Kalistan

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Princess Regent joins Cliff House
Home in Dulnerstaad will be maintained during Regency
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 15, 5631


Her Highness Princess-Regent Michelle Ananto-Sandoval at Cliff House in Kaliburg

Her Highness, the Princess Regent Michelle Ananto-Sandoval has agreed to take an apartment in Cliff House, the home to the former Emperor Fredrick III Ananto and current home to both Their Highnesses Princess Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis and Minor Princess Margaret-Carolina Nicolette Ananto-DeLaurentis.

"I was invited to move back to Kaliburg from my home in Dulnerstaad to be closer to my family," said the Princess Regent.  "It is only a short train ride from Dulnerstaad to Kaliburg, but it was decided that everyone would just be happier with me staying at Cliff House for the remainder of the Regency."

Part of the move is practical:  The Office of the Emperor is adjacent to the residence at Cliff House, and the infrastructure necessary to support the office will not have to be transferred to Dulnerstaad if the Princess Regent lives and works Kaliburg.

"Commuting is kind of an issue," said Her Highness the Princess Regent.  "But really, I think we are all going through a hard time.  Monica has lost her husband, and my niece has lost her father.  And I have lost my brother.  It is better to grieve together and heal together.  Especially with Margaret going into National Service this year, I think Monica could use some company in that big house."

Living in Kaliburg also makes it easier for the Princess Regent to visit Princess of the Empire Carolina.  "My mom is also suffering from the loss and being closer to her allows us to go visit her more frequently.  Sometimes its nice to pop over for an afternoon.   Living here I think will make it much easier to visit more regularly."

The Princess Regent will take over the third floor in the East Wing of the house for her personal quarters (Princesses Monica and Margaret still occupy the West Wing of the house.)  Princess Michelle will then be able to easily access the Personal Office Space in Cliff Offices.  "The move here is temporary," said Princess Regent Michelle.  "Ultimately I will return to Dulnerstaad, to my own home, but there is a lot to do between now and then, so it is way more reasonable to do it from Kaliburg than from Dulnerstaad."  Princess Michelle intends to maintain her home in Dulnerstaad and visit monthly during the Regency.

@LaModa

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KRTVN's "Stranded" wraps after 7 Seasons
"You either Love or Hate the finale", says critics
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
May 18, 5631


The Castaways of "Stranded" prepare to escape the Island

"I've had a great run," says KRTVN's "Stranded" star Maxwell Ellis, better known as anti-hero Brad Thompson.  "My character has been through quite a journey, which includes starting out as a philosophical kind of guy, but then as someone who has pretty much lost his faith, and ultimately, let that cynicism get the better of him and get him to the dark side."  Thompson, who more or less represents what happens when a small man gets power, ends up meeting his fate as the people he once led turn on him before they eventually escape the island.

"It was one of the hardest roles I ever tried," said Ellis.  "I had to stay in great shape first of all and at my age, that is more of a challenge than you would think," he says with a laugh.  "It was easier filming in Gaduridos.  You sweat like 5 pounds off every day."

The show's ending, which saw Thompson getting tossed into a well as the show's heroes escape the island in an aircraft was controversial.  Fans were split on the philosophical implications of the end.  "We spent five seasons investing in Thompson," said one fan, "and then they pull the rug out and now we're supposed to hate him and think he got what he deserved?  I don't think that was a very good way to end it."  Others didn't understand why they chose to focus on some of the stories of some of the lesser known characters in the final season.  "As Finn kept saying, 'Who's Steve?'  They kept trying to bring in new characters at the end of the show like we've been through all these shows and now we are supposed to care about some idiot they introduce in mid Season 7.  I almost wanted to see them get sent back into the Time Loop with Thompson at the end."

Critics too were split pretty seriously over the finale.  "You either love it or you hate it," said Cathy Raymond, for LaModa.  "I personally loved it, but I tend to think about philosophical things.  I think the people who totally just thought the finale was such a let down wanted a straight forward, "Alright, here's the answers to all the mysteries.  All the theories were right, and we're just going to present it all in a nice little bow.'  But that is not this show, that has never been this show."

Without spoiling the finale for those who have not seen it, as with the show, the story that is presented is not all there is to the finale.  "There are a number of mysteries, which are simply not resolved, and given that the show is ended, their resolution is simply going to be left completely up to fan speculation," said Raymond.  "One of the biggest things that attracted people to the show was the ongoing questions about what this or that symbol means, what this plot device means, who this phrase means...  But this is the thing:  Magic tricks are only magical if you don't know how they are done.  You can watch the magician over and over again, but if you don't know how he's doing it, it still is magical.  Same way with 'Stranded'.  If they answered all the questions, you wouldn't still be sitting there amazed by the program."

"I think people will talk about this show in 20 years, easy," said Ellis.  "We're all actors and the actor's life is that you move on to the next thing.  You played the role, and then you move on.  But people call me 'Thompson' when they see me on the street.  I think we're all going to be remembered for this show forever."  

The "Stranded" Finale was watched by an estimated 45.8 million Kalistanis.  Seasons 1 and 2 are already available on streaming.

@LaModa

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Kalistani News in Brief:  Princess Margaret prepares for National Service
Kalistan visits Hutori about Frigates; Princess Carolina enters Hospice
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 15, 5631


Kalistan seeks to purchase up to 28 Hutorian Bekenial II ASW Frigates (shown here) as Fleet Upgrades

Her Highness Minor Princess Margaret Prepares for National Service
Having completed Secondary Schooling, Her Highness, the Minor Princess Margaret-Carolina Nicolette Ananto-DeLaurentis is preparing to enter National Service in Ananto.  She will join the Ananto Corps on August 1, and will do basic training in the Blue Grass Valley.  There was some debate as to whether the Minor Princess would take a year off to wait until she was 18, but she has decided to go directly into National Service and will celebrate her 18th Birthday in Basic Training.  "I think I would like to build things," said the Minor Princess.  "But who knows:  I might end up becoming a cook.  It depends on what they think I am good at, and matching that and my interests with what the Service needs."  

Unlike her sister, Her Highness the Grand Duchess of Ananto Mary Natalia Ananto-DeLaurentis, the Minor Princess Margaret has decided to remain in Ananto.  "I know I want to stay close to my mom and my grandma.  If anything happens to either of them, I want to be able to get here and help them.  So I can stay in Ananto to do my service."  The Minor Princess thinks she may take some courses while she is in the service so she can get started on her post secondary education while she is in, and hopes to have most of a college degree program completed by the time she leaves National Service.  She will be given leave in October, where she will be inducted into the Ancient Order of Gray Smoke and will be titled Countess of Luxon by Her Highness, Princess Regent Michelle Ananto-Sandoval.

