Record:The King and the Duke
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Dux Marone: Welcome to La Rossa. I hope you enjoy your stay. I wish I could greet you from my usual residence, but the quake left us without many luxuries.
(A small radio in the background mumbles today's news, seemingly in a foreign language.)
Veintin the III: I have enjoyed my stay thus far, your island holds many fair and unique sights and I do appreciate the hospitality despite the loss of glamor a head of state is usually afforded.
Dux Marone: (Sitting down.) Well, I can assure you we are working on it. (Chuckles.) Despite some hiccups, I hope you will convey only the best back in Wälstanland.
Veintin the III: So far I only have positives to say. It is my first time leaving my fatherland and despite my love for it I have had a enjoyable experience seeing the sights in your republic. (He also sits down)
Dux Marone: If the opportunity arises, I would like to see what Wälstanland has to offer too. Some of our own are said to have made a life for themselves there. Some businesses complain here and there, but I do not see any of them leaving.
Veintin the III: If you do ever plan such an occasion I would suggest coming during one of our holidays or grand parades, truly they are a sight to see with all the might and pride involved. As for the businesses, it really just comes down to the never-ending bickering of policy, really, and it is unfortunate I cannot do more about it, but no monarch even such as myself is truly absolute.
Dux Marone: It's a strange thing, rarely does pure absolutism fully work out. Politics is for us mortal men, after all. But, I hope you could still put in a good word. In times like these, your arms and industry may prove crucial.
Veintin the III: Your speaking of the war with T'vaqi? I know we have continued trade but my nation does not seek total involvement in the war of any kind if that's what your suggesting.
Plus, I would rather not talk with Lauthenfaul or Genenberg on these issues on the moment as they are always buried in paperwork or charts, too deeply to be concerned with proper royal matters.
Dux Marone: Of course, of course.
(The radio, switching back to Rossan, begins playing an advertisement for toothpaste. The Dux, slightly annoyed, turns the volume down.)
Annoying things, aren't they? The war might be a bit too pressing a topic at this moment, but a more secure business partnership could last us far longer than any conflict. But, that will be for your men to decide.
Veintin the III: I have spoken with some of my government on future economic endeavors, and despite the usual rivalries in terms of policy, they have agreed that long term partnership is a good idea.
(He adjusts his collar and the medals on his chest, also brushing off dust as he seems very concerned about his image.)
Dux Marone: I'm sure it will all be good then. Are you up for a glass? (He nods towards a cabinet of wine, sitting on the wall.) The Miglios kept quite a basement.
Veintin the III: Oh, of course I would, it wouldn't be fitting of my image not to accept such hospitality.
(Dux Marone stands up, leaving his vest on the chair. He walks up to the cabinet, taking out a bottle and two glasses.)
(Two knocks are heard.)
(A guard walks in.)
Guard: Signore Dux, the Advisor wishes to speak with you.
Dux Marone: Let him in.
Advisor Sanini: (Behind the door.) In private, please.
Dux Marone: Excuse me for a moment.
(The Dux exits the room.)
(Veintin leans forward and picks up the bottle of wine, he reads the labels and naming of it with detail as he waits for Marone.)
(From the other side of the door, the Ohaltz hears progressively louder mumbling.)
Dux Marone: What the fuck do you mean!? Sorry, sorry... The radio? Why am I learning this from you and not the Colonel?!
(The Dux storms inside, moving past the Ohaltz. Grabbing the radio, he turns the volume up.)
Radio: «...the findings allege that T'vaqi Coastal Patrol has seen a significant portion of their weaponry imported from the Empire of Wälstanland, although it is not yet known through what means. A covert arms campaign is possibly suspected.»
Dux Marone: I think you should leave.
Veintin the III: As you wish. I will be going now, I suspect I wont be seeing you soon, Marone, but the visit was pleasurable.
(He leaves with his guards, still acting proper to conceal his immense frustration and anger with the situation.)
(Dux Marone looks on as the door closes.)