Author Topic: Rokkenjima and Abertone  (Read 1777 times)

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Offline Beatrice

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Rokkenjima and Abertone
« on: June 21, 2022, 12:25:06 PM »

An Invitation To Abertone
From The First Empire Of Rokkenjima

To Emperor Marco Lupin IX, King of Abertone and Grand Duke of Faidello

Your Imperial Majesty;

As our nations share a considerable border I have been tasked by the Imperial Government of the First Empire of Rokkenjima to spearhead talks to establish and build relations between our two Empires. The First Empire has long believed that our region of Mundus is an engine of economic growth and prosperity, and one which can serve as an example to the rest of Ardia for a path towards greater prosperity and equality between the Peoples. For these reasons I would be happy to visit the Empire of Abertone to formally establish relations between our Empires and to cement a firm friendship between our Peoples.

Upon your word I shall make preparations to meet with you in Abertone and to conduct discussions on behalf of the First Empire of Rokkenjima. I look forward to a fruitful set of discussions and the establishment of a strong and mutually beneficial friendship between our Peoples.

Yours in Friendship;


Princess of Azukishima
Duchess of Pyrettania

OOC:

It should be noted that this letter is sent roughly a month after the reveal, which is the time where the Princess decides to start her duties.

Beatrice Anselmo
Grand Chancellor of the Independent Order
Empress of the First Empire of Rokkenjima

Factbook of the First Empire of Rokkenjima - Kingdom of Clysperis

Offline Abertone

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Re: Rokkenjima and Abertone
« Reply #1 on: June 22, 2022, 08:37:33 PM »
Marco tossed the letter casually back onto his desk having read it. "If this is who they wish to send then thats who they send" he shrugged. "First contact and they are sending Spock, so I shall send Ryker."

Graziano looked puzzled as he placed the Rokkenjiman letter back in his envelope. "Who is Ryker?" He asked as he slid the envelope into a ziplock bag ear-marked for the national archive.

Marco spun casually on his chair. "Its a Star Trek reference" He educated his cousin as his chair spun to a standstill almost facing the Consul head on, he scooted it back a bit and then leaned forward his elbows on his desk. "I thought you liked that kind of thing, we used to watch as children." The Emperor seemed almost upset, he wasn't the biggest fan of the show but he had enjoyed the odd episode, especially the ones with that "8 of 10" character or whatever she had been called.

"That was my sister Natalina" Graziano had stood. "So I assume you want someone else to handle this matter?"

"It is as though you are a Betazoid" Marco spun himself another lap of his chairs revolutions and then noted that Graziano looked puzzled. "It means yes" he shook his head disapprovingly as he watched Graziano give his usual to the point bow before leaving into the Annex that sat next to the Emperors private suite and office.

The door lead into Serena's office. "He been drinking?" Graziano asked the Emperor's Advocatus. The tall military officer simply leaned down to her desks bottom draw and withdrew a bottle of red wine. Graziano pulled up his suit sleeve and looked at his watch. "Its only 10am"

"Wine o'clock" Serena replied, "I switched him to one of my own vintage." It had become a regular ploy over the past few months, if the Emperor began drinking early in the day Serena simply swapped the red wine for non-alcoholic after a few glasses and the Emperor often never noticed or simply complained the wine had turned bad and gave up, either way the result was often the same that for at least a while the Emperor did something worthwhile.

"Good" Graziano handed her the letter to be filed ready for collection by the Archivist at the end of the year. "Make arrangements for Princess Kyoko to meet me please."

"Yes sir" Serena picked up the phone and began her relentless series of phone calls.



If the Princess was not meeting the Emperor the least Graziano could do was ensure she didn't have a long trip and so the town of Trofino it sat just an half hour drive from the border of the two nations and was rather famed for its unique houses, a series of old Trullo buildings, small dry stone conical shaped houses which had white plastered walls on the outside. Many had symbols whitewashed onto their roofs, some the symbol of a cross, a heart, a longbow or in the case of the building where they would meet a flower. It was the abode of the Mayor of Trullo, a tiny man in his 70's who behind a pair of milkbottle bottom glasses resembled a tiny mole. The house adjoined the town hall.

