Kalistan

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Chancellor travels to Valruzia to watch North Seleya Games
Empress reportedly rejects symbolic title
Nowagard, Valruzia
June 20, 5650


Chancellor of the Empire Lady Jennifer Alvarez-Miller meets with Her Imperial Majesty in Valruzia

The Chancellor of the Empire, Lady Jennifer Alvarez-Miller, met with her Imperial Majesty in Valruzia, where they both watched the Kalistani teams compete in the first annual North Seleyan Games. So far, Kalistan has won five Gold Medals in various events, including some of the team sports, and have taken an even 7 each in Silver and Bronze medals. While Kalistan does have the smallest contingent at the games, the Empress was reportedly very excited to discuss how well Kalistan was doing, and to congratulate all the teams and winners on their competetive spirit.

While much of the visit was directed toward observing the games, the Chancellor of the Empire wanted to confirm a number of things with Her Imperial Majesty, including an upcoming visit in Kaliburg by the Egelian Royal family, as well as plans for the Empress to visit the new King George of Baltusia to assure him of Kalistan's support and friendship.

Another odd item discussed during the meeting was the National Assembly's desire to hand a new, though purely symbolic title to Her Imperial Majesty. "In light of Her Imperial Majesty being descendant from the Hulnavek family in Kundrati, and honoring their former importance to that state's government and administration before the country became a fascist hellscape, The National Assembly passed a resolution regarding the title Queen of Kundrati, which currently sits vacant," said Lady Alvarez. "This motion was passed by a majority of Orthodox Deputies with some supporters among the Internationalists, and was in the form of a resolution which began, 'Should Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto be so inclined to accept it...' Her Imperial Majesty was no inclined to accept it. In fact, she said she did not want to unnecessarily inflame any situations in Artania."

The Chancellor of the Empire noted that the Empress' response was what was expected. "Her Imperial Majesty could indeed claim the title" said Lady Alvarez. "She certainly would have the right and the pedigree to do so. But she wished to demonstrate that it is her intention to instead not do anything that would give the State any more ammunition to use against the normal people in that country. She thanked the National Assembly for their efforts to respect her status, but reminded me that she had long since disavowed all association or connection with Kundrati, and said that she had no intention of ever being counted among or considered a part of that degenerated culture ever again. While the Kundrati people were once generally good, generally forward thinking and generally proud, she told me they have become demoralized, misogynistic, afraid of foreigners, and slaves to a cult of personality. She compared the Kundrati people to the gold medalists of Northern Seleyan nations, unfavorably."

The Chancellor of the Empire spent the evening with the Empress and took in a few sporting competitions across the nation, and then returned to Kalistan to begin preparing for the various state visits still upcoming.

@TheRepublic

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Empress and Chancellor head to Baltusia
Her Imperial Majesty becomes the first sitting Kalistani Monarch to visit Athosia
Johnston, Baltusia
September 20, 5650


Her Imperial Majesty is joined by Lady Alvarez as she sets foot for the first time in Baltusia

On a monumental moment in the history of the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Mary I Ananto became the first Duchess of Athosia to actually visit the Duchy. She was joined by Chancellor of the Empire, Lady Jennifer Alvarez-Miller on the first State visit to Baltusia in anyone's memory. The visit caps off a decade of diplomatic reproachment and repair that began as Baltusia threw off its long syndicalist past and began building bridges with its neighbors.

Both Her Imperial Majesty and Lady Alvarez are related to the new King, The Empress by Adoption and the Chancellor by blood, and the State visit will be an opportunity for the Northern Seleyan Relatives to meet one another and get to know each other as colleagues and friends. But before that, Her Imperial Majesty and the Lady Alvarez flew into the Port city of San Luis, on the Anantonese Coast, and were warmly greeted by hundreds of well wishers who turned out to see the Kalistani Empress, the first time for any of them.

"Her Imperial Majesty was quite impressed by the welcome we received in San Luis," said the Lady Alvarez. "I, of course, have been to Baltusia numerous times for family gatherings and to travel through to Gaduridos, but Her Imperial Majesty, who received a genetic obsession with this place and heard stories from generations of Anantos about Athosia, has never had the opportunity to visit. She had only been here for a few minutes, and said she was so happy to have the opportunity to come to a place she described as magical. And so many of the residents turned out to welcome her at the airport, she was immediately charmed beyond expression."

Both the Empress and Chancellor were shown around the port city in the evening, and then they took an overnight public bus from San Luis to the capital of Johnston, where they arrived just this morning, to prepare for their visit with the King. During the five day state visit, the Empress and the King are scheduled to not only talk casually, but also discuss increased trade, capital investment, and the potential for deepening economic integration in Northern Seleya. "There are rumors of a new integration treaty on the horizon for Northern Seleyan states. We are part of the Seleyan Economic Community, but I think the focus here will be on the Northern region specifically. But I think there are a lot of things the two Heads of State want to talk about, including increasing general affinity between our two states."

The meetings will also be attended by First Minister Merridan, whom Her Imperial Majesty has expressed some admiration for recently. "The Empress believes he is handling the security situation in Baltusia following the horrible security breeches quite well," said Lady Alvarez. "Sometimes you have to take extraordinary measures to restore order, and Her Imperial Majesty believes that to be a paramount characteristic of every functioning state." Lady Alvarez says she looks forward to discussing regional trade, investment and security with the Baltusian Premier while the Empress meets with the new Baltusian monarch.

So far the historic state visit is off to a fantastic start, and spirits and optimism for a new relations are high. More details to follow.

