"No I don't have any questions!" Anastasia said pleasantly to the driver, or at least trying to be. "I'm just looking forward to the food."
The Union of Nicoleizian Socialist Republics
Chairman of the Communist Party: Michul Jirluchuz ☭
EU Councillor: Poppy Carlton-Romanov (EPA)
Korojaunu in Exile: Eilidh Whiteford ☆
Monarch in Exile: Queen Anastasia II ♚
Queen Margrethe and Ms. Baschet moved away from Presidente Jesus and over towards @Derecta @Inquista.
"What a splendid look you have!" the Queen gasped. "I love the traditional dress. Is it an original piece?"
Ms. Baschet stepped in.
"My apologies. This is Queen Margrethe of Gallorum, and I am the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Gallorum, Elisabeth Baschet. It's a pleasure to meet you all. I know that Mikaela, you are from Inquista. The fame of the Kligenberg family stretches from Saint Dominico to Aurelis. Your cousin, Theodora...she is revolutionising make-up. Dame Richetti, it is an honour to meet the Derectan delegation. We share a bond that goes back to Greek and Roman culture, and it is something that we both share: a love of the antiquity period.
"How are all of you?"
@Icholasen said in Spanish Aniversary Day:
"No I don't have any questions!" Anastasia said pleasantly to the driver, or at least trying to be. "I'm just looking forward to the food."
Ok. -Says Bruno-. We've just arrived.
The motorcade stops. President Jesús Aguilar approaches to the car while Bruno's is opening the doors.
Welcome, her majesty. Makes a reverence It's an honour to meet you. Welcome to Spain and to its capital city, Antequera.
"We'll all be pleased to go with you to Ibiza, Mikaela. And please, do come back to Derecta anytime you wish!" said Dame Ricchetti.
The Duchess of Athenaesios suddenly saw the Gaulois delegation approach towards her posse, and immediately turned towards the monarch and Prime Minister.
"Why hello, Your Majesty! It is such an honour to finally meet you. And you too, Mrs. Baschet. I hope our time here together can be the beginning of a true friendship between our nations. You already know Dame Richetti, my deputy, and here are three of the ministers of my cabinet." said the PM while introducing the rest of her delegation to the Gaulois.
@Inquista said in Spanish Aniversary Day:
"Your majesty, Sofía, you look absolutely radiant", Mikaela smiled as she shook hands with the Spanish Queen. "My flight was very pleasant, thank you. The weather in Spain is amazing! It really couldn't be a more perfect day. Since the weather is so accommodating, I'm planning on spending several days here in Spain - just to catch a man. I mean tan. I definitely meant tan."
Mikaela blushed and felt absolutely embarrassed, and thus quickly walked away from the Spanish Queen, before bumping into Dame Ricchetti.
"Ah, Dame Richetti! Of course I remember you! You look great as always. That was such fun, that day two years ago. I can't believe I haven't been back to Derecta since. Oh, how I miss Carolina. She was an excellent Prime Minister. When you manage to see her again, please tell her that I appreciate her kind thoughts and that I wish her the best as well. "
Mikaela smiled and forcefully interlocked her arm around the Dame's arm. "I'll happily hang out with the Derectans. By the way, I will be hosting an after-party in Ibiza in the evening and you're definitely invited."
That's great to know. Let me introduce you someone. He's a Spanish Goverment representative that will help you during your stay in today's show.
The Goverment representative approaches them
Hello Mrs. Mikaela. My name it's Vicente. As her Majesty the Queen Sofía said, I'm here to help you. So, if you have anything to ask, or anything that I could do for you, just tell me.
"It is a pleasure to met you Diego," greeted Rakel.
The crowds and surroundings began to blend together in a blur as the motorcade started to pick up speed.
"First things first, how do you manage in this heat. No doubt people from this south in the European Union are used to it, but being from a place that is half tundra, it's like an oven here really," joked Rakel who noticed a scorn from Emma who was placed into the backseat so to speak for this trip.
