"I agree. I bought a house there in Ieffreon. I see myself harvesting grapes to make wine, and olives to make more of this delicious stuff," grinned the Minister of War as he examined the presentation, loving the smell as it wafted about,
"...while writing memoirs and histories of the Aelyrian military and state, and watching the kids play on the beach when this chapter of my life is finished," grinned he as he glanced at all those around.
"Demios is also good, though. The Archduke Tristan seems to like it," piped up Alexis as he continued to swirl the drink around, setting nose to it to savor its evaporating essences like a seasoned butler, before swirling it around his mouth and swallowing with an explosive
ah.
"I've an even better idea!"
"Have Rioughe or Valanthia, or Nikki, or even Tristan sit at the Throne for a brightening, or two. Nothing substantive, of course, but just give them the feel of what it's like to sit at the Big Chair, make them see what the Big Picture looks like. Go...fishing or something, savor the life of a normal citizen, while you, ah, examine your domains." He genuinely
grinned at that as he set right boot-heel to left knee, gazing at the fire as he did so...only for the grin to evaporate as memories of an otherwise incinerated Archadoon, and before that, Paxia, Imperia, and Narim, once more bore into his consciousness.
His musing was interrupted by the arrival of the female, at whom he smiled, making eye contact, before helping himself to a forkful. A muffled curse escaped his lips as the medley of flavors and textures soon made themselves known, distracting him from the otherwise morose musing as he heard his Prince's words, reflecting on them.
"The Land of Lex, Ordo, and Iustatique," echoed he, with a raised toast of his glass, sipping mightily.
I’d also like to see the waste trimmed away and our resources focused where they’ll do the most good.
The Minister of War took a deep breath at that, nodding mightily as he finished his spiked coffee, demeanor completely focused and sober.
"That's been the avowed objective of every sovereign since the founding of Taalios, I believe," posited Alexis, with eyes level as he gazed
his sovereign's way.
"Meaning no disrespect, sire, but the primary problem has always been the issue of succession. If anything happens to the sovereign, what then?" He looked up to gaze meaningfully at the Rosemen, Milo, Palacrisis, and then into the fire.
"Valerian lost his wits and disappeared, leaving a string of Regents - I believe the almost-demigod Lord Wessex among them - with Rothchild falling into a coma. Nighthawk takes command primarily through force of arms, and because he has the full backing of his arcane talents, not to mention, the Legions, though I heard tell that he was 'appointed' by the Imperial Advisor, who took great liberties to assume that that position had imperium maius. A good thing Nighthawk's actions were later validated ex post facto by Rothchild before his death..." He drained his mug and set it aside.
"...But then, just before he gets to begin to make things happen - like collecting taxes from the provinces, as was his lawful right as Regent - remember, that was the reason the Imperial Army mutinied in the first place," Alexis took a deep breath,
"...Julos and his Rakrya move in, setting up the Mageocracy, convening a Senate that denounces him through Aramil Thamion, and then we have the battle in Centripax, a new capital at Midpoint...and Your Highness's chapter of the epic story continues there..."
"The only time we've had a peaceful transition was when Audrey abdicated in favor of Arabella," shrugged Alexis, as he stabbed another one of the goodies on the plate before him.
"Admittedly that was somewhat irregular considering that a Rite should have taken place before Arabella assumed the Crown, but I - and I believe others will agree with me - that her succession was legitimate. Many will argue that Arabella was sovereign, but in the capacity of a Regent, and not an Empress."
He shrugged once more, shaking his head, as he devoured the delicacy.
"Well, that's all water under the bridge."
Standing up to fetch himself another drink, he couldn't help but take another deep breath, meeting eyes with Palacrisis, Milo, and just about everyone else in the room.
"Please...feel free to dispatch me to Fortress Anna with a croissant in my mouth if I talk too much, eh?"