Die Reichstag

After preparing for the Imperial Diet in his quarters, the young Count Elric proceeded to Die Reichstag via coach. This visit to Augustgrad marked his first in many years. He had often visited the capital in his younger years alongside his father, the late Count Richter, though he was only ever an observer. The family advised against his visitation to Augustgrad amid fears that his affliction might be discovered. But with the death of Richter the burden of imperial politics fell on his shoulders.

The Diet was familiar with Count Richter, the former Elector of the Bergland. He was a strong advocate of centralization, territorial expansion, the Imperial family, and a fervent supporter of the late Emperor; he was known as a great orator, loved by the Emperor's supporters, and hated by his opponents. Unfortunately - or rather fortunately for some - he had been killed in the very same ambush as Rexus. The court was aware of his demise and expected a replacement. Many might remember Elric by name, but fewer would recognize him in his manhood.

Assisted by a walking cane, Count Elric stepped out of his coach and headed into the Reichstag. His legs would fail him on occasion thanks to his illness, but no one would be made any the wiser thanks to reports that he had suffered an injury during the recent battle.

This particular Diet had been called for three primary reasons. First, it was customary for the court to meet during an interregnum. Second, a foreigner by the name of Dorman Bovar intended to appeal before the Diet on behalf of the burgeoning trade port of Hansa. Finally, the Electors no doubt expected a report of the recent voluntary campaign undertaken by Count Elric.

To that end Count Elric had made predetermined arrangements.

For starters, Franz Junger had been formally invited to the Diet. He was to be congratulated, rewarded, and hopefully promoted. The Battle of Junger Hill, named after the Imperial soldier himself, had been freshly printed from Augustgrad's presses. Depictions of a battle featuring the imperial hero Franz Junger, assisted by the newly appointed Count Elric of the Bergland enamored the imaginations of the people. This spread of information was helped in no small part by Berglander agents.

Another action taken by the Count involved the transport of a modest fund to the Reichstag. It would be distributed to the families affected by the deaths at Junger Hill, and Elric hoped to encourage his fellow Electors to donate generously.

Elric's game had a dual purpose. For starters, he had to establish his presence: he was the son of Richter and his replacement, and the Diet would be made aware.

But he was also here to maintain unity within the Empire. The more clever would note how adamant the press reported the heroics of Franz Junger. The man was an Imperial soldier; he fought for no count nor province, but for the Empire alone. By casting a light on this man Count Elric cast a light on Vessia itself. It would highlight the strength and unity of the Empire. Though the voluntary campaign was a joint venture between Elric and Augustgrad, it was currently seen by more as an Imperial victory, not a Bergland victory.

It was also in Elric's nature to naturally raise funds for the families affected by the Battle of Junger Hill; he genuinely cared for their well-being and wanted to see them properly compensated. But by bringing the matter to the Diet and encouraging the other Electors to donate? Elric hoped this would draw the court together in a common cause: support Vessia, support her troops.

It was a gamble, for sure. But Count Elric was confident. As the Reichstag filled with attendants and observers the Berglander took his place at the podium above. Behind him sat Dorman Bovar, and there was a seat reserved for Franz Junger as well. When the attendants were all accounted for a crier would quieten them down so the new Elector of Augendorf could give his first official oral presentation to his contemporaries...

King Ottokar stepped into the Reichstag, the magnificent furry cape of his dress of office trailing behind him. His head was held up high and his chest puffed out so that his tall and broad shouldered build would be further enlarged. Otto had a strange blend of disciplined elegance in his general air and appearance, with that of base “brutality”. Seemingly he made no effort to intentionally stomp with his heavy boots and yet each step produced a noise not too loud, but yet somehow audible across the whole Diet’s room. His face had absolutely no expression and yet somehow he managed to look smug; he made sure to walk slowly land through the middle of the walkways but yet somehow anyone he walked by felt cramped for space by his presence.

This was the King of the Egyszers, the man representing that noisy ethnicity that was second only to Vessischers in number and was a headache to almost all of Vessia’s rulers that had them as a minority. Proud of his kinsmen Ottokar was very much interested in stoking ethnic nationalism across all the Empire not only amongst Egyszers but amongst various Easterlings and Westerlings too. However, he nevertheless put many resources into having himself depicted as a vanguard of Imperial reactionary thought. He was one of the largest patrons of the Church, the secret police forces, and more.

The man took his seat, eager to hear out what was to be said, what was to happen. He had some opinions on the agenda, but largely he’d parrot that which those he aligned himself with were saying. He thought that Hansa should be allowed a permanent position of speaker in Imperial Diets and Elections, but should not hold any formalized power; it should be like the holdings of one of the many Free Knights of the Empire, only service to the State potentially later earning power in decision making rather than just a voice. As for Junger… well, the Egyszer Kingdom had very, very little gold with not a single mine producing the stuff. But! He was sure other honours could be provided to the officer along with other gifts to the fallen of his troops. But Elric was certainly mistaken if he believed the little propaganda show would make Ottokar forget the plight of Egyszers across the Empire and the need for their liberation.

The train of the Duchy of Bayern, at least those that belonged in Ingerhold and were sympathetic to it, came all at once into the hall. Not the largest faction by any means when it came to a headcount. But together in column they proved a glorious sight, dressed in flowing finery. All sashaying behind their self appointed head.

The Boar. Uncharacteristically quiet for several months, hiding and ruffling in his home woods. There was none as dressed as richly as him, with as large feathers in his cap. By design of course. Could not be shown up by some knight or merchant. Especially merchants in this case.

The procession stopped at their seats, taking their places on cue. A united front, taking the example of their head.

There wasn't anything for Franz to say, really. All these upper crust people had their gazes upon him intensify upon the mention of his name, and it was through a feat of willpower he was able to overcome his body's impulse to wet himself. Elric tried to calm him down before the Diet started properly but it was of no use. At most he smiled and nodded when he could, bowing gratefully at the end. He felt better when people were trying to crack his skull open with a mace or pollaxe than he did now.