Interested town folk gathered outside and some of the smaller children had even perched themselves on the sloping roof tops to get better views. Graziano was keen to get things underway and was relieved when he saw the Carbinieri outrider come round the corner quickly followed by three more and then a fleet of vehicles containing the Rokkenjiman Princess and her entourage. Both Graziano and the molesque mayor reached for the door handle of the car at the same time and Graziano stepped back allowing the mayor to be the first to greet the Princess, this was after all his town. "Your Imperial Highness" the man bowed with a rather deceptive depth and elegance. "The people of Trullo are proud to be able to welcome you to our town. Please come meet our Consul, His Imperial Majesty Prince Graziano."

"Just Graziano" he was technically a Prince but didn't think as Consul his job was to be a royal, his job was to run the country for the people and so he generally shunned his title, even that of Duke of Manzi. "On behalf of his Imperial Majesty Emperor Marco I'd like to welcome you to the Empire of Abertone." There was a slight commotion behind them as a robust looking woman dressed in black with a white apron on pushed her way towards Graziano, it was clear she was no threat by the way the Carbinieri literally jumped out of her way. It was the mayors wife and she thrust a tray of Sfogliatelle at Graziano who took a few steps back as she harranged him about not giving her time for things to cool. "I'm sorry" Graziano chuckled as he picked one of the plate being thrust at him. "Princess please share this with me in friendship" he broke the orange cream filled pastry in half and passed it to the Princess. The old woman hadn't waited around and was merrily handing out the still cooling pastry to the rest of the Rokkenjiman entourage whether they wanted one or not.

Offline Beatrice

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Re: Rokkenjima and Abertone
« Reply #2 on: June 23, 2022, 02:12:06 AM »

Princess Kyōko takeing some of her first steps upon Abertone soil.

There had been much to process in the month since she had been informed of her true family, that her best friend was truly her sister and that she had apparently been a part of some "back-up plan" during the Second Patriotic War. When she gained this assignment as the first in her duties as a member of the Imperial Family it felt as a welcome liberation from her personal situation. She was comfortable speaking on behalf of a government owing to her past leadership of the Imperial Rokkenjiman Overseas Dependency of Rishiri; a Dependency which also had the rights to its own diplomatic policies. As such, a meeting such as what was before her today would be familiar territory.

While her invitation for talks had been to the Emperor she took no offense to meeting with the Consul. The site chosen for their meeting impressed her as she could think of nowhere else she had seen that was anywhere near like it. To think that such constructs could exist just on the other side of the border brought a smile to her face; here she was, perhaps the first Rokkenjiman official visiting to witness these sights. She could see why Evanthe had previously loved her life as a diplomat, exploring the world, engaging with new civilizations and, at times, going where no Rokkenjiman had gone before. She also hoped she had stuck a balance between formality and comfort; as First Minister of Rishiri her attire never drew scrutiny but she was now a Princess of Rokkenjima, an Anselmo, and as such the bar had been raised in the eyes of the ever-insaitiable media.

"Thank you for your warm welcome," Kyōko said with a half-bow in return, "I am humbled to be welcomed by the people of Trullo and, in turn, Abertone." She would offer Graziano the same bow, "Thank you for accommodating me on such short notice. Please send my graces to the Emperor upon the conclusion of our discussions." She did not have an opportunity to introduce the remainder of her delegation, a Liaison to the Empress and a representative from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, before having the pastry in their hands. With a nod and a taste the look of approving satisfaction was apparent soon enough which promted Kyōko to motion to one of her delegation to produce a fine wooden case, which she opened.

"As is the tradition of the First Empire I present to you this bottle of Pyrenan mead, brewed from the honey of bees kept upon the grounds of Pyrena Castle. The flowers which they pollenate lend this mead a unique flavour, as well as the mixture of spices and orange peel. Two bottles have been made of this batch, one which you see before you, and another which shall be opened and shared between us in the future. I look forward to learning of you, your people and your lands, and in leaving here today with Rokkenjima having gained a friend."