"In all seriousness however, Spain truly is beautiful. Now in my travel brief from the Foreign Ministry there was a report that President Aguilar was intending to pay for lunch from his personal pay. Unfortunately Vayinaodic law on foreign gifts is very specific on where it can originate from for elected officials like myself. So I instructed the staff at the Vayinaodic embassy here in Antequera to process a donation to a local children's hospital of a still to be set amount. Just a little quirk of Vayinaodic law is all, I hope you can send my apologies to President Aguilar for the miscommunications."
Rakel and Diego continued their conversation as the motorcade pulled into their first stop.
Arch-Konsul: Kristian Nylund (Greens)
Ruling Coalition: Greens, Moderates
EU Councillor : Carita Falk (Greens-Independent)
@Vayinaod said in Spanish Aniversary Day:
"It is a pleasure to met you Diego," greeted Rakel.
The crowds and surroundings began to blend together in a blur as the motorcade started to pick up speed.
"First things first, how do you manage in this heat. No doubt people from this south in the European Union are used to it, but being from a place that is half tundra, it's like an oven here really," joked Rakel who noticed a scorn from Emma who was placed into the backseat so to speak for this trip.
"In all seriousness however, Spain truly is beautiful. Now in my travel brief from the Foreign Ministry there was a report that President Aguilar was intending to pay for lunch from his personal pay. Unfortunately Vayinaodic law on foreign gifts is very specific on where it can originate from for elected officials like myself. So I instructed the staff at the Vayinaodic embassy here in Antequera to process a donation to a local children's hospital of a still to be set amount. Just a little quirk of Vayinaodic law is all, I hope you can send my apologies to President Aguilar for the miscommunications."
Rakel and Diego continued their conversation as the motorcade pulled into their first stop.
Managing this heatit's a complete challenge. But we have our coolest areas like Galicia, Scotland or London, so, if you're making a vacation here, and you olike cooler temperatures, you might want to choose one of tghose 3 Authonomous Communities.
Great to know your opinion about my country. For much I was born here, I still couldn't discover every single place. It's all very beautiful. About the lunch, yes, President's paying it. We didn't know that your law didn't approve it, so we say sorry for this. Still, we'll accept the donation and we will thank you today with a great atmosphere.
About your apologies, you'll be able to tell him personally your apologies, for sure. I think he's going to recive you when we arrive, that will be happening... Now!
The motorcade stops. Diego gets down of the car, and opens the door. Jesús approaches, and shakes hands with Mrs. Sorensdotter
Good afternoon Mrs. Sorensdotter. Nice to meet you. We'll talk at the restaurant we're going now, when you'll be more confortable.It's cooler there.
Calls everyone and they all make their way to the restaurant
The owner of the restaurant, Paco, waits outside. When they arrive, Jesús speaks with Paco in Spanish. Then, Paco takes them to their table.
Buenas tardes gentlemens. ¿Qué are you going to beber? También, I apologise for my Inglés. You can have:
(OOC: Bilingual posts incoming)
The Derectans were the first to order.
"Pues nosotros querríamos un par de jarras grandes de sangrías, y luego, cuando llleguen los primeros, un par de botellas del mejor verdejo que tengas" said the PM.
("We would like a couple of big jugs of sangría, and two bottles of the best verdejo you have to go with the starters.")
Eso está hecho. (That's great)
Paco notes on the notebook the drinks of the Derectan representants
Jesús Aguilar: Paco, a mí me pones agua por ahora, después ya vemos. (Paco, for me mineral water, then we see)
¿Y para sus majestades? (And for their majesties?)
Felipe VI: 2 Riojas para repartir entre los 4. (2 Rioja's Wines to share between us 4)
Ok!
Notes the Spanish delegation drinks on the notebook
Meanwhile on the airport...
The Royal Guard and a little motorcade arrives to the airport for a guest that have just accepted the invite. The flight it's expected to land when the food is nearly ending
His Mercy, The King Norberti Dorinel and Vali Benetta Docu both sat down to their chairs. The King takes the menu that was lying down on the table and starts reading.
"What did he say?" Mr. Docu asks The King.
