues being discussed with Ladislav and Johann. "Merely amongst the three of us there is impetus for invigorating the organs of the Reich, and this is good. I note than when Joachim of the Greif, God rest his eternal soul, was elevated to Kaiser, there was no Feldmarschal appointed in his place? Perhaps I have yet to see the benefits of the Bulle when it is not implemented fully. This seems to be the same lack with our courts and commerce."

Augustin pondered for a moment before continuing, wondering if any of the other Kurfürsten were going to join in the discussion. "Regarding the Reichshandelkommission. It is wise, I feel, to make the leader of this body a non-Hansa member, simply to prevent the high concentration of economic power in one man's hands. This is the same logic that should be applied to the Feldmarschal, who should not be someone of the Kaiser's family or state. This could also be applied to judges. Nepotism, both sacrum and secular, is something to be feared."

Waiting to see how his words sunk in, he went on. "In addition, the Reich has stipulations that in the case of regency, the Reichsvikarien, namely Die Pfalzgraf and Der Kurfürst von Sachsen, administer in his place. On a similar line, perhaps it is not out of bounds to consider the possibility that if the Kaiser is lacking in his obligations to appoint these officials, perhaps another body should take responsibility. Perhaps...Der Fürstenrat?" He bowed his head for a second. "Well, perhaps issue for discussion in the Reichstag. Yet it is important for a candidate to be mindful of the possibility of assertiveness and reforms."

He was waiting for De Malliac to speak, when he stepped closer to the pair. "I know little of this Phillippe, and some of Anna. Most would say there are two solutions to Lotharingia, therefore. Yet this is not always the case. But let us here the Alsatian speak."

 

[Bagricula]

During one of the lulls in this stop and start election, burdened by more candidates than the Kurfursten had seen since the election of Erich Lexifer, Georgio Trieste waddles in a manner suggesting that the waddler thinks himself sidling but has never actually bothered to watch a real sidler in action. Instead, he plods mediocrely onward with an infuriatingly suggestive smile on his face. Although he stops, both his heavily embroidered robe, pulled forward by momentum no doubt, and the heavy scent of his greasy hair slink forward towards the young Archbishop of Cologne.

His bejeweled fingers, wrapped around a golden cord, unwind themselves and he curls his hair as he addresses the young German prelate, "My brother, congratulations on your appointment. I suspect you feel quite overwhelmed what with the responsibilities heaped upon." His face forms a picture of misery, as he projects in his mind the image of a hard-suffering gentleman working tirelessly in the Archdiocese of Trier, "But there is nothing to be done, eh? Where would we be if not for men like us, born to honor. I admit to you, I would not have asked for this duty to be thrust upon me. I much more enjoy the retired simpler life. You must be bowled-over by ideas bubbling through your brain. The air's so heady up here, on top of the world."

Georgio seems to grow a little uncertain about whether he was achieving his desired effect of impressing the young prelate, and he falters trying to punch up his own image, "Naturally, the Holy Father has every confidence in my decisions...yes, yes. I don't suppose you've met him? We're good friends, you know. I'm like an uncle to him, having served in Trier since Pius's reign. Oh, Pius! He was a Pope! He knew the value of God's creation, yes, indeed. Not that the Holy Father is any less of a Pontiff. He's a bit too aristocratic for my tastes. Has uppity ideas about this and that. There's something to be said for breeding, but I think perhaps he holds himself too high for one of German bir..."

The Archbishop of Trier's voice trails off, as his throat constricts, and he asks weakly, "Would you join me for lunch fortasse, Augustin?"

 

[unmerged(945)]

Johann quickly replied to the archbishop.

"While I agree it is unfortunate that too much economic power is concentrated in one man`s hand, such a thing must surely apply to members of other trade league within the Empire as well. We have seen some more or less succesfull attempts in the past, like the Central European Trade Pact. If such a disqualifier is used, where do we put the line between a trading league and a regular trade agreement?"

"Nepotism must be avoided at all cost, I could not agree more."

