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Post by Empire of Rashad on Nov 23, 2021 3:57:22 GMT
Catherine let her diplomatic mask drop at the comment from Afonsus. “As would my father, sir. But I wasn’t born to the throne. It was taken, and at great cost of life. When the Rodinian navy attempted to intervene in Divinian affairs, they were barely thwarted by our coastal batteries. I’ve since promised I would not allow myself to be outmaneuvered in that field.”
She then turned toward Theodora, trying desperately not to immediately sound the fool. “Thank you. I would have to discuss that with my council back home, though I am sure great pains have been taken in her designs.”
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Post by Empire of Rashad on Nov 23, 2021 4:03:38 GMT
Afonsus looked at the blueprints, and with a polite, but diplomatic smile, declined. "I am flattered that would would think so highly of me as to offer me your naval designs, but I must decline the offer. My daughter seeks to improve our Universities, and our best minds are currently designing the most modern ships that can possibly be built. Bringing a foreign design and immediately implementing it would not only be heavily discouraging, but also a waste of precious resources that have already been spent."
Besides, Afonsus had spies in Theodora's court. If he ever need access to the vessel's blueprints, perhaps to find potential exploitable weaknesses, all he had to do was issue orders.
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Post by Empire of Rashad on Nov 23, 2021 4:06:12 GMT
Theodora looked slightly disappointed by quickly recovered. She pointed out that they would be getting a completed ship and wouldn't have to construct it themselves and if needed could be given with the ammunition and fuel as a bonus on top.
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Post by Empire of Rashad on Nov 23, 2021 4:11:33 GMT
“It certainly is an admirable design, and I’m sure it will serve you well. However, the Divinian navy does operate on a different doctrine than that of your nation. I’ll not turn down a battleship mind you.”
She continued looking at the blueprint, noting similarities between her own battleships and those of the Asderaordian design.
“However, this does give me the idea to look into the secondaries on my current ships. I believe the uniformity of your design has some merit in aiding in the aiming of naval guns.”
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Post by Empire of Rashad on Nov 23, 2021 4:19:16 GMT
There was a sudden nock on the wooden door and in walked Gabriel and a unknown woman dressed in Duom Asderaordian naval Uniform and seemed to hold the rank of Admiral of the Fleet. She Bowed before the monarchs and introduced herself as Elina Bruckmann and said she was the one who had developed the design for the ship and was happy to talk about details as she offered to take them to another room which would give a better understanding of the ships and the capabilities and could also take them on a tour if they would like that.
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Post by Empire of Rashad on Nov 23, 2021 6:04:27 GMT
Afonsus gave the Admiral an acknowledging smile.
"I am glad to see Duom has such talented minds. I would like to them up close, but no guided tour for me I'm afraid. I can barely walk properly as is anymore." He said, turning to one of his guards that waited on the door to the balcony. "In fact, Jorge, if you would please fetch me my cane."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
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Post by Empire of Rashad on Nov 23, 2021 6:04:48 GMT
Afonsus then turned to Theodora. He struggled to look through the face of the woman who had suggested his daughter marry a mere 9 year old, but he did manage to distance himself enough of that to get a genuine look at the Empress. He saw genuine concern. He saw stress, and most of all, he saw eyebags born from endless waking nights spent worrying about what might go wrong. He saw a little bit of his younger self in Theodora, in a way.
"On second thought, I won't take the battleship, but I will take the blueprints."
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Post by Empire of Rashad on Nov 23, 2021 6:05:20 GMT
Catherine placed her hand lightly on Afonsus’ arm, chuckling.
“So should I look to to you as a guide then? With your legs and my eyes we’d likely walk off the balcony together!”
Afonsus could not contain his laughter. "Ha! I'll make sure to tell you if you're about to walk off a window."
She pretended to frown at that. “You laugh, but Gabriel used to grease the floors of the palace when I was a child. Try walking in these shoes with this much fabric dragging behind you on a wet marble floor. The poor staff had to follow behind me with a cushion for years!”
Afonsus turned his eyes to Gabriel. He presented the Magdal a strained smile, and nothing more.
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Post by Empire of Rashad on Nov 25, 2021 2:51:32 GMT
The guard came back with Afonsus' ivory walking cane. He thanked the guard, and he was dismissed.
"Very well, I believe we should address the elephant in the room. " Afonsus said, mustering the most friendly tone of voice he possibly could. "Lady Theodora, the visit has been exquisite so far, but from the letters we were sent, I believe we're not here just to receive these blueprints. Let's get down to business."
