Chapter 3
Several weeks later, the constitutional convention had its final session, the constitution of the Nation of Bravia now being complete. When electing its representatives, the people of Bravia stated that their decision would be final for the nation unless a special referendum was called. Natonito and the others hoped that this would not happen, but it was not likely.
�Gentlemen,� Natonito said. �It has been a pleasure working for you all.�
�Will you take the lead position?� several barons asked in unison.
�If the people vote me in, I will,� Natonito said. �Else I will take some time to sort out personal business and seek to represent our interests with the rest of Secfenia.�
�Do you think that the empire is less of a threat now?� Duke Longbert asked.
�Yes, I do,� Natonito said. �Now that Robert Russ III has taken over the empire, we should begin negotiations with them soon.�
�Having so soon gained our independence we should give it away?� Oen Bravia said.
�There would be terms for our joining up with the empire, but it could be done,� Natonito said. �If they want us badly enough they will have to give us a good offer.�
�And give you a good offer personally?� Duke Don asked, laughing.
�Of course,� Natonito said, smiling.
�Does anyone have anything more to discuss about the constitution?� Duke Van Larken asked.
�Do you think the people will support this?� a baron from Navy Island asked.
�I do,� said Natonito. �We have been thorough and yet flexible with the constitution.�
�We have agreed on our form of government,� a baron from Paz said.
�We have agreed on rights and privileges of government and the people,� a baron from Staunchville said.
�Yes, I think this is sufficient,� Natonito said. �But if the people want changes they are free to propose amendments. We have allowed four ways for amendments to be enacted into the constitution.�
At this point Duke Don laughed. �You always were thorough,� he said.
�One does not win a rebellion by being haphazard,� Natonito said. �Engineers make great rebels, better still than the lawyers and soldiers that often lead rebellions.� Everyone laughed.
�Shall we all go out for a drink?� Duke Oen asked.
�Perhaps, we have all been drinking a bit too much recently, still flush with the glory of our great victory,� Natonito replied.
�I agree, we have not spent a sober night since the winning battle,� Duke Van Larken said. �And I need to protect my liver.�
�Alright,� Oen said. �Perhaps I should give my liver a rest as well.�
�What is the vote on the constitution?� Natonito asked.
The representatives of the Bravian people then voted whether to accept the constitution as is, refer it to the Bravian people, or to table it. After a brief discussion, the Constitutional Convention voted by a 4/5 margin to pass the constitution as is. Everyone cheered and celebrated, though without any more alcoholic beverages.
�Well, I do not know what other business we have here,� Natonito said. Just then a messenger came in hurriedly.
�Wait, gentlemen,� the messenger said. �I come from the Secfenian Empire with news from Emperor Robert Russ III.�
�Speak up then, sir,� Natonito said.
�Alright,� the messenger said, nearly out of breath. �There will be an imperial delegation coming tomorrow to discuss the joining of Bravia with the empire. Can the meeting take place here?�
�Sounds good to me,� Natonito said. �Does anyone have a problem with this plan?�
�Are there any terms you would have for joining the empire?� the messenger asked.
�Of course there are terms. Most of those we can discuss tomorrow. Here is a copy of the constitution we have just written and ratified. This will be the law of the land for Bravia,� Natonito said. �That will be the first term that must be met before we can discuss joining any empire.�
�Alright, I will let the emperor and his party know,� the messenger said. �Will all of the people here today remain until tomorrow to discuss joining the empire?�
�I believe so,� Natonito said.
�Yes, we will stay,� a baron from North Staunchville said.
�Yes, this is a constitutional matter as well,� a baron from the sugar isles said.
�I agree,� Duke Van Larken said. �We need to approve the matter as a whole before we can join the empire, or even seriously consider the motion. Hence we will all be here tomorrow.�
�Alright,� the messenger said. �See you gentlemen tomorrow.� He said as he left.
While most of the convention left, the dukes of Bravia stayed to discuss some matters involving joining the empire, as they were the most important people in the new nation, without whose approval no union could ever take place.
