Don't hesitate to ask questions: about the characters, I'm open to collaborations, wcif, about my creations, etc. I donât take orders for the poses & cc I create. But Iâm open to suggestions!Â
Useful links
â Ask & Archives
â Story : episode i, episode ii, episode iii
â Family tree
â Worldbuilding
â Download
News about the imperial family (June 2026)
â Last great event: Official portrait of the Regency Council at the ChĂąteau de Versailles
â Politics: Jules Bousquet, new Prime Minister of Francesim
â House of Simparte:Â Promotion of the Officer Cadets of the Imperial Navy from the Naval Academy, Year 230
â Imperial engagements abroad: State Visit in Thornolia @modernthornoliachroniclesâ
Random ask! If Louis wasnât an emperor, what would he do for a living?
Hello! Thanks for asking <3
Probably a naval officer (yeah). Even without the throne, I don't think he could stay away from the sea for very long. He genuinely loves navigation, leadership, and the sense of purpose that comes with serving something bigger than himself.
I also wouldn't rule out marine science. He loves the sea enough that I could absolutely see him disappearing onto a research vessel for six months!
Otherwise⊠definitely something that gives him an adrenaline rush. Formula 1 driver, military pilot, search and rescue helicopter pilot⊠anything fast, challenging, and just a little bit dangerous. Bonus points if it involves helping people. He likes to be useful.
A bit predictable, perhaps, but I hope you enjoyed the answer!
Hi! Could you maybe tell me where Charlotte's hair in this post is from?
/empiredesimparte/817518096814325760/le-cabinet-noir-n-50-francesim-petit?source=share
Your game is stunning btw!
Hi! Thank you <3
Sorry, it took me a little while to find the hairstyle again. It's Larissa Hair by Simstrouble!
Your Majesty,
Members of the French and Thornolian delegations,
Members of the press,
Mesdames et Messieurs,
I am deeply touched by the words Your Majesty has just spoken, and I wish to thank you, as well as the Thornolian people, for the generosity and kindness that have marked every stage of this State Visit.
The honours you have bestowed upon us are all the more meaningful because they have always been accompanied by that sincere warmth which is the true measure of a nation's greatness.
This morning, in the Garden of the Tides, we gathered in a place where silence speaks more eloquently than words. There, we paid tribute to the memory of those whom the sea has claimed.
There are monuments that celebrate a nation's victories.
There are others that remind us of what it has cost to write its history.
The Garden of the Tides belongs to the latter.
By choosing to welcome a foreign Head of State to such a place, Your Majesty has reminded us that remembrance knows no borders when it honours values that are universal: courage, duty, sacrifice, and hope.
The French people cannot remain untouched by such remembrance.
Our own history has likewise been written to the rhythm of the tidesâin the ports of the Channel, along the Atlantic coast, upon the shores of the Mediterranean, and across the farthest oceans.
Like you, we know that the sea offers much, but also demands much in return. It opens the routes of trade, brings peoples together, and contributes to the prosperity of nations. Yet it also reminds us, sometimes with heartbreaking cruelty, of the price that such openness to the world may require.
For that reason, the gesture we shared today reaches far beyond the ceremonial dimension of a State Visit.
Over the past few days, I have witnessed the depth of the friendship that unites our two nations. The welcome extended by the Thornolian people to the French delegation has moved me deeply, and I wish, first and foremost, to express my sincere gratitude.
Your Majesty rightly observed that relations between nations cannot rest solely upon the interests of the present moment.
Agreements are concluded.
Governments succeed one another.
Circumstances evolve.
But friendship between two peoples cannot simply be proclaimed; it is built over time through trust, mutual respect, and faithfulness to one's word.
It is precisely that friendship which our two countries have chosen to cultivate.
You spoke of expanding our economic cooperation.
I welcome that prospect with great enthusiasm.
In a world where exchanges continue to grow ever more numerous, prosperity cannot be the privilege of an isolated nation. It is built through the circulation of ideas, expertise, innovation, and talent. Francesim regards Thornolia as a trusted partner with whom it wishes to pursue balanced and sustainable development, creating opportunities for our businesses and for our citizens alike.
You also spoke of the importance of cooperation in the field of defence.
Our two countries share the same understanding of their international responsibilities.
We know that the security of our peoples requires preparation, coordination, and mutual confidence between our armed forces and institutions. The growing partnership between our militaries reflects our shared determination to act together whenever our interests and our values call upon us to do so.