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Post by Empire of Rashad on Nov 25, 2021 2:51:43 GMT
"I would be inclined to agree" replied Theodora. Leading the group back through the halls of the castle to a room overlooking the drydock below.
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Post by Empire of Rashad on Nov 25, 2021 2:56:47 GMT
Theodora Started with "I wish to formally recognise an alliance between our three nations. This alliance would help protect of nations against threats from outside the alliance. It would be a primarily Defensive alliance with no obligations if the member of the alliance was the aggressor in a conflict. However if one of the alliance nations was attacked then the other 2 members would be held to provide military aid. The type of military aid and how much should be pledged should be discussed.
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Post by Empire of Rashad on Nov 25, 2021 3:02:06 GMT
Catherine considered the idea. “As you may know, I’ve already signed a defensive alliance with Prussoia, contingent on my marriage. I’ve always taken pains to secure the interests of your nation when possible, though recent events have made that rather difficult at times.”
Theodora replied with "So are you in agreeance?
And how about you?" talking to Afonsus
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Post by Empire of Rashad on Nov 25, 2021 3:10:04 GMT
Catherine, “I will at least consider the offer. It would do good to have a firm alliance, especially with my kin. But your nation is also quite far from my own…”
Theodora, "All the more reason to have the alliance as it will us to project power globally and it would be hard to attack all three of us at 1 time meaning there would always be some to help with what you need. Also, there is the DOC which would help make military maneuvers easier when crossing the distance between each other "
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Post by Empire of Rashad on Nov 25, 2021 3:20:52 GMT
Afonsus pulled a chair he found and sat down. "My Lady, you must understand, we are already involved in an alliance with the Tholish and a defensive pact with the Associated Cities. Entering yet another alliance with your nation could prove... difficult. However, I do not mean you any harm or injury, and I am more than willing to sign a non-agression pact."
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Post by Empire of Rashad on Nov 25, 2021 3:33:34 GMT
Theodora responded with "That is most unfortunate and I would hope you may reconsider in the future but I would be happy to sign a nonaggression pact at this time although I would have to add 1 additional clause to that pact which I am sure you would have no problem with."
The Magdal paused, and seemed to be lost in thought. After a while, he spoke: "Or, you can marry the young Duke to my youngest daughter. I have read about the Sadaler and their barbaric customs... and I am starting to have second thoughts about an offer of marriage."
"So you would like to confirm the pact with a marriage?"
"It would be highly dishonorable of me not to honor a marriage with at the very least a defensive pact."
"That would be very much in our interests."
Though I must ask as a clause to the pact I must request that we cease all espionage actions against each other.
"That is only fair."
“Not to speak ill of my brother in law”, Catherine struggled through the words, “He has not dishonored my sister. But his people are , shall we say unorthodox.”
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Post by Empire of Rashad on Nov 29, 2021 1:50:17 GMT
"Indeed." Said Afonsus. "On another note. My Ladies, I would like to extend you an invitation. Like I meationed earlier, my daughter plans on revamping the Kingdom's Universities, and we're currently looking for those gifted in the various areas of study to come teach. If you would find it within yourselves to help us, we'd be much obliged. And with that, I think we are agreed."
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Post by Empire of Rashad on Nov 29, 2021 1:51:04 GMT
“Oh very well. I will agree to this alliance.” Catherine in turn responded to the request by Afonsus saying, “There are a great many medical minds in Divinium, especially so in the field of obstetrics. I could reach out to the University of St. Helena and see if they have a mind to offer their services.”
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Post by Empire of Rashad on Nov 29, 2021 1:57:32 GMT
"So Shall we make this official?"
They took a small break while the paper was drafted and after They reviewed what had been put down
Magdalenum and Duom Asderaordia would sign a defensive pact along with a anti espionage clause and there would be an Alliance between ID and Duom Asderaordia
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Post by Empire of Rashad on Nov 29, 2021 2:04:27 GMT
"I will gladly sign this. May this friendship prove long and fruitful." Said Afonsus, picking up a pen with a cigar in his mouth.
"Should we also confirm the marriage of the duke and the princess?"
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Post by Empire of Rashad on Nov 29, 2021 2:18:43 GMT
"Of course. Orders for the return of the young Duke will be issued as soon as I arrive home. I would like you to note that we'll only find a marriage acceptable when both the bride and groom are above the age of 16, which means We'll gladly await for the time the Duke reaches that age. For now, consider them officially betrothed."
"That would suit us fine"
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