The Kingdom of Netherlands-Amsterdam
August 25, 1898, Thursday
It is a late summer day, eighty-three years after the Kingdom of Netherlands regained sovereignty from Napoleonic France. He'd been the Batavian Republic along with Belgium and Luxembourg then, before he had been conquered by France. Then he had been proclaimed the Kingdom of Holland with Napoleon's younger brother installed as his king. But now he is the Kingdom of Netherlands, and he is at peace once more. The late summer sun is shining, and Netherlands is going to spend time on one of his favourite pastimes: gardening. It has been a good year so far. Netherlands had a lovely summer, even as the tulips had returned to their bulbs for another year, and the strawberry season ends.
Over a month ago, the Nationale Tentoonstelling van Vrouwenarbeid had opened. A national exhibition of Women's Work: artwork, handicrafts, lectures, and performances by his people. He is enormously proud of them. His people very progressive, far into the future compared to the the rest of the world. There had also been a motor race in July from Paris to Amsterdam, organized by France. Not really Netherlands area of interest, but his people's excitement was infectious., and he had found himself cheering over automobiles. What an odd notion.
While Netherlands does not object to excitement on principle, he has planned today, and has been promised by the Cabinet that he shall not be disturbed. Today is going to be perfectly serene. He's going to need it, considering how busy the next few weeks shall be. A quiet day to clean. Tidy up his garden in the morning, and when it gets too warm out, he will go inside and clean the kitchen. He has not scrubbed behind the oven for almost three weeks.
Netherlands has several homes, as do most nations, spread throughout his land. Each one is very orderly. Unlived in, his younger sister and brother, Belgium and Luxembourg, say. That is not true, though there is some merit in what they say. He can only live in one at a time. His favourite, perhaps, is the one in the Hauge. His capital in spirit if not in practice. However, he has been in his Amsterdam home for most of the year and will be required to stay here for at least another fortnight. There are two reasons for this: firstly, because it will be Queen Wilhelmina's birthday on the thirty-first of August. Secondly, because Wilhelmina will be turning eighteen, and will thereafter be sworn in, causing her mother, Queen Emma, to formally cease her role as regent. It will be an easy transfer of power. Netherlands has no worries there.
These inaugurations always fill him with pride. The Kingdom of Netherlands has no need for crowning. The crown, the sceptre, and the orb are only symbols. It is the promises that his monarchs make that are important.
"I shall defend and preserve the independence and the territory of the Kingdom," he says aloud, pulling on his gardening gloves.
Then the telephone rings.
Disgusted, he takes his gardening gloves back off. He places them on the side table and stalks over to the telephone. Why had he agreed to have that thing installed in his home? Was this piercing ringing worth putting up with to talk to people who could not be bothered to come over to your home? Why not write a letter like an ordinary person?
"Hallo," he says stiffly into the mouthpiece. "You are speaking to Netherlands."
"Netherlands! My dear friend. It is good to be hearing from you." It is a rather high male voice speaking thickly accented French.
Netherlands frowns, switching to French grudgingly. "Who am I speaking with?"
"What a funny joke. Of course, you recognize the voice of such an old friend. We have been so close since I saved you from France. And before when you gave me advice on my navy. We spent so much quality time together!"
Netherlands massages his forehead. "Russia?"
"Yes!"
Russia always did simplify situations to his own benefit. As if Russia and Britain had not ganged up on Netherlands before the restoration. The Napoleonic Wars had been an extremely complicated time for the Netherlands. And the rest of Europe, though naturally, Netherlands was not as familiar with their circumstances. However, he could admit that the time he spent together with Russia at the end of the seventeenth century had been a rather enjoyable time. It is nice to hear someone complement you, even though Russia went overboard with his praise.
Netherlands sighs, preparing himself for a long call. "Thank you for calling Russia. You do know that people sound different through the telephone, jawel?"
"Do not worry," Russia says. "You sound very much how you usually do. I knew it was you right away."
"Well, that is good, I suppose. Why have you called me?"
"I am so glad you have asked me. I have called to propose a peace conference. It is going to be a new century, and I think we are ready to put much of our warlike ways behind us, da? We must consider the future, and the example that we are to other nations. Don't you agree, Netherlands?"
