Now Philipp V answered "Indeed we can" The press is probably already waiting in the conference room. He stood up, his delegation followed his example. The altered treaty was that had been typed during the negotiations was printed on the finest paper Herrenbucht had to offer. The most important officials left the room heading to the conference room.

The moment the Duke and the Reichskanzler entered the conference room they were overwhelmed by a wave of flashlights. Together with his guest Philipp now stood behind a pedestal informing the public of the new treaty between both nations. No questions were considered yet. After the short explanation the paper was signed in a ceremonial way. The pact was sealed with a handshake. The flahlights intensified in that moment.

Philipp and Gabriel now left the conference room and his press officer was sent in to answer further questions. "The work with you was very comfortable and it's good to know your partners. Have you already decided what to do during the rest of your stay in Wateringas?"

The HL is the oldest part of the Herrenbuchtian military. It evolved from the stationed colonial forces which were bulked up with conscripts during the phoney war of independence. After the war it became a professional army that never lacked recruits due to the militaristic nature of Herrenbucht. In 1888 however conscription laws were instituted to ensure Herrenbucht's citizens have a basic military experience and can be drafted quickly in case of war.

EQUIPMENT

Assault Rifles:- SG 12
Handguns:- Schacht 765
Sub Machine Guns:- VAF 6
Shotgun:- SF 2
Light Support Weapon:- VAFM
Marksman Rifle:- SchaBü 6
Sniper Rifle:- SPG 3A
MANPADS:- SFAK
ATW:- PK 5

Equipment Name	Role	Number
Pöltke Dominus	Main Battle Tank	220
Graf V3	Main Battle Tank	400
Pöltke Luchs SPKW	Light Tank/Recon	600
PTF 3 Räuber	Infantry Fighting/Transport Vehiclel	1200
Enzel-AFZ22 "Kröte"	Ambhipious Transport Vehicle	450
Großhaubitze "Stahlfaust" GH4	Towed Artillery	300
Großhaubitze "Donnerwalze" GH7	Towed Artillery	180
SFGH 33 "Kriegsbote"	Self Propelled Howitzer	470
SFL 9 "Feuerstrudel"	Launch System	300
Ikarus 2	Air Defence System	7
Hornisse H240	Attack Helicopter	12
Hummel H300	Transport Helicopter	25

STRUCTURE

XXXXX Oberkommando Wateringas


XXXX 1. Armee (54.000) (Location: Wateringas)


XXXX 2. Armee (54.000) (Location: Melkheim )



XXXX 3. Armee (52.000) (Location: Katuheim)



XXXX 4. Armee (54.000) (Location: Oberstemm)



XXXX 5. Armee (59.000) (Location: Ordenpass)

All Herrenbuchtian officials watched one person after the statement of the foreign delegation, Ludwig von Becksburg, Minister of Trade "In general a treaty like this would be possible, but with a few exceptions. Some Herrenbuchtian Industries need to be protected and certain standards need to be met for some goods. Under these restrictions Herrenbucht could agree. These restrictions would include arms and many agricultural goods. Speaking of arms, there is a point on our agenda: Would Baltikum be interested in purchasing Herrenbuchtian arms? In older documents we saw that it imported them in former times but these trades have been halted over the last decades. I'm sure CADA would give an authorisation to Baltikum."

Name:- Felix von Neuhafen
Age:- 25
Representing:- Herrenbucht
Titles/Roles:- Heir of Neuhafen, Ducal Diplomat to Lodja, Oberst der Luftstreitkräfte (Airforce Colonel)

Brief background:- Son and heir of Frank von Neuhafen, who is Minister of Finance of Herrenbucht. Finished his obligatory years in the military and is therefore now allowed to become an official. He is a quite unexperienced in diplomatics but an open minded man. His job in Lodja is planned to be the first step in his political career in Herrenbucht. At a military academy he was not only teached the art of war and combat tactics, but also etiquette, loyalty and diligence. He served as a pilot, but also enjoys flying in his free time as a hobby.

Appearence:-

"Oh thank you really much for your cooperation. Of course there are some additional things that may be discussed, but these can be discussed in public, unless there is something you have in mind. Otherwise we could enter the Great Hall. A great dinner has been prepared for you and your delegation. Venison from deer catched in our forest today! A great meal indeed. Just tell me what you think."

Viola slowly leaned towards Serena, as far as her wheelchair allowed it, while the gentlemen were talking: "I see you're expecting a child, aren't you? Being mother is a great blessing you know. I really enjoyed raising my children. It gave my life a purpose and really filled me with joy...well most of the time." The Queens facial expression changed from one moment to the next. She had forced herself not to think about Sebastian during the last days, although her grief could not have vanished so quickly. "Uh I'm sorry it just came to my mind"
Sometimes she felt alienated by the way her husband was coping with the death of their child. She knew him well enough to know that he simply did not like showing emotions to others. Not even to her. It was probably the effect his job had on his personality. As a monarch, especially as the monarch of the Herrenbuchtians he was not allowed to show weakness.

