LEAKED TAPE SUGGESTED VISCOUNTESS AS PAWN A tape was leaked onto the internet today which appeared to be of a meeting between Emperor Marco, several members of the Foreign Office and the Archbishop of the City of Abertone. While the vast majority of the meeting was focused on supporting overseas Catholic Churches and organising a "Grand Pilgrimage" part of the meeting discussed securing better relations with other Christian monarchies and suggested arranging a marriage between the Emperors illegitimate daughter, Viscountess Alda Rizzo and Prince Rupert of Hozland. This was seemingly brought up by Junior Foreign Minister Aurora Napoli who said, "Hozland is a nation that has an ethos similar to our own in its Christian heritage. The Prince is a future King who Alda can ensure is our greatest friend." The Viscountess is the daughter of Emperor Marco and Livia Rizzo, the future Countess of Bergcastro. The pair had a two year on and off again relationship and while the Emperor initially did not recognise his daughter it was his cousin, Consul Graziano, who ensured she was well provided for. In recent years the Emperor and Viscountess have not become close and it is likely that she will become even more estranged following what appears to be a plot to use her as a negotiating tool.
The Chronicle contacted the 23 year old Viscountess for comment however she has yet to make any. She currently lives in Bergcastro where she works for Bontempi Studios, the nations largest record label. She was in an all girl pop-punk band that charted in 2017 but split up shortly after. She currently works as a writer and producer for the studio and has played bass guitar on many notable its within the nation. She has a small cult following among younger Abertonians some of whom have called for her to be recognised as the heir to the throne being the eldest of the Emperors three illegitimate children. This however has been called "impossible" by Consul Graziano who has in the past said, "Alda is family, she is my first cousin once removed but I see her more as a niece, I however do not think she could ever be Empress. She has not lived a life in preparation for such a role and furthermore the law is very clear that the monarch must come from a legitimate bloodline. As it stands Prince Peter is the rightful heir until Emperor Marco producers a legitimate child of his own." The Consul was asked about the leaked tape but said, "I was not in the meeting so have no idea of the tapes authenticity."
CONSUL PROPOSES CHANGE TO MILITARY POLICY With the Imperial Lancer Regiment celebrating its 200th birthday the Emperor was on hand to present several awards for long service to current members. In addition each soldier was given a special commemorative medal to celebrate the 200 year anniversary. While the parade was more or less a routine Imperial event the day was notable because of the words of Consul Graziano. The Consul explained that he is pushing for a change in military policy. Currently the armed forces operates a "Dont' Ask Don't Tell" policy regarding homosexuality in the armed forces with anyone found to be homosexual being potentially given a dishonourable discharge, something that brings with it a loss of pension and veteran benefits. The Consul today has said, "I think saying any serving soldier who has otherwise acted in accordance with Imperial Regulations has been dishonourable for simply being homosexual is an old fashioned concept. I am awaiting reports from various sources on whether removing Don't Ask Don't Tell is practical and desirable but I will not see any honourable soldier lose their hard earned pension and veteran rights. I will be asking the Emperor to support this policy that anyone found to be homosexual face, at worst, an honourable discharge with all the rights afforded anyone else who has served."
The news was welcomed by some LGBTQ Rights groups who said, "Today we have seen a baby step in the right direction of equality within the military. We still have a long way to go and we will be submitting our own report to the Consul urging him to ensure members of our community who choose to serve are able to do so and be afforded the same rights and privileges as anyone else." Others meanwhile said that it was not going far enough with one group saying, "This is a concept from 100 years ago. It must be changed and it must be changed now, we don't need a half way house."
The final decision will be left to the Emperor who has yet to pass comment on the Consul's announcement.