Regina looked at the transaction and send out a note to her colleagues, before taking a closer look herself:

"I've been a bit out of the loop with Mister Hamsik. After my identity got leaked a while ago i'm mostly on low threat level missions like this, where i can openly cooperate with another nation. Though that name does ring a bell, let me see..."

she flicked through her own notebook a couple times, before the worry crept up on her brows, she put the notebook back and groaned:

"Fuck."

she shook her head and opened her phone, dialing someone mid flight:

"Mister Rezakov got us a lot more than we asked for. King's Gambit is involved with the Alchemist. Yes, Rudolph himself has shown up."

She closed the Phone and cursed several times before addressing Rezakov again:

"You likely remember that itty bitty terror attack by the borlanders on lodjan soil a while back?" she shook her head: "One Rudolph of Niameck, then ambassador to Lodja, had a bit of a Vendetta against them ever since and has crossed more than one line of insanity. They kind of blew the pieces of a newfound lover all over his face. He's been evading us ever since his grandfather had disowned him for sewing a bomb into someone he suspected a borlander. And he's the guy who now made a transaction with your ex king. Fuck."

She started walking towards the windows looking down:

"It would be his style to get money by using some shortsighted horndogs."

From the outside it feels like the Entrance to a summer Camp, giggity young Woman with Coffers and a cheery attitude gathering to be left in. Where it not for the massive security apparatus around the Pop up village. The Site was surrounded by several security fences, Surveillance and patrolling Soldiers.


The Cottages themselves where overall Spartan, aside from high speed internet connections. Cameras everywhere on the Site to Broadcast everything the Participants do to the World. Well, almost everything. Bedrooms and Bathrooms where Camera free. Several Large Physical Noteboards where filled with Information, like communal Food times or announcements, emergency numbers and details about the first part of the contest.


One of these cottages has been dubbed the Refugee shelter by some of the participants, but in truth it was hosting the high profile Foreigners that had signed up for the contest, together with some of the local hopeful candidates.

Irene, Sieglinde and Brunhilde had taken a room far away from each other - overall each bedroom allowed for up to four occupants. Leaving one room completely empty for now, and 9 beds to be picked. The three awaited the other residents, sitting far apart and all looking at their phones what was going on.

---

The Large Dining Tent was usually a Massive Beer Tent for local fairs, now it was more akin to a posh refugee canteen. A countdown of 31 Days was setup on a huge monitor, determining the first Test to be held at that time.

The food available was overall modest, though there was a little trick to it. Apparently the Youth Senates where voting in the weekly foods for the Participants, and on top of that, had the power to grant some of them a better menu.

Neu Uburzis Stadt, 25.12.2023



As it has been tradition for many years now, the Palace is hosting Orphans from all over the Empire during this day, granting them the atmosphere of a loving home sharing in the family spirit with the Emperor and his nieces and nephews.

When approached by some of our Reporters about the next weeks, he said:

"I just hope she will be ready to host together with me next year. This is important for those unfortunate to not have a family of their own. I lost a large part of my family when i became the Emperor, i hope to give at least some of the support i had at the time to others. Though you'll have to excuse me, there'S a private tour through my gallery for some of the interested ones, and today, they take priority over the press."

---

Nya Aland, 25.12.2023



In a symbolic act reminiscent of the 2019 small diplomatic incident, the Neu Uburzis Embassy was lit up in Neon signs again. This Time however it was lit up in traditional Odinistic Symbols and a sign reading "We stand with you." - the Ambassador has read out a statement that he wanted to show support with the Nation facing difficult times during a Constitutional Crisis, and has repeated the offer from the Elder Senate that their door was open, if they needed support in these difficult times.

Neu Uburzis Stadt, 22.12.2023



The Elder Senate has decided to Voice their opinion on the Situation in Nya Aland, and praise the current Leaders of the Military in their attempts to keep the Peace while holding their Democracy together.

"In difficult Times, when the very Foundation of their Nation shakes, the Nya Aland Military stands Vigilant to protect the Process and give no side their Favor. It is a rare sight to witness in times of turmoil, that the military does not grab power by overthrowing or attempting to coup the weakened governments, but stand their ground to protect democratic principles when unforeseen issues came up."

