Long May Harmony Reign

The face that looked back at him was cold. If one was to take a glancing look, they might call it kind, but Grover knew what was behind his eyes. One only had to look to his stained sleeves to glimpse the parts of him Grover tried to keep hidden. I wonder what you see in the mirror, Celestia.

Grover lifted the shoulder strap that kept his small golden epaulettes attached, placing both items on a table to his left. Following, he lifted the purple tunic off, revealing a basic white undershirt that was otherwise entirely hidden. He threw the tunic over the back of a nearby chair, reaching for an identical tunic on his right. Grover repeated his previous actions in reverse until the only difference from before was the lack of bloody sleeves.

To complete his look, Grover grabbed a pair of white gloves he had previously neglected. They would hide any blood he might have missed on his claws, though obsessive checks revealed nothing. He made his way to the door to his study, brashly opening the door and immediately moving to open the curtains behind his desk. The view was practically identical to his quarters next door, and the sun fully illuminated the room.

Sitting on the chair behind the desk, looked down on a book that had been left from the night before. A rather plain cover read “Il Principe”. He grabbed and placed it into a small bookcase under his desk, taking another book and placing it upon his desk. Unlike the Wingbardian of the previous title, this one was translated into Herzlander. “Discourses” it read. Placing the book on his desk, he turned to the sixteenth chapter and traced a claw along the title, feeling the thin paper brace under his sharp talon; “That a People accustomed to live under a Prince, if by any accident it become free, can hardly preserve that Freedom.”

Grover skimmed through the chapter, his claws landed on a passage around halfway through the chapter, reading “I say that the prince who seeks to gain over an unfriendly people should first of all examine what it is the people really desire, and he will always find that they desire two things: first, to be revenged upon those who are the cause of their servitude; and second, to regain their freedom.”

“It’s like he wrote for a ‘Prince’ just like me”, Grover murmured to himself before letting out a light chuckle, “more like my ancestors make predictable mistakes.” Grover looked at the door expectably, “Eros may be dead, but you still live, Erion.”

Like clockwork, Grover heard a brash knock on his door and with just a flick of his wrist Benito opened the door and Erion walked in. Compared to Proteus, and especially Eros, Erion was rather young. He wasn’t a literally teenager like Grover but having risen to the role of Archon in his forties, and soon crossing his sixtieth year, the archon had plenty of decades left.

The archon looked like Grover in many ways. Both had a small build, beige feathers, and sharp blue eyes. Behind those eyes, both shared a lust for control and the aptitude to gain it at frightening rates. Nevertheless, the two could not be more different for Grover was born an heir to an empire, whereas Erion was born to poor industrialist workers. One earned their power, while the other was gifted it on a silver plate.

Erion bowed as he walked into the room, Grover quickly permitted him to rise and telling him to “sit”. Erion did without delay, his claw traced the back of the chair before he took his seat. He seems confident.

“Erion.” Grover said simply, “You should know why you’re here.”

“The fate of the Rat der Drei.” His reply was blunt, though he let a small smile slip, “Your choice of premier is a mistake, Grover.”

“It’s the choice I’ve made. I won’t defend it to you. We both know it wouldn’t matter.” Grover matched his blunt tone, cutting the smile off Erion’s beak, “My Reich will head in a new direction-”

Erion cut Grover off, “I know you’ve met with Eagleclaw before me. You’ve appointed van Weijermars as Prime Minister. Its clear Eros’ warning went through one ear and out another.”

Grover let out a simple laugh, “Erion, there isn’t much beyond our appearance that makes us alike. But we share hatred for the Hochadel.”

“Then why Weijermars and Eagleclaw?” Erion’s question seemed genuine.

“For the latter, it was to make her bend the knee and then exclude her. I want nothing to do with her.” Erion scoffed at the statement, but said nothing more, “Gerlach is not a traditional aristocrat. He owns little profitable land himself, and as Grand Duke only weakened his personal authority. He, like myself, is a reformist of the modern age.”