@TheRepublic

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New Kalistani Geography textbook contains egregious Error
"Someone's idea of a joke" explains publisher
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
December 19, 5650


The new Primary Geography textbook contains a major error in Chapter on Ocean Geography

The publishers of the new update of the 2nd Grade Geography Primer were required to make a public apology and refund the Ministry of Education for an egregious error found by 2nd Grader Jenny Calloway of Python, Duchy of Vrassa. Calloway was flipping through her text book this fall and when she got to the chapter on maritime geography, she noticed the error and brought the matter to her teacher, who contacted the local school board, who then contacted the Duchy's Public Education Commission

"The student, Ms. Calloway, discovered that the book referred to the sea on the east coast of South Seleya was mis-labeled 'Odufart Sea,'" said Vrassa Duchy Commissioner of Public Education Brian Alexander. "She then found several other references to Odufart through the book. We immediately contacted the Minister of Education and Culture, Janet Simmons, to confirm that Kalistan no longer refers to that sea in those terms. Minister Simmons clarified that that stretch of water between Kanjor and Noumonde is referred to as the Southern Anantonese Ocean, and has not been referred to as Odufart anything for millennia, by anyone."

Simmons added that the name "Odufart" was derived from Odufaray--the Duchy in Kalistan which is nowhere near the Southern Anantonese Ocean--but it had been misapplied during the colonial era by ignorant foreigners, who repeated it to other ignorant foreigners and the name just stuck for a little while. Maps get copied, and copies of copies are made, and the name irritatingly persisted into the 3000s, though the entire maritime region was previously delineated as a single body of water named the Anantonese Ocean, and several smaller arms got names as seas.

"Yes, the Minister is correct," said Veronica Wilson, spokesperson for the book Publisher Markies and Sons, who received the contract to publish the erroneous book. "That sea has been incorrectly labeled as 'Odufart' for centuries, and nobody has any idea why that dumb name persists, but as for it appearing in our book, usually our Quality Control catches errors like this. I guess this time it was left in because it was someone's idea of a joke. It's a tasteless one at any rate, and now it is also a costly one."

Wilson said that Markies and Sons was expected to reimburse the money the company earned from the contract, minus costs for publishing, and replace the books with corrected labels. A review of the book also revealed that Odufart is used in at least four other places in the book, including the index. No other significant errors were discovered elsewhere in the text.

Markies and Sons also offered Ms. Calloway, the young student who caught the error, an opportunity for an internship after she completes her National Service, if she is interested. "Anyone with Miss Calloway's eagle eye for detail is welcomed at our company," said Wilson. "But of course, we'd like her to graduate High School first."

@TheRepublic

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Meet Lady Helen Ananto-Reynolds
34 year old head of House Ananto plans new initiatives for Baltusia and Gaduridos
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
December 27, 5650


Lady Helen Ananto-Reynolds, Head of House Ananto

Lady Helen Ananto-Reynolds, first cousin of Her Imperial Majesty Empress Mary I Ananto, has been at her post as head of House Ananto and CEO of Miramar Holdings for more than a year. But so far she has kept a fairly low profile in Kalistan, as she got settled in her new role as Manager of one of the wealthiest family fortunes and one of the most important holding companies in Terra. The Princess, daughter of of Her Highness, Princess Michelle Ananto-Sandoval has one job: Aggrandize the wealth of the Monarchy of Kalistan. So far, she has maintained the family's traditional strategy of conservative but steady growth. Her first annual reports showed a modest gain in net wealth by about 1.1%, far underperforming the markets, but on historic trajectories.

"The House fund is designed to sustain the monarchy," said Lady Ananto-Reynolds. "That not only includes Her Imperial Majesty, of course, but her entire family, her sister, her sister's family, my mother, and my brothers and sisters, and etc... There are a lot of people on pension, but we can proudly say that the Foundation permits a very generous pension for the royal family, and the amount of public money that is contributed annually by the way of Her Imperial Majesty's salary is annually returned, as it is negligible compared to what she would earn in pension if she decided to take it." Lady Reynolds put the current foundation's assets at over ₭800 billion and said the annual draw off alone on the foundation is more than K30 billion. "We return most of that money to the principle. What could we possibly spend all that on?" Miramar holdings no longer pays a dividend to the Royal Family, as House Ananto has returned the money to the company annually for about 45 years.

So what does this MBA graduate of Kaliburg Polytechnic say happens to the money. "We have a lot of money tied up in investments all over the Anantonese Region," said Lady Helen. "We have investments in Anantonese Empire nations primarily, some in Dolgava, some in Lourenne, and some in Hutori, but we are also looking to expand our investments elsewhere in the region. We are very excited to see Baltusia finally getting serious about expanding their rail network. We most certainly want to help with that, as it will be a huge benefit to Kalistani Trade throughout Northern Seleya, now that the Trans Seleyan Railway no longer extends to Likatonia. But we would also like to expand our investments in primary and secondary sectors in Gaduridos."

Lady Helen Ananto-Reynolds said she intends to meet with the outgoing Gaduri Viceroy, Sir Alejandro Lopez de Leon, who plans to retire next year after serving in the role for 25 years. She wishes to discuss with Sir Lopez de Leon the needs of Gaduridos going into the new term. "House Ananto and Miramar stand ready to assist in anything that Gaduridos needs. We can put as much money as they need to expansion of current sectors or development of new sectors. Keeping Gaduridos humming is as important in Kaliburg's eyes as expanding the economy in Baltusia. Her Imperial Majesty has listed both economic and human development in those two nations to be her top priorities."

The Princess is circumspect about herself. Close associates and friends have described her as ebullient when it comes to finance, but less interested in High Society. "She likes to keep to herself a lot," said one friend who spoke on condition of anonymity. "I can see why the Empress likes her. As outgoing and social as Princess Margaret (Ananto-DeLaurentis) is, both the Empress and Lady Helen are private. I wouldn't say Lady Helen is as introverted as Her Imperial Majesty is: She loves conferences and she loves board meetings. Nobody would ever call her the life of the party, though." Others have suggested that ideologically, she leans more liberal comparatively than Her Imperial Majesty, and several pointed to her 5647 editorial for the Financial Press titled "How the Central Bank could Loosen credit and reserve rules and still thrive," and her regular appearances on the Radio Kaliburg show "Finance Today," which frequently compares strongly mercantilist Kalistan to liberal economies around the world.

