Telum, 16th September 2020
The tables in the Imperial Throne room have all been set. The cutlery is arranged to the minutest detail. The correct aperitifs and dietary requirements have all been honoured. Emperor Artabanos's first major banquet and reception since His unfortunate 'accident' last summer is about to begin.
The Emperor worked closely together with Gert Veruylscht, of the Imperial Household, to arrange a detailed seating plan. After attempting to honour most guests' seating preferences (and deliberately not honouring those of others...) the Emperor and Veruylscht produced the following plan:
[OOC: Please do not arrive just yet, Emperor Artabanos will welcome everyone with a post tomorrow (16th September), after which you are free to RP your arrivals.]
“Is it straight, Gert?”
“Straighter than you are, Your Imperial Majesty.”
“As if that’s a challenge.”
Emperor Artabanos adjusted his black bow-tie one final time, pulled on the bottom of his blazer to flatten it out, sighed heavily, and nodded at his Household representative. Gert truly had been an inspirational organiser for this event, one which would see Inimicus, and Artabanos personally, return to the centre of European politics. He hoped. It could also turn into a fighting and screaming match between Reitzmag and Spain, or between Reitzmag and Menrimiak, or between Reitzmag, and, well, someone else.
Artabanos surveyed the room one final time. Everything was just about to His liking – not that he really cared all that much for the exact arrangement of the Imperial logos on the cutlery and plates. He cared more for the prestige this event might bring Him. The relationships it might forge. The possibilities that awaited. As he stretched to slightly twist a wine glass at the seat of Austrian President Van der Bellen, he felt a shudder of pain down his entire torso. ”Fuck”, He thought. Not tonight. He had been living with this pain for the last three months, and only in the few weeks leading up to today had the sudden bouts of shooting pains subsided. He briefly looked around to see if anyone else was in the room, before grabbing into his chest pocket and swiftly taking a large gulp of spirit from a small flask. He knew He shouldn’t. His doctor had told Him it wouldn’t help. But somehow, it did, and it had done for several months.
He composed Himself and walked towards the entrance, where Gert was already waiting for Him. “Everything in order, Your Imperial Majesty?”
“Immaculate, as expected, Gert. Thank you.”
Just in time, Vicarius Wilfred Cocx and Imperial Consul Lord Christopher Strathclyde show up, the former anxiously looking around and tugging at various parts of his Imperial state suit, the latter walking rather sluggishly, attempting to light a cigar while still keeping a sense of composure.
“Immaculate, gentlemen”, Artabanos said with His familiar sense of irony, “I trust you’ve all been reading up on the family names, functions, and personal histories of all our guests tonight?”
Christopher smiled slyly. Wilfred’s eyes exuded a sense of panic, and he stuttered, “w-well, yes, I –”
Artabanos laughed and turned to Gert. “When can we expect the first guests?”
“Momentarily. I even think… Yes! Here they are, right now!”
[OOC: feel free to RP your arrivals. Have fun!]
Jean-Claude Juncker was enjoying a nice flight to Telum, where he would meet the Inimican Emperor Artabanos after that summit with Xavier Bettel from Montenbourg. A second term was due to start as he still was the "Elected Internal Affairs Commissioner". A flight assistant came onto the Commissioner and told him about the flight getting to an end. Juncker got the work on his briefcase, and looked through the window. The majesty and beauty of Telum was highly uncomparable to other European capitals, every single one had its own style and its own beauty.
The plane landed on Telum International Airport smoothly and was guided to the stand that the Air Traffic Controller had said. The plane stopped and a car approached the plane along with the Airport services. The flight assistant opened the plane's door and Juncker got off.
Jean-Claude then got into his car and greeted the driver. It was a young boy, really enthusiastic. "MR. JUNCKER! It's a pleasure to meet you, what a surprise! I didn't expect to carry you, as they didn't tell me who I was driving to the Imperial Palace today. Could you give me an autograph?! Maybe a selfie?!!" It seemed like he was a huge fan of Juncker, so the Commissioner signed an autograph and took a selfie with the driver. Then, the way to the Palace started. Around 30 minutes later, Juncker arrived and entered the palace. He decided to wait until someone arrived to guide him instead of messing things up from the very beggining.
