Artabanos - Reiserová meeting in Prague
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"Things like this... they shouldn't happen." complained the Minister of Education František Weisser with a frown on his troubled face, "Emperor Artabanos is a tyrant, we should not be invited the likes of him to our revolutionary capital. What would those who died for the revolution say to us meeting with such figures?"
"With all due respect comrade Minister, even if I agree with what you have said, the Empire is an important partner for the Democratic Republic." replied the Minister of Agriculture Pavel Dohnal "The farming collectives as well as the Central Committee of the Party are delighted with the products from Impchem and our agricultural production has risen by approximately 20% since they have entered our market. Let's be realistic, when it comes to pesticides the Inimicans know what they are doing. The Roscoes just can't compete in this regard. And neither can the Spanish. Reitzmics definitely can't compete, no, all they have brought to our country with their boy bands is fa...."
"I won't stand any homophobic remarks in this room comrade Minister." Presidnet for Life interrupted minister Dohnal before he could finish the sentence.
Meanwhile the Minister of Culutre Šín leaned towards Minister Dohnal and put his hand on his shoulder, "You should try and tell this stuff to the Emperor himself."
"I was not about to say anything homophobic!" protested Dohnal, "All I wanted to say that we may have went to far with some of the so called righ..."
"Comrade Weisser, I share your concerns, but comrade Dohnal is right that the Empire of Inimicus is important for our further econmic development, which would not be possible without the normalization and improvement of our relations with the Imperial Government." Minister of Foreign Affairs Jasmína Dlouhá decided to jump into the conversation to once again cut off Dlouhý.
Weisser just looked over at the President for Life to search for a reassurance from her, but she just shrugged her shoulders and smiled, before turning to Šín, "I hope we prepared well for the arrival of Artabanos, Telum was full of grandeur. We mustn't dissapoint with our presentation."
"No worries, everything has been taken care of." The Minister of Culture said with confidence in his voice, as after much time of looking at a political map of the world he was now fairly certain he could find the Empire of Inimicus on a map. Just few moments after Šín said that, all present in the room learned that the Inimican Head of State is about to arrive at the Prague Castle.
On their way from the Ruzyně Airport to the Prague Castle the Inimican Emperor and the Imperial Consul could observe first hand how mobilization of the masses looked in practice. Nearly every window of an apartment or a house they passed was flying two flags - one Czech and the other one Red, a common occurance during a foreign visit. In blocks, the housing co-operatives were responsible for recording who flew the flags and who didn't. In the past, Czech flag alongside the flag of the UNSR used to be flied, but the UNSR flag was changed for a Red flag following its collapse and it has never returned. The state companies were decorated by political slogans such as "Fulfilling the Wise Leader's Five Year Plan" or "The Flame of Socialist Republicanism Illuminates Our Way Towards Prosperity". Street art, legally restricted to a limited amount of spaces, was also heavily political with some art highly critical of the Czech Government it of kleptocracy or accusing President Reiserová of being a dictator, and some art heavily pro-Government such as "Reiserová, Friend, Comrade".
The two men could also spot ambitious small business owners trying to push their way towards their car to offer them t-shirts of varying portraying Emperor Artabanos himself. However their access to the car's way was prevented by the Czech police officers and People's Militias, the armed wing of the Socialist Republican Party.
On the other hand a handful of people with flags of the Empire and the Democratic Republic were allowed to the car's proximity. But for many Czechs, welcoming the Inimican Emperor still felt strange, in the minds of many of them he was still a despot from a distant land. After all it has been some time since all the mentions of the "bankers and murderers of City Quay" or "Verinteno Financial District" disappeared from the state-owned media almost two years ago, but the mentions of the "Vampire of Telum" continued until March of this year before disappearing suddenly as well as relations between the Empire and the Democratic Republic were normalized.
Finally, the car has arrived at the centre of Hradčany, before the Prague Castle, where the members of the Czech Government awaited their guests. "Artie! Strathclyde! I'm so glad to finally meet you again, please meet my ministers!" Albíína Reiserová welcomed the Inimican statesmen. While she was shaking her hand with the Imperial Consul she assured him that the first pick of drinks will be on him, hoping to make him more comfortable. "Shall we go on a little walk around the City first, or would you, you know, just prefer to go right in the Castle? And how was your travel? I hope you didn't encounter any difficulties?" she inquired, smiling.