"No, I am not a liberal," said Lady Ananto-Reynolds. "How can someone possibly be a liberal in my family? It's not even the State, but the Royal Family itself, which is by far the most important economic player in this country. Our nation's economic prosperity is built on mandatory national service, state domination of food, shelter, medicine and education, and strong protections for workers' rights, at the literal expense of employers. The only thing we can offer private employers in Kalistan is the chance to make a modest profit, though not a spectacular one. And that's just our system. Could it be reformed and made better? Sure. But am I going to use my position to call for reform? Not a chance in hell. Because I, like everyone who has done this job before me, knows that it could be a whole LOT worse."

Lady Helen Ananto-Reynolds said she will visit Gaduridos in March of next year to meet with Viceroy Lopez de Leon before he leaves off. "We would also like to begin consultations with the Incoming Government in Gaduridos to find a suitable replacement who will be acceptable to both Her Imperial Majesty and the People of Gaduridos" said Lady Helen. "Viceroy Lopez has served Her Imperial Majesty with distinction. The next Viceroy should have Gaduri support. But this is just the beginning of that conversation. It is one that will continue long after March--our meeting will be limited to a discussion on what more Miramar and Gaduridos can work together on to continue helping Gaduridos meet its development goals."

@TheRepublic

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Kalistani News in Brief: Kalistan takes receipt of first Bekenial III Class Frigates
Kelsey Ryan rejoins with Cauffman, Democratic Clubs to meet with Chancellor
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 1, 5651


Kelsey Ryan, left, signs new representation contract with Cauffman Agency, also pictured is Melissa Cauffman, Ryan's agent at Cauffman

Kalistan takes receipt of first Bekenial III Class Frigates
Kalistan takes a giant step ahead in its strategic defense of the Northern Anantonese Ocean as it receives its first squadron of the Bekenial III Class Frigates from Hutori. The joint Hutorian-Kalistani Designed ships have long been in the works in Hutori, and are now being produced at one every 11-12 months. Kalistan has received the first four of its lot, and is ordering them to be added to the 1st Regular Fleet, currently based at Port Swedes.

The ships aim to enhance the subsurface monitoring capacities that Kalistan has in the Northern Anantonese Ocean. "We have a multi-layered approach when it comes to Anti-Submarine warfare," said Navy spokeswoman Ensign Donna Cowlins. "A comprehensive array of subsurface sonar and hydrophone devices combined with air and satellite assets designed to both track and uncover hidden subs helps our surface and subsurface assets see, identify, and mitigate subsurface threats, which today represent the single biggest issue for the Kalistani Navy and our nation as a whole. A missile sub parked off our coast can deploy its weaponry into our cities, so it is imperative that whatever else happens in our military or in the region, we continue to treat the Northern Anantonese Ocean as a fortress, and defend it on as many levels as we can."

The ships, under development for decades, are a welcomed addition to the Kalistani Regular Navy. A small contingent of Regular Navy personnel have been in Hutori for months to train with the Hutorian Navy on the vessels and have been given the opportunity to sail the new ships home.

Kelsey Ryan rejoins Cauffman Modeling Agency
Kalistani Supermodel Kelsey Ryan has completed her National Service obligation and has returned to civilian life. Immediately, her old agency, Cauffman Modelling Agency, reached out to the Model and has re-signed her to Agency representation. Ryan has said she wishes to avoid exclusive contracts with a single company. "I'm getting older," said Ryan, in Sulari. "I feel like there are lots of roles I can play in fashion, but I would also like to try my hand at television, like Cathy (Ruiz of M7's House of Fashion.) The world of fashion in our country has really grown so much since I started, so I am sure there is still a lot I have to contribute."

Ryan said she will immediately get back to work in September modelling in Casa Cultura's Winter show. "Nice easy work, for sure," she said. "Plus, I've always thought very highly of Casa Cultura. High fashion is one thing, but the stuff Casa makes is not only really pretty, but it is really functional: It brings fashion to the common women, and I find myself sort of in alignment with that philosophy."

Ryan also noted her colleague and fellow supermodel's association with Crown Prince Kazimierez of Dolgava. "Gabby was one of the first people I checked in on when I got out of the NSP. She introduced me to the Crown Prince. It was a bit of a surprise to meet him at her house, but I can say, he seems like a really down to earth fellow." Ryan said Montgomery and the Crown Prince have been spending a lot of time together and she thinks they are quite good together. "It seems that Gabby has found happiness. I hope they stay together: They're a cute couple."

Democratic Clubs to meet with Chancellor
Chancellor of the Empire Lady Jennifer Alvarez-Miller has agreed to meet with the Sulari Democratic Club. The largest of such clubs, the Sulari Democratic Club has been holding regular information sessions about civil society activity for years, and their peaceful teaching demonstrations have become a stable of summer activities in most of the Grand Duchy of Kalistan. The meeting was proposed by President of the Democratic Club, George Herrera.

"It was a real surprise when the Lady agreed to meet with us and talk with us in a public forum," said Herrera, who is a civics teacher during the school year. "We fully expected that she would politely decline, as the Chancellor has in many occasions, but this time, she agreed to sit down with us and talk and that really was celebrated by our members."

Herrera said that he intends to invite members from other Democratic Clubs to the forum which will take place in Sulari in August. The event is open to the public, and Herrera said it is not designed to be contentious. "Lady Alvarez is one of our own here in Suldanor, and we would like to talk to her about the role of the Institutional Party, and our National Assembly in the lives of the people of Kalistan. This forum will, like almost all of our events, for the purposes of voter information. I do expect some questions about the single party system, but for the most part, we will try to keep the conversation civil and topical. After all, we would not only like to speak with the Chancellor, but also encourage her to continue to meet with us in the future. We can't do that if a bunch of radicals spend the event alienating her."

