Going out on a hunt was exciting, but took quite something out of you. You're happy about sleeping in a regular bed again.
In the morning, you are met with a last week before returning back to the Labendai lands. How would you like to spend it?
>Let's begin with mastering a weapon. The first steps might be more efficient if guided by a master. (What kind of weapon?)
>The knights and their horseback fighting was something special. Maybe we can go beyond basic understanding in this week?
>Maybe we can help with training the soldiers. We would surely need practical experience in dealing with something like this.
>Let's try to socialise with other knights. We will need great connections.
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1149115
>Let's try to socialize with other knights...

>>1149115
>Let's try to socialise with other knights. We will need great connections.

You decide to work on your connections to the knights of the Sang-Valois household. Some know about your abilities and such already, but to others, you're still not much else than Lord de l'Etoile's son.
You meet with the knights on the training grounds and have a few little spars with them, show them some tricks about bladework, while they show you a thing or two about the various weapons they wield.
There are other knights, less talented at actual fighting, or unable to do so anymore. Age, injury and such holding them back. With these, you talk about tactics and knighthood in general.
As the week has ended, most of the knights know your name. Alphonse, the dancing blade. Not de l'Etoile, just a second son.
You fall into your bed, proud to have started building an actual reputation of your own.


Back home at castle Saint-Michel, at the beginning of November...
>Here are the reports you asked for, Lucius.
Maurice tells you, handing you various pieces of paper. You nod and go through the various lists of payments made and earnings made.
The province is a small one, now that five of eight holdings are lost. Therefore, the amount of coins earned is meager, compared to the massive compensation payment from the Belamys. Still, it is higher than you expected it to be. Lord Jean's heavy investments made you kind of nervous, since he emptied the treasury quite a bit. But it looks like the boy knew what he was doing. Trade has more than tripled, considering the year before he took up the title. But that's not much wonder.
>Looks like we're financially stable for now. Even gaining some reserves.
you tell Maurice, who just nods in acceptance. A good boy, but gravely lacking experience. Seems like there is only so much university can teach you.
Now, that you finished your monthly financial record, you're left with quite some free time. During the winter, not much happens. Especially due to the efficient officers in the villages, doing most of the work before it even reaches you. Another thing you have to admire.
How do you want to spend the coming time?
>See if we can teach Maurice more about his job. Get him practical experience and such.
>Take a ride to the village around Saint-Michel. Maybe you will find a good thing to invest in?
Quite a few people have paid taxes. In coin, in produced goods and much more. But did everybody pay taxes? A census sounds like a good idea, considering the last migrations.
>Lord Jean wanted to attract more people to his realm. Of course, they shouldn't arrive before the fields become available to work on, but it can never hurt to start early, right? If they arrive after the seeds have been planted, they won't be of much use anyway.
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1149370
Quite a few people have paid taxes. In coin, in produced goods and much more. But did everybody pay taxes? A census sounds like a good idea, considering the last migrations.


Let's start on our doomsday book...

>>1149370
>Teach Maurice...
>Complete a census...

Alright, guys. I'll have to go to bed now, since I have stuff to do tomorrow morning. Updates will come whenever I can manage. Feel free to vote whenever.
Good night and thanks for playing.

>>1149370
>Quite a few people have paid taxes. In coin, in produced goods and much more. But did everybody pay taxes? A census sounds like a good idea, considering the last migrations.
>See if we can teach Maurice more about his job. Get him practical experience and such.

>>1149370
>Census time

Hey guys, I'm back. Sorry for the lack of updates yesterday, but the best/worst thing about doing manual labour in Germany is that you are drinking beer from ten in the morning and onwards. Slightly threw me off schedule.

So you decided on doing a census while teaching Maurice? Roll me 2d20+1 for your success. Best of three, just as always.

Rolled 4, 14 + 1 = 19 (2d20 + 1)

>>1155855

Rolled 7, 17 + 1 = 25 (2d20 + 1)

>>1155855
Nice to see you OP.