Yet beyond economic agreements or strategic partnerships, I believe there exists another form of wealthâperhaps less visible, but no less essential.
The wealth of human exchange.
The ties that unite our universities, our researchers, our artists, our students, our entrepreneurs, our associations, and our local communities give a human face to the relationship between our two nations. They foster the mutual understanding without which even the most ambitious forms of cooperation would remain incomplete.
The relationship between Francesim and Thornolia therefore concerns more than governments alone.
It concerns the generations that will follow us.
That is why the gesture we shared this morning carries, in my view, such particular significance.
The tree we planted together is not merely a remembrance of a State Visit.
It is a commitment.
It reminds us that no enduring friendship can flourish unless it is nurtured with patience, constancy, and trust.
It is my hope that future generations, watching it grow, will recognise that those who came before them chose dialogue over misunderstanding, cooperation over suspicion, and confidence over division.
Your Majesty,
Since my arrival in Thornolia, I have discovered a Kingdom deeply attached to its history, proud of its traditions, and resolutely looking towards the future.
I have encountered a warm-hearted people, an ambitious younger generation, and institutions that face the future with confidence.
I am convinced that this State Visit will mark a new chapter in the relationship between our two nations.
History teaches us that those nations which prosper are those that know how to combine their strengths without surrendering their identity.
Francesim and Thornolia each possess their own character, their own history, and their own traditions.
It is precisely these differences that enrich the partnership we have built together.
Your Majesty, I wish once again to thank you, Her Majesty the Queen, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Madame Royale, Monseigneur L'Ăpin, your Government, and the entire Thornolian people for the exceptional welcome that has been extended to me.
It is my sincere hope that the friendship between the Kingdom of Thornolia and the Empire of Francesim will continue to flourish in a spirit of trust, mutual respect, and peace, for the benefit of our peoples and of the generations yet to come.
Well...Cendrillon had a lovely evening while it lasted.
Flowers. Smiles. That glamorous opera gown.
We all declared we'd entered a new Eleanor era.
Then the clock struck twelve.
And just like that...she's back.
Emerald tailoring.
The familiar expression.
The posture so perfect it could have been measured with a ruler.
If you told me yesterday never happened, I'd almost believe you.
Although there is one new addition: The veil.
Before anyone starts drafting their inevitable angry comments, yes, her attire is appropriate.
That's not the point I'm trying to make.
Eleanor doesn't do accidents.
Every single one of her appearances is controlled.
Every one of her photographs is considered.
Every detail is deliberate.
So when someone this predictable changes even one thing, I will always notice.
Just enough veil to blur the eyes and soften the image.
Just enough to make yesterday's Cendrillon feel connected to today's memorial.
Funny, isn't it?
Yesterday everyone was celebrating how she'd finally shown us some personality.
Less than twenty-four hours later? We're right back to the woman who has spent years making sure nobody knows what she's thinking.
Maybe yesterday wasn't a new chapter after all.
Maybe it was just...a very successful performance.
louisesophie
Ah yes... the Ice Princess has returned. I was wondering where she'd gone.
â€ïž 6.4K
veroniquer
"The clock struck midnight" is admittedly a hilarious opening. đ
The people defending Eleanor in these comments always talk about who she might be in private. The rest of us are judging the person she chooses to show the public.
Your Majesty,
Members of the French and Thornolian delegations,
Members of the press,
Mesdames et Messieurs,
I am deeply touched by the words Your Majesty has just spoken, and I wish to thank you, as well as the Thornolian people, for the generosity and kindness that have marked every stage of this State Visit.
The honours you have bestowed upon us are all the more meaningful because they have always been accompanied by that sincere warmth which is the true measure of a nation's greatness.
This morning, in the Garden of the Tides, we gathered in a place where silence speaks more eloquently than words. There, we paid tribute to the memory of those whom the sea has claimed.
There are monuments that celebrate a nation's victories.
There are others that remind us of what it has cost to write its history.
The Garden of the Tides belongs to the latter.
By choosing to welcome a foreign Head of State to such a place, Your Majesty has reminded us that remembrance knows no borders when it honours values that are universal: courage, duty, sacrifice, and hope.
The French people cannot remain untouched by such remembrance.
Our own history has likewise been written to the rhythm of the tidesâin the ports of the Channel, along the Atlantic coast, upon the shores of the Mediterranean, and across the farthest oceans.
