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Cuza’s Pacifica
By Constantin Tudor Predoiu, 4 March 2023.
King Andrei III at a military parade in 2019 Source: Stoinian Royal Armed Forces.
Without a doubt, King Andrei III of Stoinia remains the most well-known monarch of Pacifica. Weisserstein might be a strong contender or the Sedunnic Dellm before its re-categorisation, but the truth remains that the Cuza’s have become synonymous with Stoinia ever since 1.222 CE. Serving dutifully the Lion’s Crown for 800 years of steady & stable rule. An epoch of serenity for Stoinia unmatched by even the long lived Tolosan Republic. The laurels & fasces have morphed into the crown & scepter, but still serve the same Tarnian people. Tradition is written in our people’s bones and the Stoinian royal family has always been its epiphany. So much so that other nations have started to notice the character of the House of Cuza. The House of the Lion.
King Valeriu I of Spiras, Prince of Stoinia & Count of Eisentetten visiting the Spirasian Royal Council for the first time. Source: Office of the King of Spiras.
For the House of Cuza now counts two Kings! Indeed, Spiras has chosen the path to rectify the Red Calamity while rekindling its ancestral Tarnian bonds with the mother nation. The surprise wasn’t the new King’s alone, but whole Pacifica seemingly shared His surprise. Though more solemn compared to His older brother, the new King has vowed to serve the Spirasian people with the same duty as the Cuza’s have for Stoinia. Many suspected the King-in-Exile Jon would return to the Spirasian throne, but alas God had a different fate in mind. One where the cousin nations made a new union through brotherly love. A combination potent to improve the relations of both nations and perhaps the final cure to Spiras’ political problems ever since the Red Calamity. Though perhaps many have forgotten it, I believe this choice was solidified by then Crown Prince Andrei’s insistence to volunteer in the Spirasian Civil War. A feat which gave him the nickname the Tarnian Lion amongst the admiration of the Spirasian royalists. Whether the Spirasian Cuza dynasty will prevail remains uncertain, for Spiras still has debacles to overcome. King Valeriu I has many challenges ahead and will have to face to hardline republican communists who haven’t forgotten the royalist allegiance of the name Cuza. No doubt his calm & astute demeanour will come in handy. Stoinia as well has found a new determination to help bring the struggling country back towards a new & brighter future. Not just for Spiras, but for Bareland & Pacifica at large as well.
Read also:
- Weisserstein’s royal history & its Stoinian ally
- Ryccian monarchical debate rages through National Convention
- President Storm’s view on monarchists & republicanism
- King Valeriu’s new royal home
Princess Valentina’s wedding with Duke of Brâncov Sorin Soldan in 1993. Source: Office of the Royal Household of Cuza.
Perhaps the most renowned royal wedding in memory remains that of Princess Valentina’s, the middle sister between King Andrei & King Valeriu. The glamorous ceremony surpassed even King Andrei’s wedding as Pacifica broke television records that day. The marriage with the Duke of Brâncov was no shock to many, for he gave his life to his duties as a Duke, serving the country at large & his duchy. To many, the splendour & glamour of that wedding serve as the exemplar supreme of any wedding. What’s more is that the couple continues to serve both royal & noble duties internally in Stoinia, proving the validity of their roles with each such ceremony.
Princess Relia at a recent humanitarian campaign in Castiana, Ryccia. Source: Instaglam.
In stark contrast to Princess Valentina’s strong internal commitment, is the youngest daughter’s international career. Despite marrying the Duke of Sebeș, Gheorghe Cantacuzino, Princess Relia has refused to give up her international career. Having served as a chief diplomat to Cordilia & especially Ryccia, she’s become the symbol of Stoinia second to the King Himself. Caressing both Cordilians & Bailtemmers’ needs through thick & thin over the decades. A woman with a clear vision & unyielding determination, Relia’s words have brought up hope in the hearts of many around the globe. So much so that according to certain sources, talks have begun to crown her the new monarch of Ryccia! An interesting prospect that might put an end to the Ryccian disgrace that has quarreled Pacifica ever since the Great War. In her own article she stipulated a plan to restore lasting stability to Ryccia, but didn’t recognise she ticked off all the boxes needed for her solution. A daunting task to be sure, but I believe Princess Relia has proven to be a capable diplomat with the Ryccian nation’s needs at heart. The promise of a Ryccia listening not to the guns of its hawkish Generals, but to an adept crown is certainly an endeavour worth considering. Especially since Princess Relia has proven to hold the Cuza flair & spirirt.
King Andrei III during a religious ceremony in 2022. Source: Office of the King of Stoinia.
Though perhaps the Cuza dynasty might count two Kings & a Queen soon, we must once again ask ourselves, is the monarchy still a viable of the 21st century? I can already hear the Izaakian republicans screaming at the injustice of the Stoinian dynasty’s wealth & political power across Pacifica, but one must ask whether the cost outweigh a monarchy’s merits. Something the royalty illiterate will undoubtedly sprout, spreading lies how the Stoinian royal family is paid by the Stoinian government. Though perhaps still a worthy sacrifice in the face of demagogues disguised as politician? While in the olden days the King’s luxury were paid by the nation at large, the Cuza’s have chosen a different path since the 17th century. Instead, operating business enterprises of their own – most notably today is the airliner Stoinian Royal Airways – making the royal house self-sufficient. Solidified later in the law of 1816 CE, the King didn’t cost the taxpayer any money. A trademark of the Cuza’s who’ve lowered the taxes of their overseas territory in the County of Karelia in Valora to historic lows. Yet, we must admit that these fortunes were built on foundations of privilege. For the royal businesses were often exempt of taxes, spiralling the wealth of the Cuza’s into a never-ending waltz of profits. Culminating in returns to Stoinia’s culture such as the Efteni tower in Sinaia. However, they still remain within the dangerous grasp of free-market capitalism’s fierce competition.
In many ways this is unique compared to other monarchies as the Cuza’s have to constantly prove their worth every generation. By having installed this system of continuous affirmation of tactfulness, the Cuza’s have become versatile monarchs who’ve proven themselves to each generation of Stoinians. Both as businessmen & statesmen and hence why they still hold considerable powers. It’s under such a monarchy that Stoinia has thrived. Not through one where allegiance is expected, but earned with each passing generation through Cuza prowess. Under such a system, yes, the monarchy still has a place in the 21st century. Not one draped in absolutism as depicted in the Lord of Thornes by Cosmin Lucescu [1] , but woven by merit.
Though critics may continue to lash out, probably stating how this one family is radically gaining power, I ask myself: are the Cuza’s really such conspiratory people? A family pursuing a lifestyle of servitude – through civil & military careers – to millions from the Varcathians to azure coasts? Nay, I believe the Cuza’s might be the cure to many nations of Pacifica who’ve struggled these past decades, bringing a new future. Hopefully one in which the Cuza system’s mettle is endorsed by millions more.
[1] OOC Note: Lord of Thornes (by Cosmin Lucescu) is an IRP counterpart of the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin, though this one is finished.