Faith, Influence, and Government (Season 2 of Previous Work)

Volume 7 Chapter 1

Setting: The Kingdom of Stella

Bordering a lake in the middle of the continent of Ishgar, there grew a kingdom. This was a country that was founded by an astronomer who became king funnily enough. The astronomer responsible for the country's inception was nicknamed Lord Hermann the Fowler, but the entire continent knew him as Margrave Hermann I. He was married to a princess who was the niece of King Bruno X, the incumbent king of the Kingdom of Bosco. His marriage raised eyebrows during his meetings with other monarchs, because they could not fathom the idea that an aristocrat could marry the princess of a poor kingdom like Bosco. His uncle-in-law had a horrible reputation as the monarch who exploited the wealth of his people with impunity. Bosco's aristocrats were very wealthy, and yet they lacked the power to curb the King's hunger for power at their expense. Bordering a lake in the middle of the continent of Ishgar, there grew a kingdom. This country was founded by an astronomer who became king. The astronomer responsible for the country's inception was nicknamed Lord Hermann the Fowler, but the entire continent knew him as Margrave Hermann I. He was married to a princess who was the niece of King Bruno X, the incumbent king of the Kingdom of Bosco.

Margrave Hermann's marriage raised eyebrows during his meetings with other monarchs, because they could not fathom the idea that an aristocrat could marry the princess of a poor kingdom like Bosco. His uncle-in-law had a horrible reputation as the monarch who exploited the wealth of his people with impunity. Bosco's aristocrats were very wealthy, and yet they lacked the power to curb the King's hunger for power at their expense.

But Margrave Hermann did not care about the horrible rumors that tarnished his uncle-in-law's name as the reigning monarch of Bosco. He saw an opportunity to bring prosperity to his newly founded kingdom by forming an alliance with Bosco. He knew that the princess he brought into his marriage would bring stability and wealth to his country.

Margrave Hermann was a skilled astronomer, known for his ability to accurately predict celestial phenomena. He had a keen interest in astrology and believed that his marriage was part of an astrological prophecy. He believed that his marriage to the princess of Bosco would bring good fortune to his people.

Despite his marriage to the princess, Margrave Hermann remained dedicated to his studies and observations. He continued to make significant discoveries in the field of astronomy, earning him the respect of his peers. His expertise in the field of astronomy made him a valuable asset to his kingdom, as he was able to provide guidance and predictions that helped navigate the country through difficult times.