The Crown Princess of Montenbourg, Victoria arrived in a motorcade to the Imperial Palace, a crowd of photographers and members of the press waived at her for a photo, as she continued walking towards the Imperial Throne room.
"What a marvelous evening!" said the Crown Princess, walking towards the Emperor. She extended her hand and said "Your Imperial Majesty, warmest greetings from my mother and father; and the People of Montenbourg." the Crown Princess was extended by a herald a gift to be given to the Emperor "Here is a medallion, celebrating this day, as a sign of friendship between our nations."
The President of the Commonwealth arrived after his plane landed in Telum and a motorcade took him to the party. He stood beside Juncker as he too did not want to cause any problems as the other foreign representatives and leaders introduced themselves to the Emperor of Inimicus.
Zgeirtan clad in his blue coat as he walks to the Emperor's Party in Telum
He was coming, even though most of his advidor's begged him not to go. Zgeirtan was not known for his sophistication, and many fear he will display this in front of one of the most high profile events of the year. Nevertheless, Lord of State Zgeirtan believed it his duty.
Zgeirtan was among the arriving crowd, obviously standing out for his unusual attire. But for those who had familiarity with Zgeirtan were no strangers to this kind of presentation.
"Thanks for having me, your Imperial Majesty", Zgeirtan said. "I had some people kinda opposed to the idea of me coming to Telum, because they think I come across as uhhhh... weird to you guys. But I don't really care what they think; and after I saw how much effort you put in, I had no regrets. Yeah, its pretty cool."
Finally, after a pretty long ride, Vespina landed at the airfield prepared for the arrival of the guests of the emperor. PM Simon Bridges then went outside and waited for the king, queen, and the king's cousin to disembark. Inside the plane, the queen is examining the King's suit and arranges his tie.
"Your looking good honey, now let's go down and meet them." said the queen
"I'm feeling nervous because the Spanish Royals are there. How's William?" said the king
"I'm feeling fine and I'm ready cousin." replied William
"Ok then, let's go" said the king
The royals then appeared and descended from the plane. Simon assisted them and then proceeded to the car reserved for him. The king, queen, and the king's cousin are on a different car. The motorcade then took them to the place where the party will be done. After a few moments, the motorcade stopped at the palace. Simon disembarked first and then proceeded inside, the royals then disembarked after the door was opened by a member of the royal staff.
The king and queen then went straight to the throne room and saw many of the other guests including Jean-Claude. Simon had already been at his seat waiting for the other guests to arrive. William was just behind them wearing the fanciest suit he can have.
The royals then sit to their respective places and wait for the other guests. William was waiting for Anastasia and Mikaela of whom which he chattered with in RASE.
They had finally landed. The Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen was worried. He, nor the Chancellor, could afford to antagonize anyone. Austria was a new nation, and thus was in a weak state. It could not remain that way if they wished to survive. He smiled, in greeting to the Emperor, perhaps the foremost on the list of 'people not to get on your bad side.'
"Greetings, Your Imperial Majesty!"
Chancellor Pamela Rendi-Wagner was concerned about the same things that the President was; but then again, her mind was on other things. The Federal Government had antagonized the professional bodies; now, they needed to reconcile - a task seemingly impossible, and one that she, the object of their hate for a number of reasons, would have to organize. Austria had certainly recovered from far worse; but then again, those who had led the country in those times had been far more experienced - and liked in the more influential professional bodies - than her. But still, duty, etiquette, and the general defence of the Austrian nation called. She greeted the Emperor with all her effort.
Commissioner Antoni Reynels and Archbishop Mikaela Kligenberg arrive in Telum, Inimicus
Commissioner Reynels stepped out of his limousine, thanked his chauffeur, and made his way to the front steps of the Imperial Palace. Moments later, a large convoy of cars appeared on the palace driveway. A series of large and menacing-looking black SUVs preceded and followed a pretty pastel pink limousine. Commissioner Reynels stopped in his place as he reached the top of the stairs, put his hands behind his back, and then smiled. He knew exactly who was arriving.
