De Blanc Family/Albert/Story/Melodia/Supper in Madina

After dinner and two empty bottles of rum, Abbot explained his plan.

"...We have to take strategic positions around the inner seas, so that the company controls almost all of the access points and the shortest connection routes between nations. The confederation will have to work together to provide food for outside nations, and thus alow several members of the confederation to take profit from this..."

Albert remained silent listening carefully to the Grand Doge's suggestion. His mind was working fast while Abbot went on with his idea.

"...The nations of the Company confederation will choose four members as their respentatives, either lords, goverment members or even simple knights who will be invited to join a special order where everything will be discussed. This way the nations will all have equall saying in every subject, but they will also be oath sworn to work closley together for the greater good..."

Albert then interrupted the monologue.

"Giving power to non royals... I do not like that..."

Abbot remained speechless as his monologue was interrupted and lost the conherence of his words. Upon seeing this reaction, Albert went on in an attempt to ensure the smooth description of the Grand Doge's idea.

"What about the hierarchy in this confederation?"

Abbot organized his thoughts and continued.

"There will be a compelx hierachial structure of which the upper ranks know more and the lower ranks know less. Either way, they do not have more rights than another; votes will be equal, though some members simply are less informed." "This system is designed so we can include representatives of other nations who are not part of the official confederation, to create certain 'fake' enemies and protect us during the valnurable starting stage."

Albert got confused.

"Equal votes for both upper and lesser ranks?! That is preposterous! Within a confederation formed by royals, no one should ever have equal votes with these supreme existences! We are rulers of entire realms; we do something that others can not!" '"What do you mean by 'official confederation' and 'fake enemies'? Who will supervise and guarantee for the proper functioning of this company?"

Abbot is very serious, his plan sounds crazy and he knows that, but the man himself looks very determined.

"There will be elections within the upper ranks for an Order Master where only the top ranks can vote. The order master will only function as the coordinator, the person who will make sure everything goes by the rules." "The Order already excists but you, I and Leon will give it form. Somewhere we should start sometime."

Albert frowned. There was something that he did not like, but he could not hardly tell what. He needed to have a better thought of it.

"I am not sure about it... There are a few parts that I do not like... I am not convinced about it at all... If I did not know you so well, I would say you that you try to dupe me..."

Before Abbot said anything, Albert insisted in the same manner murmuring.

"Melodia is in favourable position regarding trade. After having acquired the island of Raviel, we will be in position to arrange trade at our own... Plainly put, I fail to see what Paisly will gain from this trade alliance. If we come to terms, we may manage to sign a trade treaty, but working through the form of a company without any realistic gains, it is not something that I understand very well..." "As for the Grand Duke of Fissoa; I am very disappointed with his absence. He is only a few hours away and he did send a mere knight to discuss diplomacy with me..."

Albert appeared concerned.