Long May Harmony Reign

Grover grasped the imperial seal pinned to his red sashes as he entered the foyer, taking a seat close to the door whilst his guards flanked either side. Their dark green attire contrasted with Grover’s imperial purple regalia. The servant that had welcomed him in returned to the upper floors of the manor, Grover watching them disappear into a darkness that was quickly dissipated by lamps.

The grand room was lined with a dozen arts native to Feathisia. Traditional Feathisian art was paired with the recent trends that placed the common people – not the divine or noble – focal. He rested his sight on one of the contemporary paintings, letting the contrast that was the first sight of any entering the Grand Duke’s home settle in his mind. It was thought-provoking by itself, though Grover expected such coming from the griffon he knew. His thoughts were cut short as the older bird that called this mansion home walked down the stairs at the end of the foyer, the lights shining unto him in contrast to the darkness that encompassed his servant on the way up.

“Young Kaiser.” Gerlach greeted from across the foyer, Grover responding with a nod and subtle adjustment of his glasses. There was little for Grover to assume from what was said and how it was said. However, what wasn't said can sometimes inform much more than what was. Regarding the duke, Grover knew the diplomatic tone must have been hiding turmoil. None whose home was made their prison could ever be truly settled, no less an ambitious yet caring griffon like Gerlach was a decade ago.

The only thing that mattered to Grover was that very ambition. Right now, he needed the architect of Feathisian democracy, the Grand Duke the commoners adored across the Herzland. He needed him to forgo this imprisonment, the undoing of his life’s work by the imperial regent. It might not be an easy task, but Grover imbued the confidence befitting of his imperial title.

“Eros is dead.” The statement was blunt, but despite the bird having been the oldest on the continent by decades, Gerlach only showed a fleeting stare that was quickly defeated by his relaxed demeanour.

“It took twelve years.” Gerlach paused before approaching Grover, “I cannot see his doctrine of repression working for much longer. Given your presence, I presume you know that.”

Grover took a moment before he replied, reflecting upon the Feathisian art as mental guidance. One of the traditionalist paintings depicted the ducal palace here at De Vleugels, which was built reminiscent of the imperial palace back at Griffenheim. A palace from which Grover witnessed just how desperate of a situation the Reich was in; just two Kaisers ago it stood as Equestria’s equal. Alas, such was not to last. Grover drifted to the following painting that depicted commoners parading around the orange-and-yellow cockade. Such stories must have been witnessed by the Equestrian Princess time-and-time again for millennium.

The painting opposite depicted the imperial regent himself, Archon Eros VII, visiting De Vleugels to a crowd of commoners. It focused upon their varied reactions far more than the Archon. Grover had seen such reactions personally; commers hiding their spite – for ones they lost or hope that had been crushed – just to receive the charity of the Archon. Confliction was on every face Grover had ever seen in those crowds, gratefulness and hatred blended just as depicted.

The painting seemed accurate. Grover witnessed the Archon's ignorance personally, plaguing the entire regency council. Not one of them seemed wiser to the confliction upon the commoners was feeding the fuel for revolution, and what little they did understand seemed to only further the people's repression. Their only legacy being the fragile state Grover was to inherit, and the Kaiser had long learnt to hide his frustrated temptations from the outside world.

What in his mind felt like an eternity of reflection was just a few glances around the foyer to
the Grand Duke, unknowing of his admiration. “Eros has handed me a throne that will be soon beset on all sides by enemies; revolutionaries, nobles, and theocrats alike.” Grover looked Gerlach in the eyes, “If I continue down the path Eros has strayed, there will be fewer friendly faces around me than even my father.” And they won’t fail at regicide twice, Grover continued in silence but thought better than vocalising the grim prediction.

"Follow." He spoke softly as he turned towards the stairs, Grover following without saying a word, only waving a wing to halt his guards. They walked down a corridor on the upper floor, entering a nearby private study that seemed too modest for the grand country mansion it called home.

Gerlach took a seat in an armchair in the corner of the study, flanked by tall bookcases containing a plethora of books, from legal cases to fiction new and old. A similar seat was placed on the opposite corner of the room, flanked by short shelves that housed random items that included stationery and memorabilia, as well as being below one of the room’s two windows. The other was behind at the desk that dominated the back of the room.

“I’m surprised you came here.” Grover nodded in response.

“Eros never spoke highly of you but…” His words dragged on, “Your letters.” He cut short.

“Advice was the least I could do, Grover. So tell me, what’s the atmosphere down in Griffenheim?”