Kalistan Visits Hutori to Inquire into Frigate Technology
Her Imperial Majesty's Minister of Defense, Admiral Harry Reals, has been dispatched to Hutori to continue discussions about the potential purchases of up to 28 Hutorian Bekenial II Class Frigates to assist Kalistan in its continuing efforts to upgrade its ASW assets.  The Bekenial Frigate is an 8,000 tonne ship that utilizes electric motors fed by diesel electric generators and can travel up to 26 knots per hour with a max range of 7,000 nautical miles.  It's crew is between 150 and 160 sailors, and has several weapons options, including anti-Air missile, ship to ship cruise missiles, as well as a 5 inch main gun, 2 30mm batteries, and a 20mm Phalanx System for anti-aircraft and small vessel defense.

"The main strengths of the Bekenial II is that it is the premier Antisub ship on the waves at the moment, and as Kalistani defenses are leaning heavily on anti-sub technology, we think this would be a perfect addition to our fleets," said Minister Reals.  "We saw demonstrations of several of Hutori's ships when they visited Port Swedes last year, and this was the one that caught our eye."  Reals said that the Kalistani government expressed interest at the time in the potential purchase of multiple of these ships, and this was the follow up meeting from that initial discussion.

"We are also interested in partnering with the Hutorian defense industry," said Reals.  "There are some improvements that we could theoretically make to their hull technology, propulsion systems, and electronics to be able to produce lighter and more maneuverable ships of the same class that, if they test well, could move anti-submarine technology the next step in detection and counteraction of the danger posed not only by rogue nations, but also missile armed subs that could pose a threat to the world.  This is something else we will discuss in Hutori, and could yield great benefits."  The discussions are expected to last for several months.

Princess of the Empire Carolina enters Hospice
Her Highness, Princess of the Empire and former Empress Carolina Ananto-Hulanevek went into hospice in Kaliburg this week.  The Princess was diagnosed with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer.  "The cancer has a very low survivability rate," said Her Highness, Princess Regent Michelle Ananto-Sandoval.  "My mother is in her mid 80s now, and I think she has known something was wrong for a long time, but she went into the doctor complaining of abdominal pain and lack of appetite and the tests they ran confirmed the diagnosis.  So we're working with hospice care here in Kaliburg.  This way we can be close to her."

Hospice care is given to those who are terminally ill and in their final stages of life.  A patient may opt for compassionate end of life procedures from there, but hospice is usually designed for those who are not quite ready to go and want the opportunity to be as comfortable as possible as they say good bye to their family and friends.  "My mom knows she's dying, and she has lived a very long and eventful life.  I think she just wants to make sure she has the opportunity to go out on her own terms, and then when the pain gets too bad, I think she will have some choices to make."

Her Highness, the Grand Duchess of Ananto is expected to visit the Princess later this summer for a week before completing her final year of National Service.

@TheRepublic

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Princess Carolina Ananto-Hulanevek Has Died
The Hulanevek Chapter Closes for Kalistan
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 22, 5631


Carolina Ananto-Hulanevek now rests with her adopted family in Eveari

Princess of the Empire, Carolina Ananto-Hulanevek has opted for compassionate end of life care in Kaliburg, and has died as a result.  The Princess, who was 85 years old, suffering from terminal pancreatic cancer, was said to be in significant pain and could no longer keep food or fluids down when she made the request for compassionate assistance in dying.  She was surrounded by her family and friends who were informed that her end was imminent and came to Kaliburg from Eveari to be with her.  Her end was quick and painless, and was brought about by sedative followed by physician administered morphine overdose.  She died at 2:30am Kaliburg time, and was taken in a special train from Kaliburg to the family vault in Eveari, so she could be interred without the need for embalming.  

Compassionate end of life care is common in Kalistan, and is seen as death with dignity, because it requires lucid and informed consent from the patient, agreement from the next of kin, and the oversight by the competent medical professional under whose care the patient is.  It is usually caused by a sedative that allows the patient to fall asleep after which point a lethal dose of morphine is administered from which the patient never wakes up.  The entire process is done in reverence and respect for the wishes of the individual, and is usually chosen when there is no hope of recovery or an opportunity to live a good life without a lot of pain or suffering, and is seen as both the humane option for the patient, as well as their loved ones.  Pavlina Ananto-Hulanevek also opted for compassionate end of life care.

Carolina Dvořáčková Hulanevek was born in 5546 in Jildrati City, Etxea, Kundrati.  Her biological father abandoned her mother before Carolina was born, and Carolina's mother died shortly after she was born due to complications in the birth.  The Baby was thus an orphan and was placed with a foster family before she was adopted in late 5546 by Pavlina Hulanevek, who was a finance lawyer and a member of the influential Kundrati Political and Economic family Hulanevek.  When Pavlina met Emperor Fredrick II Ananto in Likatonia in 5550, and was married soon after Carolina turned 6, she moved to Kalistan, where she immersed herself fully in Kalistani Culture.  She learned Vrassan quickly, and soon spoke it fluently without any accent, to the point where she eventually forgot her native Lurrian completely.  She was adopted by Fredrick Ananto in 5556, and named Crown Princess at that time, as a measure to protect both Pavlina (who had been declared Empress) and Carolina from protests and xenophobic slurs under the Lese-Majestie act.

Carolina's childhood was shattered two years later when Fredrick Ananto was assassinated in Neveras City.  In an emergency move, she and her mother fled to the home of Fredrick's uncle in Gaduridos, then an independent nation, who welcomed and protected to two royal exiles.  Carolina would remain in Gaduridos for most of 5558 with her adopted cousins, one of whom, Dana Ananto, was a toddler when she was there, but who would eventually grow and be treated as a sister by Carolina.  She would adopt an affinity for Gaduridos as a result of their welcoming of her and her mother, that would stay with her for the rest of her life.

As Crown Princess, Carolina began serving in a state role shortly after completing national service, flying important missions to Kundrati to begin normalization with Luthori after a long period of tension, and flying to Gaduridos to oversee the accession of the new Kingdom into the Empire.  She also oversaw the construction of the road from Eveari to Dahriel through Green County and the connection of many outlying rural settlements to the Capital, as well as the construction of the Kaliburg Metro along with visiting Kundrati engineers.  She would be crowned Empress of the Anantonese Empire in 5578, succeeding her mother who had served for 22 years and had earned the moniker "The Black Empress" due to her long period of mourning for the late Emperor Fredrick II Ananto, her uncompromising promotion of Kalistani Interests on the world stage, and her utter lack of levity or a sense of humor in dealing with others.  Pavlina began suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and abdicated to leave Carolina in the best possible position for a successful rule.