Johann smiled at the mention of the Furstenrat. "The Council of Electors is allready the body to use in such situations. It has however, been acting slowly at this time, mostly I believe, due to the fact that the state of our Emperor was for a long time uncertain. If Your Excellency has any ideas for giving the Council of Electors more responsibility." Johann looked at the archbishop, his eyes glittering. "Please do voice them."

 

[Mettermrck]

​

"Well, that is the purpose of the Diet, I am sure, to keep a continuous eye on the concentrations of power in the Empire, particularly economic. These regional trade pacts seem mercifully short-lived, though if they do emerge again, it is important for them to work within the framework of the Reichshandelkommission, which of course means an active Kommissioner. As for my other ideas? They would need some discussion and working out, I trust. For now, I am establishing where the interests of each candidate lies." He inclined head respectively as he noticed a newcomer entering the hall.

Augustin watched with interest as one of the Erzbischofs moved into the room, though not quite as he would expect a man of such station to move. He kept such thoughts to himself and nodded politely as he approached and introduced himself. Trier then, Augustin thought, the Papal voice, though no one would admit it. He bowed respectfully. "Eure Eminenze. I am Augustin Cullen at your service."

He listened clearly to Trieste's words about the Papst and breeding, not quite sure what point he was pursuiing. "Hmm, indeed. I had the pleasure of meeting Seine Heiligkeit in Prague, and it was quite an honor, though too short by far. That you are well-acquainted with him is to your credit, of course. Lunch, you say? Certainly. I was waiting for Herr De Malliac here to give his views on Lotharingia. The more I listen and encourage others to speak, the more informed my vote shall be."

 

[Bagricula]

A cold stone rolls around in Georgio's capacious stomach as Augustin speaks. The idea that this welp had met with the Holy Father, tightened the Archbishop of Trieste's discomfort. So what if he'd never actually met the Pope, he had been busy with..business..during the last election, and had not gotten the opportunity to run into the man behind the fisherman seals. With oblique suspicion, Georgio glances at Augustin. The arrogant rascal wasn't going to make a fool of Georgio Trieste, who had attended the elections of two emperors.

"Oh, you've met the Holy Father? How is he?" He interjects hoping to call Augustin's bluff, "I've been telling him if he stays in Rome he'll lead a longer and more productive life, but does he ever listen?" Georgio hides his nervousness under what he imagines to be a rueful smile, before engaging the Alsacian.

"As shall mine, as shall mine. What are your thoughts on this hotly contested election, Signore de Malliac?"

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

Andreas Muller, Kanzler und Verwalter zu Tyrol, stood near the door of the great hall, as if expecting someone... because he was. He had written two hasty letters off to Gelre during the session, informing his master of the happenings. Still, it aws better he see it himself and strike while the iron was hot. To Muller's glee, there seemed to be tension now between the King of Bohemia and the Margrave of Brandenburg... something about northern versus southern interest. There was something to be worked on by the Duke, who, although clearly from Bavaria, was not well known much elsewhere in the Empire. While this meant few knew him, it also meant few knew his mind. Muller's head jerked back from looking upon the crowded hall when he heard familiar hoofbeats.

My lord, it is a great joy to see you have heeded my call and left of your Grace's perivous pursuit. You may wear the Crown of Karl der Grosse yet! *claps hands together*

Perhaps, but I do not wish to out play my hand, dear Muller. I take risks, yes, but I think now that I don't wish to make a fool of myself before the whole Empire. Two great men are running... damn it! I thought all would be wary of such a burden, but then again... did not Christ bear the greatest burden...

Indeed he did, my lord.

Still, do you have anymore news that might be useful before I mix with this congress of princes and prelates? I need all the help I can get if I am to... *sighs* The King of Bohemia... he is a near cousin, no less.

