Johann rose at dawn, as was expected of a nobleman.
Even as the Count of Kyburg, there was no luxury of idleness. The moment the sun's first light crept through the narrow castle windows, servants arrived, some to stoke the hearth, others to lay out his clothes.
A meal of bread, cheese, and watered wine was brought in, though Johann barely touched it.
Instead, he sat near the window, gazing out over his domain.
The lands of Kyburg stretched far, from the rolling fields near the Limmat River to the jagged peaks of the Alps, where stubborn villages clung to the mountainsides.
It was a rich land, but wealth here did not come in gold, it came in controlof thetrade routes.
Merchants, carrying goods from Italy to Germany, passed through these valleys. Their caravansbroughtsilk, spices, andsilver, and in return, the people of Kyburg supplied them with iron, timber, and salt, all of which were taxed heavily.
His father had known this. And yet, Johann's past self had ignored it, focused too much on personal ambition and too little on the truepower of his house.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.
Otto entered, bowing slightly. "My lord, the village reeves have gathered in the hall. You wished to hear their concerns before today's inspections."
Johann stood, adjusting the belt at his waist. "Of course. I need to know what my people think of me."
Otto hesitated, then nodded. "They will not speak ill to your face, my lord."
"Then I will watch how they act instead," Johann said, smirking. "Lead the way."
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The reeves, local officials responsible for collecting taxes and handling disputes, stood in a line before Johann's seat in the main hall.
Some looked uneasy, others wary.
He listened patiently as each spoke of their village's condition.
Banditry was worde than expected. Merchants traveling from the south had been attacked threetimesin the past fortnight. One village lost a shipment of wool meant for Zurich's markets. Another lost several cattle.
‚i don't remember this at all.' Johann thought with sigh.
"The roads are dangerous, my lord," said one reeve, wringing his hands. "The merchants are afraid to pass through without armed escorts."
Johann nodded. "How many men-at-arms can each village muster?"
The reeves exchanged uncertain glances.
"Perhaps a dozen, at best," one admitted. "Not trained knights, my lord, just farmers with spears."
Johann exhaled slowly. The knightsfromhisvassals would not arrive for at least a week. Until then, he needed a solution.
"Send word to every able-bodied man in the villages," he commanded.
"Until my knights arrive, they will form militias to guard the roads. Any man who volunteers will have his tax burden reduced for the season."
Otto raised a brow but said nothing. The reeves, however, seemed relieved.
"It will be done, my lord," one said with a deep bow.
As they left, Johann leaned back, rubbing his chin. He had takenthefirst step, but more was needed.
After the meeting, Johann took the chance to speak privately with Otto as they walked along the castle's outer walls.
"I will need to meet my vassals soon," Johann said. "Not just to confirm their loyalty, but to see how many knights they will send."
Otto nodded. "A wise decision, my lord. If I may ask, do you wish to summon them here or visit them personally?"
Johann considered. A summons would be easier, but a personal visitwouldshowstrenght. He needed them to take him seriously.
"I will visit them," he decided. "One at a time."
Otto sighed. "Very well. But, my lord, you must also think of your own position. A count does not rule like a king. Your knights, your vassals, even the merchants of Zurich, they must see you as more than just a boy in his father's place."
Johann smirked. "I know well enough how noble ranks work, Otto."
"Then humor me," Otto said, crossing his arms.
Johann sighed but indulged him. "At the top, of course, is the emperor—he rules over the Holy Roman Empire, though how much power he actually holds depends on the electors."
Otto nodded. "And beneath him?"
"The dukes," Johann continued. "Powerful lords who rule entire duchies—Swabia, Austria, Bavaria… they hold vast lands and armies."
"And beneath them?"
"The counts, like myself," Johann said, gesturing around them. "We rule smaller territories, often answering to a duke or king. We command knights, manage trade, and ensure the safety of our lands."
Otto smiled faintly. "You have learned something after all."
Johann rolled his eyes. "I was arrogant before, not an idiot."