Chapter 36: King of The Romans
September, 1293
After almost a year of hankering and negotiation, the day had finally come. An election was to be held for the post of King of the Romans and thus the next Emperor. Charles had had to use all of his powers of persuasion and some money lent to him by both his father and father by marriage to convince Emperor Albert to agree to support him. His Holiness Pope Celestine had left Naples to come to Regensburg for the vote as well. There was another competitor, Adolph, Count of Nassau a cold and harsh man who reminded Charles of Philippe.
The King of Bohemia as Arch Cupbearer and chief elector spoke. “My lords, we are gathered here today to end the stalemate that has been in place since the time of King Rudolph II’s death, and now we have two candidates. Charles, Count of Valois and Prince of France and Adolph, Count of Nassau. Each candidate shall say why they believe they are the right person for this role and then the voting shall begin.”
Charles went first. “My lords, I am a man who knows all of you. I have met with you, have wined and dined with you. You know me. I am not from the Empire, but I am someone who cares deeply for it. I am someone who wishes to end the turmoil that seems to have become a feature of the Empire. I wish to restore it to greatness. I bring with me an heir, a spare and daughters. I bring with me an alliance with France and with England. In short I bring a lot.”
Charles sat down, Adolph, Count of Nassau spoke then. “My honourable friend there is a boy. He might think he is a man, but he is a boy. And a boy is not what we need. We need someone who is prepared to fight, who knows how to fight and how to put in the hard work to ensure the Empire is reformed and brought to greatness. I know all of you and you know me. And we all know the threats we face. I am the man to deal with them.”
Adolph sat down, Charles found himself wondering whether he should be insulted or delighted by how Adolph had described him. The King of Bohemia got up then and said. “If anyone wishes to say anything else?” The man looked at the Pope and asked. “Your Holiness?”
“You may proceed.” The Pope said.
The King nodded. “Thank you, Your Holiness. Now for voting, please write the name of the candidate you support and place it into this box here.” The man gestured to a silver box on a table. “I shall begin.” The King took a piece of paper from a squire and wrote down a name, folded the paper and placed it in the box and sat down. The man didn’t look at anyone.
The Count of Palatine and Duke of Bavaria got up then and wrote a name down and placed it in the box. He looked at Charles as he did so, which made Charles think the man had voted for him. the Count was a terrifying man, he had killed his nephews, all three of them in a battle outside Landshut a few years ago and taken the spoils without a seeming drop of grief.
The Margrave of Brandenburg was next. He walked to the box, dropped his paper in and walked back. Then it was Saxony, and then came the spiritual electors. They did this all in complete silence and Charles found himself on a nerve’s edge, waiting and wondering. Eventually, His Holiness got up and moved to the box.
He took out a piece of paper and said. “Adolph, Count of Nassau.”
Charles kept his expression blank. There were six more papers to go.
“Adolph, Count of Nassau.”
Charles took a sip of wine, perhaps he should’ve bribed Saxony and Brandenburg with more money and promises of trade.
“Charles, Count of Valois.”
Charles didn’t respond, or tried not to. He was still in this.
“Charles, Count of Valois.”
Charles took another sip of wine, but could feel his hands shaking, he was close, so close.
“Adolph, Count of Nassau.”
Charles took another sip, or rather a gulp of wine. His chest was fluttering.
“Charles, Count of Valois.”
Another pause, he looked at where the other man was sitting, Adolph looked cold.
“Charles, Count of Valois.”
It took him a moment but then he put the cup down, got up and smiled and then bowed when the Pope came to him. “Thank you, You Holiness.” He accepted the blessings and then turned to the room at large. “Thank you, for this honour.”