Emperor Artabanos's Welcome Back Party

[Kingdom of Reitzmag]

To their surprise, someone from the table has finally talked to them.

"Ah, Ms. van der Bellen, we're doing fine. Congratulations to Austria for joining the EU." said George

"We have no worries Ms. van der Bellen, how about you? We are hoping that Austria and Reitzmag would cherish a strong relationship in all aspects" said Katherine.

As Simon saw Sauli, he was very happy and relieved that two of his friends are there with him again.

"Sauli my friend, how are you doing today?" said Simon with a big smile on his face.

[Fremet]

Nikki had just managed to pry herself from Lord Christopher, who had taken a rather disconcerting level of interest to Fremet's defensive readiness and nuclear strike capabilities. With every question, Nikki responded with the universal official line of the Fremetian government in regards to defence: "Our readiness is constant and our capabilities superior." Nikki found her opening when she saw the Austrian President take his seat. "Lord Christopher, we must chat later on, after all, there is so much I want to ask you! For now, however, we really must be taking our seats."

She sat down at the table across from the Reitzmic royal family. I thought this was why we have guillotines. Of all the European monarchies, Reitzmag's was by far the most obsessed with pomp and circumstance. The entire nation seemed enthralled with it. Showmanship has its place, but hosting a multi-million euro ball for the royal family's new pet dog is a bit... excessive. Give the people what they want I suppose. The Reitzmic royal family also enjoyed one of the highest levels of public support in Europe. Are we sure about lifting those travel restrictions?

TOMMY OH GOD Nikki's mind flashed back to a certain fashion disaster wherein Tommy saw her underwear at a rather critical summit in Saint Regina during her time as Statsminister. She did her best to avert her eyes. Maybe he doesn't remember?

She looked up at King George and managed to deliver a slight nod and a smile before looking down and gulping the glass in front of her. She raised her hand and a server immediately came to replenish her drink. She grabbed their arm, saying "Stick right here" as she turned to down a second glass. They refilled her drink once more and she waved them away before turning to the Austrian President and speaking, "Hello errr President Van der Bellen? Nikki Oleman, Visestatsminister, Fremet. I promise I'm not usually like this, but there is something to be said for one's alcohol tolerance. Not necessarily one's tolerance of alcohol, but rather one's tolerance of others under the influence thereof. Regardless, is this your first visit to Inimicus?"

---

Gustaf was seated next to Artabanos. He looked over at Arty's towering figure, surveying the crowd. Gustaf was a bit disappointed that it was a bit of a cultural taboo for such large and flamboyant to be held at the behest of the royal family. Fremet's monarchy was barely holding on to its very existence, and Gustaf couldn't help but admire the souls in the room that had so managed to hold on to this institution. He was concerned. Fremet's Statsraat has yet to affirm him as King, a requirement under the 1935 constitution. Though they have until December, past legislatures almost always affirm the monarchy in the first session. The first session of this Staatsrat was weeks ago. The appointment of Nikki Oleman to the Visestatsministership, a fervent supporter of bringing about a return to the republic (she had told him herself), only served to fuel his worry. When he ascended to the throne in 2015, he was told by many at the time that he would likely be Fremet's last monarch. But could that day have come so soon? Five years into his rule? Only time would tell, and Gustaf had to be careful to keep what he knew under his hat.

He looked down at his food and started away on the Inimican specialties in front of him. He and his wife had a private kitchen in the royal residence where they would experiment with foreign dishes, and he grew quite curious about this particular one. "Arty, tell me, what do you call this here? It is absolutely DEVINE. You must supply me with a recipe so that Silvia and I could try our hands at this!"

[Leagio]

President Lifejumper leaned toward Commissioner Reynels and responded, "Probably by the end of the year, when things proabably settle down hopefully. "

The President was watching Bridges as he was eating. There was something not right here. Maybe the Prime Minister from Reitzmag was just having a bad day over the ruling of the recent case in the European Court of Justice.

[Montenbourg]

The Crown Princess Victoria, was very happy with the dinner and the time in the table with Queen Leticia, Consul Christopher, Queen Sonja, Rendi Wagner, and Jesus Aguilar. She smiled back to Queen Leticia and answered "Oh Leticia, you look beautiful, my flight was with a bit of turbulence, you know flying south europe is kind of a long flight but definetly worth it. I must ask, how are you? hows your family and @Spain, marvelous country."

[Inimicus]

Gert Veruylscht of the Imperial Household had been watching the front door carefully, extremely carefully, as the Mennrimians hadn't arrived just yet - except for just five minutes, when the smells and delights cming from inside had become too much and he had slipped off for a quick bite and a swift drink of scotch. Naturally, when he found the Mennrimian delegation had slipped inside and had been left waiting for the time he had gone, he knew he had to leave. The Emperor's punishments were most acceptable when inside His bedroom, but outside... Gert did not fancy spending 20 years in a camp near Orbis Terrarum - yes, he had read some of the secret files on Artabanos's desk occasionally. Gert looked around and, after stuffing his pockets full of banquet food, quietly slipped off into the night.