"I-yes, I suppose I do." This was not at all what he expected. Why was Russia, the largest European Empire, speaking to Netherlands about this? Not one of his regular allies, or better yet, those warmongering German cousins of Netherlands'. They could use someone to remind them that appetites for war had dimmed in this age which idealized pacifism.
"I am sure you are wondering why I have telephoned you."
"Ja, actually, I am."
"It is because my boss wants you to host the conference."
So much for a quiet day. And Queen Emma has not told him anything about hosting anything, which means she does not know. She knows how he loves to plan ahead.
"Why me?"
"Because you are such a reliable little nation! We knew that we could count on the Netherlands to keep things on task and under control. And you have such an ideal location. We will, of course, be inviting nations from all over the world."
"How many?"
"Oh, at least twenty. Perhaps more."
"And will you all be planning to bring your vassal states and territories and colonies, and such?"
If that was the case, Netherlands would have to make sure Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Indonesia, and the others could come. Though none of them would want to travel so far for something like a conference, he was sure.
"No, I do not think we will be needing those who do not govern."
"They all will have opinions on the state of peace."
His colonies had been sure to tell him just what they thought of his policies. Though most had said they preferred him to England, at least.
"Well, that is all right. Everyone in my house may tell me their opinions, and then I shall represent it to the conference. The other Empires should of course follow my example. They should represent the interest of their many unfortunate territories. It is so sad for some of them. That is another thing we ought to address. The way that some empires treat those under their rule. So sad."
"Ah yes." He had heard some sad things about the way Russia treated those under his rule, but that was not something he wished to discuss over the telephone. It is a complicated subject. He should know, having been on both sides of the isle. And there was of course, something of greater magnitude to discuss, first.
"You will be paying for this, ja?" he asked. Phrasing it as a question was more gracious, his dear queen had told him.
"Paying?" Russia asked, as if he had not even considered the enormous bill that would accumulate from the housing and feeding of over twenty nations for who knows how long.
"Yes, Russia. Paying."
"Ah, well, I have not discussed that with Nikolai Alexandrovich. I am sure that we shall come to a satisfactory compromise."
"You had better pay for this," Netherlands says, bluntly. "If you can afford the way your royals are living, you can afford this. They are living a renowned extravagant life."
"Not Nikki!" Russia protests. "He is a model Tsar. In many regards, at least…"
"I do not want any excuses. I will host. But you will pay. For most if not all. I will talk to you soon, Russia, but I must go now. My garden awaits."
"All right, thank you Netherlands. I will call you back again soon. I will compile a list of those we are to invite."
"Very well. Thank you for calling. Have a good day."
He hangs up. That was not as long as he feared. But it will be a lot of trouble in the future. And he agreed without speaking to her majesty the Queen Regent. He will be getting a motherly but stern lecture from her for that, no doubt.
It is hard to say no to Russia. And this time, it is actually a promising idea. If Russia is paying.
The Russian Empire-Saint Petersburg
August 25, 1898, Thursday
Lithuania eavesdrops as unobtrusively as he can. Russia has called Netherlands in French. He is going on about the peaceful future he has planned and warmly defending his Tsar. When Russia declares that he will compile a list, Lithuania pulls out a fresh piece of paper. Russia drops the mouthpiece of the telephone down, his eyebrows drawing together. Perhaps he was not satisfied with the warmth of Netherlands' farewell. Lithuania quickly begins to squint at a pile of trade records.
"Never mind those, now, Lithuania," Russia says, speaking Russian again as usual. "We need to start a guest list for our Peace Conference."
Lithuania frowns. "Our Peace Conference, Mr. Russia?"
"You are all part of the Russian Empire now," Russia says with his "I am a benevolent Empire smile." "I am not one of those empires who would deny that there were others who helped add to my population and trades. Together, we are the Russian Empire. We are a family."
Family? As if.
Lithuania leans back in the office chair. "If you say so, Mr. Russia. Shall I draft a list?"
"Yes. I will dictate it to you. We will start with the Great powers, besides us, of course. Great Britain, France, Austria, and Hungary-write them together, of course, the Germain Empire-put Germany and Prussia in brackets. Also, put Italy with those ones. Do you have all of them?"
"Yes, I have kept up. Who next?"
"Now write Ottoman Empire. Next, we will list his autonomous vassals; I would rather not refer to them as such. I am hoping that soon they will be independent nations themselves. Rumania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and of course my friend Serbia."