In addition to this Statement, the Elder Senate has declared it would offer the Current Leaders, Military or the Future Head Gothi, whoever it might be at the end, their support in the current times. The Imperial Ambassador in Nya Aland has been alerted to ensure any requests for aid are forwarded immediately.

The Elder senates closing statement reads as follows:

"In trying times, we must band together not over pretty words or empty treaties, but over action. Indifference is the enemy of all healthy democracies."

---

Neu Uburzis Stadt, 22.12.2023


In a statement from the Palace, the Prince Regent has published an official statement of the current affairs:


"As current Regent to Emperor Orion, i must take a position in this Conflict.

Let me be very clear: There is no such thing as an Experiment from Northford. For all the Years i have been in this Position now, the Kingdom of East Moreland has always been approachable. Not once was the Path of Diplomacy ever barred between our Nations, even in times when we clearly differ in Views and Actions.

Unlike Rokkenjima, we have a Regent assigned for an underage Ruler. And i will be as blunt as to state that it shows. Not only in the Empress' thoughtless verbal attacks on one of the greatest Soft Powers on all of Mundus, but in her proposal for the so called concerts of democracies as well. The Proposal manages to be equally naive and imposing, thus should have been a school essay and not an international proposition.

I sincerely hope for the future stability of all of Mundus she will refrain from such thoughtless publications in the future.


Prince Albrecht von Uburzis"

---

Himmelstadt, 22.12.2023


Following a secretive Vote between the remaining Candidate Cities for hosting the upcoming Choosing of the Emperor's Bride, Himmelstadt has been selected. The smaller City, home town to the current High Priest of Death, had been able to provide a large enough plot of Land now settled with a large amount of small wooden Huts that will house the Bride Applicants. The Scenic Hillside had been an abandoned Bungalow Complex in recent years, and had been redeveloped with  the Wooden houses over the last weeks.

"We have put many extra security meassures in place in and around the complex due to the nature of some of the applicants, and added a perimeter around the area during the contest." The Local Mayor announced

Orion had just finished his studies for today when he received the communique from Prinz Rupert. The Emperor glanced over the Letter first before deciding to make himself a cup of tea. He'd have to ponder over this one a little.

He wondered what Rupert's goal here was, or what he was suggesting. Just the part of not being able to truly choose, or was he meaning what Orion would have considered on first thought? Slumping into his Armchair the Blonde glanced over the letter several times, switching his own tablet one and doing a quick research on Rupert:

"Visiting Holy Sites, Christian then? I wonder which denomination..." Orion sighed and shook his head. The Memories where still unpleasant, as much as he had gotten his revenge with his own hands on the man who had hurt him, he still felt like a beaten child thinking back. Years of counseling still hadn't freed him of the mark the kidnapping had left in him.

After thinking for about half an hour, a sheet of fine Paper was prepared, the large Quill fetched and the ink pot readied. This was royalty he was dealing with, he knew the extra effort would usually be appreciated:

"To the Duke of Kirkby Hazlewood and Beaucastle, Prince Rupert of Hozland


Let me preamble that my openness on the topic of my sexuality has been long planned and prepared by my Regent and Cousin Prince Albrecht and myself. Starting with making it de facto public years back by asking the Son of a Lodjan Noble to a dance years back when i just sat on the throne.

My people deserve my honesty, yet me being the Emperor and having an understanding Regent in the matter helped tremendously in shaping the narrative. Appeasing both reformers that wish to move faster and traditionalists who wish to move back without  tearing the nation apart will never be an easy task. Whatever it is you feel troubled by, you are free to visit our country and make yourself a picture of how we deal with the proceedings. Seeing you will visit other holy sites, the City Temple to all Gods used to be a Gothic Cathedral built by the Trinity Order and might be worth a visit.

Please, your Highness, do keep in mind to schedule any visit in advance, my time will be limited next year. I do not wish for you to come visit and not be hosted appropriately.