Beatrice Anselmo
Grand Chancellor of the Independent Order
Empress of the First Empire of Rokkenjima

Factbook of the First Empire of Rokkenjima - Kingdom of Clysperis

Offline Abertone

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Re: Rokkenjima and Abertone
« Reply #3 on: June 26, 2022, 08:34:55 PM »
No doubt Emperor Marco would be quaffing the mead at some later date with little care or reverence for its symbolism however that didn't stop Graziano seeming grateful. "Thank you" he said examining the bottle before standing beside the Princess while a court approved photographer snapped a few images. He escorted the Princess into the Mayor's white washed Trullo building. Inside the walls were bare stone shorn up with vertical planks of old seasoned oak. A small door through which the not overly statuesque Graziano had to duck slightly.  They were now inside the village hall. It had white plaster walls hung with various local folk craft. In the centre of the room a long table was set up with the towns coat of arms carved and painted on the top. It was here the local Parish Council usually meet but today the stakes were a little more important than what colour the hanging basket flowers should be. Graziano moved to one side with a handful of aides while the mayor pulled the chair out for Kyoko before wishing everyone well for the talks and disappearing off back into his adjoining home. Graziano was about to begin the conversation when the mayors wife entered again with two large wooden boards held impressively level and filled with a vast array of pastries, she babbled at Graziano while her arms flailed causing the Consul to laugh. He was still chuckling as the door shut behind her. "She says that I'm to ensure you eat plenty as you need more meat on your bones, but I suspect you didn't come here for health advice, especially from one of our nonna's. How are you finding life as part of the Imperial Family?"

Offline Beatrice

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Re: Rokkenjima and Abertone
« Reply #4 on: July 04, 2022, 02:25:49 AM »
"Thank her on my behalf for her concern," Kyōko said with a grin, "though seemingly I've been gifted a naturally fast metabolism. As for life with the Imperial Family, it's been a transition to be certain, however, everyone from my adoptive parents to my blood family have been more than accommodating and understanding and I thank them all for that. Wherever I look I am in good hands and for that I am most thankful, even if the ride to today has been filled with highs, lows, many tears and even laughter along the way. Although I must say, with my sister in medical care for the foreseeable future, looking after the interests and needs of my niece, Crown Princess Asuna, most definitely seem to be playing on my motherly instincts. When she returns from Achkaerin I have arranged something of a family trip, she doesn't know yet, but it'll be a chance for her and I to get reacquainted. I had seen her a few times, before knowing of all of this, when Beatrice would bring her to Rishiri on her visits so we're at least not strangers. The knowledge that we are related, and she has a new aunt who will have to resist the temptations of spoiling her, remain a new dynamic in our relationship."

"Still," Kyōko said turning the attention to other issues, "our nations share a border and yet this is the first time we've had representatives of our respective nations sat down together. I know what I wish to seek from this meeting but please, if you would, what is it Abertone would seek in a more involved relationship with Rokkenjima?"

Beatrice Anselmo
Grand Chancellor of the Independent Order
Empress of the First Empire of Rokkenjima

Factbook of the First Empire of Rokkenjima - Kingdom of Clysperis

Offline Abertone

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Re: Rokkenjima and Abertone
« Reply #5 on: July 06, 2022, 11:26:37 PM »
Graziano was a firm believer that what was not said spoke often louder than what was. He took a moment to consider his answer, flipped open his notebook and rested it on his crossed legs as he slid back from the table slightly. To Kyoko it appeared he quickly noted something down but to Graziano there were simply four squares drawn for later use. "An involved relationship?" He said when he finally broke the silence. He closed the pad and placed it back on the table as he leaned forward. "This is not a term I'd tend to use. It evokes the impression of undue influence on each other. What I'm interested in is the impact a relationship would bring. We sit at a kind of geopolitical cross-roads. You see we have you and Daito to our South, nations both in the CSTO. To our east Cassiopeia, founders of SUN, and then a short hop North over the water we have the Commonwealth of the Iwi, members of the CNN. Three major geo-political units with a great deal of influence. We have pre-existing connections with Cassiopeia as we took in many of their refugees. Our concern is that your people have called on your government not to "Play nice" with Cassiopeia and several other nations. We've also seen antagonism between members of SUN and members of CSTO. We therefore have an issue of jepadising our relations with one bloc at the expense of another. Therefore we are cautious of where things will head. Our intention here was to establish an understanding by which our two nations can begin a more nieghbourly existance rather than just being people who happen to live side by side. Maybe reaching the point where we occasionally accept the odd Amazon parcel for each other but don't send Christmas cards. We are in a process of assessing where to take things with several nations. At present we do not wish to create a scenario where we get tied to one member of these blocs and that limits our opportunities with others. So perhaps this being said a better place to start would be what exactly did you have in mind by the term "Involved relationship"?"   