Rolled 7, 10 + 1 = 18 (2d20 + 1)

>>1155855

Alright, for those who wondered what I just had you roll for:
The first roll decided your census quality, while the second decided Maurice's learning success. Do you feel like using a reroll? You have 27 at the moment, if I remember right.

Rolled 17, 8 + 1 = 26 (2d20 + 1)

>>1156036
Okay, I will reroll. I forget if the reroll counts for all the rolls or just a single roll so just count the first if the latter is the case

Many people left the Labendai lands during the last two years, which were quite troublesome. Still, many new people arrived after Lord Jean took up the title.
There were a lot of lists which told you about the people who were living on the Labendai lands and the amount of taxes they had to pay. Still, you're quite sure those are outdated now. A full-fledged census would be in order to correct them.
Since it's winter anyway, you decide to do this. There's not much to do otherwise.
>Maurice? Could you bring me some paper? I need to write a few letters.
you tell your second-in-command. he obliges immediately, handing you a stack of papers, as well as some wax for sealing them. He's a good boy and both of you understand each other without saying much by now.
Still, most of the time, he's rarely been more than your secretary due to his lack of experience.
>Maurice? Have you heard of a census ever before?
you ask him. He nods after a second of thought.
>It's when you count the people on your lands, right?
he answers. You nod.
>Right. And you sort them into some categories. Size of families, professions, age, whatever you see fit.
Now, you seem to have impressed him.
>But how do we do this, Lucius?
It only takes you a few minutes to explain the general procedure to him, since he is just as sharp as you thought him to be.
>So now, we write letters to Durnholm and Trois-Tours so they can do it in their part of the realm, right?
Maurice ends with a final question. After you confirm this, both of you begin writing the letters.
Some weeks after, you get your results.
The castle and village of Saint-Michel sport a population of one thousand and two hundred people, which makes it the region that has suffered the highest population loss, since it stood at nearly twice this amount five years in the past.
The village and fortress Trois-Tours come second in loss of population, having lost around eight hundred people, now setting them at one thousand and four hundred people.
Finally, the city of Durnholm has stood the most solid due to its great administration, losing around two hundred people. At the moment, there are one thousand and eight hundred people.
If you take in things like little hamlets and labour camps in the forest, the realm now has a good four and a half thousand inhabitants, maybe a hundred or two more.
>Now, Maurice. What did you learn about the realm during this census?
you ask the steward. He shrugs.
>Depends on what you would like to know. We're a bit short of five thousand inhabitants, around two thirds of them men and woman in equal amount, the rest elders and children. Most of the people are working on the fields or anything related to wood. Our military force stands at roughly a hundred men, not counting Sir Duncan's new militia.
You clap and smile at the young man.
>I think you have learned well, Maurice. Also, you know a lot more about this realm now, do you?
He smiles back.
[cont.]

>Thank you, Lucius. Still, I'm nowhere near your level of knowledge on this topic.
You assure him that you will continue to teach him to the best of your ability, then go to prepare for the arrival of Lord Jean, which should take place in a few days.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Your name is Wulfgar, Jarl of Olafshall. It's been a few days since Sir Duncan left you. The men were surprised about the militia training, but didn't say much about it. Still, they seem like an answer would be greatly appreciated. You never were someone to talk fancy, your position as Jarl mostly secured by your ancestry and impressive size, as well as your will to work harder than everyone else.
Still, these men have lived in hiding for generations, fearing the outside world just as much as a viking could fear. To return them into society, a few impressive words would be surely useful. If you only knew how...
How would you like to approach the topic?
>Lord Jean did an impressive speech about this. Try to recreate it as much as you can.
>Talk to a few men in private first. Get opinions, dispell a few fears, take it slow in general.
>Let's do it the way our ancestors did. Call in a Thing, have every man, woman, child and elder attend.
>Why not take a day off and hold a few games, like we did in times before our own. Throwing logs, wrestling, anything a true viking did for entertainment. Let's wake their viking pride first.
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1156346
>Why not take a day off and hold a few games, like we did in times before our own. Throwing logs, wrestling, anything a true viking did for entertainment. Let's wake their viking pride first.

