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White Eagle & Black Crow


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Just after the treaty in Bucharest was signed, Maria would travel to the Palatiul Cotroceni. While the peace treaty signing had been prepared in the royal palace, the meeting with the Kralj had been prepared in this palace. Truely, if Romania had one thing in ready supply, it was palaces and castles.

 

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Palatul Cotroceni

 

Maria would arrive there a bit early, just as planned, in order to inspect that everything was alright and befitting the guest. Distrustful of her staff, Maria rather made sure everything was perfect and that should something show any imperfection, the one responsible be punished in a manner they would not forget anytime soon. While it did not really cause the staff to work much better, for it had made little mistakes before and continued them every now and then, out of human nature, Maria at least got to relieve some stress and anger at the personel. Naturally, she could not just show the same brutality towards the guests, which she would await with a smile, preparing some tea and biscuits.

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The Kralj would arrive with the same entourage as he did with their last time to the Romanian homeland, the Sovereign gazing in and drinking in the natural landscape that thrived within the Regină's territory. It would not be a long drive, similar to the last time the Yugoslavian group were driven to the castle and Maria's residence and just like last time, it would not take too long for the Kralj and his entourage to be screened by the Regină's staff, the Yugoslavian Sovereign smiling at the staff in hopes to ease slight tensions he had observed.

 

Shaking his head, the Kralj would be escorted to towards the Romanian Regină where hopefully something would occur but deep down, he had his own severe doubts.

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The Kralj would be saluted by the two guards at the entrance and let in, where a servant of the Palace would bring him to a chamber, in which the Queen was already waiting. With a kind smile and a cup of tea, she would greet her royal neighbour. "I would hope you had a good day, Kralj Dragojevic. I welcome you to my country and my humble palace. I'm happy to see you followed my invitation. May I pour you a cup of tea?"

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Dragojev smiled at the Regină as he nodded, "I'd be honored and delighted, your excellency," he replied with as the Sovereign took the seats his royal neighbor's staff offered to him and his entourage, giving them a delibarate nod so they could at the very least be relaxed a bit within their neighbor's palace. The Kralj would take his time in observing the elegance of the room, his face kept neutral but friendly while he patiently waited for the refreshments to be served.

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With a smile, Maria would pour a cup of black tea, before graciously handing her guest the porcelain cup. "It has been quite a while since our last meeting. I would hope, Yugoslavia fares well? These are not joyful times for all of us Eastern European nations after all." Sighing, the Queen shook her head, hinting at her allies' misfortune in the recent months. "But well. We are doing our best to create a bright and peaceful future for all of us."

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"The kingdom does fare well, we thank you for inquiring, your excellency," answered Dragojev as he accepted the offered cup, gently holding onto it before taking a sip of the beverage, savoring the warmth and flavor of the Romanian Regină's tea. "We hope that you and your people find themselves in good spirits, your excellency," the Kralj complimented before placing the porcelain cup on the table, on top of a coaster to prevent the cup from tarnishing the wood.

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"Well, it could be better. But it could most definitely be worse.", Maria would state, smiling lightly. "I personally am finding some satisfaction in the fact that despite the recent crises, our two countries have been able to stay peaceful, without any greater need for confrontation. The Milanese events to us are a tradgedy, but we would hope that with the collapse of the Milanese regime, following action by Carthage and Sparta, this removes one roadblock to good relations between our countries. It is my sincere hope that without any risk of an escalating conflict, Yugoslavia and Romania might start active cooperation." Maria clasped her hands with a friendly smile.

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Dragojev smiled back at his neighbor, "You'll find that the Kingdom rarely involves itself unless it's for things that it see as wrong in the world stage and that we can affect significantly in one way or another," the Kralj replied before taking another sip of his tea, placing the cup back on its coaster. "With regards to the Milanese, it is indeed a tragedy that occurred on that Madman's hands but I worry about the Italians. Must be disheartening for them to have a government simply collapse with another eventually being led by an utter madman," the Sovereign said before letting out a sigh.

 

"I worry for their treatment under Sparta's 'protection'," he admitted to the Regină, knowing very well that it would be best to be honest and frank with his neighbor as he raised a hand, gently rubbing the bridge of his nose.