Lady Alvarez said she spoke with the Empress about the Chancellor appearing at a public forum hosted by the Democratic Club, and Her Imperial Majesty was not overtly opposed to the offer. The Chancellor also said the Empress does not intend to speak with the Democrats this summer, but will listen to the Chancellor's report of the goings on.

@TheRepublic

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Imperial Seat receives an Upgrade
Throne Room now includes Skylight and Gem encrusted Throne
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 5, 5651


The New Opium Throne now stands in Her Imperial Majesty's Formal Audience Hall

The Imperial Seat in Kaliburg has been a long storied location in the Empire. It is the place where Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto receives all formal audiences, to include Foreign Diplomats, international representatives, and petitions by citizens. Until recently, it has been a dais with a jewel encrusted Throne, and while that throne radiated majesty, it is nothing compared to the new Imperial Seat which has been unveiled in a rare showing this week.

The new Imperial Seat, which Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary has dubbed The Opium Throne, was designed by a team of artisans including master silversmith Ronnie Hanson of Kalburg, as well as the imperial jeweler Melvin Reed, who hand selected the Jewels which are featured on the Imperial Seat and inlaid into the Silver. The remodel of the Imperial Seat was commissioned by House Ananto Head Lady Helen Ananto-Reynolds, who spoke with reporters about the new Opium Throne.

"I was tired of having my Empress sit on a common throne," said Lady Helen. "Most monarchies want to see their monarchs decked out in the finest, but I thought Her Imperial Majesty needed a throne room that radiated power and strength. Not a mere throne, but a whole Pavilion, decorated with gems of every size and shape, to represent Kalistan's unequalled wealth and prestige in the world today. And my only regret is that we can't further encrust it without sacrificing structural integrity."

Lady Helen Ananto said that the structure, which is made of approximately 19.5 metric tons of polished silver (with an additional 1 ton going into the Throne itself) was fabricated using special molds crafted by the National Foundry in Sulari for this specific purpose. "The silver was provided by Her Imperial Majesty her self and is worth, just in terms of weight alone, about ₭19.7 million Imperial Rubles," said Lady Helen. "This silver came from her vault, where it has been sitting since the reign of Pavlina Ananto, who acquired it at the beginning of her reign. The gems, they are quite another matter entirely."

Reed said there are more than 10 thousand gems inlaid into the silver. "Each requires its own setting," said Mr. Reed, who oversaw the selection, the grading and the cutting of each gem used in the new Imperial Seat. "Most of the diamonds we recovered from the seat-backing of the previous Imperial Throne, and many of those stones were recycled. But we had countless one and two carat stones, especially rubies and emeralds that we inlaid in the actual structure and the new Throne, not to mention Sapphires and Amethysts that went into the Structure. And many of the larger gems are actually mosaics designed to look like a single stone, though they are numerous gems each." Reed said he could not put an estimate on the value of the gems alone, but they, like the silver, were all provided by House Ananto. He said he was particularly proud of the massive Opium Poppies that form the mosaic that cover the floor of the platform of the Throne pavillion.

"The House has a massive gem vault," said Lady Helen. "All of this stuff was just sitting down there, collecting dust. I think it was always Her Imperial Majesty's desire to create a piece of artwork like this for Kalistan with her wealth, and that's precisely what we've been doing over the last year." Lady Helen said it took about a year to piece the new Imperial Seat together, and the labor of more than 4500 individuals, who worked in shifts and in secret to unveil the new Imperial Seat only when it was completed. The pavilion was built entirely inside the Imperial Seat complex, and while the construction of the Silver Pavilion was being completed, Kaliburg construction crews were also employed to remodel the Complex to add a skylight in the Throne Room, as well as three apartments for visiting dignitaries, and office space for Her Imperial Majesty's Staff and legislative liaisons.

"When Her Imperial Majesty is not at the Imperial Seat, the Throne Room will remain open to the public," said Lady Helen. "It is Her Imperial Majesty's desire to permit the public to enter the Throne Room to view the Opium Throne when it is vacant, and create a small exhibit for visitors who wish to know more about the Monarchy and the Empress' role in it. Then when some event is scheduled, such as the meeting of a foreign dignitary, or a proclamation, we can easily close the building off to visitors until she has conducted her business from the Seat."

One gem which is noticeably absent from the new Opium Throne is the Kundrati Diamond, which remains locked away in a secret location. "Her Imperial Majesty believes that this diamond is cursed," said Mr. Reed. "It is only meant to ever be worn once by any monarch, and then it goes into storage. I'm not sure if I would agree that a diamond could be cursed, but the Empress believes that emphatically, likely due to something Empress Carolina told her about the stone, and therefore has kept it hidden since her coronation.

"But of course, there are much more practical concerns too: By including the Diamond in the Imperial Throne, it creates a target for thieves and wicked people to attempt to come and take it for themselves. There are likely over ten thousand gems in this pavilion but only one Kundrati Diamond exists. And once it is lost, it stays lost. So. She was clear that I should not even consider including it in the design, but work with any number of other stones she had available." Reed said the diamond remained set in her Cross Botonny Necklace, that both she, her father and her Grandmother wore during their coronations.

As for now, the Opium Throne will continue to function as the symbolic locus of Anantonese Power and Prestige. Most of the Empress' duties do not involve sitting at the Imperial Seat, but now it is available for when her tasks take her there, and meanwhile, it shall stand as a testament to Kalistan's fine artistry, as well as her opulence and majesty. Kalistan takes one step closer to Her Imperial Majesty's aspiration of a glittering Empire.