You decide to appeal to the men's viking pride. After all, it worked for you, didn't it?
You gather whatever additional food and drink you can over the next few days. You have to make this work in every possible way.
>Listen here, men! We're going to be taking off tomorrow!
you call out to your men. They look at you surprised, but in a positive way.
>We're going to hold games tomorrow! Wrestling competitions, log throwing, you know the deal.
Seems like you met their taste, as they cheer loudly.
The next day, you keep the work to the bare minimum and set up a last few things for the games. Now, only one question remains.
In which discipline would you like to participate?
>Log throwing. Let's show them who's the strongest guy around.
>Wrestling. Power is nothing without the proper control. Let's show them that we got both.
>Gaelic football. Great for the group mentality.
>Tug-o-war. Let's show them we can pull our load.
>Let's keep it classy. Beat all of them in a drinking contest.
>Multiple. Show them we know more than one thing. (Which?)
>All of these. Why stop early?
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1156855
>>Gaelic football. Great for the group mentality.

Alright, I'll pick this up in the morning. Until then, feel free to vote.
Good night and thanks for playing.

>>1156855
>Gaelic football. Great for the group mentality.
There's a number of different skills we can look for during the game. take note of who's agile, fast, strong, who tends towards a leader/captain role or tactician. This could be good for determining what type of training we should focus on.

You watch most of the games without participating. You have to give the others a chance to win, right?
Finally, the most important part of the games arrives. Gaelic football.
You are playing for one team, while Thorolf, your second-in-command, is leading the other one.
Knowing your men's strengths and weaknesses pretty well, you manage to assemble a great team. Strong defenders, nimble attackers and yourself taking up the space between the goal posts.
Your planning has worked out pretty well, earning you a narrow victory against the opponent team, which is giving you quite some trouble, too.
After the final whistle, the people applaud both teams, but yours slightly more, you notice.
>Now, it's time to celebrate!
you call out and everyone gladly obliges. Some food and drinks later, you get up from your seat. Everyone looks at you expectantly.
>All of you did great today! Your ancestors would be proud of you!
you call out, gaining an enthusiastic response. Now, the more delicate part is coming.
>What are we?
you ask. Your men hesitate. Looks like being hidden for generations wasn't too good for them.
>Vikings?
you ask, which they finally answer with an affirmative
>VIKINGS!
shout. Looks like you did it.
>Damn right! We're vikings! Men of the north! We fear nothing! Nothing at all!
you call out, which they respond to positively, but obviously wondering what you would like to say.
>I think all of you remember Sir Duncan's visit. Many of you have wondered about the reason. This is what I will tell you now.
You take a deep breath and a big sip of your drink. Now, you have to appear unquestionably brave.
>For generations, we have lived in hiding. What an dishonorable fate for a viking! But soon, we will return to the world. We will be known as fearsome fighters, great traders and artisans and everything that made our ancestors famous!
The people seems somewhat torn between the great future that you are promising and their old, inherited fears. Looks like you will have to outline the benefits a little more.
>The training was supposed to tap into our strengths and make us into a full-fledged fighting force. We are a part of the Labendai army. Possibly even the most important part of it, if I may say so. Soon, we will have the chance to come out of hiding. Thorolf?
you ask your second in command, who also seems a little torn still.
>How many children do you have? And how many would you like to have?
you ask him. He shrugs.
>You should know it, Wulfgar. I have a son. A single son. Like my ancestors, a house full of children seems very appealing to me. Still, we can't do that without giving away our situation.
You nod.
>Absolutely right. But if we didn't have to worry about that, keeping our numbers low wouldn't be necessary anymore. I would stay Jarl of Olafshall, reporting directly to Lord Jean. Which is why he sent me the ravens, by the way.
This made quite a few people wonder, too. Still, they appreciated the symbolism.
[cont.]