“Could be better." He shrugged, "Revolutionaries seem to want my head more now-than-ever. Aquileia and Karthinia seem ready to pounce on the corpse of my Reich, and the Federation is hardly any less ambitious.” Grover matched his list with motions of his claws.

“Could be. Is the threat of imminent revolution serious?” Gerlach leant forward.

“Serious enough that Benito hates the idea of me leaving the imperial palace, no less to talk to a traitor.” Gerlach subtly shifted his head.

“Benito is a good commander.” Gerlach admitted softly. “I pleaded to Eros that his repression, that his wars would not help revive Griffonia. Perhaps he would have listened if I had not sided against him.”

“Do you regret siding with Gabriela?”

“No.” Whilst his eyes stared directly at the Kaiser, Grover noticed no discernible change in his expression, “She… my wife may be ambitious, but I could have swayed her.” He could swear he heard a hint of desperation; such would make sense after a decade to brew on it all.

“And if she betrayed you like Eros betrayed those that sided with him?”

“My imprisonment here would have hurt in ways Eros could have never inflicted” His eyes swayed towards the door, Grover followed and noticed the painting above.

“Father…” He said lightly. “If only he wasn’t so weak.” Gerlach said nothing as his eyes returned to the Kaiser for a brief moment, “The revolutionaries, the nobles, the archons… they all preyed upon my father’s weakness.”

“I was no different. I led the forces that betrayed his son.”

“No!” Grover’s wings extended, but he calmly readjusted them moments later. “You aren’t the same. You fought for the people of Feathisia, not selfish interests. You’re something my aunt could never be. Truly noble.”

“Most don’t see it that way.” He said weakly, “They view me as the traitor to the Kaiser I am.”

“They don’t care whether you betray the Kaiser or not. They care whether you betrayed them. You never did.”

“Keeping my principles does not undo the consequences of Eros’ mistakes.”

“Revolution.” Gerlach hummed in agreement. “What Kaiser would I be to let revolution do my job.” Grover said with a smirk. “Our Reich will face a hard decade, and I can’t steer this sinking ship alone. I want you as my Prime Minister.”

Gerlach paused as Grover extended his claw. “Prime Minister?” While it was clear to Grover he intended to say more, however Gerlach cut his tongue.

“Well, I heard some people really like having a Prime Minister.” He kept his claw extended.

“Prime Minister is not a title to flaunt. The implications it brings forth could define your regime.” Grover finally returned his claws to his side.

“I’ve thought about it. As much as I’d like to take this country under my wing, it’s not yet ready. I need a second pair so our Reich can handle the load.”

Gerlach corrected his posture to be more regal “Eros has handed you a realm on spilled blood. Gabriela or the Archons deal much better with that.”

“Spilled blood is the status-quo that we both know is leading our Reich astray. It doesn’t matter how well Gabriela or Erion handle blood-politics, I’m not interested in it. It's too messy and too brutish to work. I have different ideas for Griffonia.”

“What ideas would those be?” Gerlach asked, causing Grover to stand up and move towards the window beside his chair. He pushed the curtains aside and waving his claws towards the glistening sun.

“Those of Princess Celestia.” Grover stated with authority as a strong smile broke across Gerlach’s face.

The Chronicle of Griffenheim

Luna Supports Gerlach as Imperial Prime Minister

Carina Harker | April 12th 1019, The Chronicle

In contrast to her sister reaffirming opposition to the Grover dynasty and support for the Republican government, Luna has come out in support of the Imperial Prime Minister while stopping short of endorsing the Grover dynasty.

In a statement made at 16:13 Griffenheim-time, Princess Luna stated “The appointment of Gerlach IV as Prime Minister bodes well for the Griffonian Empire, heralding a more prudent regime. I am hopeful for a bright future in the Herzland with Gerlach at its helm, a sentiment I am pleased to voice with all the liberties afforded to me as an Equestrian citizen."

The move was considered a surprise even by Equestrian correspondents due to its contrast to her sister’s continued support for the Griffonian Republic…

Grover threw the newspaper on the table Gerlach was working on, who was wearing navy-blue military regalia with a decorative collar embroiled with golden lace. For his part, Grover wore his typical royal purple regalia, but had forgone the sash and wore more authoritative epaulettes, while the imperial seal was maintained pinned to his chest. Gerlach seated near the head of a table that fitted dozens of people; designed for the entire privy council, cabinet, and more. The size of the room left plenty of space for the central table, seeming more like a hall than was strictly necessary. As with any room of semi-importance, the walls were pristine white marble with regal red contrasts that conveyed the supposed grandeur of the dying Reich. In this instance, the grandeur dwarfed the pair.

