Willem Darvos Rex Lord Alexandros
| Personal details | |
|---|---|
| Willem II, Emperor of Auresia | |
| Native name | Willem Darvos Rex |
| Honorific prefix | His Imperial Majesty |
| Birth name | Willem Darvos Rex |
| Birth Date | 3 January 7454 |
| Birth place | Veneziano Palace, Cedelphia, Auresian Empire |
| Death date | 13 January 7527 |
| Death place | Epoxague Palace, Imperial Reserve, Auresian Empire |
| Cause of death | Stroke |
| Resting place | Celestial Basilica, Veneziano Palace |
| Citizenship |  Auresian Empire
|
| Nationality | Auresian |
| Spouse | Empress Marona |
| Children | 4 |
| Residence | Veneziano Palace, Cedelphia |
| Occupation | Emperor |
| Known for | Reigning as the 63rd Dynast Sovereign of Auresia |
| Awards | Armilla Imperiosus, Order of the Knight's Cross, Phalera I, II, IV, Imperial Star II, Master Marksman Badge, Weapons Master’s Badge, Ten Year Service Badge |
| Birth name | Willem Darvos Rex |
| Emperor of Auresia | |
| Status | Deceased |
| Term Start | 27 February 7493 |
| Term End | 13 January 7527 |
| Predecessor | Dastari III |
| Successor | Emshandar III |
Willem Darvos Rex Lord Alexandros, officially known as Willem II, was the Emperor of Auresia from 27 February 7493 until his death 31 years later on 18 January 7525. His youngest son, Emshandar III, succeeded him to the Golden Lion Throne. He was the sixty-third Dynast Sovereign of Auresia and a member of the VI Dynasty.
Biography
Early Life and Reign
Willem Darvos Rex Alexandros was born on 3 January 7454 at Veneziano Palace in Cedelphia, Auresian Empire. He was a soft-spoken man who built a reputation as a firm and steady leader. Willem respected the advice of his ministers and proconsuls, using their skills and strengths to the Empire's advantage whenever possible. He was a driving force behind the formation of the Alliance during the Pan-Anarian War (PAW).
Pan-Anarian War
During Willem's reign, the Pan-Anarian War ignited and ravaged the continent for the next half-century. His closure of the Hattaro Straits to Helreich oil ships was one of the initial sparks that led to full-scale war. Although wary of losing Anat Tahani oil, Willem sided with his ministers, believing that even if the Empire lost access to the oil, the Helreich would suffer similarly. Despite lamenting the devastation of the PAW, Willem never denied his role in underestimating the Helreich's capabilities. He remained determined to overcome any opposition to the Empire.
Domestic Leadership During the War
Domestically, Willem maintained his responsibilities as leader throughout the war. He regularly visited troops, hospitals, strongholds, factories, and mills, supporting both the war effort and the morale of his people. Willem and his wife were welcome sights during these visits, boosting morale during tense times.
Assassination Attempt
During a visit in the second decade of the war, Willem was the target of an assassination attempt by a partisan who managed to get close enough to fire several shots. Though Willem was unharmed, two members of the Tentenal Legion were hit, and one was killed while shielding the Emperor. The partisan was quickly killed by Tentenal Guard as he tried to flee.
Private Life
Emperor Willem was married to Empress Marona from 11 March 7473 until her death in 7522 at the age of 69. Their 49-year marriage produced four children and was characterized by deep love and affection. After Marona's death, Willem focused on leading the war effort and raising his grandchildren. Known for his grandfatherly charm and warmth, he remained professional in official matters, preferring to establish trust through open dialogue.
Final Days
Approximately three days before his death, Willem suffered a stroke that left him with limited mobility. His eldest child, Princess Imperial Zarona, was deeply affected by seeing her father in such a vulnerable state. In her memoirs, she vividly described the dignity Willem maintained even in his final moments. Willem died in the early morning hours, reportedly saying, "Oh... look at that... the sun is coming up" as his last words. Following his wishes, his remains were laid in state in Veneziano Palace's Celestial Basilica for two days, with national mourning kept to personal remembrances. Willem believed that "saving the Empire is far more important than mourning me."
Awards and Decorations
Civilian
- Magister Botanica - Professor of Botanical Sciences, Grand Collegium Scarlet Letter
- Veneratio Scientia - Salutatorian, Veneratio Scientia
Military
- Armilla Imperiosus
- Order of the Knight's Cross
- Phalera I, II, IV (1x Phalera I, 1x Phalera II, 2x Phalera IV)
- Imperial Star II
- Master Marksman Badge
- Weapons Master's Badge
- Ten Year Service Badge
Trivia
- Willem's oil paintings, created throughout his life, are displayed in several museums across Auresia. Over a forty-year period, he painted around 150 works, with the entire collection valued at over 2,500,000 florins.
- He continued the tradition of the Imperial Blues, a unique proconsul's uniform featuring a blue tunic and black trousers with blood-red stripes. This military uniform has become the trademark outfit of Dynast Emperors and is worn frequently, especially during military functions when the Dynast Emperor acts as the Supreme Command Authority.