Carolina's greatest accomplishments as Empress were bringing Lodamun into the Anantonese Empire, and stepping out in a unprecedented way onto the world stage.  The decline of Lourenne created an opportunity for the Empire to take up its role as regional hegemon in the Anantonese Ocean, a role it still jealously guards.  She also oversaw the further institution of the Imperial Monarchy, the creation of the 4th Regular Fleet, and the maturing of the Imperial Space and Communications Agency, started under Pavlina, which took the Kalistani space program through development all the way up to maintenance of a global network of telecommunications satellites, weather satellites and surveillance assets for use by the Imperial Bureau of Security Intelligence.

She married William Sandoval, head of the Ananto Growers' Syndicate in 5577, and with him bore two children, the future Emperor Fredrick III Ananto, who suffered from a progressive genetic disorder that took his hearing by the age of 13, and Michelle Ananto-Sandoval, who ended up becoming head of House Ananto, and then Princess Regent of the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan.  She was present at the death of her mother in 5580.  She oversaw the launch of the new Kalistani Currency, the Imperial Ruble, as well as the expansion of the Kalistani Banking system to liberalize capital flows internationally.

Throughout her reign, Carolina was a staunch and outspoken foe of extremist governments.  Kalistan's main nemesis was the fascist state in what had formerly been known as Kundrati, the land of the Empress' birth.  There was a low level conflict, begun during Pavlina's reign that simmered during Carolina's reign, and frequently found expression in economic conflict with other states.  She established an embargo against Kundrati and Likatonia in 5585 in an effort to contain fascism in Kundrati, and frequently accused the fascist Government in Kaesema of gross human rights abuses and atrocities against its own people.  Carolina's accusations mostly fell on deaf ears around the world, as other nations chose to ignore the sanctions and continue to trade with the Fascists.  A brief flash in the conflict in 5586 saw Kalistani privateers easily defeated by Kundrati Navy as Kundrati merchants contradicted Kalistani orders to halt, and after the brief skirmish, Kundrati descended into inexplicable civil war, while Kalistan effectively closed the entrances to the Anantonese Ocean with their fleets.

As Kalistan was reinforcing and fortifying the home region, it improved relations with the new Monarchy in Egelion, and attempted to improve relationships with Seleyan Nations.  There was some small successes, but Carolina's efforts were mostly foiled by a world suspicious of Kalistan for being such outspoken critics of extremist governments in Artania, Seleya and Majatra.  A brief thaw with Likatonia occured during a very positive meeting in 5595, but the door to settlement was slammed shut once more after a civil war sponsored by the fascists overthrew the moderate government, and gave the Legion a foothold in Seleya.  As Kalistan was improving relations with Aldegar, Dana Ananto became Viceroy in Gaduridos, thus fulfilling a mission that was several generations old.

The detonation of the nuclear weapon in Xsampa opened the final decade of Carolina's reign, as Kalistan for the first time offered significant humanitarian and reconstruction aid to Xsampa to rebuild its capital.  This was the first time that Kalistan adopted a major commitment to an eastern Dovani Nation and could be seen as the greatest extent of Kalistani Influence abroad.  That influential zenith would continue for the next decade and a half and see deep investments in Gaduridos and the extension of Kalsitani Naval presence to Newport Lodamun and across the entire Eastern Mad Dog Ocean.  The last six months of Carolina's reign saw the re-escalation of tension with Kundrati, and in coordination with the Crown Prince, the planning of the Kundrati War.  To allow her son to fully prosecute the war, Carolina abdicated the throne on the night of April 30, 5610, and retired to the Ananto Estate in Eveari.

In retirement, the now former Empress looked on as the peace she had tenuously kept was finally shattered, and her Empire descended into war.  Privately she expressed hopes that the Kundrati Legion would be completely overthrown, but she also advised her son and the Kalistani High Command to not over reach beyond Kalistani capacity.  Her warnng was vindicated in the disastrous Artanian Sea campaign, where the Regular Navy's 4th Fleet was ultimately sunk due to lack of the participation of allies or any air cover to speak of.  The strategic victory but tactical defeat caused Fredrick III Ananto to begin pulling back, and focusing on support for a ground invasion of Likatonia, to at least knock Kundrati's main ally out of the war and secure the eastern front in support of Luthorian invasion of Etxea.  The Imperial Forces were successful, but not without Kalistani forces committing significant depredations in revenge for chemical weapons attacks against three Kalistani cities in 5612.

Carolina continued to advise Fredrick as asked, and made sure her son supported the war crimes truth commission which was mixed in terms of public support, to fully bring those who had committed war crimes to justice as a peace offering to Likatonia.  The commission had its desired effect, as Kalistan and Likatonia later established normal relations.  Following the war, she spent the remainder of her time with her husband, playing golf, or visiting her children and eventually grandchildren, or taking walks along the bay in Eveari.  In her last years, she spent her time in Eveari.  After losing her husband in 5624, she has spent much of her time with other members of the Eveari Brethrenist Community who she had known her entire life, and rarely went to Kaliburg again, until she entered hospice last month in anticipation of her end.

Carolina's death ends one of the greatest, most important eras in Kalistani history.  It is likely that the span of Carolina's life, to include the reign of The Black Empress, will be known as the "Kundrati Era".  She is already credited for starting a new dynastic line of the Anantos as her granddaughter prepares to take the throne of Ananto and Kalistan.  All future monarchs will trace their lineage to her, and she will join the ranks of Nicolette I Ananto and Fredrick I Ananto as one of the most important monarchs in the History of the Empire.  She was preceded in death by Her Mother Pavlina, her Father Fredrick, her husband William, and her son Fredrick.  She is survived by her Daughter Michelle Ananto-Sandoval, Princess Regent of Ananto and Kalistan, and her two granddaughters Grand Duchess Mary Natalia and Princess Margaret-Carolina Nicolette Ananto-DeLaurentis, as well as numerous cousins through adoption including the Queen of Egelion, Nicole Reina Montalivet y Sildavia.

May Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto-Hulanevek rest in peace, and may her memory live on forever.

@TheRepublic

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House Ananto Hires Kaliburg Master Jeweler
Melvin Reed asked to provide new Crown Jewelry Piece for Future Empress
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
November 20, 5631


Master Jeweler Melvin Reed of Kaliburg

House Ananto has contacted Kaliburg Master Jeweler Melvin Reed to create a new Crown for the next Empress.  As is traditional, each new monarch has a custom made crown with specialized Jewels inset, including the Stone of State, the Amethyst, as well as Rubies, sapphire, emeralds and diamonds.  The Jewels are selected from the Ananto Gem Vault.