With all due Respect,

Emperor Orion I. of Neu Uburzis

Albrecht had gotten a call from the Elder Senate that one of the Ambassadors dropped a Wax sealed letter and a Gift off for the Emperor. It took him a little to come down from the Palace to the senate where both items had been thoroughly scanned and deemed safe to handle before he had even arrived.


"So wait, you say this is from the Khanate? The Ambassador with the adorable electric car?"


Albrecht looked at the Package and, as the Prince Regent, opened the Letter, quickly scanning over the content before he cracked a smile:


"Honestly kind of adorable." he mumbled as he had someone open the package of the saddle. He did hiss a little as he saw the saddle though:

"Ah Damn it, this is going to be way to large for Orion. At least he knows how to saddle a horse though since he trained for the Knight Camps to at least look the part..."


The Prince Regent whistled one of the Senates Recorders over and sat him down in one of the side rooms, quickly setting up a reply:

---

To his Majesty,

Khan Mönkhsaikhan II


Firstly i must apologize that Emperor Orion won't be able to reply to your letter himself. His many duties and education set him for a very tight schedule, hence i in my role as his Regent shall dictate this reply in his stead.

As a nation proud of their traditions as well, I can assure you that your words have caused no harm in our relations. It is as you said to your Council, you have your own traditions to follow, and if your people would see applying for a contest as peddling yourself away that is a very valid and understandable reason to object.

The only thing i would have to disagree on is, that we are as far apart as Nations as you think us to be. Your previous letter is proof that our views on honor and accepting mistakes is rather similar. Equally we are a Nation of proud soldiers, seen in the military educational facilities deeply ingrained into our culture, or the Summer activities for our Youths where they face off against each other on the high sea or in besieging castles.

I will bring your Gift to the Emperor, though i must add that it will likely have to be shortened to a certain degree. The Emperor simply is not that tall.

If you wish to have further Diplomatic discussion, or still feel like this matter remains unresolved, you, or your Ambassador in case you are not available, are gladly invited to join us for a Dinner at the Palace, should either of you have the Time. There should be many things we can talk about, especially your traditional agricultural sectors might be of interest for us two, or our knowledge in green energy.


In hopes of having cleared the matter up,

Prince Regent Albrecht von Uburzis

---

Albrecht had the Letter sent with the Senates postal office, sighing:

"And please, if you see the Ambassador, remind him we have a postal service to pick up his correspondence."


At least they bothered to actually use the Embassy at all, Albrecht thought to himself. They had claimed their plot as soon as they had opened the Embassy district shortly after the Death of Alexandra, but mostly stayed quiet so far. This had proven to be more interesting than he had hoped. If he recalled right it was next to the Mission they had built for the Bene Gesserit Faith, and not to far from the Theocracies Embassy that had been finished just last year.


"Let's see who'll be in the saddle and who's going to be ridden in this relationship." Albrecht mused before his attention drifted off to the daily duties.

Orion sat down in the Jacuzzi looking over the city down as he filled himself a cup of Rooibos Tea. The days since his Birthday had been a little more stressful than before, his whole class had been separated from the others, same with Sebastian's for their securities sake. Too many a girl had tried to get close to at least one of them with amoral offers to get an edge in the upcoming competition. And way to many tried sending him nudes.

"Fuck, get a clue." Orion groaned as he glanced over yet another application on his Pad:

"As if the Nation will vote for a Bitch streamer with an Onlyfans account. You sell Nudes. I can imagine Haydar making a point of jerking off to pictures of my Wife if that where to pass."



he leaned back and sipped his cup, before opening a new tab:

"Let's check on what the international ones are up too."

A couple groans further the young emperor rubbed his temples as he put the pad aside:

"This is going to be such a catfight. At least some of them seem to have an idea what the nation will want."




The squeaking door to the bathroom made Orion turn and look over at too tiny ones with their bathing trunks grinning mischievously at him. The younger Brother of Sebastian, Ludwig, stood next to Karloman, one of his Sister Helena's children:

"Weren't you two grounded from using the Spa after you flooded it two months ago?" the Emperor noted, in a stern tone to his two nephews.

"Yes, but Gramps and Siggi cleared it because we didn't skip training since."