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Artabanos hated travelling with Consul Strathclyde. Not only did he suffer from a bad case of body odour, especially when amplified by his nervousness on planes, but he would also not speak a word about things not related to the work at hand. There was no chit-chat to be had with Christopher Strathclyde. No gossip, no "how's the family", no talk of men. The Emperor would have asked anyone else to come with Him, but Strathclyde had insisted.
To be fair to Artabanos's old war horse, Strathclyde was the main architect of the Empire's economic operations in the Democratic Republic, and had been since the restoration of Czech-Inimician diplomatic ties. He knew what he was talking about -- as always, really -- and Artabanos recognised this. Indeed, during the hours-long flight to Prague, Artabanos observed Strathclyde reading over files, making more notes than the Emperor had made in His entire reign, and generally being a very good student. Meanwhile, Artabanos had had to ask the pilots to charge His phone twice during transit, having played way too much of that new, addictive puzzle game.
After landing, the two statesmen were taken to a motorcade for their ride to Prague Castle. "See, Christopher", Artabanos said, "These folks know how to do marketing. We can learn from them." Receiving only a curt 'Hm' in return, the Emperor continued waving and smiling at the crowds, wondering how many had been coerced into standing where they did, and then deciding that this was something He could not care less about, as He had done the same many times in the past. "Do you know what they used to call me here?" No answer. "The Vampire of Telum. Isn't that the most epic nickname? Although sadly I've no idea what the Czech translation of this is. Remind me to ask Albína, would you?"
The cars arrived at Prague Castle, and Artabanos was filled with the excitement that usually accompanied the peculiar mix of statecraft and seeing His friends -- of which He did not have many these days. "Albína, you look absolutely radiant today!", the Emperor exclaimed as the President for Life greeted Him, "And what is that new perfume I smell? You'll have to give me your guy's number. Amazing. Well, you've met Imperial Consul Christopher Strathclyde, albeit briefly. He's grumpy, but he knows his stuff. You'll find him a useful addition to the negotiating table."
Turning to the queue of Czech ministers in front of Him, the Emperor said "Ah, so these are your fine statesmen, I take it? Excellent. Lovely to meet you all, I've heard so much about you." Artabanos made sure to add a particular intonation to His voice whenever He spoke to those lower down the food chain, perhaps to toy with them, perhaps to scare them, or perhaps to give Himself the impression that He could do either of those things. "A walk around the city sounds like an absolutely fabulous idea, Albína. My jet was so cramped, I've barely stood up for the last few hours. What do you say, we leave dusty Strathclyde here to start the workings of whatever it is he needs to do, and enjoy some time downtown?"
Strathclyde seemed perfectly fine with this idea. The Consul stood around awkwardly in his beige suit and blue shirt, files still clutched in his hands. He had managed to return a quiet "thank you" to the offer of drinks, and his rehearsed lines of "I'm so honoured to finally meet you properly" had also managed to leave his lips. But the Consul was here for work - he was one of the most, if not the most, capable negotiators and statesmen in the Empire, and he knew what to do. He was not here for city strolls. "This sounds like a plan, President Reiserova, Your Imperial Majesty", he finally said, "I shall be sure to begin speaking to these fine Ministers immediately."
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"Just like in February?" Reiserová asked with a smile after Arabanos referred to her as looking radiant. The Emperor used the same words when the two met for the first time in February of this year and has been since the only person she heard to use this expression since. After the short exchange she, together with the Emperor, turned toward the Guard of the Prague Castle and the National Anthem of the Democratic Republic of Czech Slavia, followed by the National Anthem of the Empire of Inimicus finally followed by the Imperial Anthem for the first Inimican Emperor that visited Czech Slavia in an official capacity.
After the ceremony Reiserová called the Minister of Finance and the Speaker of the National Assembly Švestka, "Comrade, please, take the Imperial Consul to my office and begin the negotiations, we'll be back soon. And make sure to keep my promise to the Consul, will you?" After the Minister confirmed she patted Strathclyde on the shoulder and turned to Artabanos with a smile, signaling that she is good to go.