Archbishop Mikaela Kligenberg stepped out of her pastel pink limousine, aided by a massive security guard. She immediately spotted the Commissioner, and then let out an excited squeal and waved manically. "O-M-G! Antoni! Hi!"
"Never ceasing to use the Lord's name in vain," Commissioner Reynels muttered under his breath before letting out a laugh. Even though she could sometimes be an over-the-top character, Commissioner Reynels always appreciated the Archbishop's presence, as her light and excitable personality was a welcomed departure from the bureaucratic drones that he worked with in the Foreign Affairs office.
The Archbishop made her way up the stairs to Antoni and the two exchanged kisses on the cheeks. The Commissioner then flexed his bicep as the Archbishop wrapped her arms around the Commissioner's left arm. The two then entered the palace and were directed toward the throne room.
"It's always a pleasure to see you, Your Holiness," Commissioner Reynels commented.
"Aww, Antoni, you know I don't like it when you call me that! I'm so glad to see you too. How has Europolis been? We haven't seen each other in a while now. Like what, a few months?" Mikaela asked with a sweet smile.
"Yeah, a couple of months. I've been pretty busy, especially this last month. The EPA just hosted their convention, and the Commission elections just finished. The election season has been very busy. It's worth it though, as we'll have an all EPA Commission again."
"Oh great! I'm glad we'll have another woman Premier. Remember when we had that man before Premier Whiteford? Just terrible. He set the men's rights movement back by 10 years. We really should have elected Blair von Shroeder instead of him."
"How's Saint Dominico been? I haven't been home in a long time."
"Really good. Weather has been so exceptional this summer," Mikaela responded as she flaunted her tan. "So much good sunshine. I caught the latest Copala film. I highly recommend it. I went to go see it the other day with Prime Minister Bridges. He was in Inquista and it was a pretty good time."
"Oh? Any tea to spill?"
"Well, apparently he's married to a woman, so all those rumours about him and Prime Minister Aguilar getting it on in that park in Europolis don't seem to be true."
"Ah, a shame," the Commissioner responded with disappointment.
"Oh, I know. I just about cried on the spot. I guess some people just don't know what true love is, even if it hits them right in the face."
The pair finally reached the throne room, traded some final pleasantries, and then departed from one another to mingle with the other guests in the room.
Commissioner Reynels met up with Commissioner Juncker and beamed with excitement. "Congratulations on the election!" Commissioner Reynels greeted with thunderous enthusiasm.
The Commissioner then turned to President Lifejumper. "President Lifejumper, you're looking smartly dressed as always. It's good to see you."
...
The Archbishop darted around the room, mingling with different guests, with a glass of alcohol already in her hand. The Archbishop passed by Crown Princess Victoria of Montenbourg and dropped her a compliment. "Good evening Princess, you look simply immaculate," Mikaela commented as she walked by, towards Emperor Artabanos all those around him.
Mikaela made her acquaintances with the Austrian delegation, before then turning to Emperor Artabanos himself. "Artie!" Mikaela greeted informally, before beelining straight to his side and offering him a polite side-squeeze. "You're looking great! I must say, I was very, very worried. After an accident like that I thought that you were going to die, or even worse, I thought you might've experienced some permanent damage to your face, but you're looking as good as always."
The Archbishop then leaned closely to the Emperor's ear and whispered quietly. "I've never had plastic surgery, of course, but whoever has done yours, I must say, has done an amazing job. If you don't mind, you should tell Prince Tommy about whoever did your surgery, so he can get the hint. He really needs a new one. Don't tell him I said that."
It had been nearly 3 years since Gustaf's last visit to Inimicus. He looked out of the window as the government jet began its descent into the Inimican capital, and everything was just as he'd remembered it, the dark and dreary outer fringes of the city gave way to Telum's shining city centre.