Like you, we know that the sea offers much, but also demands much in return. It opens the routes of trade, brings peoples together, and contributes to the prosperity of nations. Yet it also reminds us, sometimes with heartbreaking cruelty, of the price that such openness to the world may require.
For that reason, the gesture we shared today reaches far beyond the ceremonial dimension of a State Visit.
Over the past few days, I have witnessed the depth of the friendship that unites our two nations. The welcome extended by the Thornolian people to the French delegation has moved me deeply, and I wish, first and foremost, to express my sincere gratitude.
Your Majesty rightly observed that relations between nations cannot rest solely upon the interests of the present moment.
Agreements are concluded.
Governments succeed one another.
Circumstances evolve.
But friendship between two peoples cannot simply be proclaimed; it is built over time through trust, mutual respect, and faithfulness to one's word.
It is precisely that friendship which our two countries have chosen to cultivate.
You spoke of expanding our economic cooperation.
I welcome that prospect with great enthusiasm.
In a world where exchanges continue to grow ever more numerous, prosperity cannot be the privilege of an isolated nation. It is built through the circulation of ideas, expertise, innovation, and talent. Francesim regards Thornolia as a trusted partner with whom it wishes to pursue balanced and sustainable development, creating opportunities for our businesses and for our citizens alike.
You also spoke of the importance of cooperation in the field of defence.
Our two countries share the same understanding of their international responsibilities.
We know that the security of our peoples requires preparation, coordination, and mutual confidence between our armed forces and institutions. The growing partnership between our militaries reflects our shared determination to act together whenever our interests and our values call upon us to do so.
Yet beyond economic agreements or strategic partnerships, I believe there exists another form of wealthâperhaps less visible, but no less essential.
The wealth of human exchange.
The ties that unite our universities, our researchers, our artists, our students, our entrepreneurs, our associations, and our local communities give a human face to the relationship between our two nations. They foster the mutual understanding without which even the most ambitious forms of cooperation would remain incomplete.
The relationship between Francesim and Thornolia therefore concerns more than governments alone.
It concerns the generations that will follow us.
That is why the gesture we shared this morning carries, in my view, such particular significance.
The tree we planted together is not merely a remembrance of a State Visit.
It is a commitment.
It reminds us that no enduring friendship can flourish unless it is nurtured with patience, constancy, and trust.
It is my hope that future generations, watching it grow, will recognise that those who came before them chose dialogue over misunderstanding, cooperation over suspicion, and confidence over division.
Your Majesty,
Since my arrival in Thornolia, I have discovered a Kingdom deeply attached to its history, proud of its traditions, and resolutely looking towards the future.
I have encountered a warm-hearted people, an ambitious younger generation, and institutions that face the future with confidence.
I am convinced that this State Visit will mark a new chapter in the relationship between our two nations.
History teaches us that those nations which prosper are those that know how to combine their strengths without surrendering their identity.
Francesim and Thornolia each possess their own character, their own history, and their own traditions.
It is precisely these differences that enrich the partnership we have built together.
Your Majesty, I wish once again to thank you, Her Majesty the Queen, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Madame Royale, Monseigneur L'Ăpin, your Government, and the entire Thornolian people for the exceptional welcome that has been extended to me.
It is my sincere hope that the friendship between the Kingdom of Thornolia and the Empire of Francesim will continue to flourish in a spirit of trust, mutual respect, and peace, for the benefit of our peoples and of the generations yet to come.
12. Can private citizens criticize or insult the monarch or the monarchy? Are there penalties for private citizens who critique or insult the monarch or royal family? Are those penalties enforced?
Yes. Francesim is the land of liberty; it is in its republican DNA, and the Simparte have always safeguarded these aspirations.
So, freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, and citizens are free to criticize the Emperor, the Government, or the Imperial institution.
17. Is there a mechanism to remove unpopular or incapable monarchs from the throne?
No. Under no circumstances can the Emperor be deposed or abdicate.
If the Emperor becomes a minor, is seriously ill, or is otherwise unable to perform the duties of the Crown, the Constitution (2001) provides for a Regency until the incapacity ends. Which is precisely what is happening in my story right now :)
19. Are there any organized anti-monarchy groups within your country? What are their goals?
Yes. Republican and anti-monarchist organizations operate legally throughout Francesim and participate in public debate. Their goals range from replacing the monarchy with a parliamentary republic to reducing the constitutional role of the Crown. The overwhelming majority reject political violence and pursue change through democratic means.