The two statespeople started their, roughly two kilometer journey from Prague Caste and the district of Hradčany, significant portion of this quarter was occupied by the Castle complex itself, to the Old Town Hall with its famous Prague Astronomical Clock. in the Old Town district. While passing several old buildings in Prague's narrow streets the President for Life resumed her conversation with the Emperor. "Good that you made time to arrive! You know, this is one of the last opportunities to visit while we still have a nice weather and long sunny days. So tell me, any hot news from Inimicus? I've heard quite a lot of news since I visited! Like, you know, about your new constitution... so do I understand it correctly that you could now marry your partner without needing to ask the Imperial Council for approval? I think that's great! ..... Sooo... do you have your eyes on anybody? I could have sworn the new Diessenar had his eyes laid on you the entire evening on that yacht party! ...Shouldn't there be a trial with the old President soon?" Reiserová pulled out her phone to check on her calendar, "And why is he, you know, tried in Inimicus and not North Diessen anyways?" she further ask, raising her eyebrows, but still looking at the screen of her new Samsung phone of Reitzmic production.
"Do you want me to take a picture of you with the statue?" Reiserová asked, still holding the phone in her hand, referring to the Statue of John of Nepomuk, a saint tortured to death in the late 14th century for refusing to divulge the secrets of the confessional, on the Charles Bridge. "The sun is in a good position to get a really nice picture. And we can send it to Mr. Karaman! If you'd want to."
Reiserová repeated the same question at the Prague Astronomical Clock, the the two started heading back. "Well so far we have failed to get your friend to pay attention to something else than his job. But, you know, we will surely think of something once the official negotiations are over!" The streets of central Prague were busy like on any other day, but the amount of policemen and militiamen on the streets was certainly much higher than on any other day, to ensure the safety of the President and her foreign guest.
"Please, Mr. Imperial Consul follow me." Švestka told Strathclyde heading back to the Prague Castle, along with the First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Minister of Health Zuzana Saková, Ministers of Industry and Trade Květoslav Musil and Minister of Regional Development Lubomír Mejzlík. All the other ministers headed out ot their own offices in the capital, just Minister Karel Šín stood still, crossing out names in his papers, he quickly shifted the blame for the humiliating failure of the Second Pan-European Festival of Czech Culture on his subordinates, citing opportunistic approach to work of some of his subordinates as the reason behind his failure. He was well aware that if he did not cross out a sufficient number of names, his own name would soon be crossed out from the list of ministers.
"Now I am sure you will receive a proper journey through the Castle once our Heads of Government return, so we will go right into the office for negotiating with guests. But if you have any questions about anything until we reach it, you can ask me." Švestka ensured Strathclyde while walking swiftly through the halls, in hope that the Imperial Consul won't notice anything of the decorations and thus won't ask him about anything.
Once they reached the office Strathclyde was invited to sit down, before he was asked what drink he would like to have. "I hope the Empire has found the trade opportunities within the Democratic Slavia beneficial and is satisfied with the co-operation so far?" asked Saková, jumping into the conversation to show her status of a First Deputy Speaker.
"On our part, the Inimican investments have been particularly beneficial for the Central Bohemian Region, Ústí nad Labem Region, Zlín region South Bohemian region and Vysočina region." now Mejzlík interrupted, not wishing that Saková takes over too much of the spotlight earning a not too pleasant look from her.
Finally, Švesta took the word again, "We would be happy to deepen this co-operation, recently we have put a number of properties for privatization, so if Inimican manufacturers are interested, we can perhaps start talking about lowering the price of the properties for them... provided that they ensure rapid construction or renovation of their plants." Czech Slavia desperately needed more money in its treasury and while Švetka attempted to sound like this offer of lowering property prices is done only to the Inimicans, the same offer would be made to any company from anywhere if it got them to buy the properties from the state.
"Moreover, we would also like to open the possibility of trade with natural gas with the Empire, as we can no longer rely on our current source. And given the failure of the REM producers negotiations, we can also open talks about the possibility of trading REM with the Empire." Musil concluded Czech priorities in the talks.
"And what propositions do you have for us?" asked Mejzlík.
As the Czechoslavonic Ministers continued talking with the Inimican Imperial Consul, the Emperor and the President for Life were approaching the Prague Caste again after their, approximately hour-long trip, through the centre of the capital city.