“Didn’t catch this. Luna’s in support.” Grover rested his claws on either side of the paper, leaning towards the table and waiting for Gerlach to look up.

“I saw. You were busy with the press, so I organised a separate invite to your coronation. Celestia is sure to deny per tradition, however Luna may accept independently.” He continued to study the previous decade of treasury reports.

“Should’ve told me straight away. It would be invaluable for my project.”

“Indeed. I spoke to her a few years ago, when De Vleugels was connected to the trans-Celestia telephone. She is incredibly persuasive and fiercely passionate. I would judge her as adept as rumour implies.” Gerlach finally looked up at the Kaiser, who was now looking out of the window into a finely groomed garden.

“Exactly why I want to speak to her. I’m anxious to get my project underway.”

“Luna may listen. She will also discuss uniformity.”

“She is a goddess.” Gerlach lightly coughed, Grover turned and rolled his eyes at him, “…a supposed goddess.” He continued softer, rebuiling the facade he let slip, “That’s entirely expected. But... Boreas-forbid if I touch the Archon’s precious traditions, we would be couped before I was even crowned.”

“She will not be easy to persuade.”

“I’ll just have to make it easy.” He paced towards Gerlach, “My project can’t be derailed into a spout with the archons. Not yet. She’s pragmatic. She’ll get it.”

“She is pragmatic.” Gerlach softly sighed, “But she is not naive. It will take care to ensure you sound constrained, not searching for an excuse. And of course, the more you tell her the more our enemies know our weakness.”

“Then this will be my first proper test, my first real-time speaking with a foreign leader.” Grover turned back towards the window. “Perhaps I could even fool Luna into thinking I’m weaker than I am. After all, I’m just a 16-year-old being dragged along by an elderly Grand Duke, scared of the upcoming struggle for power. If only I had a large minority of ponies backing me against the strings of the nobility and archons.” Grover was dripping with sarcasm, a paternal smile forming on Gerlach's face.

“The tone’s quite exaggerated. I doubt she views you as weak enough to fool.”

“Think she’s paid enough attention to me?”

“Most likely. Unlike our aristocrats, Luna and Celestia pay attention to small details. Such as that backdoor for press freedom you slipped through.”

He turned once again, “Guess centuries of privy does that; reformism it is then. I’ll send a telephone to her myself; personal code.”

“Now?”

“Unless you need my help with anything.”

“No. I can handle these reports myself, even if they are a headache. Been a decade free of the sensation. My wife and Ignatius are also waiting; can safely presume they want a place on the council.”

“They won’t be getting one.” Grover gritted his teeth. “They will be too outraged with me crowning myself, no different to the Archons.”

Gerlach scratched his wings before responding a few seconds later. “She will not be happy with me.”

“Apologies for that, but I can’t have reactionaries like her weakening me.”

“I know. Hopefully, I can delay any schemes she has.”

“Do…” Grover’s tone completely relaxed. “Do you love her?”

Gerlach smiled before responding. “Yes, but I love the people of the Reich more. If she divorces me over breaking my vows, it is a worthy sacrifice for you, nephew.”

“Thank you... uncle." Grover resisted a reciprocal smile, choosing to keep a sterner expression, "Eros never truly placed his faith in me. I would have been more of a victim to my court than my father. It wasn’t until his strokes in the last two years that I had any real experience with cabinet and privy, and even then, it was begrudgingly.”

Gerlach opened his beak to respond but thought better. Nevertheless, Grover caught the movement and spoke instead. “It’s alright, I know I was never going to reign as Kaiser under him.”

“I did not want to insult him. I may have opposed the griff, but he was there for you when I and especially your aunt were not; I could not insult him to your face.” Gerlach replied, looking down slightly.

“Wasn’t your fault he ripped up your constitution and put you under house arrest.” Grover giggled a bit.

“Humorous?” Gerlach looked back at the Kaiser.

“Just that it backfired so much. Soon you’ll be known as the architect of the Reich’s constitution, not just Feathisia’s.”

“Just as I always planned.” Gerlach playfully hummed.

After a few moments, Grover backed away. “Wish me like with the Princess of the Night.”

“Good luck, mein Kaiser,” Gerlach responded with a mix of formality and jest, causing
Grover to let out a small laugh as he left the room, quickly being flanked by Benito’s Barkginian Guard. It wouldn’t take the Kaiser long to reach his personal office, adjacent to his bedroom, leaving his security outside.