Following the death of Emperor Napoleon IV in 2022 during a violent demonstration, public attention has increasingly focused on a few radical anti-monarchist networks suspected of exploiting otherwise lawful protests.
A major criminal investigation is currently underway to determine whether the Emperorâs death resulted from a premeditated attack by extremist activists or from a tragic escalation during a demonstration. Until the courts reach their verdict, the exact degree of organization behind the regicide remains officially undetermined. đ
I know you've answered 29 but I am curious about how different branches of the Simparte will/do raise their kids. Especially since we've talked about the differences in the eventual parenting styles of Louis and Hortense! How would different branches view the others such as how would Louis's branch view how Philippe raises kids? How would it view Hortense's parenting choices?
Hello friend!
I think Napoleon V (Louis), Hortense, and Philippe ( @funkyllama ) all strive to instill a number of values in their children that they consider universal within the House of Simparte: serving the Crown to which they belong (no matter the cost, with duty and service to the State taking precedence even over family), a strong work ethic (merit, discipline), and honour (taking responsibility for one's choices and keeping one's word).
Catholicism underpins all of these values, as Napoleon I believed it to be one of the foundations of society.
Napoleon V and Charlotte intend to raise their children themselves, while placing great expectations on their future role within the Imperial Family. Their upbringing will therefore be quite institutional and ceremonial. The goal is not to give them "normal childhood moments" or shield them from public life, but to prepare them as thoroughly as possible for the responsibilities they will one day assume. For example, a "Child of Francesim" (Enfant de Francesim) might attend certain government meetings or carry out official engagements before reaching adulthood.
As for the other branches of the family, Napoleon V expects Hortense and Philippe to pass on the values of the House to their own children. Since their children are destined to serve different Crowns (Scotland and Ionia), Louis would neither expect the same level of attachment to the House of Simparte nor criticize the way they choose to raise them. Their responsibilities are different, and so their upbringing should naturally reflect that.
Your Majesty,
Members of the French and Thornolian delegations,
Members of the press,
Mesdames et Messieurs,
I am deeply touched by the words Your Majesty has just spoken, and I wish to thank you, as well as the Thornolian people, for the generosity and kindness that have marked every stage of this State Visit.
The honours you have bestowed upon us are all the more meaningful because they have always been accompanied by that sincere warmth which is the true measure of a nation's greatness.
This morning, in the Garden of the Tides, we gathered in a place where silence speaks more eloquently than words. There, we paid tribute to the memory of those whom the sea has claimed.
There are monuments that celebrate a nation's victories.
There are others that remind us of what it has cost to write its history.
The Garden of the Tides belongs to the latter.
By choosing to welcome a foreign Head of State to such a place, Your Majesty has reminded us that remembrance knows no borders when it honours values that are universal: courage, duty, sacrifice, and hope.
The French people cannot remain untouched by such remembrance.
Our own history has likewise been written to the rhythm of the tidesâin the ports of the Channel, along the Atlantic coast, upon the shores of the Mediterranean, and across the farthest oceans.
Like you, we know that the sea offers much, but also demands much in return. It opens the routes of trade, brings peoples together, and contributes to the prosperity of nations. Yet it also reminds us, sometimes with heartbreaking cruelty, of the price that such openness to the world may require.
For that reason, the gesture we shared today reaches far beyond the ceremonial dimension of a State Visit.
Over the past few days, I have witnessed the depth of the friendship that unites our two nations. The welcome extended by the Thornolian people to the French delegation has moved me deeply, and I wish, first and foremost, to express my sincere gratitude.
Your Majesty rightly observed that relations between nations cannot rest solely upon the interests of the present moment.
Agreements are concluded.
Governments succeed one another.
Circumstances evolve.
But friendship between two peoples cannot simply be proclaimed; it is built over time through trust, mutual respect, and faithfulness to one's word.
It is precisely that friendship which our two countries have chosen to cultivate.
You spoke of expanding our economic cooperation.
I welcome that prospect with great enthusiasm.
In a world where exchanges continue to grow ever more numerous, prosperity cannot be the privilege of an isolated nation. It is built through the circulation of ideas, expertise, innovation, and talent. Francesim regards Thornolia as a trusted partner with whom it wishes to pursue balanced and sustainable development, creating opportunities for our businesses and for our citizens alike.