He turned to his wife, Queen Silvia, and spoke, "I still have a crush on him you know. Ever since that glorious day oh so many years ago...." His voice trailed off as he thought back to one of his boyhood trips to Europolis, a rather steamy YMCA locker room, and Arty's strong figure when his wife interrupted his nostalgia trip.
"He's already broken your heart once Gustie. But if you think it is worth the risk, I won't have a problem as long as you let me watch." Her hand trailed down to {CENSORED} and {CENSORED}. An aide that had been preparing them a quick serving of coffee before arrival approached but Queen Silvia continued. She enjoyed the sight of the aide trying to avert their eyes as he carefully lowered the tray onto the royal couple's table.
After being married for more than 30 years, Fremet's royals liked to keep things spicy.
... Some time later ...
The Royal Couple arrived at the banquet hall, greeting Artabanos at the door. As Silvia made her way off to speak with the Inquistan Archbishop (she wanted all the latest tea on Bridge's affair with the Spainish PM), Gustaf turned to Artabanos, "It is good to see you again Arty, we were all so very worried for you. I'm glad you seem to be doing well. If you want to mingle a bit later, you'll find me next to wherever they keep the vodka in this damned place." Gustaf winked at him and went on his way.
Nikki was pleased government policy required that she fly separate from the royal family. She only barely tolerated them. In her time as Statsminister, she had developed a close relationship with Gustaf, and found him to be a good man. However, the institution of monarchy itself was outdated in her mind. Regardless, at least Fremet's priorities were straight: she would be arriving in the bigger plane.
As she walked down from the aircraft and was whisked away through Telum to the banquet, Nikki received her first taste of Inimicus. Likenesses of the Emperor were spread throughout the city, though they appeared to be displayed by private citizens. As with all things in Inimicus, however, there is little truth in that which is presented to you. You have to dig— and Nikki knew from personal experience that Artabanos does not appreciate prying. She had met the man in 2016, the sunset years of the height of her political career. She had seen the intelligence reports from the attack on Artabanos. Nikki wouldn't put it past the shadowy Emperor for him to have orchestrated this whole ordeal. The Iron Table agreed with Nikki's assessment, which is part of the reason they sent her here in lieu of Erna. Questionable motives aside, this event is a nevertheless important one as not often do such large and powerful groups of people coalesce in such an open manner.
Her car, a standard Fremetian Volkswagen Passat (black) modified for VIP transit, arrived at the banquet hall. She alighted from the vehicle and walked inside, greeting Artabanos at the door. "Your Imperial Majesty, it is a pleasure to see you again in such good health. I'm looking forward to what is sure to be an event to write home about."
Inimicus is uniquely positioned to be a valuable partner for Fremet in the coming years, but is such an endeavour worth the risk? Nikki was here to find out, and find out she will.
Artabanos was in His element. Perhaps, just perhaps, this type of event was the best thing about being the Emperor. That, and the Imperial Palace apartments, naturally. The Emperor watched the columns of motorcades and limousines arrive at the Palace doors one by one, raising an eyebrow - thought not a malevolent one by any stretch of the imagination - at the bright pink limo He immediately recognised as Mikaela Kligenberg's.
"Ah, Princess Victoria", Artabanos said as His first guest arrived, "You look exceptionally radiant tonight. Thank you for this utterly wonderful gift - does it come with an extra postnominal I can add to my name? No? Ah, shame. Well, if you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to let me know personally" - He winked.
The famous Kennith Lifejumper was the next to arrive. Artabanos was eternally grateful he decided to keep his distance as the other leaders introduced themselves to the Emperor. Artabanos gave Vicarius Cocx a meaningful look and, to his credit, Cocx immediately got the hint and started making conversation to Lifejumper and Juncker. This handily allowed Artabanos to focus on the guest who was next to arrive - Lord Zgeirtan. "Ah.", He thought, "I guess this is what, in chess, is called giving away your pieces too soon. Wilfred??"