“He stood side-by-side with Eagleclaw in armed rebellion against you, Kaiser. Its…” Erion lifted a claw up, “He is dangerous.”

“Officially, I pardoned him eight years ago.”

Erion’s jaw nearly dropped, but he maintained his composure, “An official pardon does not change the fact he was a traitor. A republican sympathiser that cuddled up to those scum in the Kaiserpartei.”

Grover rolled his eyes, “Let’s talk about Proteus.”

“Where is he?”

“I talked to him last night,” Erion’s eyes narrowed, “We came to an agreement.”

“On what?” He scowled.

“Don’t worry,” Grover replied paternally, “it has nothing to do with the Rat or Archonates.”

“Did you discuss the fate of the Rat der Drei to him?”

“You know what he’s like; hates admin. Had no care for being part of the executive.”

“So, you offered him something regarding the Knights of Arcturius.” He stated more than asked.

“You might believe such; I couldn’t possibly say." Grover answered tonelessly.

“Seems you took the worse lessons from Eros.” Grover placed his claws over the book on his desk; not quite. Erion’s eyes darted down to his claw, looking at the book, “I know of that author. He’s scum.”

“You consider a lot of people scum. It doesn’t mean much.” Grover replied with a subtle smirk.

“A lot of people deserve it. Like him.”

Grover picked up the book and showed the cover to Erion, “I presume you know The Prince,” Erion nodded in agreement, “What about this one?”

“Discourses?” Erion hummed for a few moments, “No.”

“Didn’t think so.” Grover said as he placed the book down and slid it over to Erion, “Heard it summarised as a love letter to the Karthinian Republic. It’s a fair assessment.”

Erion tapped his claws on the book and grasped it in his talons, “Fair enough inspiration.”

“My father kept The Prince in his quarters. So did my father and my great-grandfather. But the Discourses?” Grover looked directly at Erion, “Only my grandfather. It’s a shame; it’s like getting only half the tale, so it's no wonder my Reich has fallen so far.”

“You place the blame on what books past Kaiser did or did not read?” He asked with doubt.

“Metaphorically.” He answered with a smile, “Most have read The Prince, and whether they realised it or not took lessons from it. The same doesn’t apply to this book,” Grover pointed, “and I think it’s much more valuable for the likes of us.”

“Us? Why so?” Erion leant forward, keeping hold of the book.

“Ruthlessness,” Grover lifted one claw up, “and restraint.” Grover lifted a second claw, “It’s easy to point to those with one or the other. Grover II and Beakolini, and then Luna and Grover IV. Those with both?” Grover leant back into his chair, his wings resting on either arm, “Me, you, and my greatest enemy.”

“And who would your greatest enemy be?”

“Look out the window. Look across this desk. Her influence is all around us;” Erion followed his directions, but looked loss, “At least she’s convinced half the world of such.” Including myself, Grover chuckled internally.

Erion smiled at his revelation, “Princess Celestia,” Grover nodded in agreement, “You dream high, Kaiser.”

“When surrounded by a crumbling realm, I must. But that crumbling realm is my first concern.”

“Take my council. Your Prime Minister can be a puppet while those with real power pull the strings.” Erion rested his head on his claws.

“I cannot. I need revival, not continuity.”

“You mean to say I’m a threat,” Erion replied coldly.

Grover matched his tone, “I mean to say you’re not.” Not if I have my way with it. “Erion, your services to my late regent are very welcomed, but I am not my regent. My Reich and his Reich will not be the same, and the role you played in his Reich no longer exists.”

Erion tapped the arms of his chair, “I still control the Archonate of Eyr, Kaiser.” His words were bitter, “I still control the Free City, Kaiser. I am more of a threat than you give me credit for.”

Grover sighed and slouched into his chair, “It wasn’t the Knights.” That is true, “It was the next Archon.” That is not so true.

“What?” Eion said sharply.

“He requested - more like threatened - I don’t interfere in the election. I would presume he has someone lined up already.”