You also spoke of the importance of cooperation in the field of defence.
Our two countries share the same understanding of their international responsibilities.
We know that the security of our peoples requires preparation, coordination, and mutual confidence between our armed forces and institutions. The growing partnership between our militaries reflects our shared determination to act together whenever our interests and our values call upon us to do so.
Yet beyond economic agreements or strategic partnerships, I believe there exists another form of wealthâperhaps less visible, but no less essential.
The wealth of human exchange.
The ties that unite our universities, our researchers, our artists, our students, our entrepreneurs, our associations, and our local communities give a human face to the relationship between our two nations. They foster the mutual understanding without which even the most ambitious forms of cooperation would remain incomplete.
The relationship between Francesim and Thornolia therefore concerns more than governments alone.
It concerns the generations that will follow us.
That is why the gesture we shared this morning carries, in my view, such particular significance.
The tree we planted together is not merely a remembrance of a State Visit.
It is a commitment.
It reminds us that no enduring friendship can flourish unless it is nurtured with patience, constancy, and trust.
It is my hope that future generations, watching it grow, will recognise that those who came before them chose dialogue over misunderstanding, cooperation over suspicion, and confidence over division.
Your Majesty,
Since my arrival in Thornolia, I have discovered a Kingdom deeply attached to its history, proud of its traditions, and resolutely looking towards the future.
I have encountered a warm-hearted people, an ambitious younger generation, and institutions that face the future with confidence.
I am convinced that this State Visit will mark a new chapter in the relationship between our two nations.
History teaches us that those nations which prosper are those that know how to combine their strengths without surrendering their identity.
Francesim and Thornolia each possess their own character, their own history, and their own traditions.
It is precisely these differences that enrich the partnership we have built together.
Your Majesty, I wish once again to thank you, Her Majesty the Queen, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Madame Royale, Monseigneur L'Ăpin, your Government, and the entire Thornolian people for the exceptional welcome that has been extended to me.
It is my sincere hope that the friendship between the Kingdom of Thornolia and the Empire of Francesim will continue to flourish in a spirit of trust, mutual respect, and peace, for the benefit of our peoples and of the generations yet to come.
There were no artillery salutes here. The two delegations arrived in an atmosphere of deliberate intimacy and quiet reflection. Only the Cloche de l'Horizon, its solitary chime carrying across the sea, marked the opening of the ceremony.
According to Thornolian tradition, the bell symbolically calls home all those whom the sea has never returned.
For Ernest, heir to the Thornolian throne, it marked his first participation in a national memorial ceremony of such significance since assuming his public duties. As for Eleanor, the ceremony offered a rare opportunity to see her fully embody her constitutional role as Madame Royale, beyond her position as the King's daughter.
The ceremony then continued into the newest section of the Garden of the Tides, where a Thornolian Emerald Cedar was planted.
Chosen for its remarkable resilience against coastal winds and its exceptional longevity, the tree represents endurance, loyalty and remembrance within Thornolian tradition. Even the planting ceremony itself followed a carefully considered protocol.
Through this carefully choreographed sequence, the organisers sought to represent the reigning sovereign, the visiting nation, dynastic continuity, and the generation one day destined to inherit the Crown.
A bronze plaque unveiled beside the young cedar now explains the significance of its presence:
Unlike the commemorative trees traditionally planted in diplomatic gardens, this cedar does not stand as an isolated monument. Instead, it becomes part of the Kingdom's living memorial forest, destined to grow for generations as a lasting tribute maintained by those who follow.
Beyond its ceremonial character, the occasion served as a reminder that the relationship between Thornolia and Francesim is founded not only upon diplomacy, but also upon the sharing of memory, sacrifice and common heritage.
There were no artillery salutes here. The two delegations arrived in an atmosphere of deliberate intimacy and quiet reflection. Only the Cloche de l'Horizon, its solitary chime carrying across the sea, marked the opening of the ceremony.
According to Thornolian tradition, the bell symbolically calls home all those whom the sea has never returned.
For Ernest, heir to the Thornolian throne, it marked his first participation in a national memorial ceremony of such significance since assuming his public duties. As for Eleanor, the ceremony offered a rare opportunity to see her fully embody her constitutional role as Madame Royale, beyond her position as the King's daughter.