Margrave Hermann's reign was marked by peace and prosperity. He ruled the kingdom with fairness and justice, ensuring that the needs of the people were met. He implemented policies that promoted economic growth and prosperity for all. The people of his nation praised him for his wisdom and leadership. He built a lot of astrology universities that were responsible for training future scholars in the country's field of study. But he was most famous for his foreign policies. He maintained neutrality in international disputes between rival countries, which made him an impartial candidate to resolve these disputes as they arose. Margrave Hermann's reputation as an impartial and wise ruler made him the go-to mediator for resolving international disputes. His diplomatic skills and knowledge of astrology allowed him to navigate complex political situations and find peaceful resolutions that satisfied all parties involved. His ability to maintain neutrality and promote dialogue earned him the respect and trust of neighboring kingdoms, solidifying his position as a respected leader on the global stage. Therefore, the High King of the Continent of Ishgar nominated him for the Noble Peace Award. Being nominated for the Noble Peace Award was a testament to Margrave Hermann's exceptional diplomatic skills and his commitment to promoting peace and resolving conflicts. It recognized his role as a respected leader not only within his own kingdom but also on the global stage, solidifying his reputation as a peacemaker and a champion for international cooperation. During a meeting with his fellow monarchs, Margrave Hermann gave a name to the young realm he founded. He called it Stella, in honor of the stars that painted the celestial skies as well as the crystalline meteorites that crashed on the ground as they fell from the skies above. The name "Stella" holds deep significance for the young realm founded by Margrave Hermann. It not only pays homage to the stars that adorn the celestial skies, symbolizing the realm's aspirations and dreams, but also signifies the resilience and transformative power of the crystalline meteorites that descended from the heavens. Just as these meteorites shaped the landscape and brought new possibilities, Stella represents a realm that embraces change, seeks inspiration from the cosmos, and is destined to shine brightly among its counterparts. Margrave Hermann gave himself the title of King of Stella during a national celebration of Christmas Day, then Pope Tiberius I of the Roman Catholic Church officialized his rise to becoming king. He embraced the title with enthusiasm and was determined to make his realm flourish. He built many monuments, constructed new roads and trade routes, and welcomed immigrants from all walks of life, particularly from the Kingdom of Pergrande. He also established strict rules of conduct and justice to ensure the safety and well-being of his kingdom. Unfortunately, Hermann died of pancreatic cancer putting the kingdom in mourning as the carriage that carried his coffin passed by. His son was crowned the second King of Stella, Hermann II. The new monarch continued his father's famous domestic and international policies, earning him respect among his fellow leaders. One Christmas Day, trouble brewed in Stella because an army of 40 thousand men were spotted approaching the walls that surrounded Stella's capital, Polaris. This army originated from the Kingdom of Pergrande and it was made obvious by the kingdom's seal that is planted on their armor. The army was in Stella because King Wenceslas X was jealous of Stella's fame as a country of learning in astrology and related critical-thinking subjects. He wanted to claim their knowledge for himself and place the crystalline meteorites in his personal museum. But his army of 40 thousand men were forced to retreat because, King Hermann II prayed to the Gods, then watched as his army completely defeated the enemy in pitched battle for control of Polaris' suburbs. During a press conference, King Hermann and King Wenceslas signed a treaty that acknowledged Pergrande as the guilty party of unlawful aggression. Wenceslas agreed to give Hermann II a higher stake in Pergrande's national train locomotive company, Rail Pergrande Incorportated. With his increased stake in Rail Pergrande Incorporated, King Hermann II now had a significant influence over one of Pergrande's key economic sectors. This could potentially lead to a strengthening of ties between Stella and Pergrande, as well as increased economic benefits for both kingdoms. Additionally, King Hermann II's involvement in Rail Pergrande Incorporated could also provide him with additional leverage in future negotiations and diplomatic endeavors with Pergrande. Wenceslas was effectively humiliated when he signed the peace treaty in exchange for a cessation of hostilities between the two kingdoms. The wealthy nobility did not like the fact that Pergrande's growing might was challenged by The Kingdom of Stella and conspired a palace coup to overthrow King Wenceslas and replace him with his cousin, Lord Bratislaus who is the CEO of Rail Pergrande Incorporated. The palace coup was successful because Wenceslas was forced to agree to abdicate, making way for his cousin to replace him. Bratislaus' coronation was held behind closed doors, because the elites did not want their conspiracy to be foiled by the peasantry who were supporters of the former King. But Bratislaus reassured his aristocrat backers that he would return their support by forcibly declaring the peasantry as enemies of the State, barring them from wielding any political legitimacy at all. The peasant majority of Pergrande's population were forced to pack up their bags and prepare to embark on a forced exile west to Stella. After King Hermann II agreed to let them settle down in Stella's villages, King Bratislaus sent a letter that demanded their extradition back to Pergrande. Hermann refused to send the immigrants back to their home country where they were doomed to be executed by Bratislaus himself. He posted 30 brigades of his best wizards on the border with Bosco, anticipating a land invasion from the west. He was proven right when his granduncle, King Bruno X let the Pergrandean navy dock their ships on the docks along southern Bosco. They were also allowed to march through Bosco with their destination set for the border with Stella. He fought the invaders after they crossed the border and ultimately, defeated them in a pitched battle for control of the gold mines that were located near the border. The Pergrandean Army marched north in an attempt to pass by King Hermann's positioning and attack from the rear. This attempt proved to be a resounding success and the King of Stella was captured. This left his army to disintegrate as his men fled for their homes to avoid being captured, too. With the capture of the King of Stella, the leadership and unity of the Stella army quickly crumbled. Without their king to rally behind, the soldiers were demoralized and scattered, leaving the kingdom vulnerable to further attacks from Pergrande. King Bratislaus welcomed King Hermann as he was forced to bow in front of the King of Pergrande. Still though, Hermann refused to send the immigrants back to their homeland, disgusted at the oppression they've gone through. Infuriated, King Bratislaus unsheathed his sword and cut off Hermann's head. He sent his army on a new campaign to round up the "traitors" then put them to the sword. In Stella, his army ran wild as they knocked on the doors of immigrant families from Pergrande. These immigrants were beheaded without mercy, along with their spouses and their kids. The Kingdom of Stella was occupied by King Bratislaus's son, Prince Svyetoslav, who was Commander-in-Chief of the raiding party. Svyetoslav forced Pope Tiberius to crown him King of Stella, or his armies would raid the local Roman Catholic Church under his orders. The Pergrande Kingdom, under the rule of King Svyetoslav, has experienced rapid growth and expansion, fueled by the exploitation of the wealth of the aristocracy. The kingdom's rise began with the coronation of King Svyetoslav as the new monarch of Stella, and the subsequent passing of laws that forced the aristocracy to pay taxes to finance the country's education system. However, in reality, the revenue generated from these taxes was misappropriated and directed towards the king's father's army and the wealth of the kingdom itself.