One of the men voices his concern about how you will be treated by the people. But you made preparations for that, too.
>Thorbjörn, tell them about your business. How are the people treating you and your family?
Thorbjörn, the trader gets up from his seat. All eyes are locked on him immediately.
>It's wonderful. The people are nice to me, I even play cards with some of them. My wife has made friends among the women. And Ansgar... will tell you himself.
he lifts the little boy on the table, who immediately begins to squawk about all the other children and games they play.
>But do they know we are vikings? What if they find out?
the man continues to ask. Typical Holger. He always had to think everything through way too much.
>I already told them I am from Denmark. They knew that this was where vikings come from, but didn't mind too much. Would we be Franconians or Bavarians, we would be worse for wear. And there's not been a war in years.
After some more questions, even Holger is satisfied, letting you speak a final few words.
>Vikings! Freedom is up ahead! Prepare to reach for it! Time to end this childish game of hide-and-seek!
The men shout their approval and drink to you and Lord Jean. Looks like this went well.
>We play hide-an'-see', me 'n' my friends.
Ansgar squeaks after it became a bit more quiet again, making the men erupt with laughter once again.
>Wulfgar, you managed to convince us all. Now, the hardest part is to come. There are people way harder to convince.
your uncle Ansgar, called Oxhead, jokes. But he's right. So far, only the men know about this. But what about the women? And elders?
How would you like to convince them?
>Hold a Thing in the great hall. Invite all of them.
>Have every man tell his family. People tend to listen to their family most.
>You got a good amount of coin. Why not get something from the city that will... support your point? Totally not bribing them
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1159304
>Have every man tell his family. People tend to listen to their family most.

>>1159304
>Have every man tell his family. People tend to listen to their family most.

>>1159304
Have a thing and spread around some gold. Not good to be seen as closed handed.

>>1159304

>>You got a good amount of coin. Why not get something from the city that will... support your point?

>I'll just leave it to the men themselves. They are the heads of their families, lending their word more weight than mine could carry in a situation like this.
you tell your uncle. He nods.
>Makes sense, yeah. If there are any problems, you can still step in, right?
You nod and let the feast continue. A few men leave occasionally, going to bed, telling their families about the decision or tending to the charcoal production. A bit of work is needed every once in a while, even if you take a day off.
Some hours later, the feast ends and the last few men go to bed.
You take some time to think about today. Looks like you did well. Your men are ready to return to the world outside of this forest, although you're pretty sure that they will continue to work here and only leave occasionally. Still, your families will soon begin to grow, allowing you to do more work in a few years time. But making more coal requires more wood. Maybe you should start to actually plant new trees? Yes, this sounds reasonable.
In the morning, you meet up with your family and explain about your plan. Your daughters seem happy about the prospect of getting to see more of the world. Your son just as much, but your wife is asking question after question. But what did you expect from Sigrid? After all, she's Holger's sister.
Collecting all of your patience, you sit down and answer every last of her questions, until she seems satisfied.
The next years are going to be interesting. Very interesting, indeed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Your name is Jean de Labendai and five days ago, you have taken your leave from the Sang-Valois' court. The last three months were highly interesting and you learned a lot of new things. Just like Alphonse, who spent the travel back telling you about the things he learned about commanding troops. Even though you knew most of it already, you happily endure it again. He's just so cheerful about it. Now, if he only had actual experience in this, you wouldn't have to worry about the vacant Master-of-Arms position. But who knows? Maybe he'll have to get more experience than he would ever want to soon? After all, you didn't hear much about the situation in the east for some time.
Finally, the towers of Saint-Michel come into sight. You haven't been here in way too long. But as it looks, not much has changed.
Once you arrive, there's no time for rest once again. There is a thing you have to inform yourself about. Which would be...
>Your current economical and administrative situation. Lucius should be able to tell you more.
>The situation in the east. What did the investigator find out? Maybe Missa knows something?
>The new militias. Ask Duncan about it.
>The school and new teacher. Maurice should be able to tell you.
>How did your people do during the winter? Any deaths due to the cold? Tuttle should know.
>How is our mother coming along with her pregnancy? Visit her first.
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1161454
>Your current economical and administrative situation. Lucius should be able to tell you more.