"You want them to be independent?"
"Of course! The Ottoman Empire and I are not friends, and as long as he is in control of them, we cannot create real diplomatic ties. It is not in our interests at all to encourage the Ottoman Empire. Now, write the United States of America. He is a up and coming power we would be wise to keep an eye on. As is Japan. I sense trouble in the future with him. Next Denmark, Sweden, and Norway-that is together, for now. Though however long Sweden has kept her bound to him, I do not think it shall last for much longer. Portugal, Spain, Switzerland…how many am I at?"
Lithuania pauses and taps his finger on the names. "Uh, seventeen? If we are counting Austria-Hungary together, and Sweden-Norway."
"Did you count us and the Netherlands in there?"
"No. I will write him in. Nineteen?"
"There are a few more. Persia. Greece. Siam. China." He pauses. "China and I have a long history together, you know, Lithuania. I met her when I was just a child."
"Yes, you told me. I do not think she will be happy to see you, though. Since so many of you-we have been dividing up her land."
"It is the European way," Russia says, shaking his head. "Us Europeans have done things like that for a long time. And really if China blames anyone, it should be Britain, not us. He is the one to blame for much of these situations if you ask me. How many now?"
"Twenty-three."
"Add Mexico. And who else? Ah, right. Netherlands' brother and sister."
Lithuania writes down Belgium and Luxembourg. "Anyone else?"
"This may be all for now. Netherlands wants me to pay for it, and I would like to avoid having the debt that this may bring if we invite in too many. We may need the funds if we should end up declaring war on China."
"We should be cautious with the spending, then."
Russia's smile fades. "I think it would be good if my friends would refrain from commenting on the state of my finances."
Lithuania blinks. "I am sorry Mr. Russia. I was only agreeing with you."
Immediately Russia's smile brightens. "That is what I like to hear, Lithuania. Draft all the invitations. They are cordially invited by us, so be sure to write that. Make the invitations very friendly. One day, they all may be living here with us, so we ought to keep are relations open and cordial. Wouldn't you like some new friends? I would. Write them in French. And be mindful of who you share these plans with. There are some who may find it in their hearts to sabotage such an ambitious idea as ours. Remember: someone is always listening. I will come back and check on you soon."
Lithuania nods along until Russia leaves him alone. All these nations, live with them? He very much doubts it. But he had never believed that Russia of all people would annex him. Lithuania had been a powerful land in days gone by. Russia had not seemed like such a threat in those days.
If only Poland was here, to discuss this with. If only Poland was here, for so many reasons. She reminds him that resistance is not in vain, and that life can still be exciting despite their abysmal circumstances.
Unfortunately, Poland is in Austria's house. It is lonely without her. She is the only one who Lithuania can discuss the imperial gossip with without worrying about the possible fate of his listener, as with his brothers, or the possibility of being sold out. Poland is tough, she always has been. Rising up when anyone else in her position would have given up. And, Lithuania and Poland have had many arguments in their relationship, but he knows that she would never betray her principles. He trusts her. And he misses her. She would love to discuss all of these new developments with him. Russia's overbearing plans. His aspirations of world peace. His odd choice of Netherlands, a little western kingdom, as the host of these plans. Lithuania would love to hear Poland's opinions. But she is gone. He will have to keep these thoughts to himself.
The Kingdom of Netherlands-Amsterdam
August 31, 1898, Wednesday
"My friend!" Russia bellows, voice distorted and honestly still rather off putting. "I have been calling, trying for days to reach you!"
Netherlands holds the telephone six centimetres away from his ear. "Hello Russia. I have been busy. Have you gotten a complete guest list?"
"Da, we have produced a list. Lithuania has them right beside me. He even has begun the invitations."
"Can you send the list in the mail? I would prefer to have a copy."
"Yes, yes. I will read it to you. Lithuania will send you the list. The first ones are us two, of course."
Thankfully, Netherlands keeps a pad of paper and a ballpoint pen close enough to reach. The Russian Empire (Russia), he writes. The Kingdom of Netherlands (me).
"Shall Lithuania come with you?" he asks. "Or any of the others?"
"I do not think so. But I have not decided yet. Perhaps."
