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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Feb 23, 2015 17:42:08 GMT
Spain has made it clear to France that their presence in the Spanish Netherlands amounts to a hostile occupation. There appears to be no other reason for this other than the evil machinations f the vile 'Sun King,' who has betrayed the goodwill afforded to them by His Majesty King Charles II. Spain wish to try anything in their means to avert war, and ask the Pope to oversee negotiations between the two parties.
Spain makes it very clear that their priority is to defend their European territories and overseas colonies. They will not shy away from war if pushed.
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Post by Pope on Feb 23, 2015 19:39:48 GMT
The Pope hears of the request by the Spanish Government while in Poland. He finishes his Holy Mission in Poland, and returns to the Papal States in order to properly oversee the negotiations. Both parties are cordially invited to send delegations to the Vatican in order to discuss the matter.
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Feb 23, 2015 20:16:09 GMT
Charles opts to send his religious adviser, Diego Valadares, who happens to also be the Grand Inquisitor of Spain. Known for his ruthlessness and dogmatism, he is perhaps the best person to reliably demonstrate the way Charles feels about this particular dispute.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2015 12:07:25 GMT
The Médecin Mabuse arrives in leisurely good time.
He carries with him details regarding the explicit murder of a French diplomatic representative at the hands of one of the stooges of the bewitched King of Spain's advisers and the Sun King's authority to raise questions regarding what terms of redress Spain has to offer.
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Feb 25, 2015 12:31:39 GMT
Valadares condemns Louis' hostility, these are afterall peaceful negotiations. He also asks on what authority France accuses King Charles, or one of his advisers, for the alleged murder of Remy Catillon. He makes three key points: the cause of death was undeterminable, and it can best be assumed he wandered home drunk from a whorehouse and was brutally mugged; secondly Catillon was a valido of the Queen, who also happens to be French, his death serves the court no good purpose; and finally, why would Spain work to increase tensions whilst pushing for peaceful settlement to the current dispute with France?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2015 12:51:01 GMT
"Your Holy Father, regardless of the dubiousness of the barrel-bottom scratched defense of the Spanish delegate, Catillon ought to have been afforded the diplomatic protection of the Spanish state, an obligation the Spanish state failed to abide by. It is quite obviously true that he was killed. By whom? A moot point. We are free to speculate. But I emphasize that by the right and dignity you afford the Kingdom of France, redress is sought by us. The precedent this sets regarding what courtesy diplomats can expect from foreign powers is grave."
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Post by Pope on Feb 25, 2015 13:02:52 GMT
The Pope graciously receives the delegations, and sits down to mediate.
"I have heard both cases," said the Pope, "I would be prepared, if necessary, to send some of my Swiss Guard to investigate the unfortunate affair of Remy Catillon. They will be an impartial third party. In the meantime, I have heard that the French Government is making steps towards establishing a bank. If this is the case, and I have heard accurately, 5000 ducats are required to begin the process. As a gesture of good faith, I suggest the Spanish Crown front this small amount as a gesture of good faith. I will pray for his soul, and I now consider the matter closed for the duration of this meeting."
"I shall turn to the matter of occupation. French troops have indeed moved from the Spanish Netherlands, and I favour forbidding their return. Spain is quite capable of protecting itself with the grand army recently bought. I will hear your thoughts."
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Feb 25, 2015 13:08:38 GMT
'With pardon, your Holiness, I'm told Catillon reeked of alcohol, and was found in a conveniently dangerous alleyway in Madrid. It is my belief, not necessarily that of the King, that he had a severe dependency on alcohol and went out in search of more of the devil's liquor, or indeed to visit a whorehouse. They are the only explanations for him being in that location at the time of his tragic departure. His death was the result of a blatant disregard for his own safety and the Spanish Crown bears no responsibility.'
'Indeed, we will consent to a Papal investigation into the matter. We will front the 5,000, but on the inevitable discovery that the ambassador was killed by his own sinful existence the French will have to agree to return the funds.'
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2015 13:13:30 GMT
The French delegation welcomes and marvels at so wise the council of the Holy Pontiff. They welcome the Pope's offer to investigate the murder of the French ambassador to Spain and graciously concede to the Pope's wish that French troops should abstain from transgressing Spain's foreign European possessions.
The Médecin thanks the Pope for suggesting that perhaps Spain could subsidize the establishment of the new national bank of France but must decline. France wishes not to add more strain on already stretched Spanish finances.
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Post by Pope on Feb 25, 2015 13:23:07 GMT
The Pope is secretly flattered by the reactions. He beckons to the Cardinal, and whispers orders to begin the investigations into the death of Remy Catillon.
He is happy at the news that French troops will not return to the Netherlands, and with the overall proceedings.
"Now," he continues, "I urge both nations to come together in a spirit of Catholic brotherhood. I will peace in Europe. I believe it strongly to be God's Will also."
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2015 13:28:57 GMT
The Médecin echoes the Pope's sage council and reiterates the Sun King's wish to ensure to prolonged peace of Europe. Before departing he informs the Pope of the Sun King's wish to serve the Pontiff in whatever capacity he can, wishing devoutly to be his most loyal and pious servant-sovereign.
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Post by Pope on Feb 25, 2015 13:31:48 GMT
"Bless you, and bless the King," replies the Pope, "I shall remember his solemn promise."
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