Petre Dumitrescu POV
July 1907, Ducal Palace, Bucharest
It has been thirty years since I last visited the Palace. It wasn't exactly as I remembered it, not even in the exact same spot. In fact, my entire return to service had been odd, to say the least. The technologies I had gotten used to had yet to come into existence while the world itself was forty years less advanced.
"So, You must be the colonel I've heard so much about… I've been told you were young, but I have to admit it's still surprising," spoke the Monarch. While this was the first time I have ever spoken to him, past and present, he spoke to me not as King Carol, but merely a Grand Duke.
This country shared many similarities with the one I remembered, but there was a glaring difference. It was much too weak and unstable, yet was still somehow holding itself together.
Ruled by a Grand Duke with a more aggressive reaction towards the displeased population than the King of my first life, yet still revered as the most important figure of Dacia.
Despite the lacking industrialisation efforts, this nation was still standing, even while surrounded by powers even greater than the ones of my first life. From the Turks that still held their Balkan provinces, to a Reich more powerful than both Germany and Austria-Hungary combined, this Duchy was sandwiched between powers that should have tried to conquer it long ago.
Things needed to change, and that requires the Monarch to be at the head of it all.
"Yes, Your Grace. I hope the situation didn't discomfort you too much?"
Scoffing at my words, the Duke replied, "Situation? That was a Coup! I didn't think you'd bring a Francois-style revolution upon my doorstep just to oppose my solution to the uprising! So what comes next? Are you going to have me executed?"
A coup. Could it even be called that? It had taken just a few thousand well trained men and half a dozen Mages, an existence still baffling to me. Just those magic forces had managed to arrest the entirety of the Dacian government.
Knowing that the population's anger was towards the government and they still held love for their Monarch, I put my focus solely on the officials. Had I raised my forces against the Duke, the populace would have taken up arms against my movement, ensuring the chances of victory would have been null.
Bowing, I answered his accusation, "You are the father of this independent nation, the unifier of our country! To harm you would be a betrayal to Dacia itself!"
"However," I continued, standing up straight, and handing over a document, "It is my duty as a Dacian to act in the interest of our nation, I hope you can understand and support our agenda. This document voices your support to our political cause, including bestowing upon me the post of prime minister."
With resignation in his eyes, the Duke signed the paper," Now prime minister, what exactly do you intend to do?"
Thinking of the marching of the Wehrmacht and the Red army, bringing their battles across Romanian land, I answered his question with renewed resolution, "Everything I can for the survival and safety of Dacia!"
From the balcony, I looked down at the mix of emotions of the crowd below. A mix of cheering and insults answered my appearance. For the future of our nation, it was my duty to unite them.
"To the People of Dacia, the blood and soul of the nation,
It is with a heavy heart that our party, the National Union of the People and Soldiers, decided to defy the will of the Duke and to arrest most of the government.
This act isn't with the objective to throw Dacia into anarchy, but to save it from weakness, greed and cowardice!
Many of you, just like our monarch, remember the time when we weren't treated as a nation, how it was necessary for each person to fight, with the support of soldiers from the various regions under the Reich, as well as direct support from the Russ Empire to win independence for our state.
Thirty years ago, we rose up against the Turkish yoke, entire crowds marched in support of National unity, for true Independence, but look at us now! Our army is acting as if it was from the Napoleonic era, who at the very least were well trained, we do not even have any Mages! Our Industry and Economy are weak, and we are surrounded by mighty empires! All of this for what ? For the wealth of the few? For a bunch of modern boyars?"
I loathed to reveal the weakness of our country, but this was the only thing which I could do to truly crush the political power of the officers and elites opposed to my actions. It was a necessary step to getting the funds and workforce to fix our issues.
"Upon seeing such an abomination, it was the solemn duty of not just I or my party, but of all true sons and daughters of Dacia to rise up against this tragic farce, from the poorest peasants and workers to the richest men of the oldest Dynasties and religious positions.
To help resolve this crisis, my first declaration as Prime minister is that the Grand Duchy of Dacia is to be henceforth known as the Kingdom of Dacia! Behold, the King of Dacia, Carol the First!"
Following this, King Carol appeared on the balcony beside me, smiling and waving to the crowd. An action that caused many of the hostile members of the crowd to calm down and many of the formerly neutral to cheer.
"His Majesty had trusted not only me, but you, the people of Dacia, to act the right way! To ensure our future, there will be 6 principles which will help protect and strengthen our nation from the enemies from within and without, principles which will be key parts of the future Constitution and to which any threats will be answered with the most ruthless severity!
National unity and tolerance! Regardless of ideology, religion or ethnicity, as long as you are loyal to the nation and the Crown!
