17-07-2025, 05:17 PM
Summer Shadows from Kundrati
![[Image: I1FiqVPm.jpeg]](https://i.imgur.com/I1FiqVPm.jpeg)
Imperial Estate of Villa Annamaria, Municipality of Avigliano, Regions of Appiana.
6 February 5658, 7:10 pm.
The setting sun still beat down strongly and steadily on the rolling hills of the countryside of Appiana, casting golden streaks on the mature vineyards and centuries-old olive trees that dotted the landscape like sentinels from another era. Villa Annamaria, the Imperial family's weekend refuge from the heat of Romula, stood elegant and silent among the tended geometrically Istalian gardens. Its whitewashed Canrillaise facades barely broke the green of the laurels and cypresses, and it seemed suspended outside of time, as if the summer heat had enveloped it in a bubble of silence and thought.
It was there, in the heart of one of the hottest days of February, that Emperor Alessandro had convened an informal, yet far from weightless, meeting. Minister Secretary of State Valeriano Giunio, welcomed with the sobriety reserved for serious moments, was led to the villa's southern loggia, overlooking the lavender flowerbed, where a white marble table was already set under a wrought-iron pergola, and the Emperor awaited him, seated in the shade with by the Prince of the Crown Tommasso.
Accompanied by an attendant, Giunio removed his hat and his sunglasses as soon as he entered the loggia, bowing briefly before the Sovereign and the Heir to the Throne:
«Your Majesty, Imperial Highness» he said in a subdued yet tense tone.
«Welcome, Minister Secretary. Please, take a seat» said the Emperor, gesturing to the table, where carafes of water, lemonade, and a couple of other juices were already waiting «The summer here is less muggy and oppressive than in Romula, but I fear that what we have to discuss is far more stifling than the urban heat»
Tommaso didn't speak immediately, but his eyes were attentive, trembling. He was the one who had insisted on the meeting taking place as soon as possible, and his gaze betrayed impatience.
Giunio sat down, slowly pulling the most recent file on the internal situation in Kundrati from his briefcase. On the cover, the title was printed in bold letters:
The Emperor gazed at the file, then slowly raised his eyes, and Giunio sighed, opening the file and picking up the first pages.
«We have confirmation» Giunio began «that the new decrees issued in Kaesama are strengthening the government's control over the judiciary. The media is under pressure, and those sorts of worker brigades created to manage the crisis and the unemployed are now openly paramilitary formations, no longer just workers in uniform. They are taking on the appearance of the old legionary shirts. Some have already been mobilized for urban surveillance, supporting the police force within a legal framework that is opaque to say the least. Some reports speak of training conducted by retired officers of the old legionary regime»
«Old regime...» the Emperor repeated in a low voice, almost with disgust «As if it really had passed!»
Tommaso leaned forward, his elbows on the table:
«Because it hasn't! No one has ever taken power from the legionaries. They were defeated, not purged. There was no de-legionarization. Just a change of flag and tone!»
«It seems like history is repeating itself...» Giunio said dejectedly.
«Exactly! Under different names, but with the same venom. And no one has ever truly stopped them!» exclaimed Prince Tommaso, with barely concealed contempt.
«Because no one has ever cleaned up!» replied the Emperor «The fall of the Legionary Kundrati was a tactical victory, but not a strategic one. No de-legionarization, no purge. Just new facades but the same rotten foundations »
«And those foundations only held for twenty years» added Giunio «until the economic crisis made them fertile again for propaganda»
The Prince shook his head and continued:
«The so-called Republic has always seemed like a simulacrum. The truth is that democracy in Kundrati has always been a fragile appearance. No real reform program, no transitional justice, no overhaul of the administrative framework... the "post-legionary" parties have had free rein and are now using the economic crisis to reinstate the myth. They speak openly of "national rebirth", "economic purges", "defense of productive sovereignty"... and accuse Luthori and Kalistan of having plotted financial sabotage against Kundrati»
As he spoke, the Prince looked intently at the Minister Secretary of State, and clearly behind those words was also a clear criticism of Giunio, given that it was he and his previous government who had established economic relations with Kundrati.