"Thank you, Lord Zgeirtan", Artabanos began with a plain sense of courtesy, "It is 'pretty cool' indeed. Please, be seated - once everyone is here I will open the event." - Artabanos swiftly checked the seating plan to see where Zgeirtan would be sat in relation to Himself. He sighed in relief, but did not have long to enjoy the moment as the Reitzmic delegation arrived next. "Hang on", He said to Lord Christopher, "How did Bridges get inside already? Famous Reitzmic intelligence indeed."
"Well well well", Artabanos continued as Prince William arrived, "I think we will be having a great night - I mean... I hope you have a great night, Your Royal Highness. Oh, you've brought your parents with you. How.... nice.... Yes, how nice."
"Ah! My Austrian friends", Artabanos said as Van der Bellen and Rendi-Wagner arrived, "Thank you for coming, welcome. That is one dapper tie you're sporting, Alexander. You will have to give me the address of your tailor. No, no, free postage is definitely one of the perks of living in the Imperial Palace. Please, have a drink and be seated."
Mikaela Kligenberg's arrival sent waves of butterflies sprining up in Lord Christopher Strathclyde's stomach. At the European Heads of Government meeting, he had first caught sight of her. He was not an obvious lover. But he would never forgive Artabanos for putting him across the room from her. "Mikaela, it's so good to see you again", Artabanos said in welcome. He winked at her and nodded in reassurance as the Archbishop whispered into his ear. "Mikaela", he whispered back, "Just say the word and I'll pay for the whole treatment..." Lord Christopher strangely disappeared after the Archbishop took her seat.
The Fremetians arrived next. Artabanos had been waiting for this moment. "Ah, Miss Felicia Latifah -- I mean, King Gustaf... Excellent to see you, my Queen -- eh, my King". The Emperor glanced at Queen Silvia, then back at Gustaf, and back at Silvia again. "You both look extremely radiant, Your Majesties. There shall be much mingling tonight, I'm sure - please, be seated. I'll start the event shortly."
Strathclyde suddenly returned as Nikki arrived, strangely detached from her royals. Although he was already in a bad mood, Strathclyde never passed up on the opportunity for political networking, and even before Haley could finish her words to Artabanos, she was marched into the banqueting hall by Lord Christopher, who immediately began querying Fremet's recently-acquired nuclear arsenal.
[OOC: feel free to RP some mingling before the event starts, or your arrivals if you haven't yet.]
The Spanish Government President, Jesús Aguilar and the Kings Felipe VI and Leticia had just arrived into the Telum Airport on the Royal Family Aircraft. They were in a limousine so they could be all together without letting Leticia behind. Felipe looked at the President and asked "When is the baby supposed to be born?" Jesús Aguilar smiled and answered: "Next week, or that's what the doctor said."
The motorcade made it way to the Imperial Palace and the Spanish delegation entered the room.
Queen Anastasia, Carlos and Prince Tommy
Queen Anastasia and Prince Tommy had been living in Ibiza for the last several months. It had been bliss - the weather was absolutely perfect. Of course, as September came, the heat on Ibiza had somewhat dampened - but it was still hot enough for both of them. A beach-side vacation had been just what they had needed. Since the revolution that had few boring royal engagements, like opening an orphanage - SNORE! Helping some schoolkids fund their new sports pitch - BORING!!! Encouraging some dying hospital patients to push through - DULL!!!!!! However, lazing by the sea was becoming boring, and they were all three ready for a party. A change of pace.
Anastasia and Tommy were getting ready in their quarters, as Tommy and Carlos were not yet married, they had to stay in separate quarters. Of course Tommy was as much of a virgin as a hooker from Trondheim, but they still had pretences to maintain, with this 40 year age-gap, homosexual and royal couple. Both Tommy and Anastasia had become rather tanned, their apartment in Ibiza being in prime position for both the beach and the pool that they shared with their Airbnb guests. They had rented it out to some Inquistan partiers, some Fremetian boomers and some Nicoleizian refugees with nowhere else to flee. Of course Anastasia had to kick these refugees out once they could no longer pay the fee.