This is true, but I believe we have weapons to our avail. There is, it seems, a sore point between Ladislav and Johann about south and north respectively. Ladislav has counted himself more southern than Johann, though the later was born in Bayern. There was the short candidcy of the fromer Emperor's boy, Lothair until his tutor and the shouts of the crowd forced him to leave the hall. Most comical sence that was... *chuckles* There has also been talk of a Papal hand behind the Imperial throne if the King of Bohemia if he is elected and the visit of the Holy Father to Prague only has added fire to this fear. Your Grace has not that taint. You are a Wittelsbach, but without the bad, for these people have no idea of your past. There has also been talk of the Imperial trade commisson and judges for the Imperial High Court along with, naturally, the events in Lotharingia. Oh! That reminds me... there is a gentleman here from Alsace to observed the election and inform everyone of the matters of his country. He is over there with the new Bishop of Koln, the King of Bohemia, the Brandenburg Margrave, and the Bishop of Trier.

Ah, all in one place! Perfect. And this trade commission... puh, I shall not speak of it one bit. These damn burghers, sticking their hands into everything, even the matters of Empire. If I had any love of commerce, I would be a damned Senator in Venice, not a Duke!

***​

Duke Levi walked over to the group with confidence, but in his head, he was befuddled as to what he should say and who should he say it to. His recent hunt for Anna von Egmond's hand had been lackluster and know his chance at the purple seemed illusory. Still, it would not hurt to test the waters and perhaps get a prize or two from the future Emperor if possible, who even that might be.

Greetings to your Majesty, your Graces, and good sir of Alsace. *smiles and bows* I am none other than Levi von Wittelsbach, Duke of Bayern-Ansbach and Bayern-Tyrol. I hear that I am much spoken of but not seen, and for that I must apologize. I was in Gelre as the guest of the new Duke and I was much enchanted by his sister, but alas, it was not a match. Time can only tell with such things, but no matter. Such things are trivial when compared with the fate of the Reich!

The Duke paused and waited for the barrage of questions to come.

 

[Mettermrck]

​

The Alsatian, De Malliac, seemed to be delaying the moment before he would speak regarding Lotharingia, so it was with a distracted air that Augustin caught the approach of another lord. While his dress marked him as high-born and his speech as south German, he was a bit surprised at the open casualness of the man’s speech. Politely, he managed merely a slight raising of his eyebrow as he scanned the eyes of the others in the group before turning back to the Herzog.

”Eure Genaden, a pleasure of course. And another Wittelsbach I note?” Augustin turned to Ladislav. ”Surely your mention of your House out of zenith was humble understatement?” He smiled slightly before turning back to the Herzog. ”And with the child Lothair withdrawn, I wonder if familial ties draw you to Seine Majestät here?” He looked from König to Herzog and took in the Wittelsbach air, wondering if the blood ran true in different realms.

”We were just discussing some of the economic and imperial issues behind this gathering of ours. I take it you have your own stance on the issues, Eure Genaden? And of course, our Alsatian friend here is much too polite to keep us in the dark for too long on the situation in his homeland.” Augustin turned back to the Alsatian, mentally imploring the man to speak, though from time to time he would turn back to Levi.

 

[BusterBunny]

De Maillac waited a while before answering the many questions coming at him, out of respect for the representatives of the electorate. When all the questions had been raised, he spoke up.

"I bless your Lordships for letting me speak in such important times. And I hope my knowledge will help you understand what is going on, and most importantly, take an informed decision regarding the current events."

He hesitated. "... but... perhaps a piece of advice. Lotharingia is important, yes, but our Empire, our Faith even, is much more important. And so, though the events in Lotharingia have a definitive impact on your decision, I would like to stress that important matters are going on elsewhere, much more crucial than the fights in Lotharingia. I can just think of Rome right now, stuck in an eternal war with a bunch of Muslim warlords... this is the reason the Empire exists..."

He smiled. "But perhaps I sound paternalistic, your Lordships, and I hope you will find within yourselves to accept my limits."

"What to make of the events in Lotharingia, especially of the succession. I have talked with the abbots in Morimond. As some of you may know, these monks are used to dealings with treaties and interpretations. They do not talk much, and when they done, one should listen. These are the words I bring to you from these men of Faith, whose sole purpose are to serve God. Should someone find falsehood in my words, they would have to answer to God Himself." he said, and bowed deeply.