The Emperor noticed this. He could not deny that he shared his son's frustration, although Istalia was not at all responsible for this regression:
«The powers that fought the war didn't commit themselves in the slightest, and anyone expecting intervention from some "international organization" was deluded. Luthori, Kalistan, Hutori... all too busy sharing responsibilities and benefits, congratulating each other. And today? Today, Kundrati is coming back»
Giunio nodded slowly, then he said:
«I understand the frustration, Your Majesty. But let's not forget that for most of those nations, this was the second war against the legionaries. And many, even within those same nations, are now wondering if it wasn't all in vain. There's disillusionment, skepticism. And even a large portion of public opinion there doesn't want to hear about Kundrati anymore. They seem to consider him a lost cause, and that sentiment... well... its presence was perceived even during the first war»
«And meanwhile, the cancer is spreading!» Tommaso sighed through gritted teeth.
«First of all, now let's focus on what all this means for Istalia» the Emperor tried to calm him, giving Giunio the floor.
The Minister Secretary took a new file:
«What concerns Istalia directly is the economic repercussions: the financial crisis that erupted last year was contained here thanks to the prompt action of our institutions: the economic watchdog, the foreign investment guarantee funds, the resources deployed... we held firm. But the situation remains tense: several of our companies with interests in Kundrati are concerned about the new measures introduced by the government, Istalia funds have expressed reservations regarding the National Bank of Kundrati, and some officials from the new Ministry of Economy have hinted that "anyone who doesn't cooperate will be treated as an enemy". Our assets are potentially in danger»
«Are there already concrete cases?» asked the Emperor.
«A couple. Local workers from our branches have been "channeled" into state brigades, theoretically on a voluntary basis, but under heavy pressure. In one case, one of our companies had its facilities temporarily seized, formally for "tax audits", but in reality to force it to comply with the new policy»
«This is unacceptable!» exclaimed the Prince, clenching his fists «We cannot pretend it isn't happening. We must sever all relations. Also because, I would like to remind you, those negotiations regarding that military collaboration are underway»
A silence fell on the patio, broken only by the sound of cicadas, but then the Emperor, sighing, could not help but agree:
«Tommaso is right, we cannot stain our hands, not even through a third party. We cannot turn a blind eye! We cannot risk Kundrati benefiting from our investments, but above all, we cannot risk our military technology being used to arm a fascist regime»
Giunio nodded slowly, looking him in the eye.
«On this very point, Majesty, I wanted to inform you that I have already prepared a diplomatic note that I intend to send tomorrow to the Foreign Ministry in Kundrati. The tone is firm and clear: we express concern about the erosion of the rule of law, the politicization of the security forces, the fascistoid retoric, exactly the same of the Legionary era. We will clearly warn that Istalia will reject any cooperation with a government that represses freedom, manipulates justice, militarizes labor, and foments international hatred. We will not accept even a penny of our taxpayers' money, nor a fragment of our technological know-how, being used by a potentially totalitarian regime»
«So, including the fighter project!» insisted the Prince.
«Especially that one» Giunio took a separate sheet of paper «The program was in the preliminary discussion phase: a simplified, new-generation fighter, a sort of 'little brother' to the Tuono, whose costs... well... are spiraling out of control»
Giunio's hesitation was understandable, the Tuono had been a project he had personally strongly supported, so he continued quickly:
«We had considered sharing some of the know-how, avionics, and some radar components, for joint production. But if this is the direction we're taking, any form of technology sharing is out of the question. Even if it means wasting time and money»
«Better to lose capital than conscience!» the Emperor declared firmly, then continued:
«I recommend maximum clarity and transparency. Istalia will not be complicit, not even by mistake or inertia»
«It will be done, Your Majesty, and I assure you that the Government fully supports this line: Istalia will not be complicit, not in my name»
«Very well. We must act consistently. It's the only line that can give strength to our words. Not to save our consciences, but to be able to look each other in the eye!»