>>1161454
>Your current economical and administrative situation. Lucius should be able to tell you more.

>>1161454
The situation in the east

First, you need to know about your general situation, you decide. Therefore, you head to Lucius' office immediately.
>Welcome, Mylord. How was your travel?
your steward asks you. After some brief chatting, you get to the topic that has bothered you the most.
>What did I miss during the last three months? How did the realm do?
Lucius gets up from his seat and grabs a few books and scrolls.
>This might take a while. I hope you brought the time.
After you nod, he tells you about the various discoveries he made during the census, as well as some everyday work and your total financial reserves.
>As you see, we don't lack much besides people. But as we discussed earlier, we could easily persuade some people to return, as well as possibly gain new ones. I would just need your orders and I could begin immediately.
What do you want to do?
>Attract more people immediately. This way, they will arrive in time for the spring seed to be planted. We will need many workers for it.
>Attract those people to come around harvest time. We will definitely need them during the harvest, and if they come at this time, we won't have to feed them during the summer.
>I would rather not have a massive wave of immigration without proper housing first. Let's wait until we finished the building campaign this spring.
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1161732
>Attract more people immediately. This way, they will arrive in time for the spring seed to be planted. We will need many workers for it.


We can hunt if we really need food.

>>1161732
>Attract people immediately

>>1161732
>Attract more people immediately. This way, they will arrive in time for the spring seed to be planted. We will need many workers for it.

>>1161732
>Attract more people immediately. This way, they will arrive in time for the spring seed to be planted. We will need many workers for it.

>If we don't have enough people to work the fields in the spring, they won't help us at harvest. Please see that you can attract them immediately.
you tell your steward, who nods.
>I will begin right away. Just as you wish, Mylord. We will try to accomodate them however possible first, since new houses are our next priority after harvest anyway.
You agree with his plan and leave the office, leaving Lucius to his work.
It's some time into the afternoon now. Another visit might be possible today. Also, there's tomorrow. But the day afterwards, you will have to leave again. Lord de Pierre's wedding will begin soon.
Therefore, you have to make the best out of your time. How do you want to spend the rest of your day?
>How did Henry do? New menials, a new apprentice...
>The situation in the east. What did the investigator find out? Maybe Missa knows something?
>The new militias. Ask Duncan about it.
>The school and new teacher. Maurice should be able to tell you.
>How did your people do during the winter? Any deaths due to the cold? Tuttle should know.
>How is our mother coming along with her pregnancy? Visit her first.
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1161822
>How did your people do during the winter? Any deaths due to the cold? Tuttle should know.
>The situation in the east. What did the investigator find out? Maybe Missa knows something?

>>1161822
>The situation in the east. What did the investigator find out? Maybe Missa knows something?