The ceremony then continued into the newest section of the Garden of the Tides, where a Thornolian Emerald Cedar was planted.
Chosen for its remarkable resilience against coastal winds and its exceptional longevity, the tree represents endurance, loyalty and remembrance within Thornolian tradition. Even the planting ceremony itself followed a carefully considered protocol.
Through this carefully choreographed sequence, the organisers sought to represent the reigning sovereign, the visiting nation, dynastic continuity, and the generation one day destined to inherit the Crown.
A bronze plaque unveiled beside the young cedar now explains the significance of its presence:
Unlike the commemorative trees traditionally planted in diplomatic gardens, this cedar does not stand as an isolated monument. Instead, it becomes part of the Kingdom's living memorial forest, destined to grow for generations as a lasting tribute maintained by those who follow.
Beyond its ceremonial character, the occasion served as a reminder that the relationship between Thornolia and Francesim is founded not only upon diplomacy, but also upon the sharing of memory, sacrifice and common heritage.
There were no artillery salutes here. The two delegations arrived in an atmosphere of deliberate intimacy and quiet reflection. Only the Cloche de l'Horizon, its solitary chime carrying across the sea, marked the opening of the ceremony.
According to Thornolian tradition, the bell symbolically calls home all those whom the sea has never returned.
For Ernest, heir to the Thornolian throne, it marked his first participation in a national memorial ceremony of such significance since assuming his public duties. As for Eleanor, the ceremony offered a rare opportunity to see her fully embody her constitutional role as Madame Royale, beyond her position as the King's daughter.
The ceremony then continued into the newest section of the Garden of the Tides, where a Thornolian Emerald Cedar was planted.
Chosen for its remarkable resilience against coastal winds and its exceptional longevity, the tree represents endurance, loyalty and remembrance within Thornolian tradition. Even the planting ceremony itself followed a carefully considered protocol.
Through this carefully choreographed sequence, the organisers sought to represent the reigning sovereign, the visiting nation, dynastic continuity, and the generation one day destined to inherit the Crown.
A bronze plaque unveiled beside the young cedar now explains the significance of its presence:
Unlike the commemorative trees traditionally planted in diplomatic gardens, this cedar does not stand as an isolated monument. Instead, it becomes part of the Kingdom's living memorial forest, destined to grow for generations as a lasting tribute maintained by those who follow.
Beyond its ceremonial character, the occasion served as a reminder that the relationship between Thornolia and Francesim is founded not only upon diplomacy, but also upon the sharing of memory, sacrifice and common heritage.
Situated on the cliffs overlooking the waters beyond Port Olivier, the Garden has long served as a place of remembrance for sailors, fishermen, naval personnel, explorers, and countless others whose lives were claimed by the sea. Established during the early years of the Kingdom, the memorial remains one of the most revered sites of national reflection in Thornolia.
The ceremony commenced with the sounding of La Cloche de l'Horizon, whose single toll echoed across the memorial grounds and harbour below. The bell is rung only during major commemorative occasions and serves as a symbolic call home to those who never returned from the sea.Â
A second wreath was laid by la Madame Royale and Monseigneur L'Ăpin on behalf of the Royal Family and future generations of the Kingdom.
For Monseigneur L'Ăpin, the ceremony marked another significant milestone during his first State Visit engagement as a senior working member of the Royal Family. Observers noted the Monseigneurâs composure throughout the proceedings as he joined his elder sister in one of the Kingdom's most significant annual acts of remembrance.
The Madame Royale's appearance also attracted attention, with the Madame choosing to wear a dark veiled fascinator throughout the outdoor ceremony despite the subdued coastal weather. While palace officials offered no explanation, the choice prompted discussion among observers, particularly given the highly visible nature of the engagement. Nevertheless, the Madame carried out her duties without incident and participated fully in both the wreath-laying and tree-planting ceremonies.
The Emerald Cedar, renowned for its resilience against coastal winds and changing seasons, has long been associated with endurance, remembrance, and steadfast loyalty within Thornolian tradition.
In remarks delivered from le Palais, His Majesty reaffirmed Thornolia's commitment to expanding cooperation with Francesim in the areas of trade, maritime security, and defence. The Monsieur le Roi described the relationship between the two nations as one founded not merely upon diplomacy, but upon "mutual respect, shared history, and a common belief that cooperation serves our peoples better than division."