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Maria would sit silent for a few moments, contemplating. Unlike normal, for once she did not smile, rather look worried. "Well, from what we have heard, Sparta is investing heavily in the reconstruction effort, after the Milanese-Norse nuclear exchange. we have heard nothing bad about the Spartan treatment of the Italians, so I am careful with my judgement. Sparta has an image to uphold, also vis-a-vis Carthage. To think they would simply mistreat the Italians... I'd doubt they'd go this far. For now, the Spartans are as good a protector of the Peninsula as any of Italy's neighbours. And that a certain return to order has to happen, before the Italian people can be left to their own devices again, should be clear, given the utter failure of Milan and the widespread destruction in Italy." Maria would take a sip from her tea, calming herself.

 

"Overall, the Italian peninsula, to us is of little interest and was of limited interest in the past. It had gained importance for a short period, due to its connections to Alvonia and its dispute with Sparta, but I am honestly not sad to see the mad regime gone.", the Queen stated bluntly, guessing that it'd be useless to pretend otherwise. "While Europe is maybe not perfect, it is at peace. And I'd hope to preserve this peace. As long as Italy is well-administered and no cause for further trouble, I'd be a harsh monarch on my people to make their lives any harder for what is not in the slightest conductive to the Romanian interests. I am, after all, Queen of the Romanians, not Queen of the Italians. Italy... it is being administered now by the Carthaginians, Spartans and Alvonians.  And god knows who holds that piece of Venice." Somewhat worried, Maria would look at the Kralj. "Kralj Dragojevic, I can understand, as neighbour to the Italians, you do have a certain desire to see them fare well. But I am worried... dually worried. For one, I am glad to see the Italian matter settled. For once, they are not fighting over who goes where and who protects whom. We have peace in Europe. And it would, in my opinion, be very regretful, if this peace would get crushed. We had enough war on this continent, we had enough crises. And then... I am worried, because I thought for once, the issues that lay between our countries were finally settled. There is no Milanese-Spartan dispute anymore, no immediate conflict in comittments. Yet, it is Italy once again... and Sparta... My dear Kralj, why is it, that instead of doing what is good for Yugoslavians and Romanians and be closer, for the sake of the Italians, we grow apart?"

 

Maria sighed. She still had some of the plum brandy intus from the peace treaty meeting. Maybe not drunk, but a bit spirited, she seemed quite openly disappointed, hardly hiding the negative sentiment, that she had by now on the topic of Italy. After sipping for some considerable time on her cup of tea, to calm her nerves, Maria would just go about it. "Kralj Dragojevic, I can offer you a hand of friendship and cooperation. To work on a peaceful Balkan region and Central Europe. A strong bond from Beograd to București that can prserve the peace in the region. But such a bond needs two determined partners... and surely no destabilisation towards another war over matters that should be closed cases."

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Dragojev would shake his head, "It's not simply about the Italians, your excellency," the Kralj would begin as he frowned, not hiding his own disappointment. "If it were simply the Italians, there would be no problems but as it stands, there are a plethora of issues that have been there since Sparta's inception and arose after the 'peace' with Alvonia. Frankly, I am disappointed. You of all people, your excellency, claim for peace but are the first to push for war without hesitation to benefit your interests and that of your allies. There is 'peace' within the Balkans and it's simply because people are wary of each other, several being unsure of what to do while others claim one thing publicly and act completely another."
 
"I do believe I don't have to mention names as to who are who in that, your excellency, but offers of friendship and cooperation cannot work with an underlying notion of threat behind them. That threat simply festers and boils deep before blowing up in an incredibly spectacular fashion, creating grudges capable of withstanding centuries," the Sovereign with explained before taking a deep breath, taking a sip of his tea to calm himself and hoping the taste and flavor of the tea would wash away the built up frustration he felt for the current situation within the Balkans.
 
"I mean no disrespect, your excellency, but regional stability in the Balkans is simply not a reality unless the region as a whole destroys the notion of imperialism as a policy or all follow it as a policy and supporting the Spartan nation," he said as he frowned morosely at the current reality all within the Balkans found themselves in, gazing deeply into his tea.