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"Ah, eh, well, you always look radiant, Albína. Truly, always", said Artabanos, feeling slightly caught out. Swiftly, He turned the subject to the environment in which He now found Himself, the quaint streets of Prague and the age-old sights He had read about in so many old books. "I must also congratulate you on the lovely ceremony you organised, actually. Perhaps I could hire your military band sometime, their rendition of the Imperial Anthem was quite something." The Emperor was bemused by the sight of people turning their heads to watch the duo walking casually through Prague; tourists, Czechs, perhaps even some Inimicians were around. In any case, there was nothing Artabanos liked more than being slightly eccentric.
"Gosh, yes, well, we've certainly had an eventful time since we last met, Albína. I have to credit ol' Strathclyde for most of the work on this new Constitution -- it's all way too much faffing around for me, as you'll understand. But yes! Important changes, for sure." The topic of the Emperor's love life was one He would rather not approach, not even with someone like Reiseróva, who He trusted more than most. "I guess uh, I guess we'll see about who crosses My path - if, that is, people cross other people's paths at My age. But anyway, what's new with you? It's been such a while since we caught up, you'll have to tell me all about what's been happening here!"
Artabanos gladly indulged the opportunity for some joint selfies with the President, and by Himself. "I guess we're not waiting for this clock to strike? Probably for the best, we don't want to get mugged or hassled. Not -- not that people would uh, would do that here, of course." Turning back to the direction of the castle, the Emperor could be seen busily texting on His phone, sending the photos just taken to someone the crowds could only guess the identity of. "Anyway, Albína, to answer your question about Mueller -- such a promising lad, but so disappointing, wouldn't you say? -- I really just wanted the pleasure of trying him Myself. It'll be in the Crown Court, you see, I've arranged for that. Nestor -- I mean, President Karaman -- doesn't mind. He's way too busy with... things. I guess."
Meanwhile, Imperial Consul Strathclyde was being led through the intricate corners of Prague Castle. He had heard of the things that went on inside here, and was keen to learn of the intricacies of Czech government, the intrigue of minister to minister, the ways in which President Reiseróva managed to keep this entire web together. A quality which he admired, greatly. "Thank you for your welcome", the Consul said, "I'm of course very keen to get straight down to business, and pleased you have been appropriately briefed on our investments in the Democratic Republic thus far."
The Consul spoke with the general, weird feeling of condescension that was usual to him. Not intended, per se, perhaps simply a result of his extremely business-like and knowledgeable state during meetings such as these. "It's exciting to hear about the benefits Imperial investments have brought to regions in your nation. We hope that, very shortly, they shall start paying off on the Inimician side, too. So far, revenues have been steady, but not fantastically impressive, so I am happy to hear these suggestions of yours to improve them wherever possible."
"Hmm, well, lowering property prices is always an attractive solution, in general - although of course I cannot make robust assurances without His Imperial Majesty's consent. We'll have to return to this once He is present. As for natural gas, we would be extremely happy to provide this to you. Our reserves are, incidentally, nearly at capacity, so we can have juices flowing as soon as we sign a document."
The Consul took a sip of water, which, to his pleasant surprise, was far less hard and contained far less taste than Telum river water. "I suspect you possess just the rare earth minerals we could use, Minister!" Strathclyde chuckled, before ruffling his papers with a short "let's see", looking for his files on mineral deposits. "Ah, here we are. Yes, the Empire would be open to a trade here. Gas for minerals, perhaps? Or would a monetary exchange suit you better?"
"We can further offer you our three main export products: bauxite ore -- very useful for building all manner of things, including warplanes, cars, tinfoil -- uranium ore, which, well, you'll know the use of, and weapons." The slight bemusement on the Czech ministers' faces was exactly the response he had intended. "Yes, the Empire is, by Imperial decision, now open to exporting our full range of arms and armaments to the Democratic Republic, should they be needed. Whatever you could think of, chances are we have it. There are also some... less conventional... devices we would be happy to export. I'm sure His Imperial Majesty shall tell you all about them."
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"That is not the most fortunate of information." Musil reacted to Strathclyde's claims concerning the revenues coming from Czech Slavia to Inimicus, "Perhaps the issue is the limited scope of the presence of Inimican companies? They mostly have to rely on the farmers and farming collectives as their costumers, meanwhile companies like Samsung, TUI-Abbott, Roscoes, or the enterprises of Kligenbergs as well as the Spanish ones focus more on products and services required on masses as their consumers. But this is of course up to your companies. And gas for minerals sounds very sensible to me, I am sure the President will have nothing against it."