'Tommy I have been given a secret mission, and I'd like you to help me with it.' Said Anastasia
'What is it ? I'm not running coke across the border again - you know I'm clean now.'
'No, no nothing like that. The government has instructed me that pea warfare is back on. Now, I really do not want to get pea-ed on.'
'I thought you were into tha--'
'No, who said that?'
'I'm staying silent. There's nothing wrong with that though, of course. Everyone has their things. Like me, I'm into Icholo-Spanish Eurovoice royalty who are 40 years my former. It's kind of niche though, so I'm lucky I found Carlos.' Tommy commented.
'You really are lucky you found Carlos, you couldn't have found a normal man, no one who wasn't both 40 years older than you and also obese would like you.'
'That's unfair - but also kind of true. But hey, at least none of my husbands are dead.'
'Those were very unfortunate accidents.'
'Uh, yeah.' Tommy said.
Just then, a knock came at the door. It was Carlos. 'Guys, we're gonna be late.'
'You can come in, babe.' Tommy said.
Carlos entered, wearing a Hawaiian shirt. 'Why are you wearing that?' Tommy said.
(OOC: There are no pictures of Carlos in a remotely appropriate outfit. Let me live.)
'Accept my lifestyle.' Carlos said. 'This shirt got me through Eurovoice -- you know how stressful it is to work with Paloma Faith. If I didn't come second, I could've died.'
'Don't keep spreading those baseless accusations.' Anastasia said, scolding him. 'Paloma is literally a Saint. She would never ever lay a finger on anyone. Butter wouldn't melt in her mouth.'
'Um, okay.' Carlos said. 'Anyway, we're late. I can hear Mikaela's shrill voice down there, she's going to be mad if we don't get down there very soon.'
'Okay, but before we go, we simply must defend each other against any peas.'
Carlos and Tommy nodded in agreement.
'And if necessary, we can take to the offensive.' Anastasia retorted.
Eilidh Whiteford:
Eilidh 'Centrist' Whiteford was coming in from Europolis after finishing her term as Premier Commissioner. She was pleased that her colleagues were going to be here for a last hurrah after finishing her term. She was very proud of what was achieved during her time in office. Whiteford was rather square. She was never a party girl. Maybe the Nicoleizian delegation and Jean-Claude 'Alcoholic' Juncker would be able to bring her out of her centrist, square, plain-Jane shell. She was now the official Korojaunu of the United Dominions of Icholasen and as such it was a gathering of the key Nicoleizians. Wouldn't it be terrible if some communists came and tried to kill her and the royals? Absolutely! Let's hope that doesn't happen.
Whiteford touched down in Inimicus and made her way to the party. She saw Tommy, Carlos and Anastasia walking through the corridor, and they recognised each other and decided to walk in together. They walked in the room and saw some people she recognised that she wanted to meet, but first she curtseyed in front of His Imperial Majesty, Artabanos, and said; 'Pleased to meet you, I'm not sure if we've met before.' Anastasia and the others followed Whiteford's lead.
"Commissioner Juncker, it's good to see you again. By the way congratulations on your re-election not only in the IAC but in the results in Leagio. An 11 point lead against the second-place candidate is in Leagio a very strong mandate. I hope you have been doing well since the election." President Lifejumper said as he shook hands with the Internal Affairs Commissioner.
Juncker shook hands with Kenith. In fact, he considered the Leagioan President one of his European friends more than a workmate or someone he had to have a good relation with. "Thanks Kenith. It's really good to be re-elected on my favourite job which is looking for the European Union. I'm really proud of having 8 countries backing me up and got that strong mandate at your country and in many others like Inquista or Spain for example. Since then I've been doing well yeah, travelled to Montenbourg and we are working on a new Anti-Racism plan for the European Union. I also visited my sons and grandsons in Spain the day after I won elections and spent 2 days with them. My job doesn't allow me to meet my family as much as I'd like so I need to take the first chance to see them" The Internal Affairs Commissioner said and smiled.