His Imperial Majesty likewise expressed support for closer ties between the two countries and confirmed his intention to bring Thornolia into forthcoming Europesim discussions concerning international cooperation and security.
The State Visit will conclude later this afternoon with the inaugural Coupe d'Emeraude, a ceremonial yacht race in the waters off Port Olivier between Thornolian and French crews. Conceived as a celebration of the maritime traditions shared by both nations, the race is expected to draw significant crowds along the harbour front and coastline.
Members of both royal households are expected to participate in the event, which will serve as the final public engagement of the Emperor's visit before his departure aboard the Aigle.
There were no artillery salutes here. The two delegations arrived in an atmosphere of deliberate intimacy and quiet reflection. Only the Cloche de l'Horizon, its solitary chime carrying across the sea, marked the opening of the ceremony.
According to Thornolian tradition, the bell symbolically calls home all those whom the sea has never returned.
For Ernest, heir to the Thornolian throne, it marked his first participation in a national memorial ceremony of such significance since assuming his public duties. As for Eleanor, the ceremony offered a rare opportunity to see her fully embody her constitutional role as Madame Royale, beyond her position as the King's daughter.
The ceremony then continued into the newest section of the Garden of the Tides, where a Thornolian Emerald Cedar was planted.
Chosen for its remarkable resilience against coastal winds and its exceptional longevity, the tree represents endurance, loyalty and remembrance within Thornolian tradition. Even the planting ceremony itself followed a carefully considered protocol.
Through this carefully choreographed sequence, the organisers sought to represent the reigning sovereign, the visiting nation, dynastic continuity, and the generation one day destined to inherit the Crown.
A bronze plaque unveiled beside the young cedar now explains the significance of its presence:
Unlike the commemorative trees traditionally planted in diplomatic gardens, this cedar does not stand as an isolated monument. Instead, it becomes part of the Kingdom's living memorial forest, destined to grow for generations as a lasting tribute maintained by those who follow.
Beyond its ceremonial character, the occasion served as a reminder that the relationship between Thornolia and Francesim is founded not only upon diplomacy, but also upon the sharing of memory, sacrifice and common heritage.
I mentioned & featured a whole lot of people who deserve their flowers for making my characters world feel more whole: @armoricaroyalty @officalroyalsofpierreland @trhor @empiredesimparte
last.
This was planned to go up a really long time ago, but I got insecure about the way it all turned out... but that's no way to live!
also yes. the big lights are supposed to be in frame. It was a stylistic choice that I was making prior to me being silly with my reshade & then updating it for something that I'm now working on. I may bring it back in full force, who knows.
24 & 29 for the world building questions⊠for reasons đ
Oh my...
24. Are members of your royal family expected to be monogamous?
Yes.
Members of the Imperial Family are bound by strict marital fidelity.
The marriage of members of the Imperial House is regarded as a civil commitment, a religious sacrament, and a dynastic act affecting the continuity of the State. As such, it entails a special duty to set an example.
CODE NAPOLEON, Titre V (Du Mariage), Article 212
Spouses owe each other respect, fidelity, support, and assistance.
There is a second body of laws, drafted by Napoleon IV in 2002 and inspired by the Statutes of the Imperial Family of 1805 by Napoleon I, which regulates the lives of the Simparte in detail.
If you will, the imperial family has more obligations and duties than ordinary citizens. I wrote a few posts about this early on in my blog, including:
Members of the Imperial Family are required to conduct themselves, under all circumstances, in a manner befitting the dignity of the Crown and the duties associated with their status.
and
Members of the Imperial Family remain subject to the provisions of the Napoleonic Code regarding marriage, as well as to the requirements of the Concordat, when they enter into marriage according to the Catholic rite.
They are required to fulfill the duties of fidelity, living together, respect, support, and assistance that arise from marriage.
So itâs clear that loyalty is a requirement for "conduct befitting the dignity of the CrownâŠ," that is, for remaining a member of the imperial family.
On top of that, you have the Concordat, restored in 2001, further states that a religious marriage celebrated according to the Catholic rite is a sacrament based on the unity, indissolubility, and fidelity of the spouses.
Are affairs and non-monogamy accepted, tolerated, or frowned upon?
It's a big topic! Polygamy is illegal. As for everything else, let's go through it point by point.
Extramarital affairs
As we've seen, fidelity is both a civil obligation (under the Napoleonic Code), a dynastic obligation (under the Statutes of the Imperial Family), and a religious obligation (under the Concordat with the Catholic Church).