He asks if we'd like something to drink, The King responds. "Okay, so you got your classic water and carbonated drinks..."
"Haven't drinked one since 2014." Mr. Docu interrupts, most likely unintentional but loud enough for The King to hear.
"What, water?"
Mr. Docu, obviously not expecting that type of response;
"No, the carbonated drinks." Mr. Docu responds in an awkward tone. "I just dislike their taste. Also they're bad for your health or something. I don't know, ask these to the Ministry of Health and Sport instead!"
"Ah, I see. So there's also Beer, Sidra and Rebujito."
"Rebujito sounds... interesting, let me check that."
Mr. Docu turns on his phone to learn what Rebujito is
"Oh it's a cocktail!"
Yes. Sidra is a cocktail too, The King replies.
"What do you want, Mr. Docu?" The King continues, his voice going on a serious tone.
"I'm going for the Rebiju- I mean, Rebujito. It's nice to taste different stuff. What about you, The King?"
"Water."
Both The King and Mr. Docu tell Paco what they want to drink, after using Google Translate to say it in Spanish so there's no misunderstandings whatsoever.
"Nos gustaría tener un Rebujito y un agua, por favor."
While they wait for their drinks, The King speaks to Mr. Docu in Malboryan.
"Lacu told me that you should take some small notes about what's happening at the military show. So, do that."
(...)
@Malborya said in Spanish Aniversary Day:
His Mercy, The King Norberti Dorinel and Vali Benetta Docu both sat down to their chairs. The King takes the menu that was lying down on the table and starts reading.
"What did he say?" Mr. Docu asks The King.
He asks if we'd like something to drink, The King responds. "Okay, so you got your classic water and carbonated drinks..."
"Haven't drinked one since 2014." Mr. Docu interrupts, most likely unintentional but loud enough for The King to hear.
"What, water?"
Mr. Docu, obviously not expecting that type of response;
"No, the carbonated drinks." Mr. Docu responds in an awkward tone. "I just dislike their taste. Also they're bad for your health or something. I don't know, ask these to the Ministry of Health and Sport instead!"
"Ah, I see. So there's also Beer, Sidra and Rebujito."
"Rebujito sounds... interesting, let me check that."
Mr. Docu turns on his phone to learn what Rebujito is
"Oh it's a cocktail!"
Yes. Sidra is a cocktail too, The King replies.
"What do you want, Mr. Docu?" The King continues, his voice going on a serious tone.
"I'm going for the Rebiju- I mean, Rebujito. It's nice to taste different stuff. What about you, The King?"
"Water."
Both The King and Mr. Docu tell Paco what they want to drink, after using Google Translate to say it in Spanish so there's no misunderstandings whatsoever.
"Nos gustaría tener un Rebujito y un agua, por favor."
While they wait for their drinks, The King speaks to Mr. Docu in Malboryan.
"Lacu told me that you should take some small notes about what's happening at the military show. So, do that."
(...)
Paco notes their drinks in his notebook and start bringing the drinks.
The Kingdom of Spain
His Majesty the King, Felipe VI
President Alberto Núñez-Feijóo
Councillor and Council Speaker Donald Tusk
still speaking in Malboryan
"I mean sure, but what kind of information I could get from that? It's a military parade, They'd probably show off some tanks and planes. But alas, let me try. It's my job after all."
"You know I don't have the power to put you back once you're wanted gone. Play your cards accordingly."
Paco brings the drinks to the table
"Gracias!" Mr. Docu responds.
"I'll try my best. Also why did you just ordered water?"
"Oh, I don't think I've told you, did I? I've been sober for 6 years now. It's a good record."
"That's stellar."
"Even more so when journalists tell that I wouldn't make a good successor for the throne after my father because I used to drink alcohol too much."
"So you never drinked any alcohol again?"
"Yeah, I left it out of anger and now it's just uninteresting. Maybe I am too old for this stuff. Unsure."
Mr. Docu tastes Rebujito for the first time
"Oh."
"Is it bad?"
"No, just a bit different. I'll get used to it eventually."
[...]
