A long time ago, in a world we've long forgotten but are always influenced by, a young German boy is sitting in his library. The lengthy table filled with books and journals left open, having read the majority from cover to cover he sat alone tapping the table top softly with his fingers.
Holy Rome was reflecting patiently upon the day's reading, removing his black hat he ruffled his short blonde hair. Quietly he spoke in his strong dialect, "I'll never be smart enough to be a strong nation, never mind my battle skills…"
The child let out a sigh, then closed a book with a red cover. The title read "An Unlimited Knowledge", however the name was crossed out in a scrawl of ink. He had read this same text many time, all two-hundred pages. Holy Rome thought this made the selection of books look incredibly untidy, he would have to send for a maid to clean it later.
Sliding off his chair, the small German boy slowly began to make his way to the exit of the room. He stopped dead as he heard voices from outside, one of the ever irritated 'Austria', the other feminine and new to him. He peeked narrowly through the doorway, Austria walked past in his usual navy blue coat, his brown 'Mariazell' flicking off his hair still visible as he passed. Although only is back was visible, he was clearly showing authority, clearly it was his home too.
The other figure was much shorter than the tower in Austria, a child much like Holy Rome himself. They walked past following Austria, short with a bob of Auburn hair on their head, a curled flick jutting off their left emerging out from under the soft white cap. It slowly drew on Holy Rome, this child was wearing a dress.
"Oh my god… Is this the new maid?" Holy Rome asked himself as he closed the door again. He let a soft grin out, then a blush, before opening the door enough to fit his head through, then he looked again. He returned to late, she had already turned a corner with Austria.
Holy Rome spent the next few days in his room, books piled up high all around him still. He read through every page again, hoping to find some great secret to becoming powerful. He daren't ask his Grandfather, 'Germania'. The older nation would never look upon gaining power well.
Regardless of this, Holy Rome had learnt more about the new maid. Her name, or so he thought, was 'Italy', she showed great interest in Austria's ghastly piano music and the much more professional painting and art. Holy Rome never had much talent for either of these things. "How am I ever going to win her affection?" he murmured as he slammed the next book shut.
"This is all a pain… " Holy Rome rolled over onto his side and looked at the wall. They white wall seeming blank in comparison the red dyed bed sheets beneath him. It was strange how red was such a royal colour, he always thought it symbolised blood and all that was wrong in the world.
Several more days passed, it became increasingly harder to keep away from the Italian maid. She was perfect, and Holy Rome just felt weak when compared to the other nations especially Austria and Miss Hungary. Both were so big and grown up, how could he ever be like them?
Holy Rome felt he had the answer, finally gaining the courage to speak to Italy on a cool summer day. Italy was out in a field by herself, enjoying the breeze passing her by. He looked at her from a distance, as he neared he slowly began to notice her beauty in greater detail.
Italy had deep auburn, perhaps even light brown hair. Her eyes were usually closed, only opening when she felt genuine joy, they were equally brown and welcoming, like some jewel or limitless ocean. The dress covered her completely, he supposed that was important at their age, what he read in the some books didn't apply to children, but he still had to know.
Regardless, Holy Rome drew closer to the youthful girl and stopped just meters away, he put out a hand to her. He proudly stated, "Italy, if you join with me we can become the greatest nation in the world together."
The Girl stood silent for several moments, as if making the biggest choice of her short life. Either way there would only be one answer.
"No".
