As he had stepped off the boat Francesco had realised just how Castile was a different place, despite being in decline there was still an air of wealth and power in the nation that had not long ago been the most powerful in the known world. They'd sailed straight into the Port of Jaca, still a prominent trading outpost and more importantly Castile's capital city, not long after they departed the port Francesco, his mother and father had gotten into a gilded carriage that was to take them to the Royal Palace.
The visit was important to Francesco's father, Magistrate Alberto Morrette was the brother of Siecle's current Gonfaloniere, and since the Gonfaloniere was childless that would make Alberto his de'facto heir. If only de'facto was enough, Siecle had been plagued by instability caused by power grabs for decades now, the Morrette family had rightfully ruled the city for over a century, with many interruptions. This was the first time that the heir was a younger brother rather than a son, and Magistrate Alberto knew this would make his claim weaker, as many others will launch their own claims. Thus powerful allies were required, and who were more powerful than the King of Castile, the King of Aquitiane and the Queen of Mercia? Magistrate Alberto was confident that anyone ally would strengthen him enough to secure his bid. Especially given his knowledge about the Gonfaloniere's illness, that wasn't yet public knowledge. With any luck he will have his alliance struck, and will be able to take the seat of Gonfaloniere with out opposition when the time comes.
"Make sure you are on your best behavior Francesco" Alberto said sternly after he noticed the carriage draw up at the palace, "these continentals can be strict with formalities, you are not to speak out of turn, or unless permission is granted"
"Are they all like that?.. I thought only the Mercian's were so rigid" Francesco replied facetiously.
"I think they get worse the further north you go" Francesco's mother, Lady Elena, speculated, "the Aqutiaines may seem promiscuous but I've heard they're unyielding when it comes to formalities"
"Nice to have an open mind Elena" Alberto said sarcastically, "these people are important to me... to us. If you wish to be Gonfaloniere one day Frankie then you have to understand the importance of diplomacy."
"Yes father" Francesco said obediently, "atleast it's warm and sunny here!"
"Won't see much of that when we go north. Cold, wet and gloomy.. especially Mercia" Elena said, her prejudice toward the northern nations undisguised.
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