�Now, we should discuss union ourselves,� Natonito said. �Do any of you have specific objections to it?�
�What about our position in the new empire?� Oen said. �Will our dukedoms be jeopardized?�
�I do not believe so,� Natonito said. �Robert Russ III, unlike Anias, has a high degree of feeling for aristocracy. Odds are that a few people here may end up with higher positions, like Senator in the Empire, but that no one would lose their aristocratic titles. Call it a hunch.�
�What about imperial law and taxation?� Duke Longbert said.
�I think Robert Russ III understands the Bravian position on taxes. I do not think the taxes on this new empire will be all that high, though they would probably be administered by the central government in the Imperial Viceroyalty. There would no doubt be viceroyalty taxes here that we would levy and administer,� Natonito said.
�How do you know so much about the empire?� Duke Don asked. �You did not stay there all that long.�
�I am a very attentive person,� Natonito replied. �I noticed how privileged areas were treated, and how areas like Bravia were treated. Since they came to us, and since we would make up a large proportion of the empire, I believe Bravia would be a highly respected area of the empire.�
�What about the Imperial military?� Duke Van Larken asked. �Will that be a threat to Bravian liberty.�
�The imperial army could be a problem to any revolt minded Duke, but if the whole people rose up, the army probably couldn�t stop it,� Natonito said. �I think that the Bravians would have to curtail private armies a little, but that shouldn�t be a problem if we set up a good solid militia under unified Bravian command as well as local levies.�
�You think we could organize that?� Duke Van Larken asked.
�Yes, I do,� Natonito said. �After all, if the empire wants us as a part of their rule, it is going to have to be a pleasant system for us. We have just risked our necks for liberty, and we should be wary about joining up with tyranny. Still, I do not think we have much to fear.�
�At least you think not,� Duke Longbert said. �Will those of us that were loyal to the empire originally receive a good reward?�
�I do not know,� Natonito said. �After all, Robert Russ III was in the same boat I was, considered a treasonous power figure among the Secfenians towards the empire.�
�He was put on trial?� Duke Oen asked.
�Yes, he was, and acquitted, only to be arrested again once he set foot on Secfenian soil by his ex-wife, Elizabeth Smith. He was rescued and put on the throne by loyal troops. I do not know what the imprisoning has done to his mind, but he probably bears few good feelings towards those who fought alongside the empire that tortured him,� Natonito said.
�I hope he recognizes loyalty,� Duke Longbert said.
�I am sure he does, but he might be a little paranoid about disloyalty. You never know with emperors. Sometimes they can get a bit suspicious about those who disagree and are yet loyal, but overly indulgent to those who flatter and hold wicked motives in their hearts,� Natonito said. �And you�re no master of flattery.�
�But neither are you,� Duke Longbert replied icily.
�I know,� Natonito said. �But I do not think he would have a problem with me. After all, my defense of him in the Senate proceedings before the revolt probably reached his ears. I doubt I would have much problem with him. I can blend in like a chameleon in a palace, handle the flattery without letting it go to my head, thanks to my imperial experience; I do not know if you could the same.�
�I do not know if any of us are as skilled at the imperial game as you are, Natonito,� Oen said. �Whether or not that is a bad thing we have yet to decide. Still, with a high post I would not mind joining the empire.�
�I agree,� Duke Van Larken said. �If some of my nephews or sons got high rank too, it would help smooth my approval.�
�Well, we�ll have to see what he offers,� Duke Don said.
�We�ll see tomorrow what the emperor and his party have proposed, and we can bargain tomorrow,� Natonito said. �Let�s go now, the hour is late.�
�Yes, I agree,� Oen said. �And I�m still sober.�
�I have a lovely mistress to return to,� Natonito said.
�You have a woman?� Duke Longbert said. �Think of settling down?�
�Not yet,� Natonito said. �But I�ve never felt this way for anyone else before. Who knows, it could happen sometime.�
�That�ll be the day,� Duke Longbert said. �When the rake of Bravia settles down, the most girl-crazy of them all finds a girl he is happy with, half of the fathers in Bravia will offer up their thanks to God above that your days of playing around and seduction are over.�
�You can be nice at least some of the time,� Natonito said with a glare. �I do not appreciate rudeness.�
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