As the Derectans were enjoying their sangría, Minister Menéndez turned towards the Malboryan delegation. He remembered his time at university, where he had taken a brief but intense course on their national language. As he was trying to identify some of the words they said, out of mere curiosity, he suddenly looked troubled.
" Is something wrong, Rodrigo?" asked Athena.
"Ladies, let's speak Greek now." he answered.
The Derectans turned to their oldest national language.
"So my Malboryan is quite rusty, but I might have just overheard their Prime Minister wonder if any military secrets could be extracted from the parade." the defence minister said.
"Should I be worried, Rodrigo?" asked the PM.
"I am not sure, Cayetana. We haven't had any worrisome reports on the Malboryan armed forces, and, after all, it's just a parade. The Spaniards would be foolish if they revealed any of their classified units or weaponry there. I bet we'll only get to see the traditional and regular units." said Rodrigo.
"Bueno, dejaos ya de cháchara. Disfrutad del ambiente y olvidaos ya del trabajo." said Dame Ricchetti.
(Anyway, stop bickering. Enjoy your surroundings and forget about work.)
Queen Sofía gets some part of the conversation as she knows Greek and tells in Spanish to Juan Carlos with discrection:
"Something happens. And this place it's not sure to tell Jesús what happens."
"Tell him in the parade" He answers
"It's a good option, but let's see. Is something planned to be revealed to the rest of the world?"
"No. Just like 12th October. Just simply that in 12th October we'll do other things" Answers with even more discrection
Queen Margrethe and Ms. Baschet sat down across from the Derectan delegation and next to the Inquistans.
"Thank you so much, Prime Minister! It is a pleasure to meet you all. This is the Prime Minister of Gallorum, Elisabeth Baschet," the Queen said, introducing her Prime Minister. The Prime Minister looked like she was about to order drinks. "Oh put that down, dear. We'll have some wine, it's already been decided."
"By whom?" smiled the Prime Minister.
"Tsk-tsk," replied the Queen. When you have such a rich history of wine producing people like the Spanish, much like our culture, one does not turn down the opportunity to sample the finest that they are offering.
"Pedimos el vino blanco, por favor," the Queen ordered. "Me gustan los blancos. Las rojas me dan mucha flema y no es...no es cortés."
The Prime Minister was impressed with her head of state's ability to speak Spanish. She knew the House of Valois had a particular affinity towards the Frankish languages, but Spanish was not on the radar.
Paco notes the drinks and bring them
Vino blanco para su majestad y la primera ministra. Aquí lo tienen. Por cierto majestad, habla usted muy bien español. ¡Felicidades!
(OCC: White whine for her majesty and the prime minister. Here you have it. By the way, her majesty, you speak Spanish very well. Congrats!)
Irene didn't give a damn about anything that was going on in the world. Spain celebrating it's anniversary was an insignificant part of the Queen's day, as she had different priorities: like binge watching Riverdale and lusting after KJ Apa. She had no idea what the show was about, but that didn't stop her from watching an entire season over the course of a morning.
"Who did you think was responsible for the murder, Queen?" her servant asked.
"Murder? The show is about the epic highs and lows of high school football and the hot men that experience it, you dumbass."
"Ummmm... I apologize Queen, I am a bit dizzy." she promptly left the Queen alone, fearing being beheaded.
But suddenly, Irene's thirst session was interrupted by a voice mail from Mikaela Kligenberg:
"Hey girl, it's Mikaela calling. Today is Spain Day, which I think it means it's Penelope Cruz's birthday? Anyway, to celebrate Penelope, I'm hosting a party in Ibiza and the theme is big booty bitches, so naturally, I had to call you, and no, JLO will NOT be attending."
Irene gasped and immediately recorded a voice mail (that she sent 45 minutes later, to make Mikaela wait and display her dominance) saying "Ohmagosh, Penelope is my girl. Totes coming sis, love ya. Mwah!"
She didn't need to think much about the outfit she should wear if the theme is big booty bitches, as she had a whole closet dedicated to suitable outfits, so she immediately jumped on a plane and was ready to party in Spain.