Protection of the rights, life and health of the people! All peasants, workers, orphans, as well as the women and even that of the elites, as long as all do their part in service of the State!
Industrialisation and partial redistribution of land! To better the life of all without undermining the life of the wealthy and our patrons. Ensuring continued Harmony within the nation, preventing groups such as communists and anarchists from taking power!
Free education for all! To let the potential of our people shine even in the darkest of days! For our culture to prosper into the future!
The Modernisation and reorganisation of our Army! So that nothing can threaten us! Never again shall soldiers die in vain because of foolish leaders!
And finally, the right for all adults to vote regardless of gender, wealth or profession! So that every child of the Nation can help the national healing and the protection of the future!
So advance, People of Dacia, on the road to Freedom, Glory and Happiness, for our King, our People and our Country, Trăiască Dacia!"
The speech had struck a chord. Men, women and children alike cheered for the Future of our Nation, "Trăiască Dacia, Glory to King Carol the first!"
The first part of the plan had been a success. But now comes the true battle, dealing with our neighbours.
POV Tatiana
July 1907, The Royal Palace of Berun
Having an informal meeting with the Kaiser and his son wasn't exactly how I imagined I would spend my morning with my mother. I was bracing myself to be brought along for a shopping spree, to be forced into dress after dress. Not wait for a military march.
The Kaiser had made special emphasis that me and my mother were to be his honoured guests. Obviously so that we can inform Father of the state of the Imperial army.
"It's amazing how the world turns, isn't it? My dear cousin, the Empress of the Russ," asked the Kaiser, thoughtfully, before looking at me.
However, before I could answer, the door burst open and a Politician let himself in.
"This is a meeting between Royalty! How big a deal is the message that you would interrupt us?" demanded Karl, looking at the uninvited guest.
"Unfortunately your Highness, it is very important!", answered the messenger, before running in to deliver the documents he had brought, "There has been a change of power in Dacia! An unknown Colonel has staged a coup and arrested the government!"
Standing up in surprise, the Kaiser asked fearfully, "And the Royal family? How are they?" An understandable reaction, considering the precedence the Francois had set for their own coups. Especially when the Monarch in question was both family and friend. Revolutions don't tend to end well for royals and aristocrats.
"It seems like the Ducal family is not in danger. In fact they seem to be doing better than before."
Confusion spread across the Kaiser's face, "What do you mean by that?"
"I think the documents will explain much better than my words could, Your Majesty," answered the sweating out politician.
Grabbing the documents out of the man's shaking hands, the Kaiser began to read, before looking at my mother, "I'll have to read this out, this concerns Russ too."
As the Kaiser recited the speech off the letter, the rest of the room stood in silence.
"That was quite a speech," I commented, referring to the surprising development.
"Unimaginable! Father, can you believe it? Someone with a head leading Dacia. That's dangerous," laughed Karl.
"In that case, we'll need to prepare our army," answered the Kaiser.
Interrupting their joke, the stressed politician added, "One last thing your Highnesses. Seeing as how there are members of the Russ royal family present in Berun, prime minister Dumitrescu would like to hold a conference to discuss future relations with both The Empire and Russ."
"If he means well, we should have an official conference with him as soon as possible. With her position, Mama should represent Russ," I suggested.
"That's a great suggestion," The Kaiser complimented my idea, before looking at my mother, "What do you think?"
With a frown, my mother responded, "He took control by force, I don't trust him. He's probably a violent nationalist and would seek to take more power from us, perhaps even try to get his hands on our industries."
"Note like My industries, Russ barely has any outside of Moldova!"
"Do I need to remind you where Dacia gets its oil from? That's right, from Russ, because your Empire doesn't have the technology."
"Fine. Our industries. You've always been so touchy. Fine then, so we'll have this Dumitrescu hold his meeting in Berun, yes?"
My mother nodded, "Now let's get on with your military march. It better be as great as you claim it would be."
The March had begun as expected. With hundreds and thousands of soldiers marching upon the streets below, saluting at the Royals and their guests high above.
There was nothing special there, what truly caught my attention was the sound of rattling and huffing. A sound I knew all too well.
As the source of the sound entered out view, my mother called out, voicing a surprise deeper than mine, "What's that?"
"That is a Tank! An Idea from our genius Field Marshal brought to life by our engineers! A weapon that will one day replace our infantry, he claimed! I don't think that's likely, look at how slow they move! But the staff have assured me that they are still a powerful addition to our forces! I know this is already very impressive, but what comes next will truly establish Imperial dominance!" Declared the Kaiser, before pointing at the sky.
Streaking across the sky were fighters, not just simple ones, but aircraft that would have been in service a decade from now.
"We call them Fighters! Look at them fly. Impressive Machines so ingenious that even the prideful Albish would stoop to steal their plans! If they want a taste of ruling the skies, they'll have to try harder, or get more spies!"
