Tallian Absorption of the Kingdom of Bethune

The Tallian Absorption of the Kingdom of Bethune was a large political event in South-East Arlec in **512PR**. It was the first, and so far only, time that a nation absorbed another without major bloodshed or violence.

## Background

The Kingdom of Bethune was created in **308PR** by Horan Bethune after founding the city of Bethune. It was founded as a respectful and honest place, accepted as a haven by most of the tribal people living in the harsh times.

In **346PR**, the city of Erstal was overthrown by their human slaves, unofficially founding Tamwull. By **352PR** they had officially been founded, having a government system.

As one of their closer nations, King Jannik Bethune decided to create a formal alliance with Tamwull in **361PR**, it would be improved later to a military alliance in **384PR**.

Bethune managed to take the city of Tanju in **411PR** with the help of the Tamwull military, the city didn’t put up much of a fight, ceding the area to the Kingdom. The Kingdom would later give a large payment to Tamwull as thanks for their efforts. Many of the tribes would eventually fall under Bethunes influence.

In **432PR** the alliance between the Kingdom of Bethune and Tamwull was tested, with the construction of the Tallian capital, Roufort, so close to the Kingdoms borders.

Both sides' borders continued to grow and by **466PR** Bethune now touched with Hashin.

Tamwull’s influence continued to grow and in **471PR** Bethune’s Western border and began to shrink, most of the settlements and populace deciding to fall under Tallian control peacefully.

In **493PR** Tamwull launched the Invasion of Albin Island, successfully conquering new lands with a good show of military dominance.

At the same time, the Kingdom’s military was weakening, the Bethune family more focused on increasing the prosperity of their people rather than their own border defences.

## Negotiations

In **509PR** Tamwull opened up negotiations with the Bethune family about furthering their alliance into a form of vassalship, or absorption altogether.

Initially, the Bethune family and Queen Melina were flabbergasted at the offer, but decided not to reject it immediately and enter negotiations.

The discussions between the two nations were held once a month. They both decided to keep the talks secret, fearing that Hashin may intervene militarily while they were otherwise distracted.

### Bethonian Concerns

The main concern of Queen Melina and the Bethune family was the treatment of their people. While the restrictions on slavery were tightening, there was still fear that since Tamwull had slaves, they might not be the most savoury people to just hand their Kingdom over too.

Another concern included the leadership of the nation and how it would function in a democratic society, along with fears that they might lose their power altogether if someone later down the line made a law stripping them.

Their final concern was in relation to the Bethonian culture, fearing that they might lose their identity with the influx of Tallian citizens. This wasn’t something that could really be negotiated however, as the Tamwull Government would have no direct influence on if it stayed or not.

### Tamwull Promises

To deal with the concerns, Tamwull made a series of promises to ensure good faith in the negotiations and that it would be fulfilled.

For their first point, the abolition of slavery was already a reccuring topic in Tallian politics, showing that the favour of slavery was in the decline and could soon be abolished in a law. This came about in **513PR** with the Abolition of Slavery in Tamwull.

Their second concern was more difficult to adjust, despite Tallian wishes to have near complete control over the Kingdom, they ceded power to the Bethune family. The royal family would keep most of their powers, and would now act as an allied country to Tamwull. If there is to be a dispute that cannot be resolved through normal means it is the Executive Head that has the final say.

### Bethonian Reasoning

There are a number of reasons that Bethune decided to join Tamwull, despite having their own independence. Some of these included:

#### Focused Prosperity

The Kingdom of Bethune has always focused on the people, and planned to continue that tradition. By joining Tamwull they would be able to focus more efforts on their own prosperity, increasing the finances of their people and having better management of their resources.

#### Military Security

Unlike Bethune, the Tamwull military had shown itself to be a capable fighting force and willing to campaign or enter conflict when necessary. The Bethonian Military was primarily defensive and inexperienced, even their highest generals would be only officers in the Tallian armies.

So, by providing men instead they would have the protection of Tamwull to protect their borders, especially from the more dangerous Hashin.

## Joining

In **512PR** Queen Melina announced to her people her decision to join Tamwull and their offer, explaining many of the promises that Tamwull gave and her own concerns entering into negotiations. As the Bethune family was very popular, she got the support of her people. Then, she decided to go to Roufort and sign the document in the Tallian Federal Parliament, officially recognising Tamwull as their leader.

### Reaction

#### Bethune

As stated above, the Bethonian people were happy to accept Tamwull as their leader, understanding the benefits they would gain from the absorption. For most of them, it would also be interesting to now vote in a Federal election and choose their leaders, though most of the political promises made by Presidential candidates would not affect them anyways they still held interest.

Grey Island was a different matter, protesting in the streets and kicking many of the Bethonian guards off their island. The ones that remained were killed, officially leaving Grey Island as independent from both Tamwull and Bethune. This was sparked by the Tallian Invasion of Albin Island years prior, seen as cousins of the Grey Islanders.

#### Hashin

Hashin, and more importantly Emperor Arima Itami, were very concerned about the new alliance. Their first act was to condemn the act, sending troops to their borders in case of an attack. Ceremoniously they decided to end any alliances and treaties they had with Bethune.

#### Tamwull

The Tamwull people saw this two ways, one it was a major victory to have so many people now in their nation, along with a new branch for taxation, but they were concerned that by having a monarch in their system they might eventually lose their own Democratic rights.