Silence fell for a moment on the loggia. The light was beginning to fade toward the evening, and the cicadas' song grew louder. The Prince, then, calmly clenching his fist, looked at them both:
«Kundrati is the image of what happens when the world tires of worrying. Let's not make the same mistake. Istalia must be the voice that breaks the silence»
«Indeed, the press is already whispering» the Emperor intervened in a more calm tone «Some editorials speak openly of "silent complicity", others wonder why the Government has not yet taken a clear position. And you know well how sensitive public opinion is to certain shadows»
Giunio was not surprised. He had prepared himself for that question:
«Your Majesty, I know well what is going on out there. And it is right that the press should ask, that civil society should speak out. However, let me be frank: a public statement now would risk closing every loophole. The diplomatic note we intend to send tomorrow is harsh, yes, but it still leaves a channel open. And there's no guarantee Kundrati won't take it»
«Do you really hope that fascists will back down?» asked the Prince, his tone more skeptical than polemical «I hope in your judgement Mr Minister Secretary: despite the situation has been clear for years, we still made an economic agreement!»
The Emperor looked at him for a moment, then turned to Giunio with an expression that tried to ease the tension:
«Forgive my son's tone, Mr. Minister Secretary. It's not unreasonable, but in recent months he's been... under pressure, naturally»
He adjusted his jacket, as if stalling.
«Eleonora is better, thank God, but she's still undergoing checks and therapy. Every day we wake up hoping that values will remain stable, but there are no certainties. Relapses are always lurking. It's difficult to keep a cool head when your heart is still on edge»
The silence that followed wasn't awkward, but full of respect. Then the Emperor continued, in a firmer tone speaking to the son:
«This is to say that I understand your skepticism, and I partly share it. But the point here is also another. It's not just a matter of believing that Kundrati's government can change: it's a matter of forcing it, diplomatically, to show whether it's willing to at least pretend to want to. And if it doesn't, the world will see it, and we will immediately apply harsh sanctions»
«I truly hope they'll do their math, Your Majesty» replied Giunio «The first capital flight has already begun. Many international companies have suspended expansion plans, including ours. Economic observers are openly speaking of a return to isolation. Let's see if, after our note, Kundrati wants to send at least some signals: the rule of law, respect for opposition, the use of justice as a neutral instrument... If they truly want to avoid what could be an even worse economic crisis, they will have to offer guarantees»
The Emperor nodded slowly, silently, then stood up and approached the patio steps, glancing at the horizon and keeping it there as he continued speaking:
«As I said, I have no illusions, Mr. Minister Secretary. But I trust in your prudence. And I appreciate your attempt to prevent Istalia from being pushed prematurely into open conflict. However, there will come a time when silence will no longer be sustainable»
«And at that moment, we will be ready, Your Majesty» Giunio replied with calm respect «The public statement is already in the works, but I prefer it be issued after an initial response from Kaesama. If it is evasive or provocative, we will be able to act with the full weight of our international credibility. But if they offer a helping hand, even if only to save face, then we can use it as leverage»
Prince Tommaso, despite Giunio's words, remained unconvinced:
«I would not want history to look at us and find us hesitant»
«History will judge!» the Emperor replied, turning to him «But the present will pay the price for our choices. And, as your father, as a Sovereign, and as a man who has seen more than one storm brew, I tell you this: a well-chosen moment is often more powerful than a well-spoken word»
Then he paused briefly, his gaze serious but calm:
«And let's say it clearly, even with a hint of cynicism: if Kundrati ignores our appeal, it will burden itself with further responsibilities in the eyes of the world. Istalia will have done everything in its diplomatic power to avoid an escalation of the crisis. Our conduct will be irreproachable and when the time comes to speak out louder, no one will be able to reproach us for not having tried the ways of reason first»
The Prince nodded, his expression more serious. Giunio remained silent, but a slight nod revealed the agreement.
Shortly afterward, as the sun dipped behind the hills and Villa Annamaria began to glow with dim lamps, the three men rose and followed the patio to a small table that had been set for dinner, a light meal, suitable for the summer heat.
Giunio, however, felt a knot in his stomach. He would surely have barely touched the fresh plate of tomatoes and mozzarella, because the knot he felt inside came not from the heat, but from a deeper burden. From the first discussions for that economic agreement with Kundrati, he had harbored deep reservations. He knew full well that the decision had been made to send a signal of trust in the post-war government, to encourage regional stabilization, but he also knew that there were far more cynical motivations behind it: commercial interests, industrial pressure, geopolitical calculations. Anything but values and principles. And now, with the developments of the last months, those doubts were returning more vividly than ever, like thorns resurfacing under his skin.
All this while outside, among the vineyards and Istalian gardens, the summer of the beautiful country remained immobile, while another shadow, more distant but much colder, lengthened in the distant north-east.