The Imperial Consul's offer of selling weapons to Czech Slavia certainly surprised the Czechs in the room, all the Minister Švestka managed to get out of himself was simple: "Weapons?" but just as he siad that, the door to the office opened and in came Reiserová leading Artabanos besides her.
"Regarding Mueller, I suppose." answered the Czech President, despite not really knowing anything about the former President of North Diessen, but she didn't want to show any sign of having limited knowledge especially not before the Emperor who appeared larger than life and before her own Ministers. "Court sounds exiting! And, you know, important! Will it be your first time presiding over one? We luckily no longer need the court I headed." she referred to the Extraordinary People's Court, which was abolished, when the last high-profile suspects of, what was in Czech Slavia officially referred to as, a putsch attempt were sentenced shortly after a deal of their de-facto extradition was struck between Aguilar and Reiserová. "Alright, I'll get to you after the meeting!"
Now turning towards the table, she noticed that water was chosen as the first drink of the meeting. She positioned herself behind Strathclyde's chair, "You selected water? Want to keep your head clean for the negotiations? Good, that's commendable! And healthy!" She looked at the direction of her health Minister Saková and smiled, before turning to Artabanos again. "Don't worry the next choice of a drink is up to you."
"Comrade, a word please." Švestka called to Reiserová, who excused herself and they both went into a corner of the room, where he briefed her about the meeting so far, of course mentioning the offer of weapon shipments at the end. While Švestka after the initial surprise managed to get and maintain mostly stoic expression in stark contrast to the President's emotional expressions, which went from happy to curious. She looked at the Imperial Consul and kept looking at him from the corner of the room for few seconds, before thanking Švestka and walking towards the two Inimicans.
"I heard about an offer of weapons from the Empire to the Democratic Republic.. and something about "less conventional" weapons... could you tell me what you have in mind?" she sat down next to them, "You know, the offer is tempting but we also have to be more, you know, fiscally responsible... I'll contact the Minister of Defense and I will let you know tomorrow, alright?" And with that she stood up and walked to her own seat on the other side of the table, surrounded by her Ministers. None of which were too thrilled that the Heads of Government have joined them, as they felt like they would be treated with much less respect towards their positions.
"Well, it seems you mostly talked about all of our priorities. There is just one more small thing really. Artie, could you perhaps talk to President Grimwald of Elthize? He seems to be closer to you, and, you know, we would appreciate it if you could try to convince him to deepen ties between the State of Elthize and the Democratic Republic. And the same with their neighbors Leagio and President Mouri-Kudo." The President for Life closed her laptop, even though she had just opened it, which wasn't uncommon for her, indicating that she is already ready to conclude the official part and get to socializing alone with Artabanos and Strathclyde. "And what about you? Do you have anything more you would like to discuss?" She asked raising her eyebrows.
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Consul Strathclyde took a sip of water. So far, this had been the meeting of his dreams: Artabanos wasn't there to add what He would call "wit" into the discussion, or to somehow steer the whole thing to talk of drones, whisky, or Nestor Karaman. The Consul's counterparts were direct, pragmatic, and sensible. He had been able to approach the topic of arms sales confidently yet relatively discreetly. Things were progressing even better than he had anticipated. "Yes, of course, Minister, Inimician companies have only had a fairly limited scope in your nation thus far. As you'll know, we have mainly established chemical industries which naturally have a fairly small consumer base. However, part of my mission here today is to work with you on expanding our interests. The Imperial Government is ready to commit to investments in agriculture, production and sales of luxury products, as well as other potential avenues you may think are suitable. We have the cash, we just need to decide where to spend it."
If Consul Strathclyde had been granted another 20 minutes at the table without Artabanos there, he was sure he would've integrated the Czech and Inimician economies almost to the level of North Diessen's. Sadly, it was not to be, and the Emepror's booming voice could be heard in the corridor before the heads of state barged into the room: "Aw, what a shame you no longer have a court to preside over, Albina. I really think you should try to reinstate this - I'll send you some tips on fancy court language in the group chat with Mikaela and Vistek. It's always fun to be able to slag someone off and make it have legal legitimacy, if you know what I mean."