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Maria would still smile, though by now, it was less out of true joy, than mostly to mask her anger, which had accumulated over the matter. Even a sip of tea did hardly calm her, when she would slowly start. "My dear Kralj Dragojev... I would hardly think we do one thing, but mean the other. It has been clear, that my work is centered around one important question. Which is perfectly simple - What is best for Romania?" Slowly, she would lift her cup again, not even noticing that it had gone empty after the last sip, before throwing it down on the saucer in a manner that very well could have broken it. Disgruntled, Maria looked at the Kralj. "Alvonia, by all means, was not good for Romania. They were a problem and they were taken care of. For the sake of my allies, for the sake of Romania. There could be no lasting peace, as long as there was war and conflict in Central Europe, because some Austrian dictator is sending his Wehrmacht far and wide to conquer Lebensraum." By now, the calm was completely gone. In effect, Maria was just holding back from shouting in Dragojev's face. "Our coalition has settled the manner. Maybe not in the interest of Alvonia, but in the interest of pretty much the overwhelming rest of the countries in the region. Now the stand-off is gone. Now, we actually can work on peace, without pretension, because some godawful Milanese madmen and Alvonian wannabe-Germans threaten the continental stability. Yet, you seem awefully bent up on not using this chance, to actually work on peace."

 

Out of tea, the Queen breathed for a few moments heavily, before pouring herself another coup. Careful to not slip up, as her hands were slightly shaking, Maria managed to not spill anything. However, contrary to her ordinary manners, she'd not even bother attempting to sweeten it. That sugar would never end up in her cup. "When I say I offer you a hand, I mean it. Romania seeks peace in the Balkans, as there is peace in Germany. I have no idea what Zapadnaya and Yugoslavia are worried about, for the sole reason they'd wind up in a war, is by causing serious trouble, or by assisting that pain we just removed from Poland. Your comments, my dear Kralj, are quite harsh... I did not ask you to become a friend of Sparta, but I asked you to become a friend of mine. Naturally, it would mean, we would hope Sparta and Yugoslavia to find some sort of modus vivendi, and if it is just ignoring each other. But seemingly, Yugoslavia, no, you, cannot do that."

 

After having said that, she seemed more calm again. Walking to a nearby row of books, Maria would look over a few, before taking one out. Silently, she opened it, took out a folded together piece of paper and put the book down, before returning to the Kralj. On the table, between the two, she would unfold a map of the Balkans, before tipping with her finger on Belgrade. "Kralj Dragojev. The issue is sadly easy as this. Here, we have Yugoslavia. Here, we have Romania. Here are Zapadnaya, Sparta, Hungary... These... these are countries, facts that will not just go away. I, I am the Queen of the Romanians. First and foremost, I concern myself with my people. you are King of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. I would hope, you concern yourself with yours. I am offering you cooperation, but you seemingly won't have it. What would you have though? What is it you want to do? No, what is it you can do? We all, my dear Kralj, can only do so much. And we better do it for the people we are responsible for. I am not going to coerce you into being my friend. But you can rest assured, I will defend Romania, its allies, and our interests. And if that means one Alvonia has to be hurt, so three of our allies are relieved... I consider it an acceptable deal."

 

With that, Maria would lean back. She had done it, she thought. She had gone, where she just did not want to go. But ultimatively, this world was just a horrible place to begin with. Slowly, she drunk her unsweetened tea.

 

Edit: Posting at 5:36 am has its downsides. Deleted superfluous words that messed up sentences.

Edited by Evangeline Anovilis
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Dragojev would smile softly before taking a sip of his tea, the taste soothing and acting as an excellent balm to his psyche. He placed his cup back on the table as he clasped his hands, "If you don't mind me saying so, your excellency, I appreciate your honesty and candor," he stated as he quickly glanced at his entourage, knowing very well why they kept and continued holding their silence before he moved forward, "It's refreshing in this day and age where subterfuge reigns supreme in global politics."

"It is not my intention to anger you in such a way, your excellency, but we are at stark opposites of modus operandi and global views of the world," the Kralj replied, "I understand that Romania saw Alvonia as a threat to its new found allies within this 'Eastern Bloc' that the good country of Romania belongs to. Frankly, the Kingdom too saw Alvonia as a threat to peace considering the 'war' they waged between itself and the Northlands but I still and will continue to stand by the position that war should and always be the last resort if diplomacy fails utterly. That is one of the differences were you and I differ as rulers and Monarchs."