Imperial Estate of Villa Annamaria, Municipality of Avigliano, Regions of Appiana.
6 February 5658, 7:10 pm.
The setting sun still beat down strongly and steadily on the rolling hills of the countryside of Appiana, casting golden streaks on the mature vineyards and centuries-old olive trees that dotted the landscape like sentinels from another era. Villa Annamaria, the Imperial family's weekend refuge from the heat of Romula, stood elegant and silent among the tended geometrically Istalian gardens. Its whitewashed Canrillaise facades barely broke the green of the laurels and cypresses, and it seemed suspended outside of time, as if the summer heat had enveloped it in a bubble of silence and thought.
It was there, in the heart of one of the hottest days of February, that Emperor Alessandro had convened an informal, yet far from weightless, meeting. Minister Secretary of State Valeriano Giunio, welcomed with the sobriety reserved for serious moments, was led to the villa's southern loggia, overlooking the lavender flowerbed, where a white marble table was already set under a wrought-iron pergola, and the Emperor awaited him, seated in the shade with by the Prince of the Crown Tommasso.
Accompanied by an attendant, Giunio removed his hat and his sunglasses as soon as he entered the loggia, bowing briefly before the Sovereign and the Heir to the Throne:
«Your Majesty, Imperial Highness» he said in a subdued yet tense tone.
«Welcome, Minister Secretary. Please, take a seat» said the Emperor, gesturing to the table, where carafes of water, lemonade, and a couple of other juices were already waiting «The summer here is less muggy and oppressive than in Romula, but I fear that what we have to discuss is far more stifling than the urban heat»
Tommaso didn't speak immediately, but his eyes were attentive, trembling. He was the one who had insisted on the meeting taking place as soon as possible, and his gaze betrayed impatience.
Giunio sat down, slowly pulling the most recent file on the internal situation in Kundrati from his briefcase. On the cover, the title was printed in bold letters:
Report on the Institutional Regression of the Kundrati Republic
The Emperor gazed at the file, then slowly raised his eyes, and Giunio sighed, opening the file and picking up the first pages.
«We have confirmation» Giunio began «that the new decrees issued in Kaesama are strengthening the government's control over the judiciary. The media is under pressure, and those sorts of worker brigades created to manage the crisis and the unemployed are now openly paramilitary formations, no longer just workers in uniform. They are taking on the appearance of the old legionary shirts. Some have already been mobilized for urban surveillance, supporting the police force within a legal framework that is opaque to say the least. Some reports speak of training conducted by retired officers of the old legionary regime»
«Old regime...» the Emperor repeated in a low voice, almost with disgust «As if it really had passed!»
Tommaso leaned forward, his elbows on the table:
«Because it hasn't! No one has ever taken power from the legionaries. They were defeated, not purged. There was no de-legionarization. Just a change of flag and tone!»
«It seems like history is repeating itself...» Giunio said dejectedly.
«Exactly! Under different names, but with the same venom. And no one has ever truly stopped them!» exclaimed Prince Tommaso, with barely concealed contempt.
«Because no one has ever cleaned up!» replied the Emperor «The fall of the Legionary Kundrati was a tactical victory, but not a strategic one. No de-legionarization, no purge. Just new facades but the same rotten foundations »
«And those foundations only held for twenty years» added Giunio «until the economic crisis made them fertile again for propaganda»
The Prince shook his head and continued:
«The so-called Republic has always seemed like a simulacrum. The truth is that democracy in Kundrati has always been a fragile appearance. No real reform program, no transitional justice, no overhaul of the administrative framework... the "post-legionary" parties have had free rein and are now using the economic crisis to reinstate the myth. They speak openly of "national rebirth", "economic purges", "defense of productive sovereignty"... and accuse Luthori and Kalistan of having plotted financial sabotage against Kundrati»
As he spoke, the Prince looked intently at the Minister Secretary of State, and clearly behind those words was also a clear criticism of Giunio, given that it was he and his previous government who had established economic relations with Kundrati.