>>1161822
Let's go see Missa

You decide to visit Tuttle first. After all, you need to know about anything that might be endangering your health. Or your people's health.
>Welcome, Mylord. What brings you to my quarters?
your court physician greets you.
>Hello, Tuttle. How has the winter been treating us?
you ask him. He answers with a smile.
>Wonderful. I can't say otherwise. The coal that became available to virtually everyone was a great help. Also, the healers I trained helped with the few cases that actually got sick. All in all, a cold or two, but not a single death.
This is amazing news. You thank him and leave towards Missa's quarters. After all, there's still a war brewing, right?
>Oh, you're back! How did you do, sweetheart?
Missa greets you as cheerful as ever. Still, she's just so... intransparent. Always cheerful, no matter the circumstances. After taking a seat in one of her obscenely comfortable loungers, you ask the question that has bothered you more than you would have liked to.
>So, how is the situation in the east?
you ask. Missa smiles.
>Nothing special so far. During the winter, the armies couldn't march, so there were no decisive fights. Not even small skirmishes, actually. The king's administrator should arrive in short time, too. If they don't attack immediately, there won't be a fight at all.
This sounds like good news, too. But you can't be sure of this, right?
>You think they can resolve their conflict anyhow? Or are they just delaying it? And what about Daymarque's mercenaries? Will they just leave again?
Missa shrugs.
>Honestly... I'm not sure about the first thing. They've been difficult towards each other ever since they hit puberty. Boys and their silly rivalries. But about the mercenaries, there shouldn't be much trouble. They've been paid, fight or not. They will leave once they aren't being paid anymore. Great thing about Dutch mercenaries. They rarely turn to banditry, but rather return home.
Well, part of this sounds good. But not being able to resolve this conflict completely? This isn't good at all. The shifted power balance has made it even more difficult.
>Isn't there any way to end this continuous fighting?
you ask. Missa shrugs.
>I think there would have to be someone incredibly great at speeches and persuasion. Or a person they both admired. Best would be both. But I'm not sure if someone like this exists.
Well, this sounds like a plan. What would you like to do about the quarrels in the east?
>Leave it to the king and his men. They will do it, right?
>You're great at speeches and such. Maybe you could...?
>See if you can find a person that they would listen to. There has to be someone, right?
>If we somehow could restore the power balance, none of them would be too willing to fight anymore. But how could we achieve this?
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1162169
>You are great at speaches...

>>1162169
>>Leave it to the king and his men. They will do it, right?

Alright, guys. I'll have to go to bed since it's past two over here.
I'll continue with an occasional update every once in a while tomorrow. The votes remain open until in around ten hours.
Good night and thanks for playing.

>>1162169
>If we somehow could restore the power balance, none of them would be too willing to fight anymore. But how could we achieve this?
Talk is good and all, but one thing all men recognize is power.

>>1162169
>Leave it to the king and his men. They will do it, right?

>Should they fight, we can only hope to defend ourselves. Actually attacking them would be difficult at least. Should they decide not to fight, we don't have to worry, right?
you say, making Missa nods, although hesitantly.
>I guess so. Still, there are a lot of possible factors we can't foresee too much.
Well, this is pretty much how you see it. You did what you could so far. Anything else, you will have to decide in time.
>So basically, we can only put our trust in the king's men, right? If they don't manage to settle this, we will have to see later.
Missa smiles mischievously.
>We always could work on something less... obvious to settle this. But since you want to play it fair, this would be out of the picture.
Now, she's right about this. You could change some things with secret operations. But do you really want to?
>If you can guarantee for not being discovered, we might do a little sabotage or something. But only then.
>No. We would only hurt ourselves with it. Even if we don't get caught. They still got some of our provinces, after all.
>Well, what would you suggest we do? Burn down their castles?
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1163762
>No. We would only hurt ourselves with it. Even if we don't get caught. They still got some of our provinces, after all.

>>1163762
>Something else? (Write in)
"A leader must be prepared to use all his options to protect his people, but only until all other virtuous options have failed. Besides, those were once our lands. We would only be hurting our own people."

>>1164311
This. Keep clean for now, but prepare for dirty fighting if it proves necessary.

>Being a leader means using all options necessary to protect my people. Still, it also means to only do so, should all virtuous options have failed.
you say. Missa looks at you interested. Seems like you should always be this philosophic with her.
>Also, some of their provinces used to belong to us. And before long, they will do so again. Hurting these lords would mean hurting our provinces. This is something I would like to avoid however possible.
Missa smiles.
>Well spoken, Lord Jean. I'll keep ready, should you need me to fight dirty.
Lord Jean? She rarely calls you that. It's whenever you act especially... mature. Or leading. Maybe you should keep this in mind.
You thank her and leave her quarters. It has gotten late, after all. The night passes quickly. Sleeping in a real bed is better than the ground, after all.
After breakfast, your last day before having to leave again unfolds before you. Now, you only have to decide how to spend it. What would you like to do?
>How did Henry do? New menials, a new apprentice...
>We will bring Annabelle along to Lord de Pierre's wedding, so much is settled. But who else should accompany you?
>The new militias. Ask Duncan about it.
>The school and new teacher. Maurice should be able to tell you.
>How is our mother coming along with her pregnancy? Visit her first.
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1167146
>How is our mother coming along with her pregnancy? Visit her first.