The Kralj glanced around the room for a few moments, seemingly gathering his thoughts before landing his gaze once more on his fellow Royal. "The other key difference, your excellency, is that we cannot ignore the reality of our neighbors and we will not turn a blind eye to imperialism that borders us. Yes, I am the Kralj of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes and I do concern myself with my peoples but I also am a ruler and monarch in the Balkans, our homeland, thus making it an impossibility for me to ignore the entirety of peoples native to our home. Every action the Kingdom takes and does has to take into account the reactions of our neighbors, including the consequences that may come from such actions."

He would glance impassionately at the map before blinking, "The other difference, your excellency, is that considering the travesties done by the previous Yugoslavian nation before this incarnation, we cannot turn a blind eye to injustices and wrongs being done in the name for 'national interests'. One of the wrongs that we see is in inherent imperialism and I would never force the good country of Romania to our side simply because we differ on views but as long as Romania stands alongside Sparta, the Kingdom honestly cannot see it possible to turn a blind eye just for the sake of peace."

"I sincerely wished it was otherwise, deep in my heart, your excellency, but I do not see the Spartan nation abandoning its policy of imperialism just because one of it's northern neighbors is wary of it."

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The Kralj would be held back by one of his aides, eyes progressively widening out of shock as his aide whispered into his ears. "W-W-What?" he asked out loud before his aide frowned and simply nodded to his Sovereign. Dragojev swallowed as he shakily took his cup, sincerely hoping that the tea would calm his severely frayed nerves as the lukewarm liquid went down bitterly down his throat.

 

The Sovereign placed his cup back on the table as best as he could, "I-It would appear, your excellency, that we have far bigger concerns than this issue with Sparta because from what my aide has told me, the Spartan nation has fallen. I had left orders as always, that should in the case of the Spartan nation collapsing for whatever reason, I sincerely must apologize knowing that they were your allies to the end but I could not let any foreign power outside of European origin to claim the lands of the Greek and Italian region. Yet, it appears to be that the Kingdom shall to go to war as Carthage intends to claim the lands of their former ally as their own," he replied shakily before shaking his head, knowing that he had to calm his nerves to ensure unity in the face of this coming conflict, that much he did know.

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As Romanian authorities were not slow to report such important matters to their monarch, Maria would be handed a note at about the same time. Sitting their for a minute, she would turn even more pale, glaring at the servant who had delivered the note, and who himself seemed more than anxious, fearing someone might shoot the messenger. But after the minute of silence, she'd just write a short response with orders and returned the note.

 

All the while Kralj Dragojev talked, Maria would remain silent and pretty much resigned, giving him an occassional glare, as the Queen of the Romanians contemplated her options and listened to Dragojev's words. After a while, two servants came, one carrying a large pile of papers, another a bottle of liquor and a glass. Quickly, the Queen shifted through the papers, even after the Kralj had ended, jotting down notes and signing documents, while mumbling a few words that were just impossible to be understood. Otherwise, it would be silent for a short while. Only after having used up around ten minutes for producing a small pile of documents, which Maria quickly handed to the servant to deliver to the relevant authorities, the Queen poured herself a glass of liquor and gulped it down.

 

"Seems like that's the case. Well, I guess this makes things better... or worse." Maria would sit there, somewhat out of it, aimlessly glaring at the wall opposite of her. "And what do you think will come from war?"

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The Kralj would laugh, a rather pitiful sound before he glared at the contents of his tea for several moments, taking the time to think. "Frankly, your excellency, I never wanted this to happen, not like this. This was my second greatest fear now slowly becoming a reality in front of my eyes," the Sovereign of Yugoslavia replied as he took a sip of his tea, not as bitter as he rallied himself around.

 

"War will bring what it has always brought. Pain and bloodshed. Even still, the Kingdom will stand tall against this..." Dragojev would trail off for a second or two, "...invasion of the Balkans. Frankly, your excellency, I care not what Carthage thinks it has a right to but no Balkan land shall be under foreign rule. Never again."