@LaModa

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Empress Spars with Democrats in Sulari
"She's clearly not used to be questioned," said attendees
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
December 5, 4651


Her Imperial Majesty and the Chancellor of the Empire sit in one of the few light moment during a public forum with Sulari Democratic Club President Miguel Calderone

In a rare, and some might say, foolhardy, move, Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto appeared in a public forum sponsored by the Sulari Democratic Club. The forum was aimed at allowing people the opportunity to openly and directly question their Head of State, an opportunity that few citizens in so-called Democratic Nations are even afforded. Her Imperial Majesty appeared at the request of the forum, and was with the Chancellor of the Empire, whose job was to ensure protocol was kept at all times. The event was moderated by incoming Sulari Democratic Club President Miguel Calderone.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," he began. "We should remember tonight is your opportunity to do something that nobody in this room has ever done. The Empress has agreed to sit with us, and answer your questions of her directly, but its our hope to give her the best possible impression of our work here and with the UNited Democratic Clubs, so even if your questions are provocative, please remember to keep your tone civil, listen to the Chancellor if she needs to remind you of protocol, and remember that our goal here is to practice people's power, to show it can be done, and maybe even can be a pleasant experience."

The Chancellor of the Empire, Lady Jennifer Alvarez-Miller gave an opening address where she merely explained the rules of the forum, and enjoined all to follow those rules. "Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a formal audience with Her Imperial Majesty. For those of you who have never sat in one, the law of our Nation prevents you from directly addressing Her Imperial Majesty. So you will need to address all your questions to either myself or the President of the Club. He and I discussed these things prior to this forum, and he assured me that you all have done teachins on Imperial Protocol. He has given me the authority to end this forum at any time, and should I need to do so, doing so will be more for your good than it is for mine or Her Imperial Majesty's because it means you are either currently or about to violate the Law, and I would rather you go home to your family than wind up before the City Magistrate for violating Lese Majestie. Her Majesty has authorized me to waive the rules governing when you may sit and stand, given that this is her first public forum. Please pay attention to me at all times for everyone's safety. With that we can begin the questions."

As she handed the microphone back to the President, several people stood with cards in their hands, and walked up to a microphone which was placed in front of the stage. The first question was from a 10 year old kid, who wanted to ask how Her Imperial Majesty got into planting trees. She dutifully asked the Chancellor to request the information of the Empress, who answered that she has always loved the forest, and finds that environment to be peaceful and tranquil, and she can meditate there and clear her mind, which she has a difficult time doing while she lives in the city.

Several additional questions followed this line, many of them dealing with personal information such as her favorite kind of music, or her favorite food. About the seventh question, one audience member asked "Madame Chancellor: If Her Imperial Majesty is so so committed to peace, why did she agree to allow my father to go fight in that worthless Kundrati Conflict? That country isn't worth a bucket of warm spit and she sacrificed all those lives for nothing I'd like her to answer for that decision, if you please."

The question clearly caught Her Imperial Majesty off guard, and the Chancellor leaned over and whispered something, to which the Empress shook her head. She drew a breath and answered, "The decision to return to Kundrati after we had lost so many in the Artanian Campaign and the Likatonian War was a difficult one. We had concluded an agreement with the Legion, a decision we paid for in terms both of political support as well as international prestige. But we agreed to allow the Militia to deploy there for a number of reasons: first and foremost being that the Militia asked us to allow them to do so. Most of the Militia were Nationalists and looked for the opportunity to avenge those they lost when our Father reigned in the chemical weapons attacks. Recommitting to that war was not our first choice, but we do not regret it. At the end of the day, we did have losses, but our Militia redeemed our military and our nation from the Likatonian scandal, and they did so at their own request. You have nothing to be ashamed of: Your father died bravely in a noble cause. The failure of the war does not lie in our Militia, but the countries who were supposed to stay and cleanse the nation of its filth and tarnish after we left, and didn't do anything of the sort."

The next question was just as difficult. "Please ask her Imperial Majesty how she can spend so much for such a gaudy throne uh... pavillion I guess you could call it; How is there no public accountability or oversight into how she burns vast sums of money on houses, jewelry, a gem vault and now this gaudy monstrosity?"

The Empress smiled and asked "What is the gentleman's issue?"

"Does her Imperial Majesty not care at all about how it looks if a value in our Empire is equality?"

The Empress looked him in the eye, and said very seriously, "There is no equality in this Nation except under the law."

The short answer took the questioner by surprise. "Well, Your Majesty, I always knew it but its a shock to hear you... actually... say it." To which the Chancellor said "Mr. Edwards. Mind the Protocol." Edwards was about to speak again, but the President of the Club also shot him a look with a slightly noticeable shake of his head. The questioner exhaled loudly into the mic and turned to leave.

"Sir, our fortune is our property. If you are a liberal, we hope you will respect that. If not, there ought to be no question to the matter. We hope you understand that at any rate. How we spend our money is our business. And we thankfully do not spend any of yours." The man did not look at the Empress, but strode out of the hall.

Other challenging questions were about why the Empress will not permit multiple parties, when there is clearly a diversity of ideology in the Empire, to which Her Imperial Majesty responded, "That opinion remains in the minority, and is not enough to compel our National Assembly to petition to overturn the Single Party Act. 17% of the population is not nearly enough to outweigh the opinion of the 60% who still support the act and the 23% who doesn't care one way or another." Or for a reassurance about the independence of the Courts: "When the Monarchy has been a party, the Courts have found against us far more often than for us, and nobody has ever lost a job for the correct dispensation of justice."

After more than an hour of questions, it was clear that the Empress was ready to end the forum. The Chancellor told the President the Empress will allow one further question. The last one was by a young mother. "This question is for Her Imperial Majesty," said the young woman, with a kid who was five or so holding her hand. "Would Her Imperial Majesty say one way whether or not my little son here will ever get to experience true democracy in our Empire? I'd like to tell him that there is something to look forward to, where he can actually see his ideas as policy, rather than the fiat of a monarch."