Erion’s body tensed as he gripped his claws, “I… I didn’t expect that from him.”

“As I said earlier, he’s known for hating politics. Seems he just hates you more.”

“Why tell me? He could have been an ally for you.” Erion relaxed his claws, though remained tense.

“I wasn’t lying when I said I wanted the Rat der Drei out. He may have got the first slash, but he miscalculated in thinking I had his interests in mind.”

“And it benefits you to have me and Proteus fight.” A hint of pride came through at his ‘discovery’. Shame Proteus has no such plans.

“Yes. I doubt he realises what he has done.” Let’s hope I know what I’m doing.

“Of course, he hasn’t.” Erion flicked a claw in the air, “I have no choice but to strengthen my position in the Rat rather than strengthen its position. He’s not even going to get the electors he wants, I’m more influential in the college!”

“Perhaps you shouldn’t be so sure about that.” His eyes narrowed at Grover, “Eros’ may have hinted at an intended successor.”

“No…” Erion murmured and placed a claw on his forehead, “I’m surrounded on both sides.”

“I did promise Proteus I wouldn’t interfere with the electors, but I also must find something for the General Staff.”

“Make him chose between fulfilling Eros’ final wish, and the soldiers he loves ever so much,” Erion smirked with glee.

“Oh, you may think that Erion; I couldn’t possibly say.”

Erion stood up and patted his regalia down, “Well this was a nice chat, Kaiser. I hope we have many more to come.”

“Good day, Archon.” Erion opened the door, “One more thing, Erion.” The archon turned to face Grover, “I like you.” Grover resisted scoffing at himself, “It’s good to have an ally outside of Griffenheim.”

“Thank you.” Erion replied, half-warm and half-cold.

As he shut the door, Grover beckoned Benito closer, “Inform Gerlach it worked like a charm.”

As Benito whispered the command to a lower servant, Grover grasped the book on his desk and looked out the window. It’s funny, Grover thought to himself, if only he would ask Proteus for the truth. But he won’t, too distrustful of those around him, especially now I’ve extended an olive branch his way. I doubt he’ll ever repay my ‘kindness’ without needing something in return, but he’ll eventually need me. And it won’t it just be a shame when my help isn’t enough to save him? Grover let out a soft laugh as he sat in his chair, catching the attention of Benito who stood silent as the loyal guard he was.

10:56. That was the time the grandfather clock behind Grover indicated. Infront of him laid another oval table, roughly the same size as the one in the cabinet office. The utilitarian ebony of this table contrasted not only with the cabinet table but also with the very room it was in. Found in the south wing, this room housed the Generalstab of the Reich, the head of both the Reichsarmee and Kaiserliche Marine. While the south wing was nowhere near as overly lavish as the east and west, the room was still well-kept and lined with white marble. Each end of the room, behind Grover’s chair and the Chief’s chair, were portraits of Grover the Great and Grover II respectively; the very same imperial seal pinned on Grover’s chest emphasised in both.

“And somehow this little seal gets veterans to bow to a child.” Grover murmured to himself, “Soon enough they’ll bow for real.” Grover rhythmically tapped the table, attempting to replicate the imperial anthem as best he could. “Hail, Kaiser, dir!” Grover sang quietly, interrupted by a knock on the door. The clock now read 10:59.

Grover signalled for Benito to open the door, and eight officers walked into the room as Benito returned to his Kaiser’s side. The first that walked in, standing behind the chair closest to Grover on his left, was Elias Bronzetail; the Chief of the Generalstab. Behind him was the Vice-Chief Erich Ebonwing, positioned next to Elias. Finishing the left side of the table was Proteus III, the highest panzer officer Reinhold Thundertail, and the highest artillery officer August Duskwing. On the right side of the table, the Grand Admirals Konstantinos Hellcrest and Karl Stormfeather, and senior air officer Fritz Ebonbeak.

