Karlena stands, beating the ground a few times with the brass end of her wandelstok, the sharp metallic sound echoing through the Republiekzaal, the rest of the Sergals inside going quiet "Thirteen years." Karlena said, placing a closed fist on her hip "Thirteen years, it has been merely a decade and a few years since our independence." Karlena looks around the hall before continuing "In that short time, we've become one of the richest countries in world, our navy is strong, our army is unbreakable and we have one of the most secure banks on the continent." Karlena lifts her arm, pointing to the crest hanging above the entrance "The two letters, 'O' and 'H' is stamped on coins, bake notes and embroidered on the flags of our colonies, or ships, hospitals and buildings." Karlena smiled, returning her hand the the side of her hip "And to top everything off, we're a republic, a union of states into one sovereign nation, lead by a council with elected officials, representing their homes and fellow citizens. In a world filled with monarchy, tyranny and warfare, our little republic has scared them to the bone, offering us money, land and arranged marriages, begging us to become a monarchy." Karlena chuckled, shaking her head before composing herself "Useless, our Sataathouder is worth more than a few boons. Our capital of Greens is the new city of the world, yet no bigger than London and they want us folding our arms, to watch how our enemies are arming for an assault? No!" Karlena smiled, her tail swiping the floor "I say we fold thier own arms for them, make them watch as we arm for an assault."