>>1167146
>How did Henry do?

You decide to visit your parents first. Now, that the most important formalities are settled, you can focus on the truly important things.
>Hello Jean, my darling. How did you do?
your mother greets you, pulling you into a hug. You notice she has gotten considerably bigger.
>Great. I learned a lot of things. How are you coming along?
you ask. Before she can answer, your father shouts from the back of the room.
>Great, I guess. She's just as moody as she was before your birth.
A hit with the rolling pin later, your mother waves back at you, signing you to come in.
>Tuttle says it's going to take another month or so. And considering my size, your brother or sister will be huge.
You chat some more about the things to expect, your mother also expressing excitement about the extra inches you grew during the last few months. Seems like both of you are happy about this last bit of growth. Some time after, you don't really know what to talk about. But why not...
What would you like to talk about with your parents? Write in. Get creative.

>>1167846
Talk to them about marriage and ask about how to make it work. We are betrothed and all.

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165 KB JPG

>>1168176
>>1167846
This is good

>Tell me... how do I make a marriage work? After all, I'm going to be married in less than two years.
you ask your parents.
>Well, basically you will have to learn making compromises. You can't always want the same thing.
your mother says. You nod. So far, the need never really was there, but you rarely spend time together, that isn't related to anything professional. You might want to change that sometimes. Better sooner than later.
>Make her laugh. No better thing than making her happy.
your father says. Your mother responds with a nod.
>Absolutely. I was chased by quite a few boys back in the day. Better looking than your father, richer than him... but no one could make me laugh like he did.
Your father grins.
>I think the fact that I was the one sporting the most teeth was a plus, too. You might want to keep out of bar brawls, unless you're really sure to win without much injury.
The three of you have a good laugh and chat for some more time. Finally, you say goodbye, since there is not much more time left to settle everything important.
On the way out, you meet Henry, who is coming down from the tower for lunch.
>Hello Henry, how did the ravens do? And your workers, too?
you greet him.
>Wonderful so far. Most of them can care for ravens properly by now. The only one who really has picked up on training is Thierry, though. But that's just what I expected from him.
You nod and smile.
>Also, some of the ravens are done with the training I have submitted them to. You might want to bring them to somewhere important now. Or I could send one of my workers to do so. That's what you got them for, right?
This sounds good. Where would you like to send the ravens?
>Send them to Durnholm and Trois-Tours. We need to make a communication structure on our lands first.
>Let's take them with us. Lord Sang-Valois and Lord de Pierre might want something to help communicate with us.
>Do something else with them. (What? Write in.)

>>1169810
Let's send the ravens to our allies first, as we need first a good way to coordinate with them.

>>1169810
>Send them to Durnholm and Trois-Tours. We need to make a communication structure on our lands first.

>>1169810
>Send them to Durnholm and Trois-Tours. We need to make a communication structure on our lands first.

>>1169810
>>Send them to Durnholm and Trois-Tours. We need to make a communication structure on our lands first.

>We shall start with my other holds first. It's over a day's ride to Durnholm and Trois-Tours alike, after all. Once we managed to get communications back at home working, we can deal with everything beyond.
you say, making Henry respond with a nod.
>I see. My workers will get to it immediately.
He bows and leaves towards the dining hall. Now that you think about it... lunch would be great now.
After some smoked meat and freshly baked bread, you find yourself with a last afternoon before having to leave again. How would you like to spend it?
>We will bring Annabelle along to Lord de Pierre's wedding, so much is settled. But who else should accompany you?
>The new militias. Ask Duncan about it.
>The school and new teacher. Maurice should be able to tell you.
>It's not too long until you get a sibling. How is Leonore coming along with the gifts?
>Just take the rest of the day off and take a walk. You didn't properly relax for way too long.
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1173137
>The school and new teacher. Maurice should be able to tell you.