The Empress looked at the boy and then at the mother. "As long as we are Empress, we can assure you, this Empire has more than enough democracy." She paused to let the words sink in. "Democratic governments in our cities are selected by more than 70% of our population. Are those concessions not enough for our people? We are absolutely committed to the maintenence of our our regime: Through it we provide order and peace so that you and your son may live to your fullest potential. Democracy brings strife and discontent. Why would we want something like this in our Realm? Why would you want that for your son?"

The response brought gasps from the crowd. The Chancellor, noticing a shift in temperature in the auditorium, nodded at the President Calderone, who said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we thank Her Imperial Majesty for taking the time to come sit with us. Let's give her a hand." There were a few people who applauded, but most people remained silent. The Chancellor and the Empress left the stage through the wings, while the audience erupted in discussion. The President waited until the dignitaries had left before calling the meeting back to order.

After the meeting was wrapped, several individuals gave comments to the Paper. "Well, she was fairly honest at least," said one, while another called her tonedeaf. "She's in a forum sponsored by the Sulari Democratic Club, and she couldn't have answered those questions worse. I mean: throw us a bone here!" Others noticed that eventually, her lack of patience with the interrogation was clear. "She's clearly not used to being questioned," said a member of the club. "This is not familiar ground for her, and after a while, I even felt a little sorry for her."

"An arrogant Princess," said one woman, dismissively. "But she stood her ground. I don't honestly know what else I expected. I give her points for that." The Office of the Empress had no comment, but given her reception in Sulari, it may be a long time before before her Imperial Majesty attends another Democracy Club event in Kalistan.

@TheRepublic

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Empress Tries again at Eshar Democracy Forum
Crowd seemed willing to forgive Empress for her failure at Sulari
Eshar, Duchy of Odufaray
March 19, 5652


Take Two: Empress meets with Public in Eshar, also pictured, Lady Jennifer Alvarez-Miller and Eshar Democracy Club President Shelia Nelson

Her Imperial Majesty seemed willing to stand by her stated commitment to continue to speak with the Democratic Clubs across Kalistan, and open to take direct questions from the audience, as she attended the March Democracy Forum in Eshar. Her mission was simply to not have as horrible a showing as she did last fall in Sulari. Eshar tends to be somewhat more supportive of the Empress than Suldanor has been recently, and it showed in the crowd who, despite asking pointed and direct questions, also seemed to show the Empress a bit more grace.

"I personally think she was more at ease talking with us tonight than the videos I saw of her forum in Sulari," said Forum attendee Corine Broward, of Eshar. "She answered the questions with as much honesty I think, but seemed less hostile to us than what she appeared to be in Sulari." Indeed, Broward said her question about the multi party law was answered with an explanation rather than a lecture about order and stability. "I appreciated her perspective, and more that it seemed like she has thought about it, could be moved on the issue, and that she was willing to engage in a discussion about whether it was time to reform the law."

Missing was the acrimonious personal impugnation that Sulari Forum goers brought. When Her Imperial Majesty was asked about House Ananto finances, the questioner asked her to talk about what social good she was doing with her family's money, rather than simply demanding an accounting for her apparently profligate cosmetic spending. "We are proud to report that more than 85% of House Ananto's expenditures last year went to charities and social welfare organizations, and this amount doesn't typically change," said Her Imperial Majesty. "There are somethings that we purchase for ourselves, but first our Aunt, and now our Cousin, manage to keep meticulous books which we make available to public scrutiny, and We will be happy to tell you where you can obtain that information about our spending, so you can see for yourself just who we donate to, who Miramar invests in, and whether you think that the purchase of a house or several millions of Rubles of raw gemstones from a foreign nation affects our charitable and social donations in any way. It is our hope that you find that we are very socially conscious with how we spend our money."

It is clear that Her Imperial Majesty has adopted a far different strategy of interaction for her second appearance at Democracy Forum than she had going into her first appearance. "She had good answers for every question that we posed to her," said Chris Yarway, from Senvias, who crossed the Bay for the Forum. "She obviously had practice and perhaps even a PR coach, but she was also sincere and seemed able to adapt on her feet and answer follow up questions thoughtfully. I really liked it."

Indeed, most people came away with a more positive impression of the Empress than they had going in, a fact that was born out by an impromptu poll conducted by the Eshar Democratic Club following Her Imperial Majesty's forum of its members and other attendees. More than 30% said hearing Her Imperial Majesty had significantly changed their minds for the better toward the Empress, while 42 percent said it had slightly improved their opinion about the Empress. Only 8 percent said they had a worse opinion of her after hearing her.

"Well, I think we saw the real Empress in Sulari," said Melissa Rohrbach of Eshar, who reported that she had a worse opinion of the Empress after the forum. "This one seems far too slick and practiced, almost like a politician. I wanted candidness, but she maybe seemed like she prepared too much for this to be real." Rohrbach said that this is what she expected of a politician seeking votes, not of an Empress. "In Sulari, she said there is no equality in Kalistan. That's what she really believes. Here she told us that while she does hold that the highest equality is equality under the law, she completely sidestepped the fact that she herself is not under the law, but entirely above it. She said some other nonsense like she values the inherent value of all people equally, but I was like 'Bro, that was not the question that was asked.'" Rohrbach said she knew that all politicians lie, but when they do it in a democracy its just to show how much they want to be elected, so she is reportedly "fine with them doing what they have to do to get elected," but there's no reason to lie in an autocracy.

Some noted that the Empress used terms that one may regularly hear within a Brethernist Meeting, and that could be seen as pandering. "We all know that Her Imperial Majesty is not a Brethrenist," said one Attendee, Yolanda White, of Gendaris, "and as a matter of fact, I've never heard her call anyone at all Friend, or talk about testimonies. It certainly seems like she was coached. And if you are like me, and take your Brethrenist Faith seriously, you know that a person should be genuine, but there is something off about her talking about a Peace testimony like she's ever spent a minute inside a Meeting House."