Great job Romel! If you continue with this, the Empire wouldn't ever need to defend Berun! It would be the bastards that will have to defend their capitals! Keep up the good work. So that I have a safe place to spend my days in exile!
"Imperial technology is incredible," I commented in awe.
"That's right," replied Karl, before looking at my mother, "And Russ technology could be too. If they would just drop their ties with the Francois."
My mother sighed, "You know it's not that simple, international interests put us on opposite sides."
Hearing that, the Kaiser stepped in, "Russ and Germania have been working together for centuries! From defeating the Polska-Baltic to even Napolean! We could be allies again like old times!"
"I only have so much power. I'm not the one that decide our international policies. No matter how much I sympathise with you, my husband has the final say."
It was true she couldn't change them herself. But she was the only one with the power to influence father.
"You could try and convince father," I suggested, knowing how that the Empire would one day fight the communists. They would be a great ally for the Russ Empire.
"And now my youngest turns out to be pro-Imperial too! Maybe I shouldn't have brought you here after all."
I had fought a decade under the Empire, through that time, I learnt just how powerful Imperial pride was. It had taken most of Europe working together to challenge us. It was the strongest empire to ever exist in the history books. It was the best choice for my survival.
"Of course, the Empire is incredible, I'm sure that even if they went to war with the rest of the world, they could make the whole world pay."
Karl smiled at me, "We're proud to receive such a compliment, but I sincerely hope we don't have to test that theory."
Trust me, neither do I.
Pov Wilhelm II
Here it was. A day that would quite well change the world. The day where the Prime Minister of Dacia meets the Kaiser of the Empire and the Tsarina of Russ.
"I greet your Majesty and Her royal Highness," opened the bowing Prime Minister.
Starting with an appeal to our status wasn't necessary. But he did, which could mean one of two things. Either he was weak and seek favour, or he wanted to keep us in a good enough mood to accept what he was going to request.
Considering that this man had managed to secretly stage a coup, it was likely the second.
Gesturing for him to stand up straight, I replied, "Please to meet you too." Before the Tsarina returned with a slight bow of her own.
The Tsarina may have been pro-Imperial, being both my cousin and an Imperial princess, but her Loyalties laid with that husband of hers. Perhaps a good trait for a woman, if it didn't mean she had goals that didn't exactly line up with mine.
And this Dumitrescu. He was a man of the military, a nationalist at that. Capable of raising an army of his own and silently staging a coup. A man who won the support of his countrymen is a short period of time.
The discussion that was to follow wouldn't be unlike a game of cards. No one wanted to reveal their hand too early.
Before finally the Tsarina spoke, "Russ is willing to recognise the new government of Dacia and seek to maintain diplomatic relations."
Seeing my opportunity, I acceded to the Dacian's request, "The Empire recognises the legitimacy of the Former Duke and Current King of Dacia. We recognise the current treaties to be still valid."
Not missing a beat Dumitrescu got up, "I am honoured by this. My government has the interest of our three nations in mind and hope to keep both our old agreements in force, while also to expand upon them further."
Seeing that no one wished to interrupt him, the Dacian Prime minister began to read off a document.
"With approval of our King, the Government has prepared an appeal to the Empire and Russ," he began, before listing the demands of the new nation.
"We request that the Empire and Russ guarantee the independence of our nation, assisting against any nations or organisations that threaten the sovereignty of Dacia.
We also seek to establish an anti-revolutionary pact, allowing and requiring all signatories to assist against any threats within the three nations, especially against communist or anarchist actors. As such, only the governments that sign the treaty will be recognised as legitimate.
We require that all Imperial and Russ industries in Dacia adhere to Dacian law.
With accordance to the above demand, any criminals that flee through the borders to a signatory country would be returned to the nation that the crime was committed in.
We demand that ethinically Dacian Imperial and Russ citizens be given full rights and in turn Dacia will protect the rights of Imperial and Russ minorities.
Finally, We seek the assistance of the two nations in our industrial and military modernisation efforts and are willing to pay what is due.
To aid with that, Dacia will convert all their railways to the imperial standard, so that we may connect or lines with our neighbours. In addition to that, we seek to have our borders fully opened to both the Empire and Russ, removing the need for customs."
Hearing the demands the new Prime Minister had laid out, I rubbed my temples. Discussing and later refining this treaty was going to take an eternity.
It would be hours until I could finally leave the room, confirming that the Treaty of Berun had been signed
Comment if u like!
Thx to Dualwing creator of Shackled to a Corpse for helping me review and edit the chapter.
Thx also Daemon for having written the Dumitrescu part of the chapter, as well as helping for the writing and ideas for the story in general
Also i appreciate any critics and recommendations for the story!