"Your Lordships, you ask the question whether the man who currently wears the crown of Lotharingia is Philippe du Berry, missing son of the late Marie du Berry, queen of Lotharingia. To this question, I cannot answer with certainty. What we do know is that there is a physical resemblance between him and Her Majesty Éléanore du Berry. Also, a document, yet to be interpreted and analysed by the monks, reveal that Jean de Montpetit, Cardinal of Auvergne and overall Church representative at the Court of Lotharingia, attested of the origin of the boy. Apparently, and this is UNCONFIRMED by the monks, Jean de Montpetit saw the boy on a regular basis, in Rome, and in the Lower Counties."

He paused for a few seconds. "In his testament, Jean de Montpetit confirms giving an object to Philippe, which in turn would prove to anyone that he was indeed linked to the late Marie de Berry, the late Jean du Berry and Éléanore herself... What this object is... we do not know."


"Many believe that Philippe du Berry is an usurper to the throne. I believe this as well, as logically, there are not much evidence to support his origins, except for coincidences. “

”What we do know, for certain, from witnesses, and documents, and seals, et cetera, is that before his death, Louis de Montpensier, consider by most amongst you as King of Lotharingia, signed his abdication…”

He looked around and repeated loudly. ”HIS ABDICATION”.

”He gave back to the members of the Directoire to choose the rightful heir to Lotharingia. This cannot be denied. It was signed, the Directoire would have to choose.”

”The Constitution of Lotharingia confers to the King the right to give his power to who he sees fit, and he obviously saw fit to give to the Directoire the choice of its next rulers. After all, we did when Louis de Montpensier came to power. We also accepted Marie du Berry, at the time…”

”Some people throw away the claim of Philippe du Berry. They do not, however, doubt the claim of Louis de Montpensier.”

He paused to let the idea sink in.

”And yet, who here have the proof that Louis de Montpensier was the legitimate heir of Marie du Berry?” he asked.

”She never talked of him in any document, never talked of him as his heir, not even in her testament. There are coincidences, at most… like Philippe du Berry.” he admitted.

”This IS the main point of most members of the Directoire. We were asked to choose a new king, and no one…”

He paused.

”NO ONE will tell us how to do our duty. We MUST choose, between all possible heirs, all claims, be them hardly supported by well known facts or by mere coincidence.”

”So you will ask us why we sided with Anne de Savoie in her fight against Philippe du Berry. Here, it is a matter of principle. My duke, and some of his allies, accept the CLAIM of Anne and her daughter, the same way they accept the claim of Philippe du Berry. They do want to study the claims, and then be able to decide who will be the next person to wear the crown. But Philippe went one step further than Anne: he crowned himself.”

He smiled.

”He imposed the choice on us… and for that we fight for the right to choose.”

”We can have two views regarding Louis de Montpensier and his abdication. First, if we believe he WAS the legitimate son of Marie du Berry, then his abdication stands, and the choice of a new heir falls upon the Directoire.”

He moved his left hand to show a second choice.

”Or, we can view Louis de Montpensier as illegitimate. Then, his abdication means nothing, as his own coronation meant nothing… he was simply an usurper, and then the Directoire would need to look at claims, and choose the new King.”

”In both cases, we find ourselves with the Directoire having to choose.”

He rubbed his hands together. ”And this leaves me to answer the second important question as to who Lotharingia supports in the upcoming IMPERIAL election.”

”First, let me state that Philippe du Berry imposed a choice on us, and for that, we fight him. Frankly, he just didn’t get it… he didn’t understand the implication of his move, he didn’t respect the crown of Lotharingia, and thus the nobility of Lotharingia… There is a second group of nobles who didn’t get it….”

He paused again, to let people figure them out themselves.

”All the nobles that signed the treaty of Zupten just didn’t get it… They, in turn, are trying to impose a choice on the Directoire. Louis de Montpensier abdicated… Louis de Montpensier ASKED the Directoire to choose a new heir. HOW DARE THEY QUESTION HIS WILL?”

”And here we are, signing this piece of paper, imposing a new lord for Lotharingia. Lotharingia doesn’t tell who the new King of England should be, or impose its will to the papacy? Who are these lords that impose their choice on the GOD GIVEN RIGHT of the Lords of the Directoire?”