While on the plane, she realized she didn't know any Spainish words except chola, so she decided to learn some Spainish by listening to JLO's Big Booty - the Spainish version [ESSENTIAL to listen while reading]. "As Chola is my witness, I'm gonna learn the lyrics of this big booty anthem and my girls Mikaela and Penelope will be shook. JLo might not be there physically, but she'll be there in spirit. Her booty is omnipresent."
When Irene arrived in Spain, she decided to go to the nearest bar to have some fun before the parade. Even though nobody was partying because it was way too early for that, Irene didn't care. She wanted to enjoy herself and she knew she could get other people on board, especially in the outfit she was wearing... Because Mikaela told her that, to honor Penelope, she has to wear a outfit that screams "big booty bitch" Irene wore a skimpy bikini that was considered racy even in a Mediterranean country like Spain during summer. She was living her best bootylicious life.
Though she knew very little Spainish, she understood body language and it was very clear that everyone was staring at her and following her every move. And she knew exactly what to do with the attention. She walked over to a table full of hot young girls and started communicating using the iconic lyrics from JLo's Big Booty.
"Girls with the cheeks, put a hand in the air!
Las chicas con buenos traseros levanten la mano!"
The girls started laughing, making fun of Irene, but they amused her and rose their hands anyway.
"All the sexy girls at the party...
Todas las chicas sexys en la fiesta...
Go and grab a man, bring him to the dancefloor!
Vayan y agarren a un hombre, traelo a la pista de baile!"
Though the Queen of Red Croatia was clearly a ridiculous person and very easy to laugh at, the girls realized that this was a golden opportunity to have some fun and decided to go with it anyway. So, they obeyed and began asking the men to dance. Soon enough, everyone in the bar was having the time of their lives... Singing, laughing, dancing...
And it was all because of JLo's big booty.
Thank you, JLo's big booty.
As the various foreign delegations began to make their way to the restaurant, Mikaela quickly slipped away from the Derectan, Spanish and Gallic dignitaries and waited in the main square, admiring all the military men who had congregated after the military parade. Mikaela carefully studied the scene before her, looking for the most physically fit and handsome soldier. Her eyes lit up as she noticed a gorgeous member of the Spanish Legion (the particular unit of the Spanish Army she was most interested in), who was especially devilish and physically-built. Mikaela decided to call her shot and slowly began strutting her way over to him and his group of comrades. Mikalea carefully played with her hair as she descended the stairs, gazing at the man, who noticed her stare. They locked eyes. Mikaela felt flutters in her chest and she felt like she was walking on air. Suddenly, Mikaela felt herself falling face-forward down the low steps. She had somehow tripped while descending in her high-heels. Mikaela felt a wave of embarrassment come over her. She remained immobile on the ground and was barely able to catch a glimpse of the handsome soldier and all his comrades looking at her with bewilderment and laughter.
The handsome soldier then frowned and quickly jogged over to Mikaela, offering his hand to her. Mikaela grabbed his hand as the soldier hoisted her up back onto her feet. "Hola, señorita” the soldier said grinning, in an attempt to both contain his laughter and to appear sympathetic.
"Sorry, I don't speak whatever Shawn Mendes language they speak here in Spain," Mikaela admittedly plainly, as she stood back up. Mikaela’s face was turned bright red in uncontained embarrassment.
The soldier laughed. "I said, hi, miss. I hope you didn't fall too hard," the soldier jested in a very thick Spanish accent.
Mikaela blinked. She couldn't understand the soldier's immensely thick accent. "I'm sorry, I don't speak... er... is this Portuguese? No. Is it French they speak here? No, Italian. Right. Italian?"
The soldier scoffed in bemusement. "It's Spanish, miss."
Mikaela still couldn't understand him, and she instead just smiled and nodded. Mikaela then extended her hand, which the solider had earlier used to pick her back up. "My name is Mikaela Kligenberg. Lovely to meet you! Do you speak English?"
The solider scoffed again and then smiled. He then shook Mikaela's hand. “I am Capitán Fernandez-Velasquez. Juan-Bernardo Fernandez-Velasquez. Pleasure to meet you."
