Seneschal's Office Territorial discourse

[Jennifer Hazelton]

The office of the Seneschal was decorated in high quality dark wood pieces. A large book case presided over the room with a variety of books which included classic English and Italian literature. A large and well laid out desk faced the door with a straight-backed chair in Jennifer's place. Two comfortable arm chairs faced the desk. The desk had been cleared of any paperwork and was neat. A keen eye could see a gift that Priscus Jack had given Jennifer in prime place of honor on the desk.
Jennifer sat behind her desk. Jennifer wore a less formal dress than she would wear to Formal Court. Yet it was in line with her personal style of adhering to the Florentine Code. Jennifer was wearing two pieces of jewelry that meant a great deal to her: an emerald ring on her right finger and a brown diamond and white diamond ring on her left finger.

A dark-haired ghoul in a tailored suit stands near the desk, a pad of paper and pen on the desk near him. Most Kindred should recognize Liam, the Seneschal’s ghoul.
The Baroness was thoughtful. The precedent of previous discussions around this query had been referenced. It was not often that this topic was broached. She was curious what reasoning the Priest would bring for such a request.

OOC Links

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/298574650306119136/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/298574650313022799/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/298574650306055789/

[Otto Schneider]

Reverend Otto Schneider strolled towards the Seneschal's office, pausing only a moment to straighten his tie before knocking politely twice and entering. As usual, the Nosferatu's choice of decor and office furnishings were impressive. Even if he no longer belonged to the Invictus, he still respected their sense of aesthetics. Ventrue weren't called 'Lords' for nothing. The Priest offered a deep bow to Jennifer for the respect due to her status and for accommodating his request for a meeting. He favored Liam with a nod before taking a seat opposite the Seneschal.

He was clad in one of his usual suits, accented by a pin over his breast pocket in the shape of a Lancea cross. "Good evening, Seneschal Hazelton. I appreciate you granting me a moment of your time. It is always a comfort to know that the Domain is managed by capable Kindred." Otto paused for a moment, briefly unsure if she should ease into the topic at hand or simply jump into it. He chose the latter. "As I brought up in Court, I wished to discuss the matter of territory. It is my hope to petition the Prince for regency over the territory surrounding Moore House. However, if this request would be presumptuous, I would rather not bother Her Grace with a futile request." It also saved him the potential embarrassment of being flatly rejected in front of the rest of the Domain. Still, it was an honest summary of why he wanted the meeting.

OOC: I originally meant to be more precise about which part of the Domain Otto was discussing, but it appears that the maps on the wiki are not currently working so I'm not quite sure where Moore House is physically located anymore

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer gives a nod to Priscus Schneider as he enters the room, carefully adhering to the respect that Otto had earned within the Domain.

"Good evening, Priscus Schneider. Yes, I am pleased that her Grace, the Alder Prince Antinori, has created a stable Domain."
As she speaks, her sibilant voice slithers in the space between the two Prisci. Liam returns the nod to Otto with a respectful nod. The ghoul remains completely still.
Jennifer observes the Ventrue Priscus thoughtfully for a moment, choosing to be quiet for a few moments.

"You have the dominion over your Covenant's site." The Nosferatu's Curse hangs heavy when she speaks.
"You have the need to expand to a regency. Tell me what you would offer her Grace, the Alder Prince."

[Otto Schneider]

The Seneschal's serpentine hiss of a voice grated on Otto's ears. The rational part of his mind knew, especially after repeated interaction with Jennifer, that it was an expression of her Clan's curse she had no control over. On an instinctual level, it made his dead skin crawl. Still, he kept his composure and offered a nod of acknowledgement.

"I offer faithful service." He said simply. Otto was no stranger to making a sales pitch but there was no ingratiating plea in his voice. The Priest hoped that he was conveying his earnestness as he maintained a measured tone. "I hope that you believe me when I say that I do not have political ambitions beyond securing a parish for those faithful to the Dark Prophet. I know that it would be naive to trust another Kindred solely at their word, but it is the truth." The Ventrue took a breath and composed himself before continuing.

"From a purely transactional standpoint, the Sanctum as a whole and myself in particular would be in Her Grace's debt. We would know that she trusts and values us enough to allow us some autonomy. In return, I would promise that the portion of her Domain entrusted to us would be administered faithfully and securely, that the Traditions would be the law of the land, and that the First and Second Estates would reaffirm their ancient pacts of loyalty." Otto allowed dead air to pass through his lips in a sigh. "This is a request, nothing more. I will accept Her Grace's judgment regardless of the outcome. If I am denied this boon, then I will continue to struggle in service to this community until I am worthy of the responsibility." The Priest tried to catch the Nosferatu's gaze. "I pray that you believe I am worthy of this burden. If not now, then perhaps some night in the future."

[Jennifer Hazelton]

"One cannot argue that you have been fickle." Jennifer states.
"You have proven that you are steadfast and persevere through hardships. I have noted that you will continue to do what is right for the Domain, as is evident with your dedication to solving mysteries in the Domain.
Yet a Regency is both a responsibility and a privilege.
What would be the difference between the Sanctum being granted Regency over the current situation?

"I understand that you are proposing that granting you a Regency for the Sanctum would be creating a group of Kindred who would be in the Alder Prince's debt.
Who are these Kindred?" Jennifer asked with a calm and lady - like demeanor.

One can see sense in what the Priest proposes. The meeting is a negotiation; is there sense in moving forward?

[Otto Schneider]

The Ventrue Priscus was faintly surprised, though he tried not to show it. He had expected outright rejection and yet the Seneschal appeared to be taking his request under serious consideration. Still, Jennifer's concerns were entirely justified. Otto folded his hands in his lap as he attempted to put together an appropriate reply.

"For one thing, it would be one part of town that the Prince doesn't have to worry about. I understand that Domain resources can be... stretched thin at times." His tone was diplomatic. "At present, if an incident occurs anywhere in the Domain, it falls to Domain leadership to solve the problem. I have nothing but respect and faith for our Seneschal and Reeve." He dipped his head in respect at that. "But if there were a Regent responsible for addressing any issues that cropped up in a particular part of the city, then that would free up resources to address other problems."

"I have made mention at Court of a handful of Kindred within my congregation that I consider particularly reliable and trustworthy. If I were to explain to them that our Covenant owed a debt to Her Grace, then I am confident that they would extend their services to the Domain wherever they were most useful. After all, at that point, it would simply be an extension of their service to the Covenant." A handful of Kindred in particular came to mind, mostly regular churchgoers and those that had personally assisted in renovating Moore House. "I can provide a list of names and contact information."

Otto sat up a little straighter. "As I said before, I trust the Prince's judgment in this matter. And I am aware that the Domain has functioned without formalized Regents for some time now. However, I believe that I could alleviate some of the burden of administration if I am given this responsibility."

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer steepled her fingers as her mind perused the Lord's words. She strolled down his words as though it were a tree lined path, taking her time to look over his word choices as she compared these to what she knew of the Alder Prince's thoughts.

"You are certain that you have the manpower to handle the Regency?" Jennifer gave a pointed question.
Jennifer inclined her head just a slight bit towards the Priscus of Lords at his mention of his respect and faith in leadership. He certainly had been maintaining those sentiments.
"Ah, as it stands, it seems that there have been few Kindred who have been stepping forward to offer their aid to the Domain."

She makes known a private concern. Her words hang, the Curse making the words a snake coiled in the recesses of the room.

"I will lay your petition before her Grace, the Alder Prince." She states with formal pomp.