Grover eyed all the officers, before raising his claws to signal for them to sit. They quickly obeyed the order, taking their seats with the grace expected of a general staff. “Thank you all for your attendance.” Grover began, mentally preparing himself for the task ahead. “The death of my regent is, in all but name, a transition of power within the Reich. A transition that the Reichswehr is, I can imagine, keen to keep as smooth as possible. The last transition of power, from my late-father to my late-regent, was a bloody affair. Oberstleutnant Ferdinand Dawnclaw and Duchess Eagleclaw both used the period to wreak havoc upon the Reich; this will not be repeated.”

“If I may, Kaiser.” Bronzetail began, Grover nodding in response. “I think it would be best to address our two key concerns head-on.” Apart from Proteus – clearly excluded from the collusion – the entire Generalstab nodded at the statement. “The first being the Archons, the second being your Prime Minister.”

Grover cupped his handed together and leant forward. “What about the Archons?” He asked them as a collective, keeping his eyes off Proteus.

Ebonwing offered an answer. “The late Regent was rather hands-on when dealing with military affairs, such resulting in disasters like Cloudbury.” I guess even field marshalls avoid blame. “The two remaining Archons…” Eyes steered towards Proteus, “liked their influence. We want reassurance it won’t continue.”

“I can assure you,” Grover maintained eye contact with Elias, “all of you that I take your concerns seriously. I am willing to work towards a more… independent Reichswehr.”

The silence the room fell into weighed heavy on Grover’s shoulder. It wasn’t uncomfortable to him – not that he would show it if it was – but it nevertheless wasn’t enjoyable. Elias soon broke the silence.

“Then let’s look at our operational independence.” He said calmly.

“For reasons you’ve implied already, I do require the appearance of control. The war minister needs at least an appearance of separation.” Grover maintained a regal tone.

Ebonwing spoke up instead, “We have already drawn up a selection of individuals we’d support in the office.” He reached into a briefcase beside him and brought out a small notebook, handing it towards Grover who took hold of it.

Anicetus Mudbeak, Dietrich Mach, Garold the Blue, Herman van Vorst tot Vorst, Grover read internally, a list of unspectacular officers that could hardly say no; to the job and to them. They will all be seen as what they are, a pathetic puppet.

“Van Vorst.” Grover said plainly, “I’ll make sure he’ll be appointed.”

“Very well.” Elias answered, “Onto your Prime Minister?”

Grover simply nodded in return; the room being beset by a short silence once against. This time, the silence made Grover more comfortable, a clear showcase that even an unproven child on the throne weighed heavily in their minds. Oh, how that will be so much better oh so soon.

The silence was eventually broken by Ebonwing. “Regardless of his pardon, the Grand Duke is a security risk to the Reich and the Reichswehr. That is not a choice of premier we are happy with.” While most of the room nodded, Grover eyed Thundertail and Stormfeather who did not.

“To be more formal, your Kaiser, the Generalstab cannot put our faith in your choice of Prime Minister.” Bronzetail corrected for his vice-chief.

“How confident are all of you in your Kaiser?” A simple question that thickened the tension in the room, once again bringing an eery silence over the room. Grover could feel the desire of all but Bronzetail to confirm with their peers what they think. “Speak freely, please.”

“We simply do not know, Your Majesty.” Elias eventually answered on their behalf, the tension disappearing nearly as soon as it appeared.

“Let’s clarify what we all know. I need you; you need me.” Grover crossed his claws on the table, “What further can I do to make sure we trust each other?”

“We need to know what Kaiser you intend to be,” Hellcrest answered sternly, earning unsaid appreciation from Grover.

“I am afraid that largely depends on how successful I am. But the broad strokes are I intend to modernise our realm, and to do that I must leave behind the nobility and clergy of old and embrace the modern martial spirit that truly defines our Reich.” Grover reconsidered, “To put beside the ideological jargon, I am putting my faith in you and the people to fuck over the hochadel and archons.”