Weremark /does/ speak Werman, a language I've designed to be halfway between Gothic and Old English, and therefore could have strong relations with any Germanic nation, whether by former colony status or through co-development (which is the path I've inferred to be the case with more Norse-themed nations such as NA, Frystjord, etc.). If anyone wants to work on these ideas, please chime in.

/Update: Balticum may not have been a direct colony, per ES's correction.

I'm searching for a ex colonial overlord for Herrenbucht. The German that is spoken there could have developed from a mix of Werman and maybe local dialects and other immigrants' languages. @Weremark You in for it?

To our friends in Rhand

We, that means myself Duke Philipp, my wife the Duchess and my daughter the Crown Princess have decided to accept your proposal.

We also would like to host the marriage ceremony in Wateringas if that is acceptable for you. Beforehand we should have private discussions between the dynasties to discuss the future of this new bond.


Yours sincerely,

                                     
Philipp V von Wateringas, Duke of Herrenbucht

"Oh yes let's go inside the building. I can already feel the autumn in my bones" Philipp climbed up the stairs in front of the great portal of the palace. The entrance hall was a lavishly decorated room. Golden chandeliers were hanging from the ceiling and paintings of Philipps ancestors could be found on every wall. "Normally we would have the press over here" Philipp said pointing at a corner of the room "But due to some incidents in the past we thought it would be the best to not let them enter the building"

"Gentlemen" Philipp said facing his officials and the Scandinavian drlegation "the President and I will have a private discussion for about one and a half hour. After that we will have dinner in the great hall. My porters will let you know where that is. Until dinner you are free to move around the palace. You can of course involve yourselves in political debates with foreign friends, but the bar is also open for each and everyone of you. Just enjoy your stay here, but don't forget we have to work later this day"

The group of officials dissolved and its members went into different directions, searching for an occupation. After it looked like the Duke was alone with his guests besides some guards he led them into a corridor of the building. " So you said a member of my dynasty might be a good Riksmarsalk. If we want to discuss dynastic matters we will also need to consult the matriarch of the family. My wife should be waiting in the lounge. She doesn't go out much anymore, but I bet that doesn't mean she wouldn't like to get to know new people. I guess you didn't learn much about my wife before you came here did you? She hasn't been really present in the media for the last couple of years. Ah here we are" Philipp opened the door of a rather dark room that was mainly lighted by a fireplace. In the room were several armchairs, a bar and a table on which were four glasses and a small pile of documents. Near the fireplace sat Viola von Wateringas in her wheelchair. She smiled at the guests reaching out her hand to the guests "It's really nice to meet you. How great that you are visiting Herrenbucht" Philipp smiled at his wife and his guests and sat down in an armchair.

Hermann was surprised by the words of the first lady. As a true patriot he felt flattered by her tone. "Of course it will be an honor for me to show you our great city. Please get into the car" The limo left the airport accompanied by an armada of security personnel. Out of the car's windows the skyline was visible.

"You can already see our first station, the Markus Cathedral. The biggest church of Herrenbucht. It was built by Markus I who gave it its name. A few days ago it had to be closed together with the whole district around it, because it was threatened by terrorists. A shame for all believers"

Markuskathedrale


When the car got closer to the cathedral the passengers could see that it had been a victim of vandalism. Statues of Saints were demolished and graffitis were sprayed allover the building's walls. "Another anti theist crime. The restauration will start soon and then the building will be guarded more actively by the police"

The car left the cathedral, always accompanied by its squadron of similiar looking cars, who forced other cars to the fringes of the street and secured free passage for the guests.
"Over here you can see the Opera Sinisdomini, I really recommend visiting it while you are here. Some of the greatest Herrenbuchtian and international plays are shown there. In Wateringas we have a saying that it is the best place to take a woman you love"

Sinisdominioper


The car drove to the end of the block, turned left and then proceeded three blocks. On the right men marching through the streets were visible. They did not wear something that looked like a regular military uniform. All of them looked strict and agressive and the passant were visibly intimidated by them. "Uh the paramilitaries. I hope they will be dissolved soon, but at the moment they are legal and we even needed them. Surely not a nice sight. Ah over there it is! The government district! You can see the parliament. At the moment it is closed and empty, but after the elections debates will be held there again. Don't get me wrong but I liked ruling for a short time without interference of the parliament. They can be a real pain in the ass sometimes. Oh and over there you can see the government's palace with my office in it. That means that we will be at the Ducal Palace soon"

Bürgersenat


Regierungspalast


Von Secru received a call. "Ja das ist möglich. Ja wir werden gleich da sein. Danke Herr Hofkaplan" *Yes that's possible. Yes we will be there in a second. Thank you Court Chaplain*

"The Duke is ready to talk to you now. I'm sorry for the delay, but I hope I could get you into Wateringas a bit" The car entered the court of the Ducal Palace, a well guarded majestic building, surrounded by a park area. The gates closed behind the car and a person left the palace accompanied by a group of men dressed in suits. Philipp V waited for his guests.