He flicked through his personal phone book, which had a list of key individuals the Kaiser may need at any time; one such listed was ‘Diarch of Equestria, Princess Luna’. Repeating the code into the phone, he began the call and took a seat. Within moments, he received a response from what was clearly a civil servant, speaking a rough but perfectly understandable Herzlander informing him that Luna would be with him soon. That ‘soon’ quickly turned into half an hour, but eventually, he had a response.

“Quite late to be receiving a call from yourself, Kaiser.” Luna began in a calm, regal Herzlander. Without knowing the voice from the few speeches he could find, he would have never recognised that the voice came from a foreigner, let alone an Equestrian diarch.

Should be mid-day for her, Grover thought to himself. “My apologies, Princess,” He matched her Herzlander with a perfect trans-Celestial Equestrian, mimicking the radio broadcasters that had become popular from Manehatten to Rottendedam. Despite the origin of the accent in radio, Grover maintained a regal nature not unlike Luna's Herzland. Nevertheless, his young age was not lost behind the manufactured accent or regal tone.

“Your Equestrian is admirable, Kaiser,” Luna replied in her own regal Equestrian.

“Thank you, Princess. Eros ensured I would have the best of educations, even if he seemed hesitant in my curiosity for Equestrian politics. After all, I couldn’t ignore the very image of modernity!”

“I shall keep that in mind.” Luna let out a polite laugh. “It is an unexpected honour to receive a personal call from you. Such were rare from your father and regent.”

“I’m afraid that will likely continue given Celestia’s statements on my reign.” Grover lied, rather expecting a dramatic increase in dialogue between himself and the Princesses.

“Is there more to this than trivial discussion?” Luna asked bluntly.

“Yes, there is. I have it that you spearheaded anti-discrimination against Thestrals?”

“That is correct…” Luna replied, giving Grover the impression that she was confused or concerned, though Grover questioned the sincerity of such emotions.

“As I imagine you know, my reign is in an… unstable position. Nobles, Archons, and revolutionaries alike waiting for any opportunity to take a slice of the pie that is my Reich.” Grover paused, allowing Luna to take in the information, “I’m looking for a solution to this issue, and you seem well regarded in such.”

“I suppose Gerlach suggested to find yourself a partner in myself?” Luna’s tone turned more maternal, and Grover assumed such indicated she was being truer to herself.

“I accepted his council, but the idea was mine alone.” Grover seethed behind the phone. “To be crude, Luna, discrimination is a failure. It fails to cement imperial rule beyond the Herzland and has for decades only weakened it. I have no interest in seeing it continue, and I know you wanted the same when it came to the Thestrals.”

“What prejudices are of particular concern to you?” Given the short while it took Luna to answer, her succint question clearly implied more curiosity.

“Ethnic-cultural. We expect every culture to speak our language, and make our institutes abide by that. It makes any business or bureaucracy in the Periphery or Vartai a nightmare,” Luna raised an eyebrow at that term, “which is having a compounding effect on their economy and worsening unrest. It's all exacerbated by my regent’s attempts at Herzlandification, and it’s no surprise such a naïve project failed.”

“Issues reminiscent of those endured by my dear Thestrals. A millennium of such hardship had left them forsaken and angry. The divide was left to fester for too long, my dear sister’s centuries of inaction to blame. I commend your recognition of the harm caused by linguistic repression; however, prejudices are a greater concern than mere language alone. Political and religious reforms will be necessary, Kaiser.”

“I am aware; however, my claws are tied. Political reforms I plan for are already ambitious, I cannot risk further tension with the nobility. I cannot touch Eros’ Act of Uniformity dare I not just weaken my reign but end any notion of personal freedom. The Archons are simply too entrenched in privy to dare oppose brashly.” Grover didn’t bother to restrict his passion for politics from slipping through, perhaps it would garner him favour through genuinity.

“Such justified my sister’s inaction. Are these truly the only reason you are hesitant?” Her question was clearly accusatory, though Grover expected such. He wanted such.

“I will govern however’s best for my subjects. My choice of Prime Minister should make that clear.” Luna felt the chill in Grover’s words, though such chill was entirely manufactured.

At least he possesses the wisdom to avoid the question, Luna thought to herself. “What reforms do you intend to bring forth? As limited as they may be, a flick of a pen shall not suffice.”