Grover could see a smile form on Ebonwing and Hellcrest at the crudeness of his remark, Proteus on the overhand looked incredibly uncomfortable. I did just promise the most powerful griffons in the Reich to fuck him over.

“A truly militaristic Kaiser. Something our realm haven’t had since Grover II.” Hellcrest applauded.

Grover let out a short chuckle, “I will be no warrior-Kaiser. I shall parade as such, but the military shall be securely your domains.”

“As proven by War Minister von Vorst.” Elias spoke calmly, “We do need one more guarantee, however; the Grand Duke must have no influence over the Generalstab.”

“I can guarantee such.”

“Good. The Generalstab shall be your most loyal organ” I doubt most loyal, but it shall do.

With the agreement reached, the room returned to a calm silence. Grover reached down beside him, his movements catching the eyes of all in attendance. He slid eight files down the table, each officer reading through the paper.

Grover’s eyes focused on the portrait of Grover II, the last Kaiser to make any meaningful conquests. His Eternal Crusades into the Riverlands had become revered in Griffonian history, and it had crossed Grover’s mind to replicate it eastward or westward. But years of careful refinement had led Grover to one conclusion; it was a mistake. The mythification of Grover II hid his greatest mistake: unifying the Riverlands against the Reich. A mistake made of the same hubris that led Aquileia to rebel against Griffenheim at the start of Grover II’s reign.

“Operation Synovial was shelved… years ago, Your Majesty.” Elias broke the silence, “It was a very ambitious plan, befitting for a Changeling like the namesake.”

“Yet ambition may be what we need.” Ebonwing spoke up, Thundertail nodding in agreement.

“Using revolutionaries is rife for misfortunate,” Elias argued back.

“We missed our chance last time,” Hellcrest spoke up instead, “Myself and Stormfeather have been constrained by just Feathisian ports for too long. The revolutionaries would easily hand us ports for direct involvement on their side.”

Grover eyed the bickering officers, causing each to return to silence, “Ebonwing,” Grover said sternly, “I want you to draft up a new operation like Synovial. Ebonbeak.” The quiet Griffon looked attention, “How many of the new jets do we have available for a southern blitz?”

Ebonbeak seemed unprepared for the question, his yellow feathers frizzled as he attempted to concur an answer. Grover’s patience did little to calm him. “Um… five-hundred advance fighters, and two-hundred jets, would be available by the end of the month. If we wait another month, I could double the fighter count.” He quickly blurted out.

“Make it three-hundred jets. I don’t care for older variants; I need Equestria to see our military supremacy.”

“So, a political stunt first and foremost?” Externally, the question was polite, but it hid a much cruder intention. Elias did not like him.

“Securing our southern border from the Aquileian threat is our most important priority.” Grover corrected, “A showcase of our military prowess is simply a convenient consequence we can exploit.” He said with a smirk.

Elias didn’t seem settled with the answer, but the expression of the rest of their faces contrasted him. After a quick scan, Elias seemingly relented. Grover doubted that would be the last from him.

“As I mentioned earlier, at the very least the Kaiserliche Marine would need access to Aquileian ports. But that proposes further concerns.” Hellcrest said sternly while Grover nodded in response, “Equestria would, quite rightfully, do whatever it can to keep our fleets constrained to Feathisian ports; Karthinia too.”

Such concern hadn’t gone unconsidered by Grover. Keeping Equestria out of the war would require careful diplomacy, and more importantly, tugging those Equestrian heartstrings. As with any tool in international relations, holding the moral high ground came at a cost and benefit. While it justified Equestrian intervention at the first hint of immoral conduct, it also limited them when moral conduct was against their interests.

In this case, that moral conduct was ‘liberating’ Aquileia from their ‘tyrannical’ monarchy and placing the ‘rightful’ President Vérany back in power. Grover was certain with just a little bit of effort, he could prevent Equestria from acting against him in totality. But that didn’t mean they would stand by and allow Griffonian warships to dock in Aquileian ports. However, Princess Luna would helpfully be close to Grover in the upcoming weeks, prime for subtle lobbying.

