Villains, the whole lot of you! Is this what the Reich is to be? Are these the two options we must choose from?

On the one hand we have a secret society, which was content to rule the Empire without anyone’s knowledge. Now they spout pretty–sounding words about republics and freedom. How convenient. Tell me, how long has this cabal existed? Certainly at least since the Cataclysm. And after all that time this is the first you’ve said of it? Half of what you proposed could be implemented via Charter Amendment, but you didn’t even try. After all, why bother with a real legislative body when you can just create your own?

And then you have the temerity to insist you admit members only on the basis of merit. Might I ask whose definition of merit you are using? Forgive me, but I can hardly consider a group who approved the escalation of Swabia’s insurrections to be a reliable source on merit. What’s worse is how you then describe that all members are admitted only by unanimous vote.

This may come as a shock to some of you, but all these arguments we’ve had over the years are the signs of a [i]healthy/[i] system. What in Damnation do you call a republic made up entirely of like-minded people? I should think “Holy Roman Oligarchy” would be a better name for your little project, but that doesn’t sound quite as noble does it?

A secret organization which has never shown respect for the Reich’s laws and has even fermented Civil War between Electors is not fit to rule the Rich.

The von Kastilien brothers are no better. If I say fewer words about them then forgive me, for unlike the Illuminati they have never felt the need to hide their nefariousness and as a result much has already been said about them. Indeed, the four of them have never had any use for laws, morals, or anything that could give them pause. They have always believed that their actions are justified simply by virtue of being theirs.

The von Kastiliens have the law on their side for now, but that will change. Peter and Fritz will use their positions for whatever suits them to win this crisis, but it will not stop there. Any extralegal power they seize will not be given up, for they lack the good Roman qualities to even consider voluntarily g giving up power.

Electors, I refuse to make a choice between dictatorship & oligarchy. I urge those who care about the Reich to ignore this petty squabble and concentrate on matters that are important, such as ensuring the safety & prosperity of our people, for that is how we are able to justify the Reich’s existence.

No one else should risk their life & property, or those of their men, to help either side. They have proven themselves to be unworthy of their positions.