Before the Winterfest holiday, Count Ryan of Glamorgan held a formal year-end meeting at his estate.
The attendees included:
- Count Ryan and his wife, Sulia.
- Morgiana, the Enchantress of the Lake.
- Gaspard, the tax officer, and Carsonberg, the chief steward.
- Armand, the standard-bearer and Grail Knight.
- Kingdom Knights Hex, Olivier, Lopes, and the newly promoted Kingdom Knight Lucien.
- Ryan's two female courtiers, Teresa Trovic and Veronica Bernadotte.
- Alfred, the head of the Justice Church division and a Templar Knight.
- The newly elevated Lord Winford and Sir Bertrand.
As expected, Morgiana, the Enchantress of the Lake, held the most power and status among those present. However, she calmly stated that she was merely there to observe. Sitting to Ryan's left, she held a finely bound hardcover book and made no attempt to speak.
The two witches, Teresa and Veronica, were in stark contrast. In the cold weather of Winterfest, Teresa's magical power was particularly strong, and she appeared eager to contribute. Veronica, a sorceress of light and fire, looked half-asleep, showing little enthusiasm. She yawned, thinking about how she wanted the meeting to end so she could return to her wizard tower, warm herself by the fireplace, read, enjoy a hot drink, or have a relaxing chat with Ryan.
As per routine, Chief Steward Carsonberg spoke first, reviewing the glorious victories of the past year, the further development within the territory, the influx of wealth, the population growth, and the increase in newborns. He discussed how to correctly respond to a series of opportunities and challenges in the new historical period.
After summarizing, Carsonberg handed over the floor to Gaspard, the tax officer, who had been with Ryan for seven years. Though older, Gaspard was still in good health. He began with a cough and then reported, "From last Winterfest until now, the total tax revenue of the county amounts to 7,326 gold crowns, with expenses totaling 5,100 gold crowns, leaving a surplus of about 2,200 gold crowns. We have stored enough food to sustain all the county's armies for a year and a half."
"The county now has a population of about 90,000, including three towns, thirty-eight villages, and several smaller settlements. The total military force numbers around 1,800, including 900 regular soldiers and 900 semi-professional soldiers. If necessary, we can conscript up to 5,000 militia without affecting farming."
"There is also an additional income of 500 gold crowns from the winery and 2,000 gold crowns from the spoils of the war against the Tomb King's army. Furthermore, we have approximately 12,000 gold crowns in spoils from the conquest of Blackstone Stronghold. This sum is guaranteed by the dwarves, and King Belegar will pay it over the next two years."
After the conquest of Blackstone Stronghold, the human-dwarf alliance reaped substantial spoils, with around 50,000 gold crowns amassed at the stronghold. The distribution was split 60-40 between humans and dwarves. As the victor who defeated Kemmler, Ryan then shared his portion with François and others, resulting in approximately 12,000 gold crowns for himself.
"Looting certainly pays better than fighting." Kingdom Knight Olivier laughed. "One raid brought in so much gold. I wonder if there are any more vampire-held fortresses in the Grey Mountains?"
"Unlikely, Olivier. Do you think vampire strongholds are common? Kemmler amassed his wealth over more than twenty years." Kingdom Knight Lopes, now sporting a beard, spoke with a deep voice, "Or do you think we can handle an entire undead army by ourselves?"
"Impossible. We wouldn't have achieved such a decisive victory without the massive cavalry of the Winford Duchy, the elite Quinell Champion Knight Brotherhood, and the involvement of the wood elves and dwarves." Knight Hex added.
Now in his thirties, Hex remained single. During the Battle of Blackstone Stronghold, his face was scarred by the claws of a bloodthirsty bat demon, leaving deep wounds. He almost lost an eye if not for the effective elven medicine. After recuperating in the territory for a while, Hex was still pale and not in the best condition. However, his scars served as badges of honor, making him a leading figure among the Kingdom Knights.
Lucien from the Winford Academy had distinguished himself in the recent war, successfully slaying two barrow guards in battle. With military achievements and support from Sulia, he was promoted to Kingdom Knight and granted half a village as his fief, marking his rise.
"Count, our next plan should be to stabilize production, expand the army, and prepare to advance through the Chalon Forest to attack Spire Palace." Lucien proposed, "Spire Palace is our legitimate territory. We have legal claim to it and should reclaim it."
"Reclaiming Spire Palace is essential, but our priority now is to recuperate and preserve our strength. This recent battle took a heavy toll on our troops. They need training and reinforcements. Our squires need to learn how to become proper knights. Count, I believe we should avoid unnecessary military actions for the next two years." Hex opposed the suggestion.
"I think we should capitalize on our recent victory and strike Spire Palace while morale is high!" Olivier supported Lucien's view. "We could set out right after Winterfest, bringing cannons. It's only a ten-day march through the forest to Spire Palace, and we should be able to take the castle without much trouble."
"I disagree. Taking Spire Palace is one thing, but how do we hold it? How do we fend off an undead counterattack?" Armand, the Grail Knight, also opposed the idea. "Olivier, I'll give you 500 men—50 knights, 100 sergeants, and 400 peasants. Can you hold Spire Palace for five days?"
Olivier thought for a moment and then shook his head in frustration, "At most, two days."
"So, you still want to attack Spire Palace now." Lopes questioned.
"Of course, how will we know unless we try? I don't think the vampires have the strength to retaliate. Didn't that so-called Duke of Mousillon retreat after just ten days of standoff with Duke Lawn? Maybe he's busy licking his wounds in Mousillon." Olivier insisted, "We just need to hold out through this winter, and when the weather warms up..."
