Title: Pulling a Fanoss
Summary: Several correspondences and articles detailing the meteoric rise of the Bartfort Principality.
Dear Prime Minister Atlee,
I am writing to you regarding my recent promotion to Baron. I wish to confirm whether or not there was a clerical error made during the decision process. According to the accounting of my assets, I do not believe I meet the minimum requirements set forth by the Kingdom. I've attached a list detailing my assets so you may check whether or not the records match.
From,
Baron Leon Fou Bartfort
Dear Baron Leon Fou Bartfort,
I had your assets audited, and we found no discrepancies regarding our records. I believe the confusion came from a recent policy change. We recently lowered the threshold. This is due to the number of undiscovered sky islands dwindling as time goes on. It would not do to deny aspiring nobles their proper station due to a lack of undiscovered territory. It would be the antithesis of the principles that founded this Kingdom. Be proud, Baron Bartfort. You earned your rank. We expect great things from you.
From,
Earl Bernard Fia Atlee
Dear Prime Minister Atlee,
I am honored, and I thank you for your kind words. However, I feel as though I cannot meet the duties asked of me. The treasures I gained from adventuring have mainly gone to paying off the debt the Bartfort matriarch has accrued. The new sky islands I found are too small and undeveloped to generate enough income to pay for the taxes expected of me. I also do not have the time and influence to gather a sufficient military force to provide support during times of war, what with me having to attend the Academy and search for a suitable wife. With all this in mind, I must respectfully decline this promotion currently. Perhaps we can reopen this discussion after I have developed my lands?
From,
Baron Leon Fou Bartfort
Dear Prime Minister Atlee,
As you know, all your men have been returned to you and uninjured, but without their warships. Due to what I can only assume was a significant series of miscommunications, I was charged with tax evasion and greeted with an open salvo. I hope the charge for tax evasion was specifically for Zola and her children. Fortunately for all, I was able to maneuver my ship masterfully to avoid the worst of the damage. Unfortunately, I was forced to render your men's ships' engines inoperable due to their insistence on continuing their assault. The ships are currently being held in my territory for repairs. I will need to discuss a fee for the repairs and open discussions for reparations regarding the hostile actions your men have taken.
From,
Baron Leon Fou Bartfort
Dear Kingdom of Holfort,
I must regretfully withdraw the Bartfort Barony from the Kingdom of Holfort. As an aspiring adventurer with the good fortune of success, I merely wished to discuss the terms regarding my promotion as I feared I would not have been able to meet my duties. Seeing as how the Kingdom launched a second attack on my home, I see the Kingdom no longer has my family's wellbeing in mind. While we will still welcome the citizens of Holfort in our borders, we will not tolerate another invasionary force.
Regretfully,
Leon Fou Bartfort
The Next Fanoss?
Recently, a Barony on the border has seceded from the Kingdom, citing the Kingdom's 'unfair' treatment. The traitors have rebuffed our advances for discourse, cowardly attacked our messengers, and falsely labeled our peaceful attempts as hostile. Worryingly, several other Baronies on the border have defected to join them. This has led to the territory growing in size. The group is now comparable to the size of Fanoss. Could this be the birth of a new Fanoss? Read more on page 5.
Dear Prince Leon Fou Bartfort,
We have heard the news regarding your separation from the Kingdom of Holfort. Congratulations on successfully breaking away from the Kingdom, and we commend you for rallying several border territories to your newfound Principality. The Fanoss Principality would like to discuss details regarding what is to come next so that you may avoid the pitfalls we have experienced in the past. We also wish to open discussions regarding a possible alliance as fellow ex-nobles of Holfort.
From,
Crown Princess Hertrude Sera Fanoss
Dear Prince Leon Fou Bartfort,
Please return my older sister.
From,
Princess Hertrauda Sera Fanoss
The Enemy of My Enemy
Holfort's finest witnessed the Bartfort's main ship leaving the Bartfort Principality earlier this week. The captain determined that the Luxion was headed for the Fanoss Principality. To ascertain the nature of this, they followed. It turns out the crown princess of the Fanoss Principality called for the meeting for the potential alliance. Before our men could report their findings, they witnessed the Luxion expertly target the engines of the fleet of Fanoss ships in a matter of seconds. It turns out that despite turning their backs on us, the Bartforts found the Fanoss Principality more distasteful. Read more on page 7.
Bartfort and Fanoss Principality Union
In a twist to our last article regarding the hostilities between the two Principalities, the crown prince of the Bartfort Principality has married the second princess of the Fanoss Principality to the first princess's chagrin. We await with bated breath to see how this union may affect our Kingdom.
Dear King Leon Fou Bartfort,
Congratulations on marrying the younger princess of Fanoss. Hertrauda has always been a sweet girl and will make a fine wife. We like to present you with a magic orb as a wedding gift. I would also like to extend an open invitation to discuss potential trade between our countries.
From,
Acting Chairmen Albergue Sara Rault
Principality and Republic
We have news that the Bartfort Principality has allied with the Alzer Republic. During a diplomatic visit, King Leon was selected as the Sacred Guardian. Due to this, he has elected to stay in the Alzer Republic for his schooling. He has also found favor with the Rault family.
Saintess Necklace Found
AN:
1) I'm trying to tell a story through letters and news articles. It is like building a picture of events using written records, as seen in history exam essays. Many sections are incomplete since writing this was like a fever dream.
2) The story concept is based around Leon realizing he could just do his own thing and not give a damn. The world doesn't agree, but it doesn't have the power to make Leon do anything. This inevitably leads to people trying to push him around or kiss his ass.
3) Please leave reviews/suggestions on the writing style and story premise. These chapters are incomplete ideas. With enough polish, these chapters could become a story. Alternatively, it could be the inspiration for someone else to start writing.