“Eros was wise enough to work with collaborators during his campaigns, many maintain close ties with Griffenheim. Increasing their role in local governance would allow the bureaucracy to start operating in the local language and simply report back in Herzlander.” Grover smirked behind the phone, “The ponies would be far harder to deal with due to their deep distrust; obvious given Eros turned a blind eye to the Reformisten.” Luna recoiled at the reference, “This… is where you come in. You can help reconciliation efforts between me and the hill-ponies.”

“You desire we serve as a middlepony between ponies and the endorsed decades of genocide?!” Compared to Luna’s inner shock, her reply was calm. Her disgust was still obvious to Grover, who was far from oblivious of the importance of his next word.

“Yes.”

Luna took a moment to reply, as if she was expecting more though its likely she knew that was all she was getting. “I shall not lend a hoof to a regime so complicit. Perhaps my sister is well founded to turn her back to your wretched dynasty.”

“You know very well that I was just a child!” Grover shot back methodically, returning to a colder tone afterwards. “I spent a week convincing Eros it was not just childish naiveté to have Wingfried hung.”

“Such makes no difference to those ponies." Luna's reply was calmer, more thougtful, "Your banner is no different to those that flew while they were slaughtered.”

“It could if you help me.” Grover was thankful his smirk remained hidden, it was easier when he didn't need to hide that too, “I’m still a child, I have a Prime Minister known for his liberal approach, and I would have the guiding claw of the Princess of equality.”

"And what if they perceive betrayal in me? What if I am regarded as a turncoat, lured by imperial riches?" Luna spat back, though Grover knew he had got what he wanted.

“That’s the risk we take as monarchs! The gods bestowed upon us a duty to every creature because only we have what it takes. Squander this gift and you are no better than Eros for doing the same.”

“Divinely-bestowed rights is not a belief of mine,” Luna said dismissively.

“Duties, not rights. And does it matter who gave us our duty?” There was a shake of discomfort in his voice, “Boreas gave me my crown, Celestia gave you yours, and the people gave the Kemerskais theirs. What matters is the duty we have and how we can better the world with it!” Luna paused to take in his words.

“Such is not the sole concern." Grover held back a sigh of relief, "My sister shall not permit me to simply trot over and aid a regime we do not even recognise.” Luna cringed as she realised her avoidance just like Grover earlier. Politically effective, politically effective, she reminded herself.

“Your Equestrian liberties suddenly disappear?”

“Really using my statement against me?”

“Oh, you’re surprised that the poor child Kaiser has a bite to match his screech?” Grover answered with extreme sarcasm. The beginning of a response from Luna was quickly interrupted. “Good! I want to be underestimated like that!”

Luna considered the ambition behind the young griff’s eloquence. “I’ll help.” She confirmed behind a sigh “Just how?”

“My Prime Minister is already onto that. You should soon receive a separate invitation to my coronation, as a ‘private citizen of notoriety’ rather than a world leader. Celestia can’t prevent you from your Equestrian liberties.”

“It could harm the influence of my Lunarists in privy.” Her counter was fleeting.

“The Solarists are barely hanging onto full control after the Great War. You can afford to attend a major coronation.”

“Privy is hardly secure. I fear an unnecessary absence will exacerbate such.”

“Celestia is the most capable leader in history; she won't falter with your absence!” Grover paused for a moment realising his excitement. “Lunarists backed the idea of a vote; shouldn’t parliament not fear you?”

“We do, but I wish to convince Celestia, not undermine her,” Luna said sternly.

“Hmmm.” Grover thought out loud, clearly faking such, “The Volksfront is holding a convention following my coronation. Gerlach will be lobbying on our behalf, so perhaps you join your old friend and make something of the convention.”

“You have a proposal for all, do you not?”

“It’s easy to present a solution to clear excuses. Your strawgriffs were clearly genuine, but these last ones have been far from so.” Grover responded. “Tell me what’s the issue?” Grover dropped the trans-Celestia, speaking Equestrian in a friendly Griffenheimer accent.

“There are none” There was a hint of dejection Grover picked up on, offering a private smile at the response.

“Okay.” He mirrored her maternal tone.

“I’ll be there for your coronation.” Following she promptly hung up the phone and made her way to a nearby table, quickly gulping down a glass of water. Like clockwork, Luna’s secretary, a small brown mare, entered the room.

“Everything alright, your highness?” They hung around the door waiting for an answer.

“Yes.” Luna smiled at her secretary, “It is merely that I am about to trot into the trap of an young ruler.”

Her secretary subtly titled her head. “Am I missing something, your highness?”

“No, the customary response would have offered a polite decline. Celestia would have.” Luna moved towards the door and subtly flicked her mane, “I am just indulging in a touch of ambition, perhaps.”