“I have such considered. Equestria wouldn’t dare prevent the restoration of the government they still hold as legitimate, and I will soon be meeting with Princess Luna a lot. I’m certain I can work out a deal without crossing our redline.” Hellcrest and Stormfeather smiled at Grover’s response, clearly happy that they would be getting what they’d want.

“Meeting with an Equestrian Princess?” Ebonwing spoke up, “They still recognise the Republic!” He voiced in close to an outrage but maintained a professional tone.

“It’s an insult to us, but I am not weak enough to be scared by such insults.” Grover answered, gaining little response from the staff, “You’ll see at my coronation exactly what I intend.”

“I think it would be best for us to hear now.” Ebonwing’s let of a sliver of bitterness.

Grover tensed for a moment. Much like the Changelings in the Great War over on Equus, Grover intended to blitz past these early roadblocks and use clear success to sway agitated voices. Given he had neither moved an inch nor met any success, that plan was stifled.

Perhaps this is a blessing in disguise. I am taking inspiration from Chrysalis after all. She barely got past Whinnyapolis before their war fell apart. Now the so-called Immortal Queen is dead, presumably in some ditch where her tower once stood.

“My coronation will contain two key details that are vital to my plans to marginalise the voices that have led our Reich astray.” While none in the room looked towards Proteus, Grover could feel many wanted to, “The first is that I have requested Princess Luna’s aid to construct an Equality Bill; aimed at being for discussions with Vérany and ending our war with the Vartai Liberation Army.”

To Grover’s relief, none in the room seemed displeased with either announcement. The Reichswehr may have been home to nationalistic voices, but it was also home to pragmatic voices. The latter seemed to trump the former today.

“The second,” Grover began, planting his claws on the table before him, “is my intention to crown myself.”

Grover barely finished as Proteus shot up, “That is…” The Archon began, before settling himself and sitting back down, “That is, Your Majesty, a stark departure from tradition. It would…” Proteus trailed off, allowing Ebonbeak to speak.

“A departure from tradition would be much appreciated. Too long the Hochadel and Rat der Drei have experienced undue power compared to the Reichsarmee and Marine. A Kaiser finally exerting their power like Grover the Great would be a glory to see!”

“And the Reichsarmee shall be the tip of my spear.” Grover hid a smile that dared to form on his beak.

For a third time, the room fell into silence, none having words to speak. The silence was almost eery, but such suited Grover. It gave him time to calm his nerves and frustrations. But alas, it did not feel like enough time; he doubted any amount would be enough.

“Unless you have any further concerns,” Grover said, “I feel this meeting is adjourned.”

“I believe all has been addressed, Your Majesty,” Elias answered for all.

“Then go and bring glory unto our Reich. Make her glorious once more.” With those words of encouragement, all but Proetus rose from their seats and saluted, practically smashing their talons onto their heads. With a nod of the Kaiser’s head, they were permitted to leave, and all did in an orderly fashion. All but the Archon, who remained seated.

A few moments after the Ebonbeak left the Kaiser and Archon alone, Grover spoke, “I know the death of Eros must be hard on you, Konrad.”

The room remained silent, Proteus III - or Konrad Krukenburg – matched his left and right talons together on the table, while Grover simply leaned back into his chair. It remained that way for a little while.

“Why did you invite me?” Konrad asked plainly.

“You head the Knightly Chapters, that is-”

“Without the jargon.” He leaned forward as he asked.

Grover matched Konrad’s bluntness, “Erion.”

“What is he planning?”

“To get an ally as Eros’ replacement. Exactly what you should be doing.” Grover moved his arm down beside him, picking up a piece of paper and placing it onto the desk, sliding it towards Konrad.

“And what is this?” He asked with clear suspicion.

Grover turned his head slightly, gazing upon the portrait of Grover the Great as an excuse to hide a smirk on his beak, “Eros’ will. And exactly who he wants as the next Archon.”