Karloman was the more confident of the two, Orion thought to himself. At least his mother didn't have the time to hurt and abuse Ludwig as she had done with his brother Sebastian.

"No splashing, i still want to drink my tea. And no Potatochips in the tub, understood?"

Orion had already messaged Albrechts parents to double check, he knew the imperial eleven had a bit of a habit of being little brats if left too loose. Not that he diud mind giving them the space, as soon as they grew into the academies they'd all dearly miss the time at the palace.

"Is Bunny free? he usually spends his evenings around you whenever he's home." Ludwig meekly asked as he slipped into the bubbling tub, while Karloman put down two big mugs with hot chocolate next to them.

Orion glanced them up and down, a couple bruises on their arms made him exhale:

"Training yes, but where did you get those bruises?" he grabbed his cup and slurped very deliberately: "remember, Albrecht will not tolerate you two breaking another arm."

The two where clearly pouting as Karloman hopped into the bath, splashing way too much:

"We fell, that happens in skating." he grumbles: "We didn't push each other this time." he looked down: "I still miss Spots..."

Fuck, right. - Orion thought to himself as he went through his pad again. They got served stew for that, not unjustified but he knew it was a sore spot for those two.

"You two got a new trainer i heard?"

Both Ludwig and Karloman beamed and grinned: "Yeah and she's real nice! The club said she doesn't know who we are so we stick with the fake names. But she's i think as old as you? She got hurt recently so she can't do tournaments anymore!"

Orion's alarm bells went off as he looked at the two relaxed their sore muscles with some hot cocoa and warm bathwater, he swished on his pad and grabbed a picture, turning it around to the two:

"Is this your new trainer, by chance?" 

to which the two gave an enthusiastic nod.

"Clever girl. Though i assure you, she knows exactly who you two are."

As he watched the two continuing to disturb his peace, Orion fumed inside. If there's one thing he hated, it was dragging his nieces and nephews into politics already.

[/u]


according to a General Vote held this Year in the Empire of Neu Uburzis, the Elder Senate strives to bring our laws into accordance to the Charter. In Order to achieve this Goal, we extend invitations to all signatory Nations to send a Delegation to the Empire and allow us to start the process of identifying and rectifying the current issues.

These Delegations would be considered as if Embassy staff or as if an Ambassador if your Nation does not yet have one yet.

Furthermore we wish to clarify that this would not be a council of lawmakers writing the Laws directly for us. This is not how our democracy works, but it would be a council that will be heard by all Senates and be asked by all Senates as prime advisors on the matter. Law making in the Empire is a slow and methodical process due the way our democratic process works.

For now we have set aside a building in the Embassy district of Neu Uburzis city for the Delegation meeting hall and Bureaus, while Hotels will be paid until more permanent residency can be achieved in case it is necessary.


In the Name of the Elder Senate,

Matilda Eidmeier


In the Name of the Emperor,

Prince Regent Albrecht von Uburzis

---

The repurposed former Warehouse from the early 20th Century stands proudly on the Banks of the River Niam, a modern glass Roof glazing it's inside with Daylight as the refurbished facade is being scrubbed to remove the former owners Company Logo. The City had lend the building more than willingly to the Senates, as it allowed a seamless transition after the failed office development project.

Several Office Spaces where ready should anyone even show up.

The Central gallery had been replaced with a miniature Senate hall for the Delegation to come together and discuss the intricacies of lawmaking, or to get a live link into one of the Senates via a modern, but clearly quickly fitted into the room, Video conference system.

Those who had been in contact with Neu Uburzis before, might recognize this as the repurposed leftover Screens from the W.A.I.T. model.

(OOC: This is for all the Social Media Posts, Personal Insights, and other Reactions for the current stage in the Bride of the Emperor event.)

Irene Riesling	a fallen figure Skater Star
Year and place of Birth	2006, Eberfurt
Family	Mostly unknown, raised in an Orphanage and then joined the local Academy in the Sports Branch.
Status	Recovering from a broken ankle that ended her career early.
Important Events	Bride of the Emperor

Neu Uburzis Stadt, 11.11.2023




The Nation has witnessed huge changes coming to the Empire in the next Year, announced during the live Broadcast of the Emperor's Birthday Celebrations. It has been announced that the Emperor will marry on this date next year, and the Partner the Nation will have voted for, so far nothing new.

