A.U#The fall of a kingdom

  Lately, I've been wanting to create an AU with Lucas, Castiel and Wilhelm in the end of the "Ancien régime" (the end of monarchy in France). It was also an opportunity to create an origin for the background of #Lovember. 

Lukas Van Lantaarn

Lukas Van Lantaarn is the legitimate bastard, son of a very rich Dutch merchant. His mother is a Japanese woman (probably a prostitute). He spent his childhood in Edo (Japan in the 18th century) on the island of Dejima, the only place where Europeans could trade during the "sakoku" period.

The "Van Lantaarn Orintale indian company" is working with the French crown to allow an opening of a commercial channel between France and Japan. His father decided to bring his illegitimate son to Europe because he felt that Lukas could play an important role in this project. Because of the American War of Independence, which siphoned off the entire French budget, the plan to open a trade canal between Japan and France was put aside. Lukas is sent to the court of Versailles to defend the interests of his father's company, but also to manipulate the courtiers to put pressure on the King of France.

He inundates them with luxury products such as Japanese fabrics, jewellery and lacquerware, which are highly prized by the nobles, but also opium, tabaco and various articles of pleasure. He soon became the purveyor of the pleasures of the court and ended up having a sulphurous reputation. Willingly libertine, he learned that the body and the exaltation of the senses are often the best weapons in this decadent court of Versailles where lust and corruption reign among the nobles.

Lukas Van Lantaarn is an ancestor of Lucas Komyo. After the French Revolution, he returned to Edo (Japan during the 18th century) and japonized his Dutch name "Van Lantaarn" into "Komyo" (Lantaarn and Komyo can be translated as "lantern").

Earl of Fontange, Castiel "De l'Ange"

Castiel is Earl of Fontange and lives in an domain called "De l'Ange" because a local legend says that an angel on God's side fell from heaven at this place during the uprising of Lucifer and the war between the angels of good and evil. The titles of nobility having been abolished by the French Revolution and to escape the Terror, Castiel decided to bear the name of his domain called "De l'Ange" which little by little was contracted by Delange.

Wilhelm Ehrlich is the descendant of the current Wilhelm Ehrlich of #Lovember. Even after the French Revolution, the Delange and the Ehrlich remained two very close families. It is not uncommon for the male elders of the family to be baptized "Wilhelm" in order to honor this illustrious ancestor's unfailing devotion.

I took some liberties with the costumes. I put a touch of Japan in Lukas' costume to signify his origins and eccentricity. At Castiel's, I did some wing embroidery. The motif is inspired by an 18th century wood sculpture, but I think that its use does not reflect the taste of the time, which is more about flower and plant embroidery. In the end, Wilhelm's is probably closer to the Louis XVI style. 

Wilhem Ehrlich, banneret of Fontange

Wilhelm Ehrlich, lord of the earldom of Fontange, is a childhood friend of Castiel, but also his valet. His family has been in the service of the Fontange family for a long time and the elders of teh two families were raised together. Although he is from a very low nobility, Wilhelm learned good manners and etiquette from the Fontange family, so much so that he seems as noble, if not more so, than Castiel. He follows his friend to the court of Versailles, officially as his manservant, but unofficially to protect him, but also to spy on and control him and, if possible, to rally rebellious forces. Indeed, the Fontanges are hostile to royal power, and Wilhelm must ensure that Castiel, as the eldest male, remains on the same political line as them. Initially determined to fulfill his mission, he will gradually put Castiel's well-being first, even if it goes against his plan. Very protective, he will do everything to protect his master's integrity and virtue.

Wilhelm Ehrlich is the descendant of the current Wilhelm Ehrlich of #Lovember. Even after the French Revolution, the Delange and the Ehrlich remained two very close families. It is not uncommon for the male elders of the family to be baptized "Wilhelm" in order to honor this illustrious ancestor's unfailing devotion.