The Emperor noticed this. He could not deny that he shared his son's frustration, although Istalia was not at all responsible for this regression:
«The powers that fought the war didn't commit themselves in the slightest, and anyone expecting intervention from some "international organization" was deluded. Luthori, Kalistan, Hutori... all too busy sharing responsibilities and benefits, congratulating each other. And today? Today, Kundrati is coming back»
Giunio nodded slowly, then he said:
«I understand the frustration, Your Majesty. But let's not forget that for most of those nations, this was the second war against the legionaries. And many, even within those same nations, are now wondering if it wasn't all in vain. There's disillusionment, skepticism. And even a large portion of public opinion there doesn't want to hear about Kundrati anymore. They seem to consider him a lost cause, and that sentiment... well... its presence was perceived even during the first war»
«And meanwhile, the cancer is spreading!» Tommaso sighed through gritted teeth.
«First of all, now let's focus on what all this means for Istalia» the Emperor tried to calm him, giving Giunio the floor.
The Minister Secretary took a new file:
«What concerns Istalia directly is the economic repercussions: the financial crisis that erupted last year was contained here thanks to the prompt action of our institutions: the economic watchdog, the foreign investment guarantee funds, the resources deployed... we held firm. But the situation remains tense: several of our companies with interests in Kundrati are concerned about the new measures introduced by the government, Istalia funds have expressed reservations regarding the National Bank of Kundrati, and some officials from the new Ministry of Economy have hinted that "anyone who doesn't cooperate will be treated as an enemy". Our assets are potentially in danger»
«Are there already concrete cases?» asked the Emperor.
«A couple. Local workers from our branches have been "channeled" into state brigades, theoretically on a voluntary basis, but under heavy pressure. In one case, one of our companies had its facilities temporarily seized, formally for "tax audits", but in reality to force it to comply with the new policy»
«This is unacceptable!» exclaimed the Prince, clenching his fists «We cannot pretend it isn't happening. We must sever all relations. Also because, I would like to remind you, those negotiations regarding that military collaboration are underway»
A silence fell on the patio, broken only by the sound of cicadas, but then the Emperor, sighing, could not help but agree:
«Tommaso is right, we cannot stain our hands, not even through a third party. We cannot turn a blind eye! We cannot risk Kundrati benefiting from our investments, but above all, we cannot risk our military technology being used to arm a fascist regime»
Giunio nodded slowly, looking him in the eye.
«On this very point, Majesty, I wanted to inform you that I have already prepared a diplomatic note that I intend to send tomorrow to the Foreign Ministry in Kundrati. The tone is firm and clear: we express concern about the erosion of the rule of law, the politicization of the security forces, the fascistoid retoric, exactly the same of the Legionary era. We will clearly warn that Istalia will reject any cooperation with a government that represses freedom, manipulates justice, militarizes labor, and foments international hatred. We will not accept even a penny of our taxpayers' money, nor a fragment of our technological know-how, being used by a potentially totalitarian regime»
«So, including the fighter project!» insisted the Prince.
«Especially that one» Giunio took a separate sheet of paper «The program was in the preliminary discussion phase: a simplified, new-generation fighter, a sort of 'little brother' to the Tuono, whose costs... well... are spiraling out of control»
Giunio's hesitation was understandable, the Tuono had been a project he had personally strongly supported, so he continued quickly:
«We had considered sharing some of the know-how, avionics, and some radar components, for joint production. But if this is the direction we're taking, any form of technology sharing is out of the question. Even if it means wasting time and money»
«Better to lose capital than conscience!» the Emperor declared firmly, then continued:
«I recommend maximum clarity and transparency. Istalia will not be complicit, not even by mistake or inertia»
«It will be done, Your Majesty, and I assure you that the Government fully supports this line: Istalia will not be complicit, not in my name»
«Very well. We must act consistently. It's the only line that can give strength to our words. Not to save our consciences, but to be able to look each other in the eye!»
Silence fell for a moment on the loggia. The light was beginning to fade toward the evening, and the cicadas' song grew louder. The Prince, then, calmly clenching his fist, looked at them both:
«Kundrati is the image of what happens when the world tires of worrying. Let's not make the same mistake. Istalia must be the voice that breaks the silence»
«Indeed, the press is already whispering» the Emperor intervened in a more calm tone «Some editorials speak openly of "silent complicity", others wonder why the Government has not yet taken a clear position. And you know well how sensitive public opinion is to certain shadows»
Giunio was not surprised. He had prepared himself for that question:
«Your Majesty, I know well what is going on out there. And it is right that the press should ask, that civil society should speak out. However, let me be frank: a public statement now would risk closing every loophole. The diplomatic note we intend to send tomorrow is harsh, yes, but it still leaves a channel open. And there's no guarantee Kundrati won't take it»
«Do you really hope that fascists will back down?» asked the Prince, his tone more skeptical than polemical «I hope in your judgement Mr Minister Secretary: despite the situation has been clear for years, we still made an economic agreement!»
The Emperor looked at him for a moment, then turned to Giunio with an expression that tried to ease the tension:
«Forgive my son's tone, Mr. Minister Secretary. It's not unreasonable, but in recent months he's been... under pressure, naturally»
He adjusted his jacket, as if stalling.
«Eleonora is better, thank God, but she's still undergoing checks and therapy. Every day we wake up hoping that values will remain stable, but there are no certainties. Relapses are always lurking. It's difficult to keep a cool head when your heart is still on edge»
The silence that followed wasn't awkward, but full of respect. Then the Emperor continued, in a firmer tone speaking to the son:
«This is to say that I understand your skepticism, and I partly share it. But the point here is also another. It's not just a matter of believing that Kundrati's government can change: it's a matter of forcing it, diplomatically, to show whether it's willing to at least pretend to want to. And if it doesn't, the world will see it, and we will immediately apply harsh sanctions»
«I truly hope they'll do their math, Your Majesty» replied Giunio «The first capital flight has already begun. Many international companies have suspended expansion plans, including ours. Economic observers are openly speaking of a return to isolation. Let's see if, after our note, Kundrati wants to send at least some signals: the rule of law, respect for opposition, the use of justice as a neutral instrument... If they truly want to avoid what could be an even worse economic crisis, they will have to offer guarantees»
The Emperor nodded slowly, silently, then stood up and approached the patio steps, glancing at the horizon and keeping it there as he continued speaking:
«As I said, I have no illusions, Mr. Minister Secretary. But I trust in your prudence. And I appreciate your attempt to prevent Istalia from being pushed prematurely into open conflict. However, there will come a time when silence will no longer be sustainable»
«And at that moment, we will be ready, Your Majesty» Giunio replied with calm respect «The public statement is already in the works, but I prefer it be issued after an initial response from Kaesama. If it is evasive or provocative, we will be able to act with the full weight of our international credibility. But if they offer a helping hand, even if only to save face, then we can use it as leverage»
Prince Tommaso, despite Giunio's words, remained unconvinced:
«I would not want history to look at us and find us hesitant»
«History will judge!» the Emperor replied, turning to him «But the present will pay the price for our choices. And, as your father, as a Sovereign, and as a man who has seen more than one storm brew, I tell you this: a well-chosen moment is often more powerful than a well-spoken word»
Then he paused briefly, his gaze serious but calm:
«And let's say it clearly, even with a hint of cynicism: if Kundrati ignores our appeal, it will burden itself with further responsibilities in the eyes of the world. Istalia will have done everything in its diplomatic power to avoid an escalation of the crisis. Our conduct will be irreproachable and when the time comes to speak out louder, no one will be able to reproach us for not having tried the ways of reason first»
The Prince nodded, his expression more serious. Giunio remained silent, but a slight nod revealed the agreement.
Shortly afterward, as the sun dipped behind the hills and Villa Annamaria began to glow with dim lamps, the three men rose and followed the patio to a small table that had been set for dinner, a light meal, suitable for the summer heat.
Giunio, however, felt a knot in his stomach. He would surely have barely touched the fresh plate of tomatoes and mozzarella, because the knot he felt inside came not from the heat, but from a deeper burden. From the first discussions for that economic agreement with Kundrati, he had harbored deep reservations. He knew full well that the decision had been made to send a signal of trust in the post-war government, to encourage regional stabilization, but he also knew that there were far more cynical motivations behind it: commercial interests, industrial pressure, geopolitical calculations. Anything but values and principles. And now, with the developments of the last months, those doubts were returning more vividly than ever, like thorns resurfacing under his skin.
All this while outside, among the vineyards and Istalian gardens, the summer of the beautiful country remained immobile, while another shadow, more distant but much colder, lengthened in the distant north-east.