This is quite important to the future of our lands.

>>1173137
>The new militias. Ask Duncan about it.
>The school and new teacher. Maurice should be able to tell you.

You decide to take a look at the new school. You get yourself the general directions from Lucius, then go to the stables. It's down at the village, but you don't really feel like walking through the still ankle-high snow.
On the way, you pass Duncan, who is training the soldiers on the training grounds.
>Hello, Mylord. How did you fare during the last few months?
he asks.
>Good, so far. I learned quite a bit about various topics. I'll tell you in detail later. How is the militia coming along?
You don't mention the vikings yet. You might want to keep quiet about them for a while still.
>Great. The prospects we offered were very convincing. A lot of people joined us and managed to learn quite a bit. They may not be the quality of our soldiers, at least not everyone, but otherwise, they are a force to be reckoned with.
You get the words he didn't say just as much as the ones he said. The militia did good, but the vikings did even better. Looks like you've got a strong additional fighting force. Still, you can't help but hope that you will never have to call on them.
>This is great news, Duncan. Thank you for your impressive work. Still convinced you wouldn't make a good Master-of-Arms?
you joke. Duncan chuckles.
>Pretty sure. I can handle forces of this size, but everything bigger only leads to confusion.
After some more chatting, you continue towards the school building. An old farmhouse, it looks like some additions were recently made to it. There are at least two added rooms, as well as no holes in the walls and roofs. Looks like Maurice did good work with this.
>Well done, my good people. I think we made some good progress today. Have a good night and I hope to see you again tomorrow.
a voice calls out. After the various peasants left, you enter the room they just came from.
Maurice did great work. The room is filled with various benches and tables to write on. Big enough for adults, but not too big for children. There are maybe thirty books around, which is a good amount. Looks like he got an impressive skill at bargaining with traders.
The man in front of the blackboard, which is another amazing addition, looks up from some papers once he sees you.
>Good evening, good sir. How can I help you?
he asks. Looks like he doesn't know who he's dealing with. Still, he was nearly adequately respectful.
How do you want to deal with this situation?
>He couldn't really know, right? Stay calm and introduce yourself.
>He should have know your crest at least. Correct him more firmly.
>How dares he to disrespect your authority like this? Lose your calm and show him who's in charge here.
>Play a little game. Act like a regular person and get a more... unbiased opinion out of him. (On what? Write in)
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1173464
>He couldn't really know, right? Stay calm and introduce yourself.

>You are Ulysses, right? My name is Jean de Labendai and I would like to take a look at the new school and the new teacher.
you say. He couldn't have known, right? He surely meant no disrespect.
>Oh, so you're... Lord de Labendai? I'm sorry for the disrespect. I really didn't intend to. It's just...
You cut him short with a smile and a wave.
>I don't care as long as you remember in the future. How is your work coming along?
you ask. He offers you a chair, before starting to tell you about the things you missed.
>I came here by my friend Maurice telling me of the possibility. As the son of a simple trader, I'm lacking the connections for higher positions usually. So I was pretty happy to get this chance.
Leaning back in his chair, he points at various things in the classroom.
>Especially with these working conditions. Not only do I get rooms to live in right in the school, but also a classroom this well equipped. A blackboard, benches, desks, even books! Thank you for this opportunity, Mylord!
He surely seems happy about his new position.
>The children are picking up on reading at a great pace. The adults are having a somewhat harder time, but still manage to get along.
This sounds reasonable. After all, children are usually more open to new knowledge. Maybe you will have a fully literate population some years from now?
>From the morning hours until the sun goes down, this classroom is always filled to the best of its capacity. Your people are highly eager to learn. Even the elders.
Looks like the old saying about the population being like its ruler might be true. At least in this aspect.
Is there anything in special you would like to ask of your new school teacher? If so, write in.