---

Meanwhile, Artabanos was nearly forgetting about the pain in His lower chest due to the immense chatter in the room. He had always known seating Archbishop Kligenberg and Queen Anastasia within even 10 metres of Himself would most likely imply an auditory recovery time of at least 72 hours from tomorrow morning, but, in the end, this is what He loved.

"Mmm, Mikaela, I think I'll be needing your wingwoman services before long. Hang on, do I even have your number? How can I even reach you when I'm next out in Telum's pink village? Anyway, I have to compliment you on your limo, Mikaela. Definitely stands out. I was actually hoping for a similar design for the Imperial Motorcade - but maybe involving some flowery patterns too" Artabanos suddenly turned to Carlos, "Oh hey, perhaps you can hit me up with your shirt designer?"

Artabanos found King Gustaf oddly interested in what the courses consisted of. "Ah, yes, old friend, this dish is actually had more in North Diessen than Inimicus, but don't tell anyone, I might have a war on my hands with current public opinions. It's a delicate mixture of the finest peppers and sun-ripened tomatoes along with hints of Rosarian onion and Legatian garlic, with several eggs from our own henhouse in the Palace stirred in. A simple dish but quite satisfying. Then again... not nearly as satisfying as that night in Europolis. Ah, Gustaf. Do you remember? The sights, the sounds, the fun..."

---

Consul Lord Christopher Strathclyde had decided that his secondary source of entertainment, after attempting to coax the Fremetian PM into giving away her nation's nuclear secrets, would be the stirring of some beef between the Spanish and Mennrimian delegations, the latter of which he had noticed just entering the Palace, looking slightly frazzled. "Ah, friends!" he said as they arrived, "You're right here, not to worry - waiters! Worry not, we are all among friends here, are we not, Jesús? Ah, you're quite right, by the way, we should definitely schedule in some fun military training soon. Might be a nice way to get a drink together, too. Tell you what, why don't we invite these fine Mennrimians to join us?"

[Spain]

Absolutely! Said Jesús as an answer to Lord Christopher's question. While he made a gesture to get the Mennrimians on the table, he answered to the Consul: "A drink together would be amazing, but I think you'll have to chat with Soraya since next week. I'm having a son." Jesús smiled. "But if you can wait for 2 weeks, I can be the one who drinks with you, so it's up to you!"

---

Felipe entered in a conversation with Artabanos: "Mr. Artabanos, I'm really happy to see you have fully recovered after the incident. And I have to agree with Gustaf, the food is absolutely delicious. We need that recipe too!" Said the Spanish King. It had been a while since the king had a visit abroad. The crisis with Reitzmag and the conflicts all around Europe didn't allow the agenda to be big arounf Europe.

His father did not help too. Juan Carlos running away to Nofoaga and no one except the Government and the Royals knowing about it was irritating for some. The Spanish Monarchy could be in danger, but Felipe needed to show he was different to his father and his family. He had the support of the 2 major parties, the Partido Popular and the Partido Socialista, so at the moment, the monarchy was safe. At least, until 2023, if nothing went wrong.

---

Leticia smiled and answered Victoria: "We are doing more or less I have to say. You know, summer has been tense after Juan Carlos left. I can't say where he is now because he doesn't want us to do it, but the others are really fine. Leonor and Sofía are back to school and both are growing really fast. And Spain, despite everything, is doing really fine. Is Montenbourg doing ok too? And what about your family?"

[Montenbourg]

"Well my father is in a very bad situation of health, but I'm hopeful."

A member of the Montenbourg Guard, came closer to Victoria while talking to Leticia, "Your Highness....Majesty. A moment." After receiving tha tragic news, trumpets sounded and she inmediatly retired from the dinner, and was transfered on the motorcade to the Royal Airbus where she communicated with her mother and the Prime Minister. "My dearest Victoria, you are regina." Said her mother while crying.

[A Former User]

The President was terrified. Why were the Reitzmic royals calling him a "she?" Were they planning to castrate him? Perhaps it was a threat. They had also said that they had hoped that Austria and Reitzmag would "cherish a strong relationship." Were the threatening him? So many questions, no answers, and now he had to answer quickly.

"Yes, yes, I agree completely!" he said, his smile faltering despite his immense efforts to hold it in place. "And, as for me," he said, his smile widening artificially, in the same expression as any ordinary person would make if forced, on penalty of death, to smile, "I am perfectly, perfectly fine. Perfectly fine!" He looked, almost frozen, at the royals for several seconds more before turning to the Visestatsminister.

"Er, well," he said, carefully choosing his words, "Well, it depends on the situation. On the person who is under the influence of the alcohol; or, to be more specific, what they do. As for your second question, yes, it is."

He glanced at the Reitzmic royals, terrified of offending them and being subjected to castration.

In the corner of his eye, he saw the Princess of Montenbourg leaving, distressed. He vaguely remembered members of a guard approaching her; had something awful happened in Montebourg? He withdrew, and prayed. The world seemed as though it was coming to an end; in God, however, he had hope.

The Chancellor now regretted her decision to ask about the food. It had been disregarded by everyone. But of course, it did not matter now. Something terrible had happened, and now, now; she must remain silent.