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Maria would stare at the Kralj in disbelief for a moment, raising an eyebrow, as if wondering whether the man was joking. "You are a fool indeed." She stated bluntly, not really caring what Dragojev thought about the statement. After all, he was about to throw away greater parts of his military anyway. Not like he'd cause much trouble at this rate. Slowly, the Queen poured herself another glass of her liquor, before gulping it down. Now, sufficiently intoxicated, Maria stood up, leaned across the table, raised her hand and slapped Dragojev for good.

 

"Are you some kind of special idiot? If you want to do something for the Balkan people, go get a grip. Carthage is tied to most of Africa, has ties to god knows whom and a first-rate military. Yugoslavia, well, not going to insult your warrior spirit, but you are goddamn alone. If you want to commit suicide, shoot yourself. If you want to be a martyr, get a rifle and fight the Carthaginians on your own, but stop wasting your subjects away. Don't you love your own people? Stop being pathetic!", she'd shout in his face, as she could not stand the sight any longer. "You aren't just anyone, you are the King of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. You got responsibilities and you better take them serious."

 

Still fuming, but now considerably less tense, Maria would sit down again. "You know, I also could not stand Alvonia and had to go to war... but guess what... I made sure I'd at least win. It's not about what you have here..." She'd point at the Kralj's arm. "...or here..." She'd point at his heart. "As King, it is about what you got here." She'd point at Dragojev's head. "It is not strength or honour, that makes a good monarch, but cunning and proper planning. Our heads aren't just for carrying funny hats and crowns. Now use that pitiful head of yours." As she finished, she'd cheerfully pour herself her third glass of the meeting. "Also want one?"

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The Sovereign could hear the shocked gasps of his aides, raising a hand to cradle his throbbing cheek while motioning with the other to his aides, making sure they stopped any outward reactions against the Regină as he rubbed his slapped cheek. He let his hand drop before chuckling mirthlessly, "To some degree, your excellency, you are right for Yugoslavia is indeed alone," he responded with as he tilted his head back, staring at the room's ceiling before glaring at something unseen. "Leading a black ops special forces team is easy compared to leading a country, your excellency, and frankly I'm just an upstart using his family name and history as the first known vassal of the first Serbian Principality to do his best to better his people and the region," he admitted to the fellow Monarch before shaking his head.

 

"However, I do take my responsibilities seriously, your excellency. The Kingdom is one of a very small minority in this world who doesn't believe in Imperialism, considering the history our people went through underneath Imperialism but we are stuck and surrounded by Imperialists who try hard to hide it under 'National interests' but regardless we all know what lies underneath it," barked the Kralj as he glared harder at the unseen object in the ceiling. "We try to do our best to do what is right and honorable, yet we're surrounded on all sides by imperialists, so I do hope you understand that our position is but nigh impossible to do when our own neighbors can't help but dismiss it all the way to the wall."

 

Dragojev sighed hard, gritting his teeth before slumping slightly in his chair, "And for that, we are truly alone in this world," he whispered before shaking his head at the offer of drink, "I'm sorry, your excellency, but alcohol was what killed the last of my family, so I hope you don't take offense to my refusal to partake in it," he said in reply to the offer as he thought of ways he could improve Yugoslavia's standing, for isolation would not help anyone in the Balkans at all.

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Maria chuckled, sipping from her glass, putting away the bottle, given her guest did not want any. "Well, my ancestors have been ruling these lands for quite some time, for I carry my title not just for show. On the one hand, I descent from the Kings of the Romanians, on the other, from the good old house of Hunedoara." She sighed. "Yet, my blood is just as red as anyone's. Kralj Dragojev, our ancestors were once upstarts too. However, they managed to rise up and improved their house and country. And they did so, not because they were necessarily strong, but because they were smart. Or at least... smarter than all the houses that fell..."