The leaders sat down at the table and Artabanos looked at the water Strathclyde had requested rather sadly. "So, what seems to be the talk of the day? President Reiserova and I just had the most fabulous walk through Prague. Christopher, you really should have joined us. Anyway, I take it you've mentioned expanding our business interests in Czech Slavia? It will please you all to know, my Czech friends, the Artabanos Foundation and the Imperial Government are ready and willing to commit to opening multiple series of factories, processing plants, luxury goods stores, and even homeware and department stores, under the brand name HomeBanos Stores. Or something else, if you have a better marketing brand that might strike Czech consumers more effectively, of course..." The Emperor looked at Albina.
"Ah, yes, well, you see, President Reiserova, Inimicus has recently become a major player in aircraft and especially unmanned aircraft production. I'm sure you've heard of My good friend Boris Mancov, the Imperial Commissioner for Drone Warfare?" Strathclyde could be seen rolling his eyes and grabbing for the nearest bottle of water at the mention of Mancov's name. "Well, he used to be My Defence Officer, actually, but we all know how that ended. Anyway, his plants are producing so many drones, electronic warfare systems, and even F-35 jets, that we couldn't possibly use all of them. We were hoping to export loads to Telum allies, but then of course I didn't realise that the Duxburian Union is a member of the Telum Treaty and produces pretty much everything in greater and better quantities than we do. So we're looking for other markets."
Strathclyde swiftly took over the Emperor's bargaining plea: "As His Imperial Majesty eloquently described, our offers mainly consist of UAVs - of both reconnaisance-focused and weapons-focused types - as well as highly advanced EW systems which you could mount on ships, planes, wagons, whatever fits Czech interests, and possibly a small supply of Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 combat aircraft. This should make Czech Slavia very well equipped to counter the threats of the 2020s."
The Consul could feel his Czech counterparts would need some time to think about this unexpected offer. He looked to the Emperor, who, to His credit, immediately recognised the conversation had to move on. "Anyway, President Reiserova, about your other requests. President Grimwald is quite the guy, although I haven't really had the pleasure of speaking with him for long -- he was at My Canal Party, of course, where he made a bit of a mess of himself, but these things happen. Perhaps we could set up a chat with the three of us? I'm sure he'd be open to it. I actually don't have his cell, though, so we'd have to go through the official channels. Ugh. I know Mouri-Kudo slightly better - that fiend Augustus Barrington hid from Me in Leagio a few years back, of course - but again, I'm not in constant contact with him. I'd be more than happy to get you guys chatting though. You know how good I am at coupling up others." If only, the Emperor thought, He was as good at coupling up Himself.
"Well, perhaps we should give everyone some time to think about what's been discussed so far?", Artabanos announced, sensing Albina wanted to take this meeting behind closed doors - where, in Artabanos's view, all good meetings took place. He whispered to the President for Life: "I could really do with a drink, Albina." Nodding at Strathclyde: "And I know someone who certainly could."
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Minister Musil opened his mouth and raised his hand slightly from the table, in order to start speaking, but before he could utter a word President Reiserová simply sighted "Hm." leaving him to put his hand back on the table and pretend to clear his throat.
"Yes, we will reach back to you tomorrow regarding the military equipment trade offer. Comrades, could one of you get in contact with comrade Hladík about it?" the President for Life said after a short while.
Minister Saková licked her lips and smiled but before she cut utter a word Minister Mejzlík already promised to contact the Minister of Defense. Saková's smile dissapeared and she took a deep breath before looking at the two Inimican politicians, as soon as she noticed that they too are looking at her she put her smile back on. Meanwhile Minister Švestka leaned towards President Reiserová to briefly whisper something to her, before all the Ministers were dismissed and only Emperor Artabanos, Consul Strathclyde and President Reiserová remained in the office.
"Well that was productive! Nice and quick." Reiserová practically jumped from her chair. "Let me guess Artie, whisky?" she asked the Emperor for his choice of drink. "So I understand it that this is the first visit of Czech Slavia for both of you?" she asked while pouring them both the drink of the Emperor's choice and then sitting closer to both of them.