Mr. Reed said that he was honored by the request.  "The creations that sit for only a very short period of time on the heads of Kalistani Monarchs are among the rarest, most valuable pieces of art in Terra," said Reed.  "The literally only serve one purpose, which is to officially acknowledge the accession of the Monarch, and after that they go on display.  Besides the tremendous amount of wealth that goes into the Crown, they are also works of artistry that show off the skill of the artist."

Reed is well known for making custom pieces for wealthy patrons, musicians, professional athletes and fashion models.  His pieces are often considered to be ornate, delicate and physically stunning.  "I am contracting with Kalisol Goldsmiths to built the structure of the crown," said Reed.  "Then they will take me to the gem vault.  I will have my pick of the gems to cut, polish and mount.  I am expecting the crown to weight about 4 pounds, with 2.9 pounds being the 24 Karat Gold structure.  It will also feature 32 two carat diamonds around the band, as well as multiple smaller diamonds.  It will also feature a 125 carat amethyst, and several 100 carat (minimum) emeralds, rubies and sapphires." 

Reed is charged to hand select the gems which will form the Crown, cut them and polish them and then set them in the base of the crown which is being cast by Kalisol Goldsmith. The estimated value of the crown is expected to be worth about ₭1.85 Million Imperial Rubles, but as it is coming from House Ananto's stock, the only cost to the Royal House will be to pay the artisans.

"The real value of the Crown, once it is removed from the new Empress' head, will be incalculable," said Reed. "The rarity, the artisanship, and the authenticity will add to its value. It is a joy to design and build this crown." If House Ananto is pleased with Reed's work, they may contract his team for additional work. "I've been through the Gem Vault," said Reed. "They have thousands upon thousands of excellent gems there. Surely We can make something quite special of that lot and not even put a dent into their supply."

The crown is expected to be completed by April, when it will put into the Crown Jewels Collection to await the Coronation.

@LaModa

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Princess Margaret Nicolette Ananto-DeLaurentis at NSY
Young Royal assigned to Ship Building in Kaliburg
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
February 7, 5632


Princess Margaret Nicolette Ananto-DeLaurentis works labor at the KALMILINCO National Shipyards

Princess Margaret Nicolette Ananto-DeLaurentis has received her National Service Assignment.  She builds ships.  Specifically at the moment, she is assigned to a labor crew at the National Ship Yards in Northwest Kaliburg, and works with other Conscripts to provide the shipwrights with materials and tools as requested.

"Well, it's not something that I would have guessed I'd be doing," said Her Highness, Princess Margaret Ananto-DeLaurentis to The Republic's Josh Conner.  "But the exciting thing is, I'll work labor through a whole season then will end up doing more specialized work as I advance in the Corps.  They can train you to do anything:  I could become a forklift driver, or a welder.  By the time I get out, I expect that I will be leading my own shift crew.  Anything is possible, really."

Most jobs are assigned by combining aptitude with requests within the frame of the needs of the service.  "In my case, I asked to build things.  I'm pretty good with my hands, and like mechanics and everything.  But I am also pretty athletic and sporty, and so the NSP must have put those three things together to give me a job where I can do work a lot of other girls my age will not do, working in heavy industry.  It's really unexpected but I am already getting into the groove and figuring out the shift and all the things that are expected of me, and things feel like they are clicking."

The Countess of Luxon will be stationed at the National Ship Yards for the remainder of her Service obligation.  "It's handy, rally, because I can be close to my mom this way, and during liberty, can even go home to have dinner with her when I'm not on Duty," said the Princess.  "The Shipyards here are really the closest duty station you can get with the Ananto Corps to Kaliburg:  Our barracks are on the north side of Kaliburg.  So that must have been part of my stationing here as well: I asked to be close to Kaliburg."

The National Shipyard at Kaliburg Arsenal produces and repairs all ships in the Kalistani Regular Navy, while civilian ships are built in Sulari and Gaduridos.  "We may get a contract to replace a submarine while I am here," said Her Highness.  "That would be exciting.  Or something bigger.  I would love to work on a capital ship, see how it runs, see what it looks like down at the bones level."  If she has a choice in the matter, Princess Margaret said she would like to work on propulsion.  "I don't know if they let Conscripts build those kinds of things, but what an experience that would be!  To be able to watch the ship you helped build sail out of the Arsenal on its way to taking up its post on the High Seas and know, you did that.  That would be exciting."

@TheRepublic

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The Republic sits down with Ladies Mary and Michelle Ananto
"Regency will end", says Princess Regent
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 12, 5832


Princess Regent Michelle Ananto-Sandoval and Grand Duchess Mary Ananto-DeLaurentis at Cliff House

Recently discharged Grand Duchess Mary Ananto-DeLaurentis returned to Kaliburg a week ago to begin her transition into the next Empress of Ananto and Kalistan.  The date that has been set for her coronation is November 15, 5832, three months ahead of schedule.  During the three months until that time, both Her Highness the Grand Duchess of Ananto and Her Highness the Princess Regent Michelle Ananto-Sandoval, who has exercised sovereignty in the future Empress' name for the better part of the last two years will be very busy transferring over all the instruments of Government to the Grand Duchess.  Usually the process of preparing the future monarch for her role in Government takes several years, and often allows the successor to achieve their early to mid 30s before expecting them to take up the reigns of State.  But Mary, who is only just 22 years old as of June 20, has decided that it she will not ask her aunt to continue on as regent while she goes to college and starts a family in anticipation of rule.

The Republic sat down with both Ladies at Cliff Home to interview them before they get down to the serious work of transfer of power.

(The Republic's) G(regory) N(ewbury):  Thank you both for taking the time to meet with me at this really unprecedented moment in history.

(Her Highness, Princess Regent) M(ichelle Ananto-) S(andoval):  Indeed.  And welcome to Cliff House.

GN:  And it is a real treat to get to speak with you as well, my Lady.

(Her Highness, Grand Duchess) M(ary Ananto-) D(eLaurentis):  I hope it is worth your trouble to come all the way out here.

GN:  No trouble at all, Your Highness.

MD:  Excellent.  It was an excellent decision on the part of your newspaper to send you here before we got all formal with the pronouns and everything.

GN:  That is no trouble either, Madame.  The opportunity to speak with you would be exactly as valuable either way.  it is a rare thing that few people can say, but perhaps it is maybe a bit easier to speak with you when I can speak directly with you, rather than when the protocol kicks in and I no longer can.

MD:  Indeed.

GN:  My Lady Regent, are you looking forward to the coronation, which I now understand is supposed to happen in mid November, rather than the previously believed February?

