Chapter 395: Preparing for the Constitutional Convention (2/2)
”So you're going off to war, I take it? You chose a good time; by the time you return home, your girls would have either already given birth or will be damn close to it. Meaning you will have to suffer less.”
A misleading smile formed curved itself upon Berengar's lips as memories of his achievements in battle flooded his mind, filling his sight and hearing as if he were hallucinating. His hands were as still as granite as he recounted the time he had spent engaging in pure unadulterated violence. Eventually, he broke free of the illusion and responded to Otto's line of questioning with an appropriate answer.
”Out of the frying pan and into the fire, huh? Actually, for the time being, I will be here, at home in Kufstein. Unless the situation within Iberia turns volatile and my presence becomes required, I will not participate in this campaign, no matter how much I desire to do so.
As for the uniform, quite honestly, I felt it was a good change of pace from the overly luxurious attire I usually wear. In my humble opinion, it makes me look more militaristic and utilitarian than my usual style, and I greatly admire those attributes.”
Otto immediately nodded his head silently in response to this statement. He sympathized with Berengar's point of view. Despite the fact that he did not partake in Austria's military, at least not since a centralized, professional force was established. He had still seen his fair share of war in the past.
Having engaged in small talk for an appropriate amount of time, Berengar sipped from his coffee once more before finishing it off; after doing so, he instantly switched the topic to his reason for visiting. After all, as King, he was a very busy man, and could not stay for long.
”Anyways, Uncle, this is not what I have come here to discuss with you. Instead, I have come to ask for your assistance. I am aware that you are well respected among the nobility of Austria; as the Chancellor of our Kingdom and the current Duke of Steiermark, you hold an advantageous position. Hence, I must request something of you.”
Otto's gaze shifted to a severe glint as he prepared himself for what Berengar was about to ask. By the sound of his nephew's voice, something serious was about to transpire; as such, he nodded his head before speaking in the affirmative.
”Whatever you require of me, so long as it is within my power, I will fulfill it to the best of my ability.”
Berengar naturally smiled when he heard this response; it was exactly what he wanted to hear. As such, he wasted no time and immediately began to inform his Uncle of the decision he had come to.”
”Uncle, it is no great secret that some of my reforms have been less than popular among the higher echelons of Austrian nobility. Some still refer to me as Usurper and Upstart. They look down upon my lineage rather than kneel before my achievements. I have no ill will towards them; they are old and stubborn fools refusing to change with the times.
Whenever a significant change occurs within a society, there will always be men like that. However, I do require their assistance. Soon I will be gathering together the heads of State and various noblemen from across the Kingdom for a matter of great importance.
Now that we are an independent Kingdom, the time has come to establish a Constitution worthy of our great Nation. Though I have done the groundwork with the previous renditions, they were never intended to be the final product.
With this in mind, I want all of the great men of Austria, whether they come from the nobility or the common populace, to come together and aid me in creating a system that will endure the test of time and take everyone's needs into account.
The fact of the matter is, with a simple request, I can quickly gain the support of the common men and that of the lesser nobility, for nobody has gained more during my time as a Monarch than they. However, I fear men of your caliber, the Dukes and Marquesses of Austria, will be a bit hesitant to join in on this Constitutional Convention of mine.
What I require of you is fairly simple, I would very much appreciate it if you could represent the interest of the higher nobility and call for this meeting as Chancellor before I make the announcement, so it appears as if I am not forcing my ideas onto everyone else yet again.”
After hearing this, Otto was silent for several moments; he did not make a single movement as he reflected on Berengar's speech. After a while, he finally sighed, and in doing so, nodded his head as he accepted the task bequeathed to him by his sovereign.
”Very well, I will make a public declaration in the coming days, requesting a Constitutional Convention; I will call upon you, and everyone you deem to be of importance to attend the meeting in the Reichstag where we will come to a consensus on what should, and should not be put into our Constitution. Though I must be honest, I fear that you are simply using this as a propaganda piece to satisfy those who have been less than agreeable with your reforms.”
Berengar chuckled when he heard this response; after doing so, he stood up from his seat and nodded his head with a smile etched upon his face before responding.
”Uncle, you know me so well... Very well, I will leave this task to you; after you make your declaration, I shall respond in agreement, where we will then set a date and time for the leaders of our society to gather in the Reichstag. I look forward to working with you in the future.”
After saying this, Berengar departed from Otto's temporary residence; it was only after he had ensured that his nephew was long gone that Otto dared to release his breath and utter the thoughts he had on his mind.
”No wonder he has three wives, the amount of work this fool endures is enough to put any man into an early grave...”
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