 

As Maria mused on the topic of royalty, she'd suddenly stop, realising she had trailed off somewhere. "Well, while I cannot throw Romania into a war over Greece, given it is kind of bad for the national interests of our country, it's not our objective to see another war in the region. We would sincerely hope the situation in Greece can be resolved peacefully and without lasting hostility between the Carthaginians and Yugoslavia. Maybe there can be an agreement with them so that at some point in the future an independent Greek state can arise again, which could be a positive contribution to the Balkans and the Mediterranean. I would hope that you people are just more reasonable, less antagonistic and open to working on greater stability." The Queen pondered on her own words for a bit. The room was quite silent, as seemingly both of them were not in that great a mood and Maria still silently lamented the turn of events on the Balkans. "Well, the strong do what they can... the weak suffer what they must... that is the way it works, whether you like it or not...", she suddenly mumbled, citing ancient wisdom. "If the Kralj does not like that, he better become strong first and use strength for justice later, because noone ever got strong from being just alone..."

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Dragojev would smile at the Regină's words, the wisdom ringing true in his soul. If Yugoslavia wanted to do what was right and honorable for its neighbors, it needed to get stronger and have allies and friends before he frowned momentarily. The Kralj sincerely had not wanted for Romania and his Kingdom's friendship becoming closer on the onset of the Spartan nation's collapse, definitely not in this way or fashion.

 

"The Kingdom does not want any African influence or foreign influence within the Balkans or possessing troops within the Peninsula outside of leased land or ports, your excellency, but you are right that we'll be alone in this endeavor and laziness will not do," Dragojev replied with as he turned his gaze back on his fellow monarch, smiling warmly at Maria, "I sincerely appreciate your candor and honesty, Regină Maria, and I was wrong that Yugoslavia is alone," he admitted to his fellow royal, "For there is and always has been, Romania and you, your excellency."

 

The Kralj turned his gaze towards one of the room's windows, "Regardless, we will 'bite' the bullet and do our best endeavor to ensure peace and that the Balkans have some say within the Greek region and likewise with the Italian Peninsula. After all, have to be consistent in our efforts of diplomacy," he quipped before letting out a sigh, gently rubbing the bridge of his nose once more.

Edited by Rudolph
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Maria looked at Dragojev's words in surprise, astonished. How had the situation turned out like this? She was at a loss of words and looked at the Kralj, half wondering, half drunk from the fair quantity of liquor she had consumed already. Was it the alcohol that caused her to not know how to respond or was there really no retort? For a good few minutes, the Queen would be at a loss of words, her stare turning blank, before she leaned back in her chair, sighed and started to laugh. "You are just too much. What to make of you? And... there's no helping it. You can't let these people go..."

 

"Ah, well...", Maria would stop laughing and eye Dragojev for a moment before stating in a rather carefree tone. "Before this will be another meeting with no result that can be presented, I'll offer you the following - Yugoslavia returns the Romanian provinces it occupies, as well as recognises the Romanian claim to the Bosporus, in return, I'll sign a non-aggression pact. At least this time, you shall not have to worry about your flank." For a moment she wondered whether she had been too lenient, then again, the returns were also not little. But... objectively... it was a mediocre deal at best. Surely not the best she could achieve. Still, Maria did not feel like beating on Dragojev really. Well... to be honest, she had literally beaten him just moments ago. But yeah... Maria was slightly sulking...

 

Then, suddenly, she'd start grinning mischievously. "Well, I trust you to sort matters with Carthage in a reasonable fashion. But you better visit me again afterwards. And may God have mercy on you if that third time you don't have something worthwhile to present for relations."

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Dragojev raised an eyebrow at the fellow monarch's 'deal', blinking a bit in shock at the rather sudden proposal. "I-I'm a bit unsure as to the sudden request for the Romanian provinces, your excellency. Is it because you fear that the Yugoslavian Kingdom shall go to war with Carthage?" he questioned his fellow royal before shaking his head, "We never feared or worried about our 'flank' to begin with when it came to the borders that we share, because even had we gone to war, I and the Kingdom trust your word that it would have been an honorable affair all around between the two of us, your excellency."

 

The Kralj blinked before groaning, "We have no intentions of going to war with Carthage at this time, at best, it'd be complete suicide as we would stand alone like you mentioned earlier, and honestly, Regină Maria, all you had to do was simply ask us if you wished for recognition of the claim on the Bosporus given that both Greek states have fallen. That said, the Kingdom would be more than happy to recognize the claim on the Bosporus as long as Romania accepts to return the City of World's Desire to a suitable and extremely Balkan-friendly Greek state."