"I also believe attacking Spire Palace is feasible." Teresa, the sorceress, spoke up. She wore an ice-blue gown with sheer sleeves and a dignified slit, eager to showcase her strength in the winter when her magic was most potent. Feeling overshadowed by Veronica in the recent war, she seized the chance to express her view, "Ryan, what do you think?"
"..." Veronica remained calm. She had performed excellently in the recent war, especially with her powerful Light Magic chariot, garnering much attention. She felt no need to assert herself, and winter was not her strongest season for magic.
All eyes turned to Ryan. Sulia glanced at her husband but remained silent. Despite her growing influence in Ryan's inner circle, she refrained from making decisions in front of him, respecting his role as the head of the household.
After weighing the options, Ryan finally spoke.
"We must be cautious about engaging with Mousillon. Attacking Spire Palace means going to war with Mousillon. Currently, we are not ready to face the Black Knight." Ryan ultimately shook his head, dismissing the proposal. "At least, not now."
Expanding territory isn't always the best course. Taking Spire Palace would be easy, but holding it would be a significant challenge, draining their resources. Having just battled Kemmler, Ryan's lands and people needed time to recover.
Ryan's authority in his domain was unmatched. No one dared to challenge his decision, and the matter was laid to rest.
"Our plan for the coming year focuses on recuperation, training, and expanding the army by an additional 200 soldiers." Ryan outlined his strategy. "Train and strengthen our forces."
"Yes!" Hex nodded and made notes.
"Recruit enough orphans and talented peasant children to train them as craftsmen, blacksmiths, and engineers under the dwarves. We will establish a small academy. You've all seen the power of the dwarven weapons. Properly utilized, they can benefit the kingdom's future immensely!"
"Understood!" Carsonberg affirmed.
"Finally, let's discuss this year's commendations…" The highlight of the meeting arrived, and Ryan proceeded to distribute the year-end rewards.
"Bestow the title of Baron of Devon upon Kingdom Knight Hex!"
"Grant Olivier the title of 'the Fearless' and a set of Dwarven Rune Armor!"
"Reward Lucien with 200 gold crowns for his encouragement!"
...
The generous year-end bonuses brought smiles to everyone's faces. It was clear that following the count had its rewards.
After everyone received their gifts, Ryan smiled and said, "Finally, we must give special thanks to someone. This person came from humble beginnings and was among the first to pledge loyalty to me when I issued the 'Good Governance Decree'..."
All eyes turned to Bertrand, seated at the end of the table. The Green Arrow had sweat on his brow as he stood up quickly.
The title of lord is a special honor in Bretonnia, granted to those who have made significant contributions. Although knights and lords have high social status, this title is not hereditary and doesn't fully integrate one into the knightly aristocracy.
Thus, even though he had the right to attend
the year-end meeting, Bertrand remained humble, sitting at the far end and speaking cautiously. Yet, he was the envy of all the peasants in the county.
"During the Battle of La Maisonelle Abbey, he used a black arrow to kill Kemmler, playing a crucial role in the outcome of the war." Ryan continued, "Therefore, I grant you the title of Lord, in recognition of your military achievements. But on this occasion, I have something else to give you."
A servant brought in a green woodland recurve bow. Bertrand's eyes lit up, recognizing the bow's value. Crafted from branches of the Athel Loren forest, the bow was adorned with green leaves and vines, blessed by the Hunter God, and infused with the golden glow of Starlight's power.
"This is a custom-made gift from the wood elves, the Woodland Starlight Recurve Bow." Ryan handed the bow to Bertrand. "This is your reward. May the Lady be with you, and may you continue to honor my trust with your valor and loyalty!"
"Yes, my Lord, Bertrand will not fail you!" Bertrand knelt to receive the bow, his shoulders trembling with emotion.
As a peasant, becoming a lord was a monumental achievement, and Bertrand understood the significance better than anyone.
"Don't celebrate too soon. I have a mission for you." Ryan smiled and patted Bertrand's shoulder. "Duke Hagen of Gisoreux needs a force to assist the dwarves in dealing with the rebellious serfs and bandits in the Grey Mountains. The terrain is unsuitable for knights, so I thought of you, Bertrand. You might have to spend this Winterfest in the barracks."
"I will not fail you, my Lord! Please, give me your orders!" Bertrand responded eagerly.
"Alright, select 300 men from the Chalon Forest Patrol Camp. I will give you an additional 200 pikemen and Ugro archers to form a battalion. You'll be the commander. Remember, King Belegar will be in charge. In mountain warfare, observe, learn, and ask questions, but keep your opinions to yourself. Follow King Belegar's lead."
"Yes!"
After the meeting, Ryan sought out Teresa and Veronica. Teresa, still upset that Ryan hadn't agreed with her suggestion, stood up and was about to leave when Ryan grabbed her arm, smiling playfully, "What's wrong, dear Teresa? Why are you ignoring me?"
"I'm obviously not important to you. You don't listen to me, so why should I stay?" Teresa pouted, clearly still annoyed with Ryan for not supporting her proposal earlier.
"Have you two finished arguing? I want to go back to sleep. In this awful weather, all I want to do is curl up in my warm bed with a good book and a hot drink." Veronica, yawning, wrapped her arm around Ryan's. "Ryan, why don't you come to my place? We can chat, make dinner together, and I'll even give you a beautiful companion for the night~"
"Alright, enough, Veronica." Ryan gently patted her and then turned to Teresa, "I heard there's a problem with your wizard tower's construction?"
"There are some minor issues." Teresa admitted, her frustration mostly a way to seek attention from Ryan. "Do you want to take a look?"
"Let's go, Veronica. We'll see what trouble Teresa is facing."
"Oh, this little princess… Fine, fine."
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