”Beware of he who tramples on God given rights, for he believes himself superior to GOD Himself!”

”I admit, some were fooled in signing this document. I do not believe that His Majesty Louis the XI of France had bad intentions signing this document. Perhaps he was pressured to do so… But these are things that should come naturally to the Empire…”[/I¸

”Any Imperial that has signed Zupten CANNOT be trusted by the Directoire, and thus by Lotharingia… This leaves out many potential candidates. One house stands out as not being part of Zupten, and that is the House von Wittelsbach.”

”Even there, there is exception. For example, the Bavarian branch has a clear anti-Lotharingia agenda. It is amassing troops to attack some Lower Counties islands. This is, in many sense, far worse than what the Gelreans could do, as they have never tried to attack the domains of the Crown directly. This would be the first time Lotharingia has been attacked by a foreign house… ever.”

”But, on the other side of the scale, the Bohemian branch has not looked at Zupten. It understands the problem of imposing a ruler in Lotharingia. It is not surprising that we now see strong ties between most houses of the Empire and the Wittelsbachers, even as far as the Valois themselves… This is something to think about.”

”But the thing that will strike people the most, is that the Bohemian branch of the Wittelsbach is the only one that can say that it can make Lotharingia sign the Martial Bulle…”

”And I do not have to tell anyone the importance of such an event for the future of the Empire. This shows how integrated to all the houses of the Empire the Wittelsbachs are. Having the Martial Bulle signed means agreement with all of the families of the Directoire… not just the Berry… ALL OF THEM.”

”And you don’t unite the houses of the Directoire with piece of insults like Zupten… you do it by leadership, compromises, and being able to find the middle ground.”

”Your Lordships, perhaps it is time to consider the impact of what you are doing right now… You are electors, and thus have a duty to understand the impact of the decisions you will take. And I firmly believe that actions talk louder than words….”

 

[Mettermrck]

​

Here was a man with a determined view of his own importance, and that of his homeland. Amidst the raised voice and occasional directness of tone, Augustin could discern the frustration of someone who felt pressured by overwhelming outside force. Although he wanted most of all to listen to the candidates’ responses to De Malliac, which would help shape his coming vote, he certainly could not remain silent.

”Words for thought, indeed, Herr De Malliac. We would be remiss if we did not respect what you say, and help understand the meaning behind them. The justice of succession and legitimacy of a crown is also a question for interpretation and the doubts of history, sadly. There are those who would always apply analysis to any transferrence of a throne. If Louis de Montpensier invested the Directoire with the power of royal appointment? A telling point, indeed. Yet Louis took Anna of the Greif for his wife, no less telling? Forgive my possible ignorance, yet, what is the normal course of Burgundian succession? Seine Majestät here spoke of Genoa, and indeed the Reichslanden in Italia are of grave importance.” Tread lightly, he told himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he considered the rest of De Malliac’s words. Many of the prominent signatories of Zupten were present in the room.

”Köln did not sign Zupten, quite possibly because of my own recent accession to this diocese, and also because of what it represented, whether correct in principle or not. Zupten speaks of force and intervention in a Lotharingian conflict. The rapidity of Germania’s march to this conflagration is woeful to the principles of just consideration and patient deliberation, that which I feel the Reich is foremost a symbol of. Without speaking for any party in Lotharingia, I must agree with De Malliac that compromise is at the heart of any solution for this problem, at least that solution which does not promise hardship for that land’s people.” He turned and briefly looked at Ladislav, and also at Johann. What was behind those eyes? What intent lay behind their political masks?

He turned back to De Malliac. ”I continue to say that Lotharingia will not be solved here. I would like to hear the candidates’, and indeed, the other Kurfürsten’s views on Lotharingia, and then I wish to cast my vote. There is much, indeed, at stake, yet the best step we can take now is the election of a Kaiser. Meine Herren, the floor is yours.” He bowed slightly and took a symbolic step backwards, as if yielding the dais.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

Duke Levi's borrow noticably furrowed at the tone of Alstian as he rumbled on about the Lothringian matter. "What manner of man is that my cousin sends here, that he speaks so briskly and loudly to Princes of the Empire!" The Duke grew all the more irate when the man slandered the Bavarian branch of the Haus Wittlesbach, especially since his accusations were either missplaced or untrue. Levi's previously jovial face took on a much more serious countance.