MS:  Very much so.  I'm glad I can finally say for certain that the Regency will end, and know what that date is.  I had always felt lucky that my Brother was the one who was designated the successor to the throne and not me.  I look forward to returning to my home in Dulnerstaad, my work with House Ananto and my volunteering at the Aquarium.  I miss my friends and family very much, though I see them all the time, and the Grand Duchess has agreed to accept the crown earlier than we had previously talked about, for which I am very thankful.  I was not cut out to rule and want to return to a life of no spotlights.

GN:  What led to shortening the transition period by three months?

MD:  I don't really know what the value was in keeping my aunt in a position that she was quite obviously not comfortable in longer than was absolutely necessary.  When I was discharged from service last week, we sat down with the Chancellor of the Empire and I asked him what he needed to make sure we had everything in place for the formal transfer of authority.  I know this often takes years, maybe sometimes a decade.  But we don't have that luxury now, so we decided that three months was the absolute minimum time for the transfer to take place, and from there we set a date of November 15.

GN:  Will Lady Michelle continue to assist you after you are formally crowned?

MD:  There are few people in this world who know the burden of that crown.  Lady Michelle knows it, far more now than any living soul in Terra;  I would be a fool if I didn't lean on her as much as I could.

GN:  My Lady Regent, would you care to reflect on your tenure in office?  What have you done to keep the ship righted?  Have you made changes?  Have you noticed any shifts in the world which will pose either a challenge or an opportunity for your niece when she succeeds you?

MS:  We have held Ananto and Kalistan steady, and have made no significant changes.  I'd say international relations with our close friends are perhaps a little more muddy, but this has more to do with ambivalence on their part than on ours.  For example:  those independent nations we have strong bonds with continually seek relations outside of the region that it would make more sense for them to seek within the region.  Trade, military cooperation, and investment are brought in from far corners of the globe into the area.  I'm not quite sure why one country would go all the way to Majatra for trade in specific commodities when they can get all the need and at far more favorable terms from just across the sea here in Kalistan.  It's something that my brother faced too, and I am certain it will be something my niece will continue to face when she becomes Empress.  It just doesn't make any sense to any of us.  The only thing Fredrick thought about it was that those nations would rather pay extra to trade with and get investment from complete foreigners with whom they had nothing in common than work with Kalistan because they are for some reason convinced that Kalistan will put some sort of onerous conditions on the relationship.  What else could be the reason?

GN:  Does Kalistan aggressively go after new trade relationships and investments?

MS:  Not nearly as aggressively as others, for certain.  We don't for example, send reps to other countries actively looking for ways to invest.  Unlike others we really aren't trying to build an economic and military empire where we have a bunch of nations in random locations of the globe who are beholden to us.  Kalistan stays home for the most part--I suppose our way is that we seldom need what others are selling, having sourced most of what we need regionally, from those who are close to us, so we aren't actively seeking new trade vectors.  But we are not capitalists either:  We don't encourage our corporations to create surpluses with the aim of seeking a buyer after the fact, so there is no reason we would go out and actively promote our products.  That said, everyone in the world knows what we have and what we can do, and they are still actively seeking to source those things from distant lands rather than buying them at home, so...

MD:  I think one of the thing we have working against us is a long historical reputation for putting ourselves first.  I think people will see this and believe that all we care about is what benefits Kalistan.  Other nations don't like that: They want us to put their interests at the center of our policies. But I can say this, and I assure you it is something that I firmly believe:  Kalistan must come first in our thoughts at all times, and I don't mean just me.  I mean that everyone who makes a law in this nation, or adopts a policy, must look to what benefits Kalistan and our Imperial Partners before we concern ourselves with what other nations are doing.  Because at the end of the day, we are not going to do something that doesn't benefit our nation for the sake of other people.  We have to take care of the Anantonese Empire first:  This is our single most important duty, and once the Constituent Nations of the Anantonese Empire are doing well, then if we have any left over, then we can concern ourselves with our neighbors.

MS:  Well, there you have it: This has been, is now, and will continue to be the policy of this Empire, and as our soon to be Empress has uttered the words, so does this become our policy.

GN:  Lady Regent, I notice a hint of resignation in your voice as you say this.

MS:  There is no resignation whatsoever in my meaning, friend.  If other nations do not wish to trade with Kalistan on favorable terms to them, let them waste their resources getting the same thing from the other side of the globe for more money.  It doesn't make any difference to Kalistan or the Constituent Nations of the Empire at all.  But perhaps what you have heard was disappointment:  I am disappointed that all of my brother, the Late Emperor's efforts to be more open to foreign nations have politely been thanked by politely being ignored.  It is a frustration that I think my niece will also learn as she comes into her own in this government.

MD:  What Michelle says is correct.  I cannot tell you how many nights I heard my father express frustration that everything Kalistan tried to do to make things a little easier for Kalistan in the international realm only ever worked if we did things ourselves.  What I learned was that most nations smile in your face, and then turn their backs on you the first chance they get--but those same nations don't do that with their real friends.  So Kalistan ought not wait for other nations to start seeing Kalistan as a full partner.  "Not Enemy" may really be the best we can hope for from some of these countries.  If they don't want to treat us as their equal, they should probably begin treating us as their better.  Because there may come a day when those are the terms we begin using in regard to them.  

GN:  This then suggests quite a departure in the coming reign from the previous ones.  

MD:  Not at all.  My grandmother told me all the time about her mother Pavlina.  Pavlina was a foreigner who came to Kalistan to devote her life to this nation.  She is an exemplar that we should all strive to follow.  Her single minded dedication to our National cause is what earned our Empire its reputation.  As I get older and see what we are up against, it is that sort of single minded dedication that I believe is necessary for the well being of the people of Anantonese Empire.  Nicolette The Great saw what needed to be done, and did it.  She wasn't concerned at all with what other nations thought about it:  In fact those opinions should never guide Kalistani Policy.  She just did things, she accomplished things.  She, like the other Emperors and Empresses, to include my Aunt in her role as Regent, have been single minded in the promotion of Ananto and Kalistan above all other nations.  It is an example I also hope to set for future generations when I wear the Crown.

GN:  Does this mean that Kalistan will take a more aggressive posture in world affairs?

MD:  No.  It is not in the Anantonese Empire's interest to do so.

GN:  But there are still issues in Artania and now there are stories of Selucia placing tariffs on all traffic transiting the Migrant's Pass.  Do you think Kalistan can play a role in those situations?

MS:  Kalistan does not trade through the Migrant's Pass, and at any rate, Kalistan endorses the concept of sovereign waters.  If Selucia can establish and collect the tariff, we say let them.  I don't think they actually can collect that tariff:  They aren't a force of any note, and I don't think they have the administrative capability to charge every single ship that travels through there money for the privilege of doing so, not by a long sight.  I won't be in charge of anything when it all kinda goes down, but I think it will simply encourage people to completely disregard the law, and do so flagrantly, because Selucia lacks enforcement.  But the policy of Kalistan is that they should have the right to try, and then should have to suffer whatever consequences others impose upon them as a result.  The same as Kalistan and our enforcement of our rights in the Ananto Strait.  Our keeping of the Strait is far more valuable and important to us than mitigating whatever sanctions other nations would ever impose upon us.  What's good for the goose is good for the gander.  