However, adultery is not a criminal offence.
An extramarital affair cannot therefore be punished by the State as such. It may, however, have civil consequences (most notably divorce) and, for members of the Imperial Family, dynastic consequences when the affair compromises the dignity of the Crown, the security of the State, or the proper functioning of the institutions.
In other words, Francesim always distinguishes between what belongs to private life and what concerns the interests of the Crown.
An affair remains a private matter as long as it has no institutional consequences. However, if it triggers a political, media, diplomatic, or security crisis, the Emperor may intervene in accordance with the Statutes of the Imperial Family.
2. Children born out of wedlock
Children born outside marriage retain all of their civil rights under the Napoleonic Code. However, they possess no dynastic rights and are not considered members of the Imperial Family.
29. How actively do members of the royal family participate in parenting? Are royal children raised by their parents, by extended family, or by staff?
The children of the Imperial Couple, traditionally known as the Children of Francesim (Enfants de Francesim), are raised first and foremost by their parents.
Unlike many modern monarchies, the goal is not to "give them a normal childhood," but to prepare them for an extraordinary role. From birth, they are called upon to represent the Crown, serve the State, and, for some of them, one day assume the highest responsibilities of the Empire.
During early childhood (from birth until the age of six), the children remain primarily under the care of their parents. The Governess of the Children of Francesim oversees the entire household assigned to them, supervising their daily life, health, and early education.
From the age of six onwards, the Children of Francesim are accompanied by Officiers d'ordonnance (Sorry, I don't know how to translate that XD). Their role is not only to ensure the children's security, but also to introduce them progressively to the protocol, ceremonial traditions, and etiquette of the Empire, including precedence, court customs, and dynastic traditions.
21. Can members of your royal family marry whomever they wish, or are they required to get approval from the monarch or other governing bodies?
 Imperial Constitution of 2001, Article 6
The members of the Emperor's family who may be called to heredity, and their descendants of both sexes, are part of the imperial family. They may not marry without the permission of the Emperor. Marriage without this authorisation deprives the contracting party and his descendants of all rights to heredity. The Emperor determines the titles and status of the other members of his family. He has full authority over all the members of his family; he regulates their duties and obligations by statutes which have the force of law.
22. If royal marriages must be approved, what does the approval process look like? What kinds of factors are considered? Do all members of the royal family require formal approval, or only those close to the throne?
The following is the standard procedure for imperial weddings:
Notification of the Emperor
The member of the Imperial Family (as defined in Article 6) personally notifies the Emperor of his or her intention to marry.
2. Report from the Imperial Household
The Secretary to the Emperor compiles a confidential report for the Emperor. The Emperor reviews:
The implications for the order of succession; National security issues; Potential conflicts of interest; The future spouseâs ability to fulfill the public obligations associated with their status as a member of the Imperial Family of Francesim.
No consideration of birth, wealth, or social background may, on its own, justify a refusal by the Emperor.
3. Consultations
The Emperor traditionally consults:
The President of the Council of State (Imperial Prince Henri, Emperor Napoleon Vâs uncle)
The Grand Marshal (Marshal Armand Devereaux)
The Prime Minister (Jules Bousquet, the new Prime Minister)
The Grand Chaplain (Mgr. David Morlot, Cardinal)
These opinions remain advisory.
4. Imperial Authorization
The Emperor grants his authorization by signing and publishing an imperial decree. Upon publication, the engagement may be announced.
5. Marriage
Civil marriages are performed in accordance with the Civil Code.
The religious marriage is then celebrated according to the Catholic rite in a cathedral or an imperial chapel, presided over by the Grand Chaplain of Francesim or a prelate designated by him.
When the marriage involves a direct heir to the throne, an apostolic blessing from the Holy Father is traditionally sought.
23. Are members of the royal family allowed to marry commoners?
Yes.
Historically, the Simparte family came from the minor nobility and have always advocated for a merit-based nobility. So... Since the restoration of the Empire in 2001 by Napoleon IV, the Imperial Constitution has made no distinction between individuals based on their birth, noble title, or social background.
Members of the Imperial Family are free to marry, provided they obtain the Emperorâs prior authorization as described above!
Are they allowed to marry citizens of other countries?
Yes.
I believe the main addition to the procedure described above is to determine what diplomatic implications may arise and whether the country of origin imposes any obligations of allegiance.