Reprinted fromGrand Duke Mark Ananto-Orleans returns to Gaduridos
Purchase of ₭6.2 Million Villa signals new interest in RepublicCiudad de Gaduri, Gaduridos
November 20, 5557Grand Duke of Kalistan, Lord Mark Ananto-Orleans lands in Gaduri International this weekHis Highness, Lord Mark Ananto-Orleans, cousin of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Fredrick II Ananto and Grand Duke of Kalistan, took possession of a new villa on the coast just outside of Ciudad de Gaduri, Marlingantos, Gaduridos this week, signaling a return of interest in the Central Seleyan republic. Following the ouster of the fascists, Ananto's purchase acknowledges that fact of Gaduri political stabilization, and aims at providing a conduit for Kalistani Investment to begin flowing once more to the Central Anantonese Ocean. The home and adjoining 25 acres of beachfront property, which costs Ananto ₭6.2 Million, is a far cry from the 400 acre estate that the Grand Duke grew up on which had been owned by the Grand Duke's Father, Prince Victor Ananto-Martin.
"Como nativo Gaduri, fue un día triste para mí decir adiós a mi hogar," said the Grand Duke to Gaduri reporters, upon arriving in Ciudad de Gaduri. "Pero ahora, después de ocho años, por fin puedo regresar a mi hogar y llevar a mi familia conmigo a vivir y trabajar en este maravilloso país, que tiene tanto en común con Kalistán. Mi esposa y mis hijos están muy emocionados de comenzar nuestra nueva vida en Gaduridos, al tiempo que regresan a Kalistán para visitar a amigos y familiares tan a menudo como la vida lo permite." It is known that the Grand Duke, who was raised in Gaduridos and then lived there most of his adult life, has treated this nearly decade-long sojourn as an exile of sorts, and has always sought to return to Gaduridos to pick up where he left off. "Espero trabajar para acercar Kalistan y Gaduridos, diplomática, cultural y económicamente."
The Grand Duke and Duchess will retain all titles and rights and duties in Kalistan, and will retain Kalistani Citizenship while living abroad. Additionally, The Grand Duke will maintain his family's estate in Sulari, and will keep his 70 person staff in Kalistan's Second City employed. He will be expected to respond to Imperial Summons' still and will be required at all peer functions, but except for special events, there are no official barriers to him living and working outside the Empire.
"His Imperial Majesty considers the Crown Lands to still technically be a part of Kalistan, so he has given the Grand Duke his Blessing," said Crown watcher Janelle Montgomery. "And in this age of instantaneous telecommunications, getting the Grand Duke on the phone even if he is on the other side of the planet is no challenge. Living in Gaduri City, the Grand Duke will be closer to Sulari than he would if he lived in Dulnerstaad, Eveari or Kaliburg, so it isn't really an issue." Montgomery also said that having Ananto in Gaduridos is also a good way to have an informal channel to the Gaduri Government. "Ananto's word is essentially the word of the Empire in Gaduridos. If there is something Gaduridos needs or would like, and they speak with the Grand Duke, they can be sure to have the ear of the Emperor. This offers them a great advantage that even Kalistan's closest friends do not have. And Mark Ananto sits on top of a veritable mountain of money due to his successful and conservative management of the prersonal accounts of House Ananto. A friendly Gaduridos can assure a friendly Kalistani investment community."
Grand Duke Mark Ananto-Orleans, Countess Margaret Alvarez-Ananto, and their three children have already moved into the Cottage as they renovate the Main House. The grounds have a small wooded area with a trail system for hiking or running, a brook that flows into the sea, a tennis court, large fields of wild flowers and cliffs that look north over the Central Anantonese Ocean. The Grand Duke said he intends to build a riding stable, a rifle range and a bocce court on the grounds as well. Renovations are expected to be complete in March, at which time the family will occupy the main house. The Grand Duke has named the estate Mer Verde.