GN:  So you don't think Kalistani trade will be affected in any way?

MS:  No, not in any way.  We are not part of globalized trade networks.  Our trade goes via Lodamun, Gaduridos, Lourenne, and probably Dolgava more than Egelion.  Those networks are what they are.  We also import from Makon other parts of Dovani and Central Seleya.  None of that is touched by Selucian trade tariffs or the so-called "passage tax."  Nor do we run ships through there at all, for any reason, because unlike several nations in the world, Kalistan doesn't believe we have any business involving ourselves in our antipodes.  Almost the entire world from Kaliburg's view, is washed by the Anantonese Ocean.  Nearly every other part of the world is...  well, how would one say it...

MD:  ...less important, Lady Michelle.

MS:  As you say, Your Highness.  "Less important".  To Kaliburg, at least.

MD:  And more generally.  My father believed that the best policies focused on improving our region.  We are far more effective with cooperation when it is closer to home.  To this end, ultimately it doesn't matter what tariffs Selucia places over traffic in the Migrant's Pass or how many people the Legion in the mainland portion of Kundrati ordered murdered and fed to whoever is left.  That should not be Kalistan's concern at all.  Kalistan should focus on Anantonese Nations.  We will also welcome those from outside that region who reach out to us and want to associate with us:  Kalistan is rebuilding old relationships now, and that should be continued.  But should Kalistan offer any concessions to others for good relations?  Why would we?  It is doubtful that others would offer us concessions.

GN:  The Grand Duchess has a reputation for being a bit of a free spirit and preferring nature.  How will that manifest once you are crowned?

MD:  Those days are over.  They ended the moment my father breathed his last breath.  The Empress is the face and voice of her Nation and her State.  Kalistan does not need a hippy.  They need someone who will carry herself and present herself with the comportment appropriate to the Nation as a whole.  I look at the Empresses who came before me, and everyone of them, from Elizabeth, whose name I bear though my Grand Mother Carolina, and my mother as Empress Consort and my Aunt as Regent, all represented dignity, authority and bearing that was accented by their femininity and beauty.  This is the example I seek to live up to.  And to some degree, there is a measure of arrogance involved in the title too.  I am not sure I have a lot of that in me, but we will see.

GN:  Lady Michelle, in your last few months, what are some things you will hope to accomplish?

MS:  We still have to name a new Ambassador to Dolgava.  We have started work on a new frigate with Hutori with the aim of negating the advantages of foreign navies in the Anantonese Ocean.  We have some administrative work to complete here in Kaliburg.  All of this while having Mary looking over everything too.  It is likely she will begin adding her own input very shortly, and by the time our three months are over, she will need to be fully ready to go.  A lot of this really is on the job training.  But I look forward to completing it, and then going back home.

GN:  Do you have any previews for the Coronation?

MS:  I've instructed the government to invite the world.  Whether the world will attend we shall see, but I suppose Mary will have the opportunity to see who Kalistan's friends are at that time.

MD:  I have asked our Government to break with tradition and hold the Coronation at the Imperial Seat rather than the Eveari Meeting House.  As I grew up both in the Brethrenist Tradition of my father and his family as well as the Aurorian Hosian tradition of my mother and her family, I do not want to appear to be favoring either faith tradition.  Plus, I don't want to suggest that I am seeking an endorsement from religion.

GN:  Do you consider yourself a religious person, Madame?

MD:  Not particularly.  I think people find comfort in religious observance, and I don't want to disparage religion.  But I also do note that there are some people who do horrific things and claim to be religious.  The Kundrati Legion absolutely paint religion as a justification for everything they do, and you don't hear any Hosians outside of Kalistan speaking out against it, or pointing out that Kundrati's version is the opposite of what Hosians claim they believe.  So I have to ask myself:  Are Kalistani Hosians wrong and Hosians world wide actually support the horrible things the Legion does, or is it just more convenient to turn a blind eye to the immorality of the Legion?  Either way, why would a person of conscience endorse such a faith which is either terrified to speak the truth, or tacitly endorses the opposite of what they claim to believe?  I'd rather avoid having to take a side in that whole debate one way or another:  I'll just keep things secular.

GN:  This gives us an excellent idea of where we are headed as a nation, and I thank you both for your candidness during this interview.

MD:  Thank you Mr. Newbury.  I look forward to reading this in print.

MS:  Thank you for taking the time to come talk to us both.  I hope we answered your questions.

GN:  Indeed, you have.  I wish you both well during the transition and I hope to receive the assignment to cover the Coronation.

MS:  Perhaps you shall.  Have a great evening.

@TheRepublic

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Maria Olivia of Del Valle wins contract to design Coronation Dress
Fashion Designer, known for conservative designs asked to step up
Yoshimi, Duchy of Suldanor
August 20, 5632


Maria Olivia, of Del Valle, begins working up design for new Dress

Yoshimi haute couture designer Ms. Maria Olivia, of Del Valle Fashion House in Sulari has been named the official designer of the Coronation Dress to be worn by Grand Duchess Mary Ananto-DeLaurentis when she is crowned in November.  Olivia, 35, is well known for her very conservative designs that feature unique and interesting designs, flat colors, and flattering forms.

"I was actually nominated by my boss here at Del Valle," said Olivia.  "He submitted one of my pieces that won the Sulari Show last fall as an example of my work.  He might have mentioned it to me at a Party, but I was just surprised when House Ananto called me at Del Valle to let me know that I was to design the Coronation Dress.  It's such an honor, and I know this will be the biggest challenge of my entire career."

Olivia said that House Ananto specifically said that they wanted me to think about previous dresses and while nodding to the past, also do something that is unique.  "Most of the older dresses worn by Empresses as they were crowned were largely silken with golden embroidery.  The main color of each dress was Anantonese Orange.  Those dresses were works of art, and were each designed to be worn one time only.  We're gonna do something a little different, one which is really fashionable, one which is really pretty, and really stunning.  They gave me an unlimited budget.  I can do anything I can imagine."

The main dress will be made of dyed vicuna closeknit fabric rather than silk.  "It's gonna change the texture of the dress, for certain," said Olivia.  "Vicuna is by far the most expensive fabric in Terra, and it is so soft, and just classy.  And I think putting the Lady in this extremely expensive fabric is just fitting."  The fabric alone is expected to run close to 10 thousand Imperial Rubles.  "It is so rare and so highly prized, and it is quite different from the way other dresses of past Empresses were styled."

