Time flies, I'm now 13 years old, which is very close to the day I officially become an adult. When I reach 15, normally there will be a tourney found to celebrate and after that will be my engagement ceremony. That is the norm for nobles in this world to be engaged around 15 for men and 14 for women, there have been marriage proposals from all over the kingdom for me but none of them make me interested so I ask Charles to politely refuse all of them.
I'm watching the marching of my army around Neverwinter under the cheer of the people. Today is the ceremony of winning the war 2 years ago, so I let my soldiers march and prepare a feast for everyone in the City Square to enjoy the day without working. Golds have been pouring in the kingdom treasury these two years, after I utilize all the potentials of my new territories, updating tools and new methods in mining and farming along with establishing trade with any kingdom possible, except the Alleinstein Kingdom, of course. Now the kingdom of Fortuna is the wealthiest all over the Arcondale peninsula.
Along with the economy, our military power has grown as well. I have enacted a military reform all over my kingdom. My vassals are only allowed to have their household knights in their army. All the garrisons will be replaced by Fortunian soldiers commanded by my trusted men and who raise their armies without permission from me will be crucified. Some are unhappy of course, but my Shadow Ranger performed their missions perfectly. Their deaths give the warning for the nobles and as I expect, they love their lives than the number of levies they can keep.
I have a total of 50000 soldiers in my Royal Army and 20000 garrisons all over my kingdom. I grant 10000 of the Royal Army to my uncle, to help him build vessels and create Greek fire powder. Moreover, I believe that he will not betray me as well as I need strong fleets to protect my trading ships and further expansion. Kruger is given the command of 15000 men since Meath is a strategic region, which faces the territory of house Mathel and where the trade routes with the Heathen Kingdom lies.
20000 are commanded, trained by Impetus Greyrat, who is now my Marshal. His army encamps not far from Neverwinter so that in case we are besieged he can aid in time. The rest 5000 are commanded by Charles and Mushashi. 1000 of them are knights who protect my castle and the inner city. 1500 are the Demon riders and 2500 are the samurais. They are my special unit so I'll only use them if necessary.
A man disguised in black appears behind my back and kneel:
- Your majesty, mission completed.
- Good, no one knows?
- Yes, your majesty. She is known to foolishