Disclaimer: I do not own Trinity Blood or its characters.
This is the last issue I will be posting, though supposedly, it will continue to inform the faithful of the latest news in the Trinity Blood universe. Alessandro takes charge, finally. More dirty politics and foul play behind the scenes.
The Trinity Times
Issue 24
Letter from the Chief Editor
Dear faithful readers,
I wish to apologize for the delay in this publication due to certain reassignment in management duties. Firstly, I regret to inform all that Vice-editor Francesco de Medici, will be resigning from his post and leaving the Holy City on a diplomatic mission to Byzantium to set up the first Vatican consulate in the city since its founding 900 years ago. We will feel his absence most keenly. The Inquisition army, previously under the Cardinal Francesco's command will now answer directly to the Pope, under the continued captaincy of Brother Petros.
I also wish to congratulate my sister in Christ, Esther Blanchett, on her coronation and will pray that the Lord continue to bless her and her people in this time of great change. May the light of the Lord lead the nation of Albion into a golden era.
God's peace and blessings to all
-Chief Editor, Pope Alessandro XVIII
QUEEN ESTHER II OF ALBION CROWNED
Londinium – Fireworks graced the skies of Londinium last night in celebration of the crowning of Queen Esther II. The coronation ceremony was carried out by His Sanctity, Pope Alessandro XVIII, in place of the Archbishop Thomas Beckett of Canterbury as the good archbishop has been incapacitated since the unexplained attack on Londinium two months ago. The coronation has been held off for weeks pending repeated DNA tests regarding the paternity of the young queen. The tests have since confirmed that Esther, a supposed foundling raised by the Church in Istvan, is indeed the offspring of the late Prince Gilbert and biological grandchild of the late Queen Bridget.
The results are greeted with immense relief by Westminster. The Vatican has stated that they will not be intervening in Albion's internal government despite Esther being raised by the Church as a nun for the past fifteen years of her life. "The Vatican's duties with regards to Albion's government end with this ceremony. However, I will continue to bless all faithful, whether Albionian or not, Terran or Methuselah," His Sanctity stated in front of the press. The Pope refused further comments regarding the first public diplomatic mission to be sent into the very heart of the New Human Breed Empire.
Boating Accident on Thames
Duke Erin and Ludwig of Germany have been killed what appears to be a boating accident on the Thames. The official statement alleged that both nobles had gotten into a quarrel over who will wed the young queen the night before the ceremony. A scuffle ensued on the pleasure boat they were on and shots were fired. Both men then fell overboard. The bodies were recovered shortly after the coronation. Their bodies will be sent back to their families.
Sir Virgil Walsh and Captain Mary Spencer, both slated to act as advisors to Queen Esther, fiercely denies any marital arrangements between Albion and Ireland or Germany. Both advisors and the Count's sister were alleged to be present on the same pleasure craft as the victims. "The idea of marriage is a little premature at this stage," Captain Spencer stresses. "We will not be imposing this particular duty on Her Majesty at least, till she is eighteen. Of course, Her Majesty will have the final say in such a matter. I do not know what suggested to those two that they are potential consorts."
REVELATIONS!
Albionian Leadership Admit to Methuselah Labour in Nation's Prosperity
In an astounding announcement, Westminster admits for the first time, the use of Methuselah labour in its computer chip industry. It is understood that this practice has been in place for a good five hundred years at least. A special committee has been set up to look into the welfare of Methuselahs and the possibility of integrating Albion's Methuselah population with her mainstream society. A move many say is long overdue. Market analysts were all doom and gloom in the initial hours after the announcement. Surprisingly, shares prices did not plummet as predicted but rose when the Empire announced a potential free trade agreement with Albion. The Empress has requested permission for one of her ministers to visit Albion in her place to discuss further cooperation. It is understood that Westminster has agreed to the meeting.
Vatican Outreach to Byzantinum: Peace Treaty Signed
Rome – The Pope has sent the first official diplomatic mission to the Empire of the New Breed as the first official step in mending the gulf between both Terran and Methuselah races since the Armageddon. It is understood that the Vatican has been secretly negotiating peace with the Empire over the past year or so. The negotiations were led by the Cardinal Caterina Sforza, known for her outstanding diplomatic record. It is understood that she received an envoy from the Empire in the Holy City a few months go and oversaw the signing of the first peace treaty. However, due to concerns regarding her health, it will be the brother, Cardinal Francesco, who will be establishing the first consulate in the Empire's capital.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, the way things stand, we have access to great wonders of science and technology, but all this is nothing if we spend our time killing each other instead of using this wealth of knowledge to better humankind's lot. By humankind, I refer to both Terran and Methuselah," Cardinal Caterina states when interviewed. "I am sure there may be dissents in some quarters and it will be a trying time for all. Still, I have faith in the Good Lord that He will bless this move towards a new era of world peace."
Count of Manchester a Methuselah, Sister Second Albionian Methuselah Titled
Count Virgil Walsh has admitted his Methuselah heritage in a move that has rattled the Albionian high society. The count accidentally blurted out the fact at the coronation reception after one too many champagnes while trying to turn down an invitation to the Derby races by the Baroness of Kent. However, he will keep his title as no Albionian law states that Methuselahs cannot hold court posts. Highly popular among the Terran ladies of the court, the count says he is now looking forward to a long period of peace and quiet until his admirers get over the shock and start sending him invitations again.
In a surprise move, the Council has decided to confer a title on Sir Virgil's sister, Lady Vanessa for outstanding service to the nation during the Londinium disaster despite rumours that she was implicated in certain irregularities in the local ammunitions department. Lady Vanessa will now be known as the Countess of Liverpool and head the newly formed Methuselah welfare ministry. The actual conferment ceremony is set for late next month. Lady Vanessa will in the meantime, undergo a crash course in court etiquette and protocol. The Countess was described as being hysterical with joy as her brother made arrangements to enrol her in Duchess Borgia's Academy for Noblewomen.
Miracle in Paris: Angel Imprint on Notre Dame Wall
Paris- Notre Dame has attracted hundreds of pilgrims over the past two months as people flock to see the angel imprint left on the North Wall of the cathedral. It is alleged that an angel crashed into the wall one night, leaving behind the imprint of a humanoid figure with wings. The Vatican has ruled it a possible hoax but people still flock to the scene.
Ask Lady Asta
Dear all readers, for some odd political and personal reasons, I am currently posted to the Holy City as ambassador-at-large for the Empire of the New Breed and unable to return home without a certain person in my company. Since I am dying of boredom while waiting for my travel visas to be approved for my diplomatic tour of Western Europe, I have agreed to assist with this column since Leon and your regular advisors are probably living it up in Albion style at someone's grand party.
Dear Leon,
Would you kindly assist me with a delicate problem? My only grandson has run away from his duties to our empire and has not come home since. I sent me a telegram saying he is going to join some hunt for some highly dangerous beasts. He has been seen gallivanting about the continent with a certain pale-haired, bespectacled priest of dubious origins by my people. You know what they say about filthy, lecherous priests. Help, my little angel is such an innocent! If that priest dares to touch my grandson, I swear I will blast him to kingdom come!
- Frantic with worry, Grandma Mira
Dear Mira
I can empathize with you, except it is the priest I fear for if his name happens to be Abel. Maybe it would help if you promise not to send your grandson to Baybars' summer camp? That old duke can give the hardiest cadets nightmares. I've been there before.
- Yours sweatdroppingly, Lady Asta
Dear Leon
Help! My brother is punishing me by trying to turn me into a (bleeping-bleeping) high society lady! He has this ogress come teach me etiquette. I am sick of trying balance books on my head while mincing my steps. And she is trying to get this torture device they call a corset on me. How the hell do they expect me to breathe in that thing?
- Frustrated in Albion, Not-a-Lady
Dear Lady
Ah, the price we pay for looking beautiful and classy. The key, girl, is to be yourself. Be who you are most comfortable with. If corsets and book-balancing is not your cuppa tea, then junk the corset and hop on your Harley. Don't forget to smile and tell your brother to (bleep). It is amazing how much you can do with a nice smile.
- Girl power all the way, Lady Asta
Dear Leon
I am writing in because I am desperate! My kid brother has the gall to strip me of my army and pack me off to Byzantinum as a consulate staff. Help! I am surrounded by vampires here. I have tried writing to my brother but he has only replied that it will do me good to immerse myself in understanding of those beasts! I know they are unholy monsters and that is enough!
- Diplomat to the Boondocks
Dear Sir,
You do not sound so diplomatic. I suppose your prejudices are laid on a tad thick in your thick skull. Firstly, the proper term is Methuselah, not vampire. We are very much human too, thank you. Maybe your brother should have sent you on that convert-rocks-on-a- remote-island mission. You would fit right in with those rocks.
- Indifferently yours, Lady Asta
Personals
RCO folks, please meet at Paris Notre Dame Cathedral with a shovel and bucket. If we can get enough of his bits and pieces, we may be able to put Humpty Dumpty together again. – Isaak
Ion! Get back home please. Grandmama is worried sick about you. I will not send you to that Boot Camp if you don't want to! - Mirka (crosses fingers behind back and submits application for Ion to attend the Yeniceri Cadet Training School)
Brother A, please kindly return my favourite courtier, Ion. His grandmother is frantic with worry and clawing up the walls as by our standards, he is still a minor. Please do not poach from my nurseries, okay?
– Augusta Seth
Author's Notes:
It's the end for the fic. Please read and review.
Thanks for all the reviews.