Olivia also noted that much of the value of the dress will be entirely invisible.  "We actually purchased dozens of spools of gold thread.  Not golden, or gold plated.  But .999 pure gold.  The gold will be used for every stitch.  As a result, we won't be able to machine sew it, but will hand sew every piece.  You won't see much of the gold, but what you will see is plenty of gold embroidery.  Del Valle hired Carole Calloway from Eshar to oversee the embroidery.  It is very exciting to work with her and I can't wait to see what she comes up with."

Several elements of the dress won't be revealed until the actual Coronation.  "I can't tip our hand, but let me just say, when House Ananto came to me and said I could do what I wanted, and I told them what I wanted, they didn't even bat an eyelash.  They just said make it look good.  I am confident it will leave some jaws laying on the ground.  Not only will this dress show off our new Empress, but since she will be the avatar of the Nation, it will also show off our whole nation."

Olivia said she has three months to finish the dress.  "The Grand Duchess herself called to tell me she approved the sketches, and gave some notes.  I think I am giving her the dress she wants, and the one she will absolute love and wear the hell out of.  I can't wait to see it on her.  This month I travel to Kaliburg to take the first official measurements.  It is super exciting and I can't wait.  This is the biggest thing I have ever done, what an amazing opportunity!"

@LaModa

[Doc]

Baroness Kayla Alvarez-Douglas Named Ambassador to Hutori
Cousin of Grand Duchess of Kalistan has degree in International Political Economy
Fronterra, Duchy of Suldanor
September 2, 5632


Baroness Kayla Alvarez to Represent Kaliburg in Hutori

The baroness of Frontera Barony in far western Dana County, Lady Kayla Alvarez-Douglas has been named the Permanent Ambassador Extraordinaire and Plenipotential to the Kingdom of Hutori.  Kalistan has been represented by the Consul General, His Excellency Marcus Weller for several years.  The naming of the new permanent ambassador has been delayed for several years due to the death of Emperor Fredrick III Ananto and the Princess Regent's unwillingness to name permanent representatives without input from the Grand Duchess of Ananto.

Lady Kayla Alvarez is the Second Cousin of Grand Duchess of Kalistan Lady Emily Suldanor.  Besides being the Baroness in Frontera, Lady Kayla has worked for 10 years as a researcher in Sulari, where she is a member of the International Political Economic Policy think tank New Southern Perspectives that advises the Kalistani Foreign Ministry on trade policy and analysis of foreign economic policy toward Kalistan and Anantonese Ocean Nations.  The think tank also is openly critical of economic liberalism, and tends to align closer to social democratic recommendations.

Lady Kayla Alvarez met with the Regent, the Chancellor of the Empire and Grand Duchess Mary Ananto-DeLaurentis, where she affirmed her intention to represent the Kalistani Government and its Sovereign to the best of her ability.  She said her goal was to improve relations with the Kingdom of Hutori and expand the Embassy in Bekenial into a center for Makon's Consular Services.  Kalistan does not maintain embassies in Davostag or Telamon, so if any nationals from those other countries need travel visas to Kalistan or any other consular services, they will be welcomed to visit the Kalistani Embassy in Bekenial or the northern Consulate in Carter City.

Lady Kayla Alvarez is expected to submit a list of deputies to lead the various interest sections in the Embassy within four months, but will likely wait until after the new Empress is crowned in November.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto is Crowned in Kaliburg
Empress promises to govern according to principles of "Justice and Truth"
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
November 16, 5632


Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto sits upon the Jeweled Throne

The Empire of Ananto and Kalistan has a new Empress.  As of 12pm Kaliburg Standard, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Mary I Ananto now serves her people as the embodiment of the Nation and the State.  In a fairly major break with Imperial Tradition, Her Imperial Majesty was crowned at the Imperial Seat in Kaliburg, rather than the Eveari Monthly Meeting House.  Several practical and philosophical reasons went into this decision:  Explicitly the Empress asked that the crowning not take place at the Meeting House because she did not want to give the appearance of the endorsement of one religion over another, or the appearance of seeking the approval of any religious tradition.

More than 350 people were in attendance at the Imperial Seat.  Besides the Her Highness Princess Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis, the Empress' Mother, and Her Highness, Princess Michelle Ananto-Sandoval, the acting Regent, the Ceremony was attended by Acting Chancellor Carlos Alvarez, the Dukes of Kalistan, and several foreign dignitaries, including:

From Hutori:
His Majesty King Charles III
Princess Charlotte the Grand Duchess of Lagard
Hutorian Prime Minister Michael Kensington
and Prince James, the Grand Duke of Kenai and the Hutorian Ambassador to Kalistan 

From Dolgava:
Queen Jannika of Dolgava, along with her entourage

From Egelion:
Nicole Reina de Egelion, and Entourage
Yolanda Montalivet-Tarazón, the Royal Ambassadorto Kalistan
High Councilor Formoselle

From Baeguk:
Crown Princess Baek Chaewon, and Entourage

From Istalia:
Emperor Alessandro V, and Entourage
Empress Claudia

Other nations sent their regards via letters.  Before the ceremony, the Princess Regent went to each foreign delegation and ensured that they were comfortably seated and had all translation services available that they required, and personally thanked them on behalf of the Grand Duchess for their attendance, adding that Kalistan remembers its friends and those who grace and honor the Nation by visiting.

Once all the guests were seated, the ceremony began.  The Acting Chancellor was joined before the throne by the Grand Duchess of Kalistan, Lady Emily Suldanor.  Lady Suldanor read a proclamation of Gratitude to Her Highness, the Princess Michelle Ananto-Suldanor, thanking her for her service to the Empire in her willingness to stand as Regent.  The Crowd applauded Lady Michelle as she stood to receive the Accolades.  The ceremony paused for the Striking of the Noon bell, The Chancellor of the Empire asked all Kalistani Nationals to rise to their feet, and then he spoke:

"If it please your Highness, The People of Ananto and Kalistan call Her Highness the Grand Duchess of Ananto to come forth and present yourself to our view."  Her Highness, Grand Duchess Mary-Elizabeth Natalia Ananto-DeLaurentis stepped forward and stood before the Chancellor and the Grand Duchess of Kalistan.

"Madame," he continued.  "It is my duty to ask, on behalf of the People of the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan, if you will accept the duty of serving as our Empress and Sovereign, to govern us wisely and firmly, and to also make decisions in the best interest of Your People and your Nation from now until forever.  In exchange for your Service to your People, we shall repay your fidelity with our fealty, our trust, and our good will for as long as you shall serve your People, even until the end of time.  Do you accept this responsibility that we seek to lay upon your shoulders this day?"