Mikaela understood the general gist of what Captain Fernandez-Velasquez was saying and nodded in excitement. "Great to meet you! Your impression of a Duxburian accent is quite good."
Mikaela then grabbed Captain Fernandez-Velasquez by his muscular shoulder. "I must say, that was a lovely parade. I got a great view of it while I was with the Queen of Spain. Yes, Queen Sofía and I are the loveliest of friends! There is a reception happening at a nearby restaurant with all the foreign dignitaries that came to witness today's festivities. Would you care to join me?"
Captain Fernandez-Velasquez nodded in agreement and Mikaela couldn't help but squeal out loud.
Mikaela Kligenberg and Capitán Juan-Bernardo Fernandez-Velasquez enter the restaurant.
As Mikaela and her Capitán enter the restaurant, Mikaela quickly noticed that the Spanish version of Booty by JLO was playing. Mikaela's eyes swelled with tears and she just about burst into a crying fit. Could this day get any worse? First, she fell down the stairs and embarrassed herself in front of her potential beaux, and now she has to come face-to-face with the song that forever haunts her.
Mikaela scanned the restaurant and saw Irene. "Irene! I'm glad she could make it", Mikaela thought to herself in excitement, before washing over with embarrassment again. Mikaela then retreated into the arms of Captain Fernandez-Velasquez. She was trying her hardest to remain calm until Irene finished singing and dancing to the song. Once the song was over, Mikaela quickly scurried over to Irene and embraced her. "I'm glad you got my voice mail!"
She was most pleased with the fact that she was friends with Irene, who, like Mikaela, was not afraid to make a fool of herself. Despite that Irene physically assaulted Mikaela during their first meeting together in Red Croatia, Mikaela bore no grudges against her. Mikaela was incapable of holding ill feelings towards anyone, and she did not have a single mean bone in her body. Mikaela wanted to be friends with everyone, and while her lack of intelligence often accidentally made enemies of the likes of people like Prince Tommy of Icholasen, the truth was that Mikaela was a total people-pleaser who could not even harm a fly even if she tried. Despite this, there was one person she could not confront her feelings for... and that was JLo.
After Mikaela's Call My Name tour, she was one of the - if not the biggest - pop star in Europe. Mikaela had reached success everywhere, except among one demographic: Spanish speakers. Spanish speakers were the one market of consumers Mikaela could never crack. To remedy this plan, Mikaela planned on releasing a song she co-wrote with Pitbull and Cory Rooney. This song was called Booty, and there was a Spanish version which she intended to debut as well. However, Mikaela's foray into Spanish music suddenly collapsed when Corey Rooney and Pitbull ended up giving the song to JLo behind Mikaela's back, who then released the single before Mikaela was able to put her voice to the track. Mikaela was crushed. She hated Booty and she felt hurt by JLo (despite the real betrayal coming from Cory and Pitbull).
Mikaela eventually pulled away from Irene’s embrace. “I can’t believe you got here before I did. I didn’t think you’d make it. Well, happy Penelope Cruz’s birthday! I can’t wait for our party at Ibiza later. But girl, when I say JLo was not invited… I mean she was not invited. Not even via musical notes. It’s a big booty bitches party, and JLo is not one of those bitches.”
Mikaela quickly spun around and grabbed Captain Fernandez-Velasquez by one of his triceps and pushed him towards Irene. Mikaela then lent forward to Irene and spoke to her in a slightly hushed tone.
“I would like you to meet Captain… er… Captain Jose-Bono Fernananana-V something” Mikaela said with her eyes glowing. “Isn’t he handsome? Don’t worry, we can talk candidly in front of him. He doesn’t speak a word of English.”
Captain Fernandez-Velasquez shook his head and laughed.
The owner of the restaurant, Paco, waits outside. When they arrive, Jesús speaks with Paco in Spanish. Then, Paco takes them to their table.
Buenas tardes gentlemens. ¿Qué are you going to beber? También, I apologise for my Inglés. You can have:
