Imperial Diet II

[Ituralde]

Leopold rises slowly and begins to speak slow as well, his voice tainted with graveness.

It is indeed grave news that we recieve from the Levant these days. Duke Dietrich von Saxony, my trusted ally and friend dead? I mourn with his wife and children, I mourn with the House of Franconia and I mourn with the Reich over the death of one of our greatest Dukes!

He was such a noble man that he set out on this perilous endeavour, knowing that he will most likely never see the end of it. He has accomplished much through his presence though. His victory near Nicea and his assistance in the battle near Adana speak volumes for his military capabilities. But I am sure that also beside the battlefied he has been a helpful friend, who lends his courage and wisdom to those surrounding him.

It is with great sorrow that I have recieved the news of his death this day. I will not comment upon the Chancellor's midterm report or attend this Diet until after an appropriate time of mourning has passed.

Slowly Leopold leaves the Austrian benches and walks to the doors of the Diet nearing apathy.

[econ21]

Diet Speaker: As the next Diet session will soon be upon us, the Kaiser asks that any general wishing to discuss their next posting contact him privately. The Kaiser will be interested to hear any ideas generals have about their futures. If no representations are made, the Kaiser will assume that generals are satisfied with their current postings.

[Ituralde]

Duke Leopold rises from the Austrian benches, joy displayed clearly on his face:

We did it!

He triumphantly raises a fist!

We accomplished the mission we set out so long ago. I congratulate the Crusaders on finally wresting Jerusalem out of the heathen hands! Our most glorious duty is fulfilled. We have repent our sins and eternal glory both here and in the afterlife will await those brave men that took on the ordous journey to reconquer the holy sites of Christendom!

I heard already the Papacy has accepted our gift of the Holy City and they are even now building the Kingdom of Heaven where Christ himself walked the earth and every place bears remnants to the wonders visited upon them by God himself! This is indeed a glorious day for all Christianity, but more importantly for the Holy Roman Empire. Once again we are at the fore of defending Christendom against the heathens! I urge every god-fearing Christian to undertake the journey to the Holy Land to help our brothers defend those places against the infidels trying to pry our well earned conquests from our hands!

A time of glory and a time of greatness now lies ahead of us, what could possibly stop us now, where we have mastered our enemies in Europe and even those in the Levant?

Leopold raises a cup of wine and waits for the cheers to subdue before raising his voice again.

I raise my cup to Kaiser Henry, Pope Pisanus, and the new-dound unity between Christendom and the Holy Roman Empire! A bright future awaits us!
Nothing can stop us now!

He drains the cup in one long gulp!

[TinCow]

*The Bavarian lawyer stands.*

Diet Speaker, does this mean that Kaiser Henry plans to exercise his right assume the position of Chancellor this term?

[econ21]

Diet Speaker: Yes, indeed - the Kaiser will exercise his perogative at the coming Diet.

[AussieGiant]

So...that's it gentlemen, the votes are in, the Kaiser will be next Chancellor.

Thanks for everyone's time, the speeches were wonderful and lobbying for my vote was greatly appreciated along with all the fine dinning and gifts.

That's got to be the most inexpensive Diet election we've had in decades.

I LIKE IT!!

[OverKnight]

Gunther coughs and looks a bit exasperated at the Count of Venice:

Duke von Kassel is still Chancellor until he gives his final report in 1200 and the new Diet session opens. But yes, then the Kaiser will assume the Chancellorship.

Still, I am glad that I will not have to campaign for my master again. I found it to be very taxing.