Chapter 395: Preparing for the Constitutional Convention (1/2)

On the following morning, Berengar rose bright and early with a sense of fatigue. He once more had most of the energy drained from his body as he entertained his wives. More importantly, he had an important meeting later in the day, and thus there was little time for him to relax.

With this in mind, he quickly finished his morning routine before heading out the door of the royal palace; as he sat within his carriage, he carried a briefcase filled with important documents regarding his five-year plan.

His destination was simple; it was the temporary residence of his Uncle and father-in-law, Chancellor Otto von Graz. Since their victory in their war for Independence seven months ago, Austria had become a sovereign Kingdom.

However, despite this, they had until now operated under a Constitution designed while they were still a subservient Duchy. With this in mind, Berengar now felt it was time to hold a Constitutional Convention. The purpose behind this was to draft a new Constitution for an Independent Austria. This was Berengar's reason for visiting his Uncle on this fine morning.

After knocking on the door a solid three times, the door opened to reveal a young maid. With the abolishment of serfdom, servants such as maids and butlers now had to be paid a living wage. Despite this, it was a highly desirable position as, generally speaking, housing and meals were accommodated as part of the position.

The young maid stared in shock as she realized that the man standing before her was the King of Austria; it took her a few moments to pay her respects to Berengar, where she quickly kneeled in front of him and apologized for her lack of decorum.

”Your Highness, I apologize; I was just surprised to see you here. I will go alert his Grace of your presence right away.”

As the young girl departed, Berengar waited inside the entrance of Otto's chateau for a few minutes before the man arrived; he was dressed in nothing but a silk robe and had an unpleasant expression on his face; it would appear as if he was still sleeping when Berengar arrived.

Nevertheless, the moment he saw his nephew and son-in-law standing before him in a military uniform, he realized that more important matters were afoot. Thus Otto greeted Berengar with a warm smile before leading him into the study.

”Your Highness, I was not expecting your visit so early in the morning. I apologize for my improper appearance. Please wait in my study; I will have young Magdelen here attend to your needs while I tidy up.”

Berengar merely nodded his head in silence, signaling to his Uncle that he approved. Afterward, the older man rushed up the stairs and into his bathroom, where he began to bathe and select appropriate attire for the meeting.

While this was going on, Berengar noticed the maid eying him carefully as if he were a wolf, and she was a lamb. Evidently, his reputation as a womanizer had preceded him, seeing as how the girl seemed to be exceptionally cautious around him.

Nevertheless, Berengar had no interest in a lowly maid; if he took up another lover, she would have to be at least a Princess. Thus Berengar put on a friendly smile as he gave an order to the young maid in a polite and delicate manner.

”Magdelen, was it? I would greatly appreciate it if you would fetch me a cup of coffee.”

The girl instantly nodded her head in silence and scurried off like a frightened rabbit as she began to prepare what her monarch had requested. Before long, she returned with a fresh glass of black coffee, where Berengar immediately began to request another favor.

”Please, if you would add some milk and sugar, that would be most welcome.”

The maid instantly nodded in silence and fetched a fresh glass of milk and a sugar cube that she skillfully mixed into the ceramic cup. After doing so, she asked the question on her mind.

”Is there anything else you require, your majesty?”

However, Berengar merely shook his head as he responded to her inquiry.

”No, you have done wonderfully, thank you.”

The girl instantly blushed as she heard this and ran off into the background; she knew it was best not to stick her nose into the business of the nobility, especially the King of Austria. After a while, Otto returned in his noblest attire before sitting down across from Berengar, where he opened up the conversation with small talk.

”So, how is my daughter treating you? I hope she hasn't been causing you too much trouble...”

Berengar smiled as he heard this and placed down his cup upon the small plate provided with it.

”Quite the contrary, I greatly enjoy her company; with her around, I find my workload much easier to handle. However, due to her pregnancy, she and the others are a little bit, shall we say... moody.”

Otto chuckled briefly when he heard this before sizing up Berengar in his new field uniform. Afterward, he inquired about the state of his attire.