What was new, however, was allowing foreigners to apply for the position, too.

The online registration Website has promptly crashed under the amount of applicants, while the Senates have reminded the Nation in an evening Broadcast that the actual Disciplines and Tests for the Empress-to-be are going to be revealed at the first of the new Year, once the Application Period closes.



There was, however, a second announcement made:

Effectively from that day on, the Elder Senates have signed the so called Same Sex Marriage into law. They have however noted, that there is no such thing as same sex marriage in law now, just marriage. Clarifying that in terms of tax reliefs, which only happen if you raise children, and inheritance or other laws, the both are considered equal and indistinguishable.

"We still expect these partnerships to challenge themselves with raising children to be members of Uburzian society, even if they might not be their own biological ones. Marriage is a tool, to ensure the functionality of society, with a purpose. Love was never part of that equation, even if the notion is admirable."

Many have speculated the Elder Senates considered the reveal a kind of Birthday Gift for the openly homosexual Emperor.



Which brings us back to the main topic, and a warning from us journalists to the young Women out there desiring to become Empress:

No matter how beautiful you think you are, how clever or righteous. Please do consider that the Emperor is, in fact, gay. Do not go into the competition with the delusion that you can Fix him, turn him to the light, or any other idea that he just haven't met the right person yet. Becoming his Wife is a duty to the nation, not some far fetched fairy tale love story.

(just to clarify: this is not up to date and needs fixing whenever I'll feel like doing it)

Augustin bit his tounge when Rhiannon asked how his school was like. What was he going to tell her and not ruin the mood?


"It's a boarding school, and at least boys are expected to spent three years in one, unless you want to join the actual military for a while after finishing school. So it's kind of a thing a lot of us do."


He stifles a sigh as Rhiannon takes her break:

"I was supposed to be in the one in the Capital, but some politicians complained we'd be picking favorites and that my Uncle was too easy on me. So we went with the one in Sturmheim. they are the ones who have the Sailing ships for Summercamp and are an old Cadet Academy. I'm glad Michael still holds some sway there, i get along better with the Convict Cadets than the other folks. They don't try to smooch me up or are mean to me just because I'm the Prince. I don't get to hang out too much with them though, because the Teachers think time spent with me are a reward for them they have to earn."


He wasn't going to mention the beatings you got whenever the teachers found a thing to punish you for. Orion had already torn the Principal a new one together with Michael when his previous Dorm Teacher left an actual scar on Augustin's back. He wasn't there anymore the next week, but it left him more afraid for those around him. Arseholes and Bootlickers they might be, but they where still his classmates.


"I'd be happy if i can manage. I'll have to check with Orion though. Or Albrecht." he made a bit of a face when the Regent was mentioned: "I bet Albrecht will find some stipulation to tie to that. Not to mention i want to be there for Ori. He's already unhappy about the whole next Year. It's his finals and then girls from all over are gonna fight over who gets to marry a Gay Emperor."

Augustin vehemently shook his head:

"Let's not talk about such heavy stuff. Today is a fun day! I'll try and see if i can get a couple days off to visit you. Just Promise me you and your siblings come visit us as well! Preferably all of them. Our Airships are mostly gentle, so i think Oliver might like it."



He helped her out of the boat, before climbing out as well:

"I think my time is running out. The others will expect me at dinner soon. Anything i should tell them? I mean you've gone through what they face right now. You know better than anyone else here how they must feel."

Regina couldn't help herself and give Rezakov a strong nod, dropping character for a moment:

"Impressive, quite impressive Mister Rezakov, it just show's that Lodja means business once you wronged them." with the second half of that sentenced aimed at the man hastily booting up his computer and scrambling through E-Mails:


"I am so, so very sorry Mister Rezakov. M....most of the contract with the Queen Stasya Fanclub was done through written contracts, on paper. And it was their local members that did all of the paper work..."

