The son of the God-Emperor in Warhammer Fantasy

The Imperial Congress was convened as scheduled in the magnificent dome of Brunswick's palace, gathering the Electorate, the most powerful figures of the Empire.

The attendees included:

Emperor Karl-Franz-Friedrich of Brunswick, Prince of Reikland, and Grand Duke of Brunswick.

Elector Boris Todbringer, Duke of Middenland (also known as Middenheim), and Grand Baron of Middenheim.

Elector Umberto Corleone, Grand Duke of Averland, and Grand Baron of Averheim.

Elector Gianni Benadino, Duke of Wissenland, and Grand Baron of Wissenburg.

Elector Vamir von Rukov, Duke of Ostland.

Elector Wolfram Hertwig, Speaker of the Ostmark Alliance and Elector of Bechafen.

Baron Theodorich Gausser, rightful heir to the Kingdom of Nordland and Duke of Nordland.

Archbishop Wickmar Beckmann of the Church of Justice.

Archbishop Kastellan of the Church of Life.

Archbishop Aglim of the Church of Magic.

In addition, four other Electors caught Ryan's attention:

Elector Edelbrand Ludenhof of Hochland, the only Elector not holding a ducal title due to the small size of Hochland. His domain was about one-fifth the size of Middenland, with even less territory actually under human control, thus he was only a Grand Baron overseeing a few baronies.

Edelbrand Ludenhof, a tall, thin man with a horse-like face, was surprisingly strong. Known for his love of hunting, he spent most of the year in his southern Hochland hunting lodge, only returning to his capital Hezig during winter.

Elector Helmut Feuerbach of Talabecland, previously mentioned, will not be reintroduced here.

Two other Electors were particularly notable:

The first was a Halfling, Esmer Stouthart, the "Elder of Moot," who, despite his advanced age and stature of only 1.2 meters, was helped into the venue, greeting everyone warmly.

The Mootland, a unique province of the Empire, was known as the "Mootland Autonomous Region." After the Empire's conquest of the Halflings' homeland, it was initially split between Stirland and Averland. However, following centuries of Halfling resistance and uprisings, Savior Ludwig, during a supply crisis, accepted a substantial tribute and a promise of timely tax payments from the Halflings, and the New Empire returned the land to them, granting them one Electoral vote. Although they had a say in electing the Emperor, the Halflings were not allowed to participate in the Empire's governance, serving merely as ceremonial figures.

Mootland, known as a "fairy-tale world," was one of the most scenic regions in the Old World, where Halflings thrived in peace, content with their autonomous existence under the protection of surrounding Imperial forces, rarely touched by war.

Esmer Stouthart was an eccentric figure. Initially undecided between Karl-Franz and Boris Todbringer, the Emperor, heeding his courtiers' advice, bribed the Elder with a lavish feast, ten bags of oat cakes, and twenty barrels of fine malt beer, securing his decisive vote for Emperor Karl.

The last Elector was Albert Haupt-Anderson, Elector of Utterbad and Duke of Stirland, notable for his simple attire of wool shirts, trousers, and a fur coat, unlike the silk-clad nobility present.

Stirland was the poorest province in the Empire, lacking the mineral wealth of Nordland or the quality timber exports of Hochland. Its pastoral and fur trade flourished in Ostland, where nearby gold mines in Wolfenburg, despite centuries of extraction, still produced astonishing yields, ensuring Elector Vamir von Rukov never worried about finances.

Stirland, mountainous and forested with barren land yielding little, struggled annually with famine, forcing its people to subsist on "rock bread" (a blend of coarse flour, bran, sawdust, and a significant amount of rock powder), noted for its filling quality but minimal nutritional value.

Stirland's only export was wine, though not high-quality, as planting grapes on precious arable land would starve more people. Hence, local wines were mostly low to mid-quality, but authentically pure, a rare quality in the Empire.

Complicating matters, Sylvannia, part of Stirland, burdened the province further. Following the Vampire Wars, Duke Martin of Stirland annihilated Mannfred von Carstein and his undead forces at the Battle of Hel Fenn, destroying all vampire castles in Sylvannia and integrating the region into Stirland. This "gift" proved a heavy burden, as the cursed land bred relentless undead, necessitating a substantial border force for frequent skirmishes

, nearly bankrupting Stirland.

Elector Anderson, originally favoring Boris Todbringer, switched allegiance to Karl-Franz after promises of food aid for his people, illustrating his profound love for his subjects and the stark contrast between wealthy Reikland and impoverished Stirland.

As the Congress commenced, Emperor Karl-Franz opened with a speech recounting the Empire's glorious history and the High Elves' assistance during the Great Crusade. Tigris, the supreme archmage of the White Tower of Hoeth from the High Elf kingdom of Saphery, then expressed his concerns about the Chaos threat.

If the Empire could not withstand the Chaos invasion from the north, the domains of Chaos would continue to expand, and the world would irreversibly succumb to corruption. Since the Great Crusade, the number of Chaos adherents in the Old World had steadily increased.

