The Micras Chessboard: Third series
The Micras Chessboard: Third series is a story series by Gustaaf Vermeylen. It is a continuation of the first series. It is not a direct sequel to the second series, but this series begins in 1752 AN when Rafi Hakimi bin Alsalam had to establish more control over Shireroth.
Rule Vinandy
Frederik entered the room whistling. He greeted Willem and Rafi, who were already there. Rafi noticed what Frederik was whistling and grumbled, "It may be the first time in history, but this was not part of the plan." "My apologies," Frederik responded, "given the informal nature of this meeting, I hoped you would appreciate the joke." Rafi replied, "Well, it is indeed true: Rule Vinandy. But let's use that position of power for good." "Agreed," Willem said, just to add his two cents.
The Château des Vinandy was the setting for the meeting between the three men: Rafi Hakimi bin Alsalam, Regent of Shireroth, Willem Antonius des Vinandy, Steward of Shireroth, and Frederik Alfons des Vinandy, Prætor of the Landsraad. Rafi and Frederik had just arrived from Shirekeep, after the parliamentary proceedings in the Land Council concerning the appointment of the Prætor. Willem, meanwhile, had made a detour via Semisa City because of the negotiations on the Apollonian-Benacian Community.
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Rafi Hakimi bin Alsalam -
Willem Antonius des Vinandy -
Frederik Alfons des Vinandy
"How did you arrange for the Batavia government to continue?" Willem asked Frederik. "I have appointed a regent, my son Willem August. He is now 27 years old, a good age to gain experience.’ Rafi responded: "That is indeed a good solution." "I took a look at the map, but I noticed that the motorways do not have uniform numbering. Batavia has its own numbering system, Francia has its own numbering system, and Jingdao had its own numbering system," Frederik pointed out. "Wouldn't it be useful to number the motorways uniformly, perhaps on top of the existing numbering system?" Rafi replied, "That's a good idea, but let's work from large to small. Shen Suyi has worked on a system of prefectures. That has more or less already been put into practice, but the Charter states that the Empire is divided into imperial domains. So we are faced with the choice of either legitimising the prefectures or changing them to imperial domains." "If you ask me, I am in favour of imperial domains," Frederik responded. Willem said, "This is already at such a stage that it is better to implement it. Let's submit this to the Council of State." "Indeed, let the Landsraad decide on this, then we will be the executors," Rafi concluded.
"Regardless of whether they become prefectures or imperial domains, we must also consider the government of each sub-region. This is easiest for Batavia, as a structure already exists for it. For Gascony, there is actually no formal division yet. Frederik is the duke, but in the prefecture system, the noble title is separate from the administrative position. So, Frederick is the Duke of Gascony, but not necessarily the prefect of Gascony. So, who do we have available as prefect for Gascony?" Rafi began. Frederik replied, saying, "Floris van Dasburg, I think he's a good candidate. The only thing is that his distant ancestor Jan van Dasburg was once a duke. If Floris develops delusions of grandeur, he may aspire to the title of duke." Willem said, "If you think he is a good candidate, then we should perhaps cage him by marrying him to one of your daughters." Frederik thought about it. Rafi responded: "That's quite a good idea. But take your time to think about it."
Willem understood where Rafi was going with this and spoke up: "For Francia, I would say that you, Rafi, should be in charge." "Well, we can see if my uncle, Farhan bin Alsalam, is suitable for that," Rafi responded. "Another possibility," Frederik began, "is that we choose someone who is connected to the House of Vinandy. I am thinking, for example, of Otto Vermeylen, Baron of Bergkirche." Rafi nodded in agreement. "We have a candidate for Amokolia: Jess Harrison," said Rafi. "What!" responded Willem, "the boxer?" "Yes, why not?" replied Rafi. Willem did not respond immediately and thought for a moment. After a while, he said, "We can give him a chance."
"Then I have two more candidates I would like to propose for two sub-regions: For Upper Elwynn, Daniyal Hakimi bin Alsalam. He currently governs Syfystan," said Willem. Rafi responded, saying, "My brother would not be pleased if we brought more of his governors to Shireroth. But perhaps it would also be a good idea to reintroduce the title “Duke of Elwynn”." "Not a bad idea," said Frederik. "You had another candidate?" Rafi asked Willem. "Yes," replied Willem, "for Kildare, a descendant of the Myksos family: Jason Myksos." "Good," responded Rafi, "this seems like a good start to me."