The profusely sweating man scrambled through some stacks in his office, planting some folder son the desk, before starting to load files onto a thumb drive:

"there's all the pictures our photographers took during the event. We only used some press Pictures ourselves, and send some to the QSF for their own use."

flicking through the Pictures, his face did light up:

"I do have something for you. See these men here? these are the Local members, if you wish to meet them, their Regulars Table is today at the Ratskeller."

The man again cleaned some sweat of his brow, nodding several times:

"Of course the convention center would be more than happy to pay the bill for your visit to the local establishment, after all the trouble we caused."


Gathering more Data the man stopped, lingering at one particular Picture:

"Thinking of it, these two where more odd than the rest of the bunch."

he pointed at two men having champagne and canapes, in front of the stolen painting:

"One had a distinct Moreland accent, and the other i couldn't point, it was foreign to me. Though hearing you now, mister Rezakov, they might just be a Lodjan."


Regina gave Rezakov a nod, as she bagged the Data, before turning to the man:

"Still, i will have to inform the local Steuerbehörde. Expect an audit in the next days." she gave him a sinister smile:

"We both know why you do contracts on paper. Let this be a final warning to straighten up."

before turning to Rezakov:

"I guess we ought to make a Reservation."

---

The Ratskeller was below the old City Hall, nowadays still used for some of the administrative works, but mostly had the higher ups offices and the traditional Restaurant in the cellars. It was a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with old Win caskets on the wall in a vaulted ceiling. Regina had cleared a table for a foreign dignitary and herself, allowing Rezakov to play his part of leading her into the venue while taking a seat within earshot of the Stasya Stan's. The waiter hadn't even brought the menu when Regina had to breath rather heavily overhearing the bunch behind them:


"Yeah, i mean come on. The others are nice but nothing beats Stasya's Arse. We even have a full set of cushions she sat on."

the group of three varied in age, the youngest looking like he was barely out of school, the middle man dressed in a tight strip suit and the oldest wearing a traditional Gamois tuft hat:

"Still, we can't beat the used toilet paper rolls. I wish we'd know which group got their hands on those."


Regina visibly shuddered as she heard the men describe the Queen of Moreland as waiter arrived, offering the Menu, reading as follow:


Appetizers:
- Crispy Potato Pancakes with Savory Apple Sauce
- Flatbread Pizza with Bacon, Onions, and Sour Cream
- Artisanal Sausage Platter with Freshly Baked Bread
- Herring Salad with Pickled Onions and Sour Cream
- Chef's Soup of the Day, Made with Seasonal & Regional Ingerdients

Entrees:
- Sauerbraten with Braised Red Cabbage and Pretzel Dumplings
- Slow-roasted Pork Knuckle with Sauerkraut and Potato Dumplings
- Breaded Veal with Potato Salad
- Beef Goulash with Egg Noodle Dumplings

Desserts:
- Warm Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce
- Black Forest Cake with Sweet Cherries and Whipped Cream
- Chef's Special Kaiserschmarrn, a Delicious Sweet Shredded Pancake with Tart Plum Compote
- Refreshing Iced Coffee, Served with Ice Cream and Fluffy Whipped Cream
- Assorted Artisanal Cheese Platter, Paired with Sweet Fruits and Crunchy Nuts

---

Albrecht was somewhat impressed Orion had managed to catch onto him so fast, though he had to double check who the hell his Nephews double agent was. It didn't matter the fact the Emperor had casually dropped over dinner that he knew about the stolen painting, causing the both of them to walk down into the Video conference cellar where Kunigunde's head perked up from behind some cables and Monitors:


"I fixed the Camera, should work now. If they send another update Albrecht. Make sure the others don't press yes until i say so." the young teen put her arms to her side with a wide grin: "anyway, I'll leave you two alone."


"Well, she does come after her Parents."  Orion remarked, taking a seat in an armchair, centered in front a velvet curtain and with a microphone standing next to him. Albrecht connected the call to the isle of the goddess:

"Yes, please get Bessarian or his Wife on the Line. There's someone who wants to speak to them. Yes a Video conference. No, as long as its not his Wife i don't care if he's in his Pyjamas or his Birthday Suit this is not an official interview after all."