Markgräfin Clara von Quitlingen-Kreiburg

The eastern marches of the Rosen Imperium were a fairly new addition to the empire, usually incorporated as a result of militrary conquests, but not always. The Kingdom of Meissenstein long defended its independence, thanks to the massive mountain ranges surrounding its territory. However, after king Gundomar IX succumbed to an unknown illness (supposedly after a night of celebrating another successful defence), he was succeeded by his son, Theuderic III, a spoiled and easily influenced bon vivant. His advisors, many of whom had already been conspiring with the Rosen Imperium against the late king, successfully persuaded him into joining the federation.
Although some of the noble houses of Meissenstein welcomed this decision, some were presented with a fait accompli and had no choice but to reluctantly accept the new reality.
As a symbolic act of defiance, a peculiar tradition was born. During official gatherings, members of the noble families which opposed the accession began wearing clothes covering their ears. This was meant to symbolise trusting in one's own judgement and resistance to the whispers of treacherous advisors.