An Empire in the Stars

Chapter 1

Chapter 1: The Tale of the Departed

December 31st, 2199

Westmark, Capital of the Duchy of Westmark

Friedenswald Castle

Castle Friedenswald was built in the early 1600s as a fortress that could hold out if the civilians of Westmark rose up against the Duke. At first, it was in the ownership of the Kaslitz family, the lowly Barons of Kaslitz River, but when the family died out in the early 2000's it fell into the direct ownership of the Colton Dynasty. Under Colton control, the castle was mostly left alone but when it was granted to Ramius the castle was extensively renovated, the throne room was redone to include a large tree design (featured on the logo of the Friedenswald dynasty). An old tower was converted into a private observatory, one of Ramius's favorite hobbies was astronomy.

Karl Gustav sat in the castle living room, reclining back on his chair looking at the large display screen, currently set to the news channel. Coverage of the Emperor's death had been headline news for the past few days, and important figures: noble, commoner and clergy all giving statements about his Imperial Majesty's Death. Currently, a well known of the reformist faction, Carolus de Mérode,Archduke of Arcadié was giving a few words along with some of the other members of the reformist faction. Karl Gustav knew of this man, his grandfather often cursed his name saying that the Archduke would destroy the Empire with attempts at "tearing the system down."

"It is sad to hear the news of the Emperor's passing," Archduke Mérode said, with a few tears in his eyes. " My sincerest respect and support goes to his family who is left with an incredible gap in their lives"

A load of crap, everyone knows the closest family he's got left is my family, and the Emperor spent his life ignoring us. Karl Gustav thought to himself. The Archduke continued on the screen "I have full confidence in the apparatus of our state to ensure a smooth transition of power, and I express my hope that the next Emperor will share in my vision of an Empire that works for the people."

Karl Gustav rolled his eyes at that, Mérode was very unpopular amongst many of the nobles, who often called him "Mérode the Moronic '' behind his back, Karl thought that calling the Archduke that was childish. He thought that Merode was simply misguided, and didn't understand why Vaeria was as strong as it was. The nobles were blessed by gods and had a duty to rule in Vaerian society.

"By extending more freedom to those who work day in and day out to ensure our Empire runs smoothly, we will create an Empire that can truly claim to be of the people." Merode finished, our duty is to the gods, not to everyone in Vaeria Karl thought to himself. Merode moved off the podium, giving the floor to Duke Christos Paleogent, Duke of Wendfordshire. Karl Gustav knew much less about this lord, only that his family was well known for their martial traditions, and that the current head of the house was no different, in his youth he had a tour of duty on the Kumerien class corvettes, the Duke even expressed interest in becoming commander of one of the ships in the future.

I could probably use that in the future, should I ever need his aid. Duke Paleogent adjusted his tie and gripped the podium, he cleared his throat and started to speak," I am Christos Paleogent, first of my name, head of the House of Palaeogent and the Duke of Wenfordshire. My family expressed our deepest sorrow about the passing of the Emperor. His Imperial Majesty and a position of deep and sincere respect in our hearts. And I personally grieve and mourn his death. I hope that the Emperor's family will be cared for until their passing as well" he paused to gather his words.

But Karl couldn't listen anymore by the gods, that man is melodramatic, I think if I listen anymore my ears might bleed. Karl changed the channel, this channel still featured important figures giving eulogies to the deceased Emperor. Although unlike the other channel, the people featured here were people he knew much better. The Imperial Chamberlain, along with the Pontifex Maximus and an older person from what Karl could tell was from Taiyang.