Tigris proposed that in the event of a significant Chaos invasion, the Emperor should unify the Electors' forces to confront the threat collectively rather than independently.

Ryan, attending the Congress in an unofficial personal capacity, representing neither Brittany nor the Grail Knights, could only observe.

Tigris's proposal plunged the assembly into debate.

"Elector Tigris, we respect you," began Elector Wolfram Hertwig, Speaker of the Ostmark Alliance, "Savior Ludwig taught us that a united Empire is stronger than a divided one. Our great Empire has fragmented many times in history, but we have always remained steadfast as Imperials." He continued, addressing Tigris, "However, Elves should not interfere in Imperial internal affairs. How we form alliances is our own business."

"Elves will not interfere in Imperial governance, but we too face the threat of Chaos," Tigris responded calmly. "Our intention is to offer friendly advice to our human allies, not to offend."

"Then this matter should be discussed within an Imperial internal meeting. I don't understand why you, Lord Tigris, need to attend the Imperial Congress to endorse Karl-Franz," said Boris Todbringer gruffly, his one eye glaring at Tigris and the silent Emperor. "Is our Emperor suggesting that he has a High Elf ally to coerce us Electors into obedience, threatening us with a meteor if we disobey?"

"I have no such intention, Boris..." the Emperor quickly interjected. "My point is that the High Elves are willing to aid the Empire, but they hope for more unity within it..."

"Only the High Elves can defeat Chaos? My FNNDP!" Elector Helmut Feuerbach of Talabecland bluntly stated. "Do the High Elves still think they rule the world? They must be living in a dream!"

Tigris, not particularly adept at rhetoric, struggled to maintain composure under the Electors' aggressive questioning. If he spoke too sharply, the alliance might fail; too meekly, and it wouldn't reflect the High Elves' style.

"Let's remain calm, gentlemen," the Emperor intervened. "We are here to discuss and suggest, not to coerce anyone. Please feel free to express your views without escalating to racial or personal attacks."

Tigris's proposal aligned with the Emperor's interests. Since his accession, Karl-Franz had continually sought to strengthen his authority and centralize power. For now, the Electors had set aside their differences to collaborate, but the Emperor's commands rarely extended beyond Reikland, and the Electors adhered to his orders only when beneficial (or at least not harmful) to themselves.

However, this was already an improvement from the past.

"Perhaps allowing the Emperor to unify us against Chaos is advantageous, or perhaps the High Elves can provide us with necessary support against Chaos," Anderson, Duke of Stirland, expressed his concerns. "But what about other threats? The undead of Sylvannia, the greenskins of the Badlands, and the countless beastmen tribes in the forests? Will the High Elves help us with those too?"

"If we can't protect ourselves, how can we unite against the Chaos forces?" Anderson's gesture was vigorous, his fur coat slipping to reveal patches on his wool shirt underneath.

"Agreed," said Umberto Corleone, Grand Duke of Averland and Elector of Toscana, raising his hand.

"Seconded," added Helmut Feuerbach, Duke and Elector of Talabecland.

Gianni Benadino, the young Elector of Wissenland and Duke of Wissenburg, hesitated before also raising his hand, prompted by his advisers: "I second the motion."

The Emperor and Tigris frowned.

Why did these provincial Electors agree?

Because they didn't face the direct threat of Chaos. In their view, they wouldn't be the first attacked, so their interest in unifying was minimal; instead, they each had their own considerations.

Everyone understood the threat of Chaos, but awareness is one thing; facing it at your doorstep is another. Humans, or

 rather mortals, often repeat historical tragedies, not feeling the crisis until it's upon them, focused mainly on their interests until the fire is at their door.

The Emperor sighed, lamenting humanity's forgetfulness. High Elves had long lives, Dwarfs had their Book of Grudges, but humans lacked these traits. After Savior Ludwig's disappearance, the Electors again settled into self-governance, shutting their doors to live their own lives.

"Gentlemen! Will you only awaken when Chaos knocks on the palace doors?" Elector Boris Todbringer suddenly spoke, his remaining eye ablaze with anger. "Are you all content with just ruling your own lands? Are you even Imperials?!"

"The Empire must unite!" shouted Baron Edelbrand of Hochland and Elector Ludenhof. "For Charlemagne, for the Empire!"

"The Empire lives on! The Empire is eternal!" Emperor Karl-Franz stood up, his face marked with divine rage, rising from his seat: "Enough! If you think this is enough, then let's vote! Tell me, citizens of the Empire! Unite or divide and be conquered in isolation? I, Emperor Karl-Franz-Friedrich, await your answer here! Don't forget, the scars left by Chaos on Imperial soil are quietly watching you!"

"Begin the vote!"

Intimidated by the Emperor's shout, the Electors bowed their heads like defeated roosters, penning their opinions with quill and ink.

Fourteen parchment sheets (the Elder of Moot had no say in internal politics) were presented to Archbishop Wickmar of the Church of Justice.

"Eight votes in favor! Two abstentions, four against!"

"By the authority of Emperor Charlemagne and the God of Justice, I hereby declare the alliance formed!"

—Updated! Please vote!

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