Most people, however found Her Imperial Majesty to be warm and encouraging, taking them seriously when they spoke about their needs and aspirations. "She tried to seem relatable," said Thomas McInnis, single father of three children and widower, who lives in Eshar. "It really was night and day. She spoke with me, talked directly with my children, and though I am not really convinced that she knows what its like to work 10 hours a day to keep food in your house, she did promise that she will work with the National Assembly and the Duchy Government to address food insecurity in our Duchy. There is mountains of free food all over the place, but a lot of places are food deserts still and that's our case. I can have a ton of money, but have no time to get to the food bank or store, and don't have anyone I can turn to. She said that must be very difficult for me, and she committed to me personally that she would try to do something about that. If she's lying, it was the kindest lie anyone has ever told me."

"Why couldn't this Empress have done this in Sulari," said Nate Herrera who took the train up from Sulari to attend this forum. "I think she knows she blew it in Sulari, but there's a number of reasons why that happened. Nobody is born knowing how to handle an angry crowd. Me and my brother both came up to try to give her another chance, and let me tell you, its the best 15 Rubles I ever spent. I am glad she handled herself better her, and I think we're both ready to give her another chance."

At the Forum, the Empress promised to work with the Chancellor to propose another referendum on the Single Party Law, and even if the referendum doesn't pass, she certainly would like to convene a plebiscite to discuss how the law can be reformed to include a greater diversity of opinion and ideology. "The one thing we will not be able to countenance is the existence of fascist or communist political formations within this nation," said Her Imperial Majesty. "Both ideologies are poisonous and should be crushed like a deadly snake: We will not permit that two headed serpent to crawl into our house while we sleep, to sink its teeth into us and kill us before we have the opportunity to wake and defend ourselves. More moderate ideas however may find some success if we reform the law properly."

Many other reforms that the Empress suggested could be in the pipeline would be designed to give the people a more direct say in the operations of the Government, "... up to and including the elimination of the complete fiat in most non-critical decisions. We would need to reserve the power, but in day to day affairs, it could theoretically be wiser to push most of that responsibility off onto the elected officials. Seeing an formal audience can be very difficult, and protocol will be maintained, but there is no reason citizens should not have access to lawmakers who actually have the power to try to solve problems for their constituents without having to require a decision from us." Several other potential reforms that Her Imperial Majesty could be willing to consider would be requiring some aspects of the Duchy Governments to become more popular, permitting local school boards a little more latitude in what they instruct in schools, and opening trade to allow more foreign goods in Kalistani markets.

"We have become convinced that it is possible to maintain many aspects of our order while also increasing a citizens powers over their government as well as their responsibility for Self Government in some, limited, instances," said Her Imperial Majesty. "We wish to work with you, our Citizens, to find solutions that take both of our interests into account and ensures that we both get something out of any negotiations." The suggested reform potentials, though extremely modest, were not in fact seen to be superficial: Many were aims at improving access to state services, and others proposed seemingly small changes, but implications of changes in some of those areas are taken into account, they will result in fairly major and long term alteration of the social order in some ways.

The Eshar Democracy Forum lasted more than 90 minutes, and throughout the examination, Her Imperial Majesty seemed tired, but still in very good spirits, and as she said good bye following her answer to the last question, she received a standing ovation, which itself violated the prohibition of frivolity as the Empress Leaves the room. Her Imperial Majesty didn't seem to mind, and waved as she and the Chancellor left the stage. Most believe that this forum undid some of the damage of the non-forced errors of the Sulari Forum, with most members of the Eshar Democratic Club holding either favorable or very favorable views of Her Imperial Majesty, compared to most members of the Sulari Democratic Club holding solidly negative views of Her Imperial Majesty.

After Sulari, we predicted Her Imperial Majesty would likely never return to a Democracy Forum. It would appear that in just three months, Her Imperial Majesty has proved us wrong, and done so leaving a very favorable impression on most of those who went to hear her.

@TheRepublic

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Her Imperial Majesty Ratifies Lord Javier Treviño to Viceregal Position
Empress also thanks outgoing Viceroy for 25 years of Service
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
May 16, 5652


Empress Mary I Ananto with new Gaduri Viceroy Lord Javier Treviño

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto met with the new incoming Viceroy selected by the Government of Gaduridos, Javier Treviño. Treviño was selected by the Gaduri National Congress to serve in the position, and was immediately sent to Kaliburg, where he was to meet with the Empress and receive Formal Imperial Ratification. The Empress greeted the former rector of the Universidad de Ciudad Gaduri warmly in formal audience in the Parlor of Cliff House, which was closed to reporters and the public, but reportedly immediately endorsed his Viceregal title. Going forth, Treviño will hold the Official title of "Lord Viceroy Plenipotential of the Kingdom of Gaduridos", and will perform all executive functions in the name of the Empress of the Anantonese Empire while in his office there in Gaduridos.

Additionally, it is believed that the Empress formally inducted the Lord Viceroy into the Ancient Order of the Gray Smoke as a Stranger Knight Companion. Doing so will allow him to speak directly with the Empress without need of the Chancellor to be present, a privilege he will need to give her honest advice and discuss issues of Imperial import candidly. Following the Audience, the Chancellor of the Empire, Lady Jennifer Alvarez-Miller welcomed reporters and journalists into the Parlor for remarks and photos.

Her Imperial Majesty gave a short speech to welcome the New Viceroy and publicly endorse his Office:

Agradecemos a Sir Alejandro López de León su larga trayectoria de servicio a Gaduridos y damos la bienvenida a un nuevo capítulo en las relaciones anantonesas.