"I just have one more thing to ask about, you know, trade. Artie you said that the Artabanos Foundation is willing to open multiple sites, so, you know, do I understand it correctly that you have some request of us, before the Foundation moves to expand the scope of its operations? Well, no matter what it is, I am certain we can come to an agreement to satisfy your demands!" she smiled, leaned back in her chair, although she was wary of what the Emperor or his Consul might demand of her.
"And you!" she turned to the Consul, "Please call me Albína, and please tell me about yourself. You know, is there anything you lik..." suddenly the President for Life was cut off by the alarm on her phone going off. She excused herself and polled the phone up to look what is happening. "Ah, I completely forgot we are supposed to visit an elementary school to welcome the very new students! That's always pretty nice... well at least I think so, you know." She looked up from her phone first at the Emperor and then at the Consul. "We'll be back soon, you can leave most of your stuff here. Follow me please." after finishing these words, the President for Life led the two man outside where cars with drivers was waiting for each of them.
As they arrived at an elementary school the staff, including the principal were awaiting their guests, shaking hands with them, many of them visibly nervous from the presence of an Inimican Emperor. As they were escorted towards the classroom the two Inimicans could notice some decorations on the walls, such as a hurt adult cat from the children's cartoon "Bodlinka and Fousek: Little Kitten Pioneers" comforting the kitten pioneer Bodlinka, assuring her that bleeding for the President and your family is as sweet as chocolate.
As soon as the three statespeople entered the classroom the children rose up and pledged their loyalty to the President for Life, which they were taught before her visit, after that Reiserová told them they can sit back down.
"Dear students, you have begun a completely new chapter of your life and I hope that you will enjoy your time at this school, learn important, valuable and interesting information and make many friends with whom you will continue on your journey through life. I ask you to study hard, to continue bringing pride to your parents and me, and to allow you to fully realize your potential and use it to serve your motherland, for you are its future. I wish you much luck in this crucial step and I thank your teachers, who will surely work tirelessly to ensure that you get the highest quality of education." The President for Life took one step back, "Now dear students, to fully welcome you in your first year of school I have the honor of introducing two valuable guests, His Imperial Majesty Emperor of Inimicus Artabanos," the President's eyes jumped to Artabanos, to let him know that he can also share his bit of wisdom if he so desires., "And the Imperial Consul of Inimicus Christopher Strathclyde, who has prepared a song for you, please dear Consul, the floor is yours." the President for Life announced to the unexpecting Imperial Consul and began clapping for him. "No anthems and you know, nothing too explicit." she whispered to him as she went to the back to Artabanos. "If he starts singing any song from Mikaela we will now how serious his crush is." she remarked to the Emperor.
After the visit of the school was over, the three were once again driven to Prague Castle and returned to the office in which they were previously. "Right, that should be all the duties for today, so, what would you like to do?" she asked the two Inimicans with a smile.
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Artabanos hated children. But not as much as Strathclyde hated children. And not as much as Strathclyde hated singing, either. The two Inimicians, one tall, lanky, and enjoying the effects of the President for Life's excellent whisky selection, the other short, round, business-like, with a face of stone, must have made for quite the sight for the children of Czech Slavia. What way to represent the Empire of Inimicus.
Nevertheless, Artabanos was nothing if not a great improviser. It had been a combination of extensive planning and proper impulsiveness when it really mattered that had seen Him elevated to the Inimician Throne, that had seen Him fend off countless challengers and internal rebellious sentiments, and most recently, that had seen Him technically double the Empire's land mass. So, He felt confident He could inspire the youth of Czech Slavia to great things.
"Children, students, teachers, it truly is a great honour to be among you, and to be in the presence of your magnificent President for Life. How touching, and how incredible, your pledge of allegiance to her really is. I consider Myself incredibly lucky to call her My friend, and you should consider yourselves incredibly lucky to call her your President for Life. You should all aspire to be like her - although, of course, not to be in her position, as that would be high treason and... well... anyway, yes. Uh. Just, just be inspired by her presence. And, if any one of you here today ever find yourselves in Inimicus, give Me a shout. I'll gladly show you around My most beautiful estates. In fact, perhaps this is something we could organise, Madam President for Life? Wouldn't that be jolly?"