That is not very informative. Netherlands adds (possible extra guest) next to (Russia).
Russia quickly runs through the possible guests. It is more than twenty.
"You said twenty nations."
"Not counting us, it is only twenty-four. The more the merrier. Isn't that right, my friend?"
Netherlands sighs. He looks down at his list. There are multiple joint kingdoms and empires. And so many nations have others under their "care" as Spain had called it. It is mostly European nations on Russia's list, which hopefully means they will not be tempted to stay with Netherlands for a long time. At least Belgium and Luxembourg are invited. That means some enjoyable company. Well, this has taken up enough of his time for now.
"I-," he begins.
"I must go now!" Russia interrupts. "There is so much to do. Take care of yourself, my friend, and I will call you again soon. Try to answer, yes? Lithuania will finish speaking to you today. I am passing the telephone over to him."
"Hello?" Lithuania yells, sounding taken aback. "This is Lithuania. Am I speaking to Netherlands?"
"Yes," Netherlands says. "I must go now, too. I have much to organize for my queen's inauguration." It is not completely true. He has completed almost all of what he must. He has never been one to leave things to the last moment. But it is a good excuse.
"Ah, I am glad to hear that," Lithuania says.
That was not the response Netherlands expected. Perhaps he can end the call already. "Then I shall let Russia call back later."
"Oh no!" Lithuania says. "First, I must tell you. I will finish writing the invitations. I have been working as Russia's secretary recently, so I do that sort of thing. I will write the invitations in French. Then I will send them to you in a brown paper parcel."
"Is the brown paper important?"
"That was just to let you know what to expect. Russia would like you to know that you must pay for postage. On the individual invitations, that is. He does not want you to talk about that. I am warning you. He does not want to speak about money."
"I cannot say I am surprised. He has very quick to change the subject when I brought it up last week. Though I do wonder why he is being so cheap when his royalty is so rich."
"It is only they who are rich. My people are suffering, so many are. Russia's peasants, too. It is not pretty. But I should not say that. You never know who may be listening. There is always someone listening. That is what Mr. Russia says."
Lithuania gives a laugh. Somehow, Lithuania's laugh reminds Netherlands of Belgium. She would laugh in an odd almost ragged way when Spain would make a joke. Never at Netherlands. She never laughed that way at him. If she was upset with him, she made sure he knew it. And when she thought something was genuinely amusing, she would laugh loudly. He misses hearing that laugh.
"Are you alright Lithuania?" Netherlands asks suddenly, surprising himself.
"What? Why do you ask?"
"I was ruled for a time, as well. I hated it. I hated it so much. And if Spain had tried to make me be his secretary, I would have been furious."
"I ruled others in the past," Lithuania says quietly. "Usually, I try not to think about it. About Russia. But he goes on about how together we are the Russian Empire. And I remember when I was a great kingdom, and I must stop myself from stabbing him. With letter openers or kitchen knives. I do not have weapons these days. But it is better if I am his secretary. I can lookout better for my little brothers this way."
"I suppose this is true. But do not give up. No empire lasts forever. I believe that we all deserve independence. I used to rule with my sister and brother. They are independent now. My brother only recently, though we were in a personal union up until my king died."
Netherlands had hated being ruled. Hated living in a home that was not his own. That is why he generally let Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and Indonesia live in their own homes, only interfering when it was necessary.
"Thank you for your encouragement," Lithuania says. "I should let you get back to your inauguration planning."
"Yes. Well, actually, I am going to go have a birthday dinner with my Queen. It is her eighteenth birthday. I will look out for the brown paper package."
Lithuania laughs, a little more naturally this time. "I will send it soon. Likit sveiki!"
Netherlands hangs up the telephone. He places the ballpoint pen down parallel to the notepad and glances down the list. His eyes fall on the names of his brother and sister.
It is unfortunate how easily these old memories return. Belgium, staying behind as he left. Belgium, leaving without him. Luxembourg and Belgium, together with him, long ago. And never again. Not the same way. He has resolved this.
He will never rule over either of them again. And never again will he be ruled over by another.
Russia may be a hypocrite, but his points about the new century which he spoke almost a week ago still ring true. It is time for the world to connect, to decide what is acceptable and what is not. This time, this conference may be the one which directs the world into the direction of the future. A future with independence. And, hopefully, more financial security.
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