Ahora, es para nosotros un placer y un privilegio dar la bienvenida a nuestro servicio al nuevo Virrey Plenipotenciario del Reino de Gaduridos, Lord Javier Treviño. Lord Treviño fue seleccionado por el Congreso Nacional de Gaduridos para ejercer este cargo y representarnos como su Jefe de Estado nominal. Lord Treviño es académico y ha superado un riguroso proceso de selección en el Congreso, contando con el apoyo de la amplia mayoría de los congresistas.

Le damos la bienvenida y confiaremos en su experiencia y compromiso con la Nación y el Imperio al asumir este nuevo e importantísimo cargo. Recurriremos a su consejo y asesoramiento en todos los asuntos relacionados con el Reino de Gaduridos. Es nuestra intención hacer todo lo posible para continuar con nuestro compromiso de larga data con Gaduridos y el apoyo a su gente, sus objetivos y sus aspiraciones, y no tenemos dudas de que Lord Treviño representará a su nación de manera honorable y competente.

Following the short speech, the Empress and the new Viceroy posed for a photo. Additional discussions continued throughout the afternoon as the Empress primarily listened while Lord Treviño updated her on the political, economic, and social situation in the Kingdom of Gaduridos. For her Part, Her Imperial Majesty reiterated both Kalistan's and House Ananto's continued commitment for support for development and modernization efforts in Gaduridos, and sent the Viceroy back to Gaduridos that evening with a generous package of development assistance guarantees from both House Ananto/Miramar and the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan, including continued financial support for Puerto Gaduri, the industrial development in Cuernatecas, and continued funds earmarked for expansion of the coffee, cocoa, rice and oil bearing plants like soy and sawgrass that Kalistan relies on for biodiesel, and flax and cotton production. Overall the meeting went very well, and the Empress and new Viceroy seem very impressed with one another.

@TheRepublic

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Her Imperial Majesty's Trade Minister travels to Baltusia
Trade offer includes assistance in setting up electric vehicle infrastructure and small arms
Lucid City, Duchy of Suldanor
June 15, 5652


Her Imperial Majesty's Minister for Trade Melanie Boone, on her first major mission to Baltusia

Her Imperial Majesty's Minister for Trade and Industry, Melanie Boone left Lucid Station today to travel into Baltusia to meet with the Baltusian Government to discuss development cooperation. Kalistan has offered to assist Baltusia in building an electric infrastructure for the eventual sale of MoCo electric vehicles in Baltusia. "Baltusia informally approached Her Imperial Majesty's Government about the sale of MoCo Automobiles in Baltusia," said Minister Boone. "Of course we are interested, but during the pre-talks we discovered that Baltusia is lacking in the infrastructure to adequately charge the vehicles. They still operate on fossil fuels, which are somewhat abundant for Baltusia in the Northern Anantonese Formation, but MoCo vehicles are electric only, so to sell MoCos in Baltusia, they would need charging stations in their larger cities and at regular intervals on their main roads."

Boone said Kalistan was willing to help in this effort. "Assisting Baltusia in this way will bring dividends for both countries," said Boone. "Kali MoCo sells more cars, Sulari Photovoltaics gets a contract to install its multistation generators, KalMD sells batteries, and Baltusia gets inexpensive infrastructure that can also add sustainable energy creation to their power grid, while helping to cut down their dependence on pollution causing petrochemicals."

The development assistance is being provided by the Kalistani Government to Baltusia exclusively. "Her Imperial Majesty has authorized Miramar to purchase enough materials to set up enough electric automobile infrastrucutre, including about 15 charging stations in a dozen major cities and towns, as well as charging stations every hundred and fifty miles along selected corridors between the Capital and the Port of San Luis, and to provide the assistance free of charge to the government of Baltusia. Miramar will recoup part of its investment from MoCo when they begin selling cars in Baltusia, but also from stock purchases in KalMD and Sulari PV, which have been reserved for Miramar. Miramar will divest once it has hit its ROI of about 3% over investment. Baltusia will itself pick up any ongoing costs for the infrastructure after installation.

"The overarching good is to help Baltusia both jumpstart modernization of its electrical supply system, and to help ween them off of fossil fuels. Eventually oil will run out in their part of the formation, and imports will become more expensive, while environmental degradation, something Her Imperial Majesty is very concerned about, worsens everyday. Kalistan is not only making an investment to improve our own nation's economic future, but we are making an investment in Baltusia, to help it do its part to reducing climate destruction and make that nation as pretty and livable for its citizens as Kalistan is."

In addition to the Infrastructure deal, Minister Boone has said that a fairly major arms deal is in the works. "We understand that Baltusia seeks small arms, and Kalistan has a lot of small arms in surplus. The Defense Ministry and KalMilInCo said they are prepared to provide Baltusia more than 35,000 combat rifles without any charge. These rifles are in surplus, the result of backlogged orders from the Kundrati War, and cost a lot for Kalistan to maintain in some military warehouse in Suldanor, when they could just as easily be transferred off the books and that money can be saved to our National Budget." The rifles, the 7.62mm Standard Kadashev All Weather Service Rifle is the standard issue for both Kalistani Regular and Militia forces, and has been for centuries. They are easy and inexpensive to produce and are designed to fire under most conditions. They are one of the most common small arms on the planet, and used by dozens of militaries. As such, parts and ammunition for them is also easily available.

"This materiel is purely surplus, and has been maintained in mint condition for years," said Boone. "Kalistan doesn't need it, and for purely instrumental reasons, we want to make sure that it is Kalistani hardware that Baltusian security forces receive, rather than some other nation's." Boone said KalMilInCo is interested in supplying additional surplus to Baltusia, "...especially if it means keeping certain foregin nation's from gaining an unearned foot hold in northern Seleya."

Before proceeding the Baltusian capital of Johnston, Boone says she intends to travel by train and make a stop in San Luis to talk with real estate brokers about the purchase of some land on the shore near the city. "I think Her Imperial Majesty is interested in potentially buying a vacation home in the province. She is sending me to see if there is some coastal acreage that meets her needs."

@TheRepublic