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Maria looked quite a bit displeased at the statement, but overall, it seemed, the Balkans could be a more quiet location. Still, Constantinople was no easy matter to discuss. "The city of Constanopolis will be for now under Romanian administration. I do not promise to return it to just any Greek state, however should a Greek state arise, which seems stable, contributing to the region and can provide us with the necessary securities and guarantees that the Straits will not be used against us, we are willing to discuss a return. But... as long as we do not see such a state, the city will remain in Romanian stewardship and will not be surrendered to anyone." Maria doubted there'd be a Greek state anytime soon, not to mention, one fulfilling the criteria. But as it stood, hardly any Romanian lived in the town, so why bother much.

 

"Then I'd guess I'll hereby request the return of Romania's provinces. Do not take me the wrong way, Kralj Dragojev. I do trust you to be a good steward of your people for the most part. However, we are a nation state and define ourselves as such. And, the lack of these provinces, many in Romania feel it is making the nation somewhat 'incomplete'. And I do think, it'd be better to have this matter fully resolved, in a matter that is reasonable and respects the ethnic realities, than to have such a portion of Romanians outside Romania for no other reason, but because I felt like it. It is my duty after all, to care for all Romanians, and I'd rather do so directly and without signing part of them away, even if it is a sign of friendly intentions to you." The Queen explained, wondering where this relation would go, with its strangest of developments.

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Dragojev nodded at her words, "Considering the instability of the former Greek states, it's acceptable to the Kingdom that Romania shall be the steward of Constantinople until such a Greek state as you outlined exists within the Balkans," the Kralj agreed with as he smiled, "With regards to the Romanian provinces, I do believe that is acceptable, I was merely curious as to the reason of the request before fully handing the Romanian provinces back to its proper country."

 

"I'll admit, that I'll miss having such provinces semi-incorporated into the Kingdom. The Romanians living within them certainly made for interesting times as has being neighbors as well, your excellency," the Sovereign joked in good nature before nodding at one of his aides, who simply nodded back at his Kralj and started to write down the exact orders to transfer the Romanian provinces from the Kingdom to the Romanian Monarch while the Kralj took his cup once more, finally finishing his tea regardless of how lukewarm it was.

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Maria sighed, staring at the wall for a short moment. "Well, I guess we have somewhat of an agreement then? You will always be able to visit these people, they are just across the border." Although it was a bit of a gain, the Queen was sulking. Overall, the recent events were just... kind of frustrating. A sad joke. "Kralj Dragojev, I guess it always is good to know who your friends are and whom to rely on. You can be upright like a saint... in the end, we all will fail when we try struggle against the dark depths of human nature. The world after all, what is it worth? The human heart is greedy, it is weak and easily corrupted by the insatiable desire for more. These are the sad creatures we are..." Somehow, Maria would feel that she had drunk enough for now, given she just threw at a foreign head of state her own private depression. But well, not like she had many others that would bother listen. The staff most likely hated her anyway. Still, it was hardly appropriate. Summoning some remaining high spirit, Maria would smile faintly. "Excuse, I think the liquor is getting to me. If you don't mind, I'd think we discussed quite enough for today and it might be better to put a finish to it soon. I would hope, you visit me again, once matters on Greece are settled..."

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The Kralj would nod somewhat at her request as he stood from his chair, his aides following suit. "I am far from a saint, your excellency, I just believe in continuing to do what is right and honorable, that is all. I'm still a human just as you, with my faults and vices and all."

 

"That said, your excellency, should you ever wish to resume this particular discussion between ourselves, I'd be more than happy to help a friend," he says with a polite smile as he raises a hand, running his digits through his brown locks for while he may have not agreed with the Regină's words on humanity in general, he still trusted her as a friend and so would his Kingdom.

 

"The Kingdom and I thank you for your hospitality, Regină Maria, and know that in any case, we will be there to aid you when you request it," the Kralj stated before bowing respectfully at his fellow Royal in a show of respect, Dragojev and his entourage swiftly leaving the room and being escorted to their motorcade.

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