The Mennrimians and those from Spain would certainly get into an argument; but that would be on their own heads. She sighed, and fortified herself, putting aside her wine and her food. Her thoughts wandered back to her home nation.

She had lived through the final twelve years of fascism. She remembered very little of it ; but still, she was left with flashes, flashes of horrific scenes, from people being dragged through the streets before being hacked to death by fascist paramilitaries, from the terrified eyes of her peers in school who had been beaten so much that they had simply lost all hope, from the horrific public executions she was forced to watch in which tens of people were hanged at the same time, from the strange, almost religious ceremonies of the fascist youth organization that had wished to indoctrinate them all; sudden flashes without any context whatsoever, but still terrifying. All of this, as well as what had happened in Montenbourg, horrific, and all of it remembered with the greatest solemnity. It was important to be solemn in such times, for if not, then one simply forgets - forgets the importance of freedom, and of life.

And yet now she was to be a witness to a mockery of such horrors. And for that she almost cried.

[Kingdom of Reitzmag]

George and Katherine started to see why the Austrian President was acting a bit unusual.

"Mr. van der Bellen, do not worry. You shouldn't be afraid of us. We love to talk to other leaders as if they're part of the family." said George with a big smile on his face.

"We know you're very nervous on talking to us, but we shouldn't be feared off. Our countries can be friends if we conduct some diplomacy, but we could leave that to Simon." said Katherine.

Then George, Katherine, Simon, and William saw Princess VIctoria leave the banquet. George stood up with fears what could have happened in Montenbourg. Then he received a call from GCHQ.

"Your Majesty, the King of Montenbourg has passed away a while ago."

George dropped his phone and froze. After about 45 seconds of standing up, George went to Katherine.

"Darling, what happened?" asked Katherine.

"It's Lawrence, he already left the world." said George with tears falling from his eyes. "God Bless Victoria as the new Queen of Montenbourg" continued the king as he falls to his tears.

Simon saw what was happening with the royals and approached the king.

"Sir, what happened? Is there a problem?" asked Simon

"Simon, it's Lawrence. The Montenbourgian king had left us already." said Katherine with some tears.

Lawrence was very close to the heart of the Reitzmic Royal Family even since the rule of Albert IV, King George's father. George then went to the restroom and changed to a full black outfit. He continued to eat pretty quickly before he began to lose his appetite. Katherine was worried that George would get sick for not eating so much.

William had also seen the scene and went to his cousin. He tried to calm him down before he went back to his seat.

[Inimicus]

"Ahh, yes, of course, congratulations on your wife's pregnancy, Jesus", Lord Christopher said, slightly annoyed that his ruse to get the Spanish and Mennrimians to engage in any type of conversation whatsoever had failed. Ah well. There would be opportunities on future occasions. Who knew, perhaps even at the second part of the event, which, given that the Imperial Kitchens were running out of steam - and food - would no doubt be announced soon.

---

"Could people just not die for one. single. evening.", thought Artabanos as he was informed of the Montenbourgian Crown Princess's predicament by someone who was, notably, not Gert Veruylscht. "Ugh. Funerals are such boring occasions, too. All black. Ew. If I go I know I'll be sporting my pink tie, that's for sure."

Every bite of food passed through Artabanos's digestive system like a ball of nails. Clearly, His body was not yet made for this type of event. "Excuse me, just a moment", He said to the distinguished guests sat beside Him, "Duty calls." Duty did, indeed, call, but not quite as innocent a duty as happened behind the gold-plated doors of the Imperial Water Closets. Artabanos briefly left the room and, the moment He was out of sight, let out a huge gasp. Clutching His ribcage, He took out his flask and emptied it. "Christ", He let out, muffled, "Right, time to move this on, or I'll truly be dead by the end of the evening."

For several minutes, He surveyed the banqueting hall, which had seemingly fallen into an awkward atmosphere after Princess Victoria's sudden disappearance. In a surveying glance, Artabanos saw Reitzmic PM Bridges's bulge - the one caused by his service revolver, naturally. But, no sign of Veruylscht. Artabanos clutched the arm of a random passing waiter, and demanded the second part of the event be started. Soon after, He returned to His seat and managed to talk around a comment by Archbishop Kligenberg that He looked oh-so-pale. Within minutes, gongs were sounded and the announcement was made that the party would transfer to the next room.

Guests, some still finishing their dinners, filed into the magnificent ballroom, where an open bar and several tables had been arranged. "Thank fuck for that", thought Artabanos as He gunned it for the whisky section. Guests were now free to roam around and mingle with whoever they liked, meaning no further tensions between the Spanish, the Mennrimians, or even the Reitzmic delegation. Artabanos, downing a glass, saw the immense relief on Vicarius Cocx's face, a face which bore the distinguishable sign of having sat next to Lord Zgeirtan for far too long. Poor man. It was a shame he did not drink, in Artabanos's view. Then again, that was probably also one of Cocx's strengths.

Ah well. Time to still make the most of it. Artabanos filled His glass again and walked over to a large group of guests, who still seemed fluttered at the sudden change of decor.