The Grand Duchess responded, "I do accept this responsibility on behalf of my People and my Nation."

The Chancellor then asked Her Highness to please be seated on the newly commissioned throne which was made of solid gold that was encrusted with rubies, emeralds, amethysts and diamonds.  Though there was a red cushion on the seat, the back of the throne that stood more than four feet tall, was composed almost entirely of intricately woven and worked white diamonds embedded into polished leather.  Similarly, the arm rests were composed almost entirely of diamonds that glimmered and gleamed in the lights of the Imperial Seat.  This throne will be placed in the Empress' Audience Chamber and shall serve as the Imperial Seat going forward.

The Grand Duchess' robes were taken from her before she sat upon the throne and her shawl was replaced by a richly orange silken Robe of State with Burgundy trim and gold thread embroidery.  For the first time, her Coronation Dress was visible:  It was made of columns of diamonds, separated by gold embroidered flowers, and rows of burgundy cloth, which is likely the Vicuna Wool that news reports had spoken about.  The floor length Coronation Dress kept the same vertical striped design on all sides.  The diamonds that made up the dress flooded the room with sparkles and light as the Grand Duchess glided silently to the Throne.

Most notably, around her neck was prominently displayed the Kundrati Diamond, an heirloom of the Hulanevek line extending from Pavlina I Ananto, given to the Anantos in the reign of Mary's Great Grandmother.  And more importantly, the Grand Duchess wore Carolina's Setting and cross design, which many speculated was worn in honor of her Grandmother to to establish continuity with the previous reigns.  The large 150+ carat diamond is set in a gold cross buttony, which is itself studded with four large diamonds and ringed with more than a dozen smaller diamonds.  The necklace is thought to be priceless.

Once she sat down, the Chancellor was brought the Empress' Crown.  The Gold Crown, ornately and delicately crafted, was ringed with a row of large diamonds, and topped with Rubies, Sapphires and centered with a single large Amethyst, which is the official Gemstone of the Empire.  With his head bowed, he handed the Crown to the Grand Duchess of Kalistan, and then backed away from the throne.  The Grand Duchess of Kalistan then placed the Crown upon the head of the Sovereign.  She then took a knee, and according to expectation, all Kalistani nationals took a knee.  The Grand Duchess said, with her head bowed, "In the Name and Stead of The Peerage of the Empire Ananto and Kalistan, we hereby acknowledge that Mary-Elizabeth Natalia Ananto-DeLaurentis shall be our Sovereign, our Dread Lady, and our Empress forever, and we will repay her Fidelity with our fealty, our trust and our good will.  And we shall acknowledge her name and titles going forth as hers irrevocably.  She shall be, to all of us:

"By the Consent of the People, Her Imperial Majesty, of the Ancient House of Ananto, Empress and Sovereign of The Anantonese Empire, Empress of Ananto, Kalistan, Gaduridos and Lodamun, Queen of Vintalli, Queen of Andalay, Queen of Karzon, Queen of Sekowo, Grand Duchess of Ananto, Duchess of Icehaven, Duchess of Athosia, Duchess of Outannais, Countess of Davon, Countess of Eveari, Countess of Dah, Commander in Chief of the Regular Forces of Kalistan, Sovereign and Great Mistress of the Ancient Order of the Grey Smoke, Sovereign and Grand Mistress of the Excellent Order of the Anantonese Empire, Sovereign and Grand Mistress of the Order of Vintalli, Sovereign and Grand Mistress of the Order of Andalay, Defender of the Realm, Formal Head of the Anantonese Government, Embodiment of the Anantonese Nation, Guarantor of the Anantonese Ocean and Ananto Strait, Mary I Ananto."

And we shall all acknowledge all rights and privileges pertaining to her office and her person forever."

Then standing, the Grand Duchess of Kalistan declared, "Long Live Our Empress!"  to which all Kalistani Nationals present responded "Long Live Our Empress"

The Empress nodded and said simply

"We accept this honor and this duty.  We are keenly aware of the weight of the responsibility that is associated with this office.  We do not take this task lightly.  The world is full of challenges and opportunities, and navigating that will take a steady hand.  We shall ever endeavor to make decisions with regard to the best interest of our nation and our State.  We shall ever endeavor to contemplate justice and truth, so that we may allow those principles to guide our decisions.  We will show no favoritism that is not based on those principles.  We will request help, guidance and counsel as we go forward, to ensure that we have other perspectives in our decisions, and to prevent the tendency to become siloed or close minded.  And we will ever stand for light and integrity in all we do, stand for the rights of humanity, and stand for a clean and safe environment for us to live in and raise our children in.  To our friends, we will be unceasingly kind and jovial.  To our enemies, we will be tireless foes.  To those we vanquish, we will show mercy.  To those who seek refuge, we will open our doors.  To those who request our aid, we will be judicious.  We shall ever endeavor to make our Reign enlightened, as well as we are able."

The recently named Princess of the Empire Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis and The (now) Countess of Dulnerstaad and former Regent, Lady Michelle Ananto-Sandoval listening to the Empress speak

The Empress now crowned, the Acting Chancellor of the Empire invited all guests to attend the reception in the Lobby at the Imperial Seat.  The official Coronation Photo was taken, and then the Chancellor accompanied Her Imperial Majesty to the reception.  Light snacks and drinks were served, as Her Imperial Majesty, her normal nonchalant demeanor now completely replaced by the regal air of her Office and the Protocol of the Empire, greeted the foreign Monarchs and representatives first, to ensure that they were aware that she knew they had made the trip.  She then spoke with Kalistanis, many of whom commented on her dress, and commented that it was quite remarkable.  The Dress' designer, Ms. Maria Olivia was in attendance, and Her Imperial Majesty greeted her especially to thank her for the amazing garment, and said it was a shame that she could only wear it one time.

The reception lasted more than an hour and a half, and then the Foreign Guests were invited to travel with the Royal Family back to Eveari to the Ananto Estate, which has been re-opened and made ready for the notable foreign Dignitaries.  While most visitors were in utter awe of the opulence of the new Throne and the Coronation Dress, more than a few individuals commented that perhaps it was not the best use of House Ananto's wealth, to put it on such an ostentatious display.

"As Brethrenists, we do not make conspicuous display of material wealth," an anonymous attender was overheard to say.  "I just happen to think it is excessive.  She could use those resources to feed backwards nations like Kundrati or Baltusia."  Another nearby attender responded "Those jewels are hers though.  And she already said she's not a Brethrenist.  But it's not her fault that those countries have starving people...  Why should she give food to fascists?"  Overall, though the event was free of any controversy and the Empire went to sleep with a new Sovereign as its head.

@TheRepublic