Herr... De Maillac... that is your name. I must say you speak most strongly for your country but yet speak wrongly and insult men you know nothing about. You said there are troops of Bavaria massed against the Low Countries, but there is no such thing. There is an embassy of a few hundred men on its way to Ireland, but it has been delayed in Gelre for want of ships to take it thence. While in Gelre, I myself personally warned the new Duke, Jan von Egmond, to take no action against your noble realm, no matter how tempting it might seem. Who would wish yet another war to burst open upon the fringes of the Empire, Heaven forbid. Certainly, not I, Herr... De Maillac. *stares at him* And as to Zupthen, I had no part in the signing nor the discussion of it, eventhough I was in the city at the palace at the time. The Duke invited other guests to discuss the matter not I and I only found out a few weeks ago that our Duchess-Regent Elizabeth had signed the damn thing. You see, she is of the Rhenish branch of our house... she was married to my brother in order to bind the two together more closely and it worked, *mutters* unfortunately. So, I fear she signed it for the sake of her sister and her niece and grandniece, Christine, Anna, and Marie. I, good sir, never supported the idea of intervention, but the Grief have pushed the matter and the Grief are strong as ever. Even the Anjou now move at their call, no? I have always said that the matter should be solve by you people... anyway, I have heard many unsavory things about her "royal" highness and not too many good things about the other side. This Directoire should know which is the lesser of the two evils, no? As long as the war does not go beyond the borders of Lotharingia, there MUST be no intervention. Once a new soverigne is in place, the Martial Bulle and other matters, such as the ownership of the Duchy of Holland und Zeeland, belonging to my right honorable cousin, can be resolved. I hope that clears up my stance on this matter, Herr... De Maillac

"That ought set the little bastard straight!" though the Duke as he looked at the King of Bohemia to gauge his reaction to his comments.

 

[BusterBunny]

De Maillac turned to Augustin.

"I agree with your words, and your ideals. The normal course of succession in Lotharingia would be for the son or daughter of the king or queen to take the crown, EXCEPT if the King or Queen abdicated for his own line. The abdication document signed by Louis de Montpensier, may he be or not be the son of Marie de Berry, were exactly the same as the one Éléanore du Berry signed. Both delivered the power to the Directoire to decide who would rule next. They abdicated their line completely. One who recognises the abdication of Éléanore du Berry recognises the same abdication of Louis de Montpensier. Some might even say that Éléanore du Berry had no rights to abdicate, since her brother was still alive and should have been king... that would be for the ones who believe Philippe du Berry is indeed Queen Marie's son..."

He didn't think he made himself clear enough by these words, but he turned nonetheless to Duke Levi.

"Your Grace, I do not know what to believe in what I am being told. On one hand, someone representing the regency of Ulrich I von Wittelsbach signed a document called the Declaration of Zupten. You do not even deny this, yet take offense at the idea of what this declaration represents. I agree with your Grace, this document is not worth the parchment upon which it is written on. But as it stands right now, the Bavarian line of the House von Wittelsbach has taken an illegitimate stance regarding Lotharingia.

I know full well her grace Isle von Wittelsbach. She was the sister of Emperor Erich, thus aunt to Emperor Frederick von Wittelsbach who himself was married to Éléanore du Berry... She is thus the grand aunt to Lothair von Wittelsbach, heir to the Electorship fo Pfalz. My lord knows her as well.

The fact that Isle von Wittelsbach signed the document simply means that either the House of Wittelsbach in Bavaria has taken an anti-Lotharingian stance, or that it should look at cancelling this Treaty of Zupten.

Surely your Grace has the power to do that, and to reallign with the House von Wittelsbach from Bohemia, Pfalz, as well as the Bishopric under its control..."

He coughed nervously.

"Your Grace duke Levi, what can you tell us about the importance of the Burgundian Waddeneilanden in this war in Ireland, which just ended?"