When it was Strathclyde's turn, a period of silence so tense anyone in the room could have touched it began. After a while, all eyes fixed on Strathclyde, the Consul did something Artabanos had never, ever seen him do: he took off his beige jacket. As if possessed by some spirit -- or, perhaps, simply by social pressure -- the Consul quietly yet melodically and passionately sang the refrain from one of the Inquistan Archbishop's number one hit singles. As soon as he had finished, the Consul stormed out, and Artabanos thought He saw the glint of a tear on His number two man's face.
The Consul did not ride back to Prague Castle with the two leaders, although curiously they found him in Albína's office on their return. He said nothing. He did not look at anything but the files he had in his hands. To ease the tension, the Emperor spoke. "Would it be terribly rude of me to ask for another drink? Thanks. Anyway, Albína, to come back to your previous point. Yes, the Artabanos Foundation would certainly like to expand its operations in your beautiful country. Plus, if this gives Me a reason to come visit you more often, I'm all for it anyway.
"The main hurdles we're facing are, as you can imagine, legal ones. We need to get our products approved by your regulatory agencies, we need to get mining, farming, production permits. Any, uh, any leeway or assistance you could give us in this regard would be... most welcomed. And, perhaps, in return, the Foundation and its enterprises could do something for you in return? Or, perhaps, the Inimician government could?"
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"Poor guy, and yet he had the voice,.. well you know, if he practiced it a little, but I had no idea performing would make him so upset,.. still, where would we be if everybody left when they become little uncomfortable? I mean, can you imagine what would happen if you just,.. gave up and run away from your responsibilities? All of us have the duty to do our part and constantly improve ourselves. I wouldn't tolerate such desertion. Cowardice and defeatism must be eliminated." Reiserová started resumed conversation with the Emperor about his Consul, before derailing and talking more to herself, repeating phrases she learned, mixed with inspirational wisdom she saw shared on Instagram and Facebook. After these words her eyes once again connected with those of the Emperor, "But who am I to give advice to you, you obviously know what you are doing and what must be done. And your speech was really great, I am sure the school will take you up on the offer to visit the Empire!"
When the duo finally got back to the President's office in the Prague Castle , Reiserová was quite shocked to find Strathclyde already there, waiting for them, "Wait how did you,... who let you in? No, nevermind." she then turned to Artabanos, "You can't have one thing working, how could they have let another person into my office without my explicit consent?" she said before fixing another glass of whiskey for her guests. Before sitting down and listing in her papers.
"So you'd want us to lower our regulation standards? Well, you know, that is a complicated manner. But, I will do the following, and please consider it a show of our goodwill, you know, we aren't expecting anything in return, even if Inimican businesses won't increase their presence on our market what I'll say will apply. We will lower corporate taxes by 2,5% to help you cover the burden of obtaining permits. And we would be interested in hearing the opinions of foreign investors after they had time to evaluate the effects of the lower taxes, perhaps then we could agree on amending our regulations, to accomodate for you. But it would be up to you to get in contact with businesses from other states, you know the Reitzmic, the Inquistans, the British, the Duchians, the Spanish, the Duxburians.... well everybody. Could you do that for us? That is what we would like to receive in return." she took her eyes from the papers and placed them on a calendar on her table, moving her finger through the days. "Let's say we could arrange for this meeting between the government and foreign-based companies, including of course the Foundation in the first half of April?"
"There is one more thing." Reiserová said while relaxing in her chair, and connecting her hands together, "*My government is of the opinion that the market in the United Duchies is highly unstable, and with a, you know, proper aggressive approach it could collapse and become dependant on foreign imports. So if the Foundation would be up for it, you could start opening stores in smaller municipalities, buying off local competition and supply our products at cheaper prices to the Duchian populace.... particularly our agricultural goods, denying Duchian farmers places where to sell off their products and liquidating them," she took a long sip, before continuing in a lower tone, as if embarrassed by what she is proposing, "then the Foundation could buy off their farmlands and turn them to something else, as your heart would desire. Of course our farming collectives would help you in covering the initial costs of this operation." she smiled nervously, the plan wasn't hers, but she made sure that the Minister of Agriculture Dohnal, whose motto was that the three areas requiring state support the most was agriculture, fisheries and traditional family, wouldn't spend too much time with the Emperor.
"And you know, perhaps we could also contact our other friends, like Silas from Inquista... by the way what impression do you have of him? I've heard so much nasty stuff, but it just seems like jealous gossip to me, he has always been really polite and sweet to me..... oh, never mind, so, what do you think?"
