Ulzhite-Lusatian diplomacy

[Greywall]

A formal invitation would be sent to Lusatia, inquiring a sit down between Prime Minister Dyek and the Lusatian government.

[alxeu]

The Lusatian government sent back a letter of acceptance, and informed the Ulzhite government that Feliks Sobieski (the son of the Duke of Lesser Lusatia, consisting of the lands around Sośnicowice and Piaski Voivodeships) would be attending on behalf of the Lusatian government.

[Greywall]

The meeting would take place in the Grand Assembly Hall near the Winter Palace, the Hall was home to Parliament and the chamber of the Prime Minister. A formal escort and entourage for the Lusatian Duke would be made to guarantee their safe arrival. Once they arrived, Prime Minister Dyek wearing a formal outfit would greet his guest, "Welcome to Ulzhitz, Duke Sobieski, I hope your trip was a pleasant."

[alxeu]

"Thank you for your welcome, Prime Minister Dyek, but my father is Duke Sobieski, he's not dead yet," he joked.

"Please, if you must use a title, call me Lord Sobieski, as custom would dictate, or just Ambassador Sobieski, while I'm here for diplomacy with your nation. Speaking of which, your country is lovely, and while the mountains demarcating our border are treacherous in the winter, they are a sight to behold in warmer months, all the same."

"Before I forget, I've brought with me the customary gift my King likes to offer as a gift to fellow monarchs, in your case, your Kaiser, Radzig Mannerheim IV."

He produces from his belongings a bottle of wine.

"It is a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, produced from the vineyards of Trzebinia. 1947 vintage, fine stuff, reportedly the finest vintage in a hundred years. Personally, I prefer the Chardonnay from the fields in the Piaski Voivodeship, though I may be a bit biased in that regard."

[Greywall]

"Apologies, and thank you for your thoughtful gift. I will relay this to King Radzig at once, the King also sends his regards but he is tied up with matters of the state. Please make yourself home here, we have fine cuisine and drink ready for when you're ready."

[alxeu]

"I fully understand how busy a King can get, even if there is an elected government in his nation. Our monarch has several roles and duties to perform even excluding his duties for the nation. So, what has been prepared to eat?"

[Greywall]

"We have our finest chefs cooking pork, reindeer, alcohol smoked salmon, an assortment of vegetables and of course our famous black or pale ale. If wished we can also have wine brought from the cellar."

[alxeu]

"That sounds delightful, all of it. If the ale is the preferred drink of the dinner, I shall partake of it."

Lord Sobieski would cough after this, trying to transition to the real point of the meeting.

"That being said, while we're waiting for the food to finish being prepared, I suppose we should get to business sooner, rather than later. As much as I enjoy fine banquets, I can't imagine that tonight's meal wasn't the only reason you invited me here. What it is that your government desires of Lusatia?"

[Greywall]

"Apologies, didn't mean for the distraction. To the point, Ulzhitz is in a position now where we solely rely on imported food from Lusatia. We would like to increase the flow of this trade with the lifting of tariffs and allow companies from both countries easier access to purchase goods from either country. The other issue...well i'm sure you're aware of our neighbor to the South. It's imperative we prevent another war, and the King would like to align our nation with Lusatia. Where we now rely on your food, let us provide something in return, we have the largest military force in the world and a proper Optional Defense Pact would give Lusatia protection from aggression. This in turn means Lusatia would defend the Federation, thus uniting our region in a way. Your thoughts?"

As Prime Minister Dyek went over the details of the meeting, several servers brought out large trays of food onto a long elegant table, proper steins were placed for ale and when Dyek mentioned pork he failed to mention that it would be a full spit roasted hog.

[alxeu]

As the copious amounts of food and ale were placed onto the table, Ambassador Sobieski would look with awe upon it, as, after all, even though he had never wanted for luxurious foods in Lusatia, the types of food offered in Ulzhitz were foreign delicacies to him. The presentation of the whole spit-roasted hog nearly made his stomach audibly rumble: the Ulzhitz government had truly prepared a meal worthy of nobility.

Somewhat distracted by the food as it was being brought out, Sobieski soon regained enough focus to respond,

"Well, uh, in regards to lifting tariffs, I believe such a deal can be easily arranged. The Agrarians in the government, along with the rural farmers of the nation, would love to see tariffs between our nations reduced, as it means more profit for them, overall. Furthermore, if there are items other than food you wish to purchase from Lusatia, I can let my government know, and we can reduce trade restrictions on the sale of 'strategic material' and other goods."

"As for a mutual defensive pact? I'm not immediately certain if my government would accept such a deal: we're no weaklings in terms of military strength, ourselves, and the Defense Ministry might be offended by the suggestion we'd need a mutual defensive pact with, well, anyone. However, the Tyvians have acted... erratically recently, to say the least, and while we've recognized Eonivelt, the potential dangers of a resurging power in the lands that were once Luclistan does concern the Prime Minister, especially given the nature of Eonivelt's creation. At the moment, I won't reject the possibility, as it will require a confirmation with the government back home before I agree to such a deal: economic treaties are easy, I can promise those, within reason, and expect the government to follow through with the agreement. Stuff like this, though, especially of what might end up being somewhat contentious within the cabinet, itself, requires confirmation with my government."

"If it is reassuring to you, though, I suspect the government would accept it, after some deliberation. If nothing else, it guarantees one of our neighbors wouldn't suddenly attack us. As previously mentioned, Tyvia has overreacted to us opening diplomacy with Eonivelt, and Eonivelt itself is somewhat of an unknown factor. I'll call my government once this dinner meeting is concluded, and they should have an answer ready for you by mid-afternoon tomorrow."

[Greywall]

"I understand, and meant no offense. If what you say about Tyvia is true...we've had some odd dealings with them as well, if they turn it would be disaster. We shall wait for your government's response on the defense pact. As for resources, I think we would want as much deregulation and tariff knock offs for more income between our two nations."

Dyek grabbed his stein and raised it, "If there's anything else, please say so, otherwise. Relax and enjoy yourself."

[alxeu]

Ambassador Sobieski partook of the dinner, and after making idle small talk for the rest of the dinner, thanked Prime Minister Dyek for the dinner, and promised to return with his government's answer the next day, presumably the next afternoon.

The next day, as he expected, Sobieski returned with news from his government, and after making the proper introductions once more, said,

"Well, the government responded favorably to all proposals. The National Imports and Exports Board will adjust the tariffs lower for your nation, to correlate with whatever your nation sets your tariffs to, and will make available at your request any resource Lusatia can afford to sell you. As for the defensive pact, I've been permitted to sign such an agreement of mutual assistance, all we need now is such an agreement to be signed."