Offline Beatrice

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Re: Rokkenjima and Abertone
« Reply #6 on: July 07, 2022, 12:05:45 PM »
“SUN, CSTO, CNN….today I speak to you as a representative of the First Empire of Rokkenjima, based solely upon our bilateral ties, not to spark some great game for Abertone. I wish to see between us fair trade, educational opportunities, economic opportunities for peoples on both sides of the border and, perhaps if I am persuasive enough, a friendship which sees us exchanging cards on our respective holidays. As for my People, we always offer the hand of friendship first, we never seek sour relations with any People or nation, and will never be the first to cast a stone against another. Rokkenjima seeks not a subordinate in a relationship with Abertone but a partner, someone we can work with and respect as an equal, and in such a relationship we view not your history with Cassiopeia or other states as slights against you. I would note in their case they, just as any other state, had an opportunity to meet with our Crown Princess and those presently in government aiding in her transition and no response was received; our invitation was thus declined. That can hardly be laid at the feet of Rokkenjima. We would be as welcoming to Cassiopeia, a fellow Ardian nation, as we would to any nation regardless of past biases. Perhaps you could see that a word along on my behalf was passed on, that we would welcome them and seek only mutually beneficial positions between one another?”

Beatrice Anselmo
Grand Chancellor of the Independent Order
Empress of the First Empire of Rokkenjima

Factbook of the First Empire of Rokkenjima - Kingdom of Clysperis

Offline Abertone

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Re: Rokkenjima and Abertone
« Reply #7 on: July 07, 2022, 09:25:13 PM »
Graziano had resumed a laid back posture as the Princess spoke, his eyes alternating between her and his pad as he slowly and methodically shaded in the first of his four boxes first slowly building up an edge and then slowly filling it in so that by the time she had finished her repose he had just about finished. He replaced the lid on his pen and slid it into the spine spirals of his notebook. "I understand you represent Rokkenjima, but it is true to say Rokkenjima is a member of the CSTO. When bilateral ties are made then that fact must be considered. The same will be true when we speak to East Moreland. It is the nature of global geopolitics that we all carry baggage. For our own part that is likely to be the fact that we're an Empire of two very different halves. The West, a kind of stable homeland and the East a more volatile region. As such any nation we deal with would need to be aware of this, also the fact our nation has a very devout Catholic population as the recent referendum showed. While our baggage is our own to carry parts of your own you carry one handle while nations like Tytor carry the other. This means you will always be a representative of the First Empire of Rokkenjima, CSTO member. As you speak of Cassiopeia I have not been briefed that any direct hand of friendship has been extended to them from yourself. Maybe that is a failing of my foreign office minion. As for our relationship I can see things such as education but again when it comes to economic and trade we have to consider your Cross-Straits commitments. Exactly what are they?"

Offline Beatrice

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Re: Rokkenjima and Abertone
« Reply #8 on: August 03, 2022, 11:16:14 AM »
"The CSTO is not central to Rokkenjiman bilateral relations, it never has been. If you are prepared to negotiate with Rokkenjima I welcome the opportunity, I feel we have multiple areas upon which we can come together on, such as cross-border relations, trade, visas, and the like, none of which bring the CSTO nor the Cross-Straits into the equation. If you are comfortable in moving forward under that understanding I naturally look forward in continuing our talks."

Beatrice Anselmo
Grand Chancellor of the Independent Order
Empress of the First Empire of Rokkenjima

Factbook of the First Empire of Rokkenjima - Kingdom of Clysperis

Offline Abertone

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Re: Rokkenjima and Abertone
« Reply #9 on: August 03, 2022, 11:48:15 AM »
Graziano shook his head. "Even the matters you say we can discuss are underpinned by your existing agreements. You're nation issues Cross Strait Passports so that would need to be considered in any visa issue. The CSFTA is managed and monitored by the CS Secretariat so they would be having input into inspections of paperwork, standards of goods etc that are passing between our two nations. You're tied into this arrangement and while things can be negotiated they are not entirely yours to do so. We therefore have reached a point where we can't even see a position where discussions can begin on many areas. I therefore suggest that we agree to issue a statement that we have meet agreed to be good neighbours and that we will promote active embassies between us. That is unless you have a proposal to put before me that would alleviate these concerns and show a way past them."