Wateringas central airport was cordoned to receive the foreign guests in Herrenbucht. The biggest airport of Herrenbucht, but rather average in size on international scale. Normally they would have arrived in a an airport in a suburg of Wateringas, but these areas were still not rated save enough to have such high rank officials there, according to the secret police of Herrenbucht. However law and order were brought back to the center of Wateringas and important guest could be received there under the condition of absolute cordonation of the airport. Hermann von Secru, Minister of State waited at the airport. The Scandinavian delegation should arrive any moment. Everyone was ready to receive the guests with military honors, a marching band and the guard battallion, wearing their traditional uniforms, and even artillery stood ready to give gun salutes. All the pomp that Herrenbucht did not show for the delegation of Al Thalra would now be present for these much more honorable guests. Hermann got a phone call :"Their aircraft has entered Herrenbuchtian airspace". Hermann was never good at geography but he knew enough to understand that it would not take long until they arrive from now on.

With the help of nationalist paramilitary organisation that organzied themselves over the last few days, the police was able to gain full control over the metropolitan area of Wateringas. For some the paramilitaries are heroes that protect the citizens, for others it is a scandal that the police relies on these forces. Socialist politicians already announced that they would initiate legislative processes to prohibit these organisations as soon as the Bürgersenat has been elected. Even conservatives criticize that paramilitaries would send wrong signals to the population and that they are a symbol of martial law. Duke Philipp stated that he admires the achievments of these paramilitaries and praises their effort for the state's security, but he also said that they cannot be a long term solution and that Herrenbucht should rather rely on police forces in the future.

Although these brave men have my respect for aiding the police, the risk is to high that these organisations gain too much independence and abuse their military force to press a political agenda rather than using it for sustaining law and order. In the future we shouldn't be dependent from these kinds of organisations, but we should use the common tools of the executive force. The success of the paramilitaries shows us that mistakes have been made and that we need to increase the manpower of our police and have a better police presence

Some now criticize that there were enough police officers, but that they were simply not mobilized. They assume that Duke Philipp provoked the socialist riots to justify a bigger budget for both police and military. This suspicion is backed by anonymous sources in the police which state that they were actively held back by the government when they tried to travel to Wateringas to help the stationed police forces.
CENSORED BY THE MINISTRY OF INTERNAL SECURITY

I Philipp V von Wateringas, Duke of Herrenbucht, Protector of the faith and Grand Marshal hereby ratify this treaty and make Herrenbucht a member of the Network of crowns!

Elena had followed Laurenz with delight. She enjoyed being led to the other guests, since she on her own wouldn't have dared to start a conversation with the other officials. She hated here shyness. This particular character trait was an obstacle she hoped to get rid off, because it was not fitting for a Princess. She nodded politely while looking at Alex and Freya and listened to the conversation. Listening Laurenz she realized that he was a real political avantgarde in his country. She felt like she was really building up admiration for him-her sweet thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a woman bumping into Laurenz. She didn't now the woman's name nor had she ever seen her face, but she instantly disliked this lady.

After additional 80 PMs of the socialist faction in the Bürgersenat were arrested due to their involvement in the illegal labour union congress, Philipp V decided that it was no longer quorate. Elections are to be held in two weeks. Karl Wagner leader of the Socialist Faction criticised the Duke's move and said that it was highly undemocratic in combination with the numerous arrests that ocurred over the last days. He also questioned the Duke's neutrality.
Shortly after the Bürgersenat was dissolved, Philipp V announced the very anticipated welfare and pension reform, which then came to effect by ducal decree. The decret will raise unemployments benefits from 20% to 50% of the last monthly earning. This amount of money will however never fall below 600 BMK. Pension fees have been raised by 12% and shorted pensions can be received after 40 years of contribution now. A very generous law change. The Duke and the Council of Ministers use a bold strategy of enacting socialist policies while also bashing the actual socialists. The assumption is evident that he is trying to destroy anti national socialism that has spread over Herrenbucht in the last years.
However the socialists announced strikes and street fights already. It seems like these are now a legitimate part of election campaigns. Together with a wave of fresh socialist candidates supported by the labour unions, the worker movement hopes to withstand the Duke's and COM's attacks, who already announced striking hard against any violent protester. These elections look like they are going to be the bloodiest of all of Herrenbuchts history.



According to the new statistics of the Ducal Office of Immigration, the numbers of illegal aliens entering Herrenbucht has gone down by 74%, which means that Al Thalra  actually fullfills the conditions of the Wateringas Deal. The COM is happy to see this as it was a very important condition for many citizens of Herrenbucht.
Herrenbucht is also fullfilling its own part of the deal. First architects have entered Al Thalra to plan the construction of the international highway connecting Herrenbucht to Al Thalra. This is the first step into the big construction plan that is supposed to industrialize Al Thalra. Together with Jelbic architects and building enterprises Herrenbucht will expand the F3, the biggest highway in the east Herrenbuchtian provinces with the small system of Jelbic streets that will be rebuild as a completely asphalted highway, leading to the rich mountains of Awé Estifíestinyr