The Rise of King Bratislaus

King Bratislaus, the father of King Svyetoslav, now reigns as the second wealthiest monarch in medieval history. However, his rise to power was not without controversy. King Bratislaus adopted his son's ruthless leadership style and penchant for oppression. He is known for his human rights abuses and policies that have led to the mistreatment of citizens within the Pergrande Kingdom.

The Conquest of Stella

The Pergrande Kingdom's expansionist policies were not solely contained within its own borders. Under King Bratislaus' guidance, the kingdom successfully conquered the Kingdom of Stella, solidifying its position as a formidable force in the region. This conquest sparked outrage and condemnation from other kingdoms, with the Kingdom of Fiore being among the most vocal opponents.

The Kingdom of Fiore's Dismay

Fiore, the archrival of the Pergrande Kingdom, was deeply disgusted by the human rights abuses conducted by King Bratislaus and his son. The kingdom's monarch, King Touma E. Fiore, was particularly appalled by the mistreatment of the citizens of Pergrande and the disregard for their well-being. Fiore was determined to take a stand against Pergrande's oppressive regime and advocate for the rights of its people.

The Worst is Yet to Come

King Bratislaus' ambition did not end with his reign. He had groomed his nephew, who possessed a promising future, to someday take the throne of the Pergrande Kingdom. To ensure his nephew's success, Bratislaus sent him off to law school to become a lawyer. This decision was not merely a means for his nephew to obtain a profession, but rather a strategic move that would greatly benefit the future reign of the Pergrande Kingdom. The nephew of King Bratislaus was Prince Gotthard, the master and head of the Pergrande family mansion. Gotthard made a name for himself in the field of criminal law, prosecuting people for committing the heinous crime of conspiring against his uncle.

The High King of the Continent of Ishgar sent an army of 60 thousand men, but this army was routed in the Battle of Hercules. Gotthard's army completely trounced them and chased them out of the realm. Gotthard was proclaimed the new High King of Ishgar and ruled with an iron fist, punishing anyone who dared to challenge his authority. Ishgar would grow into a militaristic kingdom that overtook the Empire of Alvarez in terms of military strength. Emperor Spriggan of Alvarez hurriedly signed a treaty of compliance that officialized his promise not to betray Gotthard's trust in him. This came as his twelve strongest wizards in the Empire were all captured by Gotthard's army. Six of them were beheaded on the spot, while the other six were spared because Gotthard saw potential bargaining chips in them. Meanwhile, the former High King of Ishgar, Otto the Great was banished to the Alvarez Empire, where Spriggan was ordered by Gotthard to assassinate him. The assassination quest proved to be a success because, Gotthard was now the unchallenged ruler of the continent of Ishgar. Pergrande was the heart of the newly formed Ishgarian Empire, while the other kingdoms were placed under unofficial martial law. Anyone who was caught trying to conspire for their independence from Gotthard's rule were quickly executed in public. Pergrande's rapid militaristic growth had a profound impact on the continent of Ishgar. The other kingdoms, placed under unofficial martial law, were effectively stripped of their independence and forced to submit to Gotthard's rule. The fear of execution for those who conspired against him created a climate of oppression and control, solidifying Gotthard's authority and ensuring his dominance over the entire continent. But King Bratislaus was officially the co-monarch of Ishgar and he was able to exploit the entire continent's wealth from its bounty of natural resources. The Kingdom of Fiore was hardest hit by Bratislaus and Gotthard's oppression. The spice business was monopolized by merchants loyal to King Bratislaus of Pergrande, putting national spice mills out of business for good. These loyal merchants were rewarded with aristocratic titles to their names and the Ishgarian Empire grew in strength on the world stage. The European Union, a governing body of kings that ruled over the member kingdoms in neighboring Europe, was forced to congratulate Ishgar's growth into a superpower. The EU pursued a policy of appeasement, where they agreed to cede control of their economic and stock markets in exchange for Gotthard's promise not to invade Europe. In the aftermath of Ishgar's dominance of the global stage, everyone within the Empire lived happily ever after as long as they obeyed the will of King Gotthard, his cousin, and his uncle. As for the Kingdom of Stella, King Svyetoslav was able to continue to steal the wealth of the elites with impunity.  His cousin's title as High King of the Ishgarian continent protected him from legal scrutiny and so the three family members ruled over the continent together in joint harmony.

Author's Note: The End. Vote for this chapter, please and thank you.