"The Hawaiian T-shirt is certainly completely tasteless", thought Artabanos as the Nicolezian delegation arrived at the Palace, "But I admire his bravery. Yes, yes. Definitely my favourite outfit of the night. How did he snag such a stud, too? Hmmm, we will have much to discuss tonight"
"Ah, King Felipe, Queen Leticia, wonderful to see you. I hope, my King, you are pleased with your seat on the dais - the new and special bond between our two nations is certainly something to be celebrated, I should think. I apologise to have to separate you from your husband, Queen Leticia - although I trust Consul Strathclyde will be an immensely courteous host. He is a fantastic conversationalist, in any case. You will not be bored, I assure you - at the end of the night, you will know all about Inimician taxation policy and the Empire's federal constitutional framework."
After noticing Leticia seemed to already be dozing off, Artabanos decided it was time to start the event. He nodded at Gert Veruylscht, who prepared to walk inside. Vicarius Cocx appeared immensely pleased to be liberated from his duties in keeping Lord Zgeirtan from eating the Palace tapestries and curtains, and promised he would stay behind to welcome any remaining guests that hadn't arrived.
Veruylscht rang the dinner bell, and all guests were seated. "Ladies and gentlemen", he announced, "His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Artabanos of Inimicus!"
An instrumental rendition of the Imperial Anthem played as Artabanos made His way to the dais. The 20-metre walk must have taken Him ten seconds, but not in Artabanos's mind. Every step appeared to remind Him of the shuddering of the aircraft fuselage three months ago. The ringing sound of His decorations created flashbacks to the deafening sound of the plane breaking apart. All eyes were fixed on Him. As they had been when paramedics had dragged Him from the burning wreckage. For a moment, He felt Himself waver halfway to His seat. Some concerned looks from King Gustaf and Princess Victoria made Him realise it did not go unnoticed. Was He even ready for this type of stuff again? It did not matter. He had to persist.
"Esteemed guests, Your Majesties, Excellencies, colleagues, friends. Welcome", Artabanos began, wishing He could reach into His chest pocket unnoticed, "I am, we are, utterly and extremely grateful you have managed to reach the Palace in good health and even better spirits. The Empire thanks you for attending and for reinforcing the inseparable bond it has with all of you" - He looked at Reitzmic PM Bridges - "Inimicus is not new to the European stage. But it is reinvigorated. In 2011, a dictatorial clique ruled what is now the Empire, for its own personal gain, its own wealth, and its own wellbeing. Under the brave and unwavering leadership of late Emperor William, the Inimician People finally took charge of their own destiny, and founded a state built on principles of tolerance, freedom, political self-determination, and civil rights."
Some of the faces of the politicians Artabanos had had to discard on His way to power passed his retina. He paused before continuing. "The Empire faced a long, long road to becoming accepted in the international community and on the European stage. From the use of toxic nerve gas on our streets during the aftermath of the revolution, to Inimician politicians working to achieve peace and stability in war-struck nations such as Eastern Haane. We have come a long way indeed. We were outcasts in 2012, yet we delivered the Foreign and the Premier Commissioner on two occasions during 2014.
"I see this event as the culmination of the Empire's growth process. The cream of European royalty and statehood, gathered here in the Imperial Palace for the first time in history. I hope, and the nation hopes, that you will find tonight's events conducive to the relationships between our two countries. And, who knows, perhaps some arms deals might result." - some of those present appeared to take this for the humour it was, while others who did not know the Emperor as well were seen frowning or raising an eyebrow - "I won't digress on recent events all too much - in many ways, they are still too painful, literally and figuratively, to address. But I am elated, ecstatic, and flattered, that you have joined me in this Throne Room, where my adventure at the helm of the nation began in 2014. Now, I think we need some food to accompany those deliciously strong aperitifs. Here goes!"
Upon the conclusion of the Emperor's speech, an army of waiters and pursers entered the room from various hitherto undescribed entrances, carrying the first of five courses this banquet would consist of - the traditional amount in any Inimician state occasion. Artabanos saw Queen Anastasia eagerly looking at whether the current dish contained any peas, while Lord Zgeirtan could already be seen shunning any of the expensive cutlery on offer. What a night tonight would be.
[OOC: dinnertime is here! And what better conversation time than dinnertime? Interact away!]
As Simon got his meal, he carefully placed the tablecloth above the collar of his shirt. He gently picked up the fork and the knife and dug into his meal. Simon was afraid something wrong could happen so he thought for a while if he would eat or not. He knows that he is in danger which is why he brought some body guards with him apart from those serving the royals. But if anything goes wrong Simon, as a former GCHQ Spy, knew what to do and knows self defense. He has a hand gun ready to take aim if there's any threat.
King George and Queen Katherine on the other hand were very cautious for the level of security they have. Despite this, they enjoyed their meal. Except, George examined his food first if it has too much oil and/or salt before he ate.
Prince William was between 2 EU Commissioners. He wished he could've been seated next to Anastasia to show his 6 pack abs. As he receives his meal, he gently pushed the fork into the meat to know if it has fats and oil.
"Luckily they didn't give me food I hate" said William to himself.
Simon looked at William to confirm whether the food was safe. After about 3 minutes of observation, Simon dug into his meal and began to eat. He waited for a while before taking his second bite to confirm if the food is really safe. But nothing happened yet.
George and Katherine were in front of 5 people of which are of varying countries. George and Katherine stayed close to each other if something goes wrong. They have treated Artabanos like a brother for a long time but their relationship was wrecked by the government.
Jean-Claude Juncker started to eat, and he really was enjoying the food. His favourite meal and cooked in a great quality. What could go wrong appart from the Haanexit? He had to made a statement about it, they didn't even make a referendum, nor let the people decide about it. But he thought Austria would be a safe place for them, and many would migrate. The Internal Affairs Commissioner found himself really confortable. He wasn't seated next to Antoni, but it was a round table and had the Leagioan President Lifejumper on his other side. He looked to Prince William and Prime Minister Bridges to do that weird things with the food.
"Is everything ok Simon?" Juncker asked. Seeing one of his friends doing that was alarming. "I saw you both doing that and that's why I'm asking." Jean-Claude said to clarify everything and not alarms the Reitzmics more than they were now.
Meanwhile, Aguilar found himself really uncomfortable. 2 Mennrimians in the tavkle was something he asked to avoid, but Artie decides so he had to smile. He looked at the Consul and as Inimicus and Spain were close allies, he decided to talk about that with him:
"Well Christopher, the Inimican army has started its trainings in the designated bases in Spain, and we are happy to have seen the same with our army in Inimicus. We will have to agree a date for the joint trainings soon, won't we?" Said the Spanish President.
Leticia looked at Queen Victoria and decided to start a conversation with her. The Montenbourg's royals were impressive and you need to talk with them every time you get to see them. Leticia knew she was really beauty, but she wanted more advices:
"Victoria, you look awesome tonight, as always. Was your flight ok? Mine has been a bit wavy." The Queen said.
And finally, the King Felipe was having a nice time chatting with the gran table. The Fremetian Royals were really funny, which made the night funnier. And despite the image you can get of Artabanos by TV, he was completely different.
"Yeah umm Mr. Juncker, there isn't any problem" said Simon trying to hide his doubts on the safety of the food.
And finally the Mennrimian Plane arrived to Inimicus, it was a normal thing because the plane needed to do one escale at Europolis for refueling and system checking but all was good and the Royals with the Prime Minister Arrived.
Sauli: your Majesties im gonna get down of the plane and check if there is a motorcade ready.
Some time passed and not much after their arrival they reached the Inimician Imperial Palace where they waited for someone to recieve them.
The President of the Commonwealth arrived after his plane landed in Telum and a motorcade took him to the party. He stood beside Juncker as he too did not want to cause any problems as the other foreign representatives and leaders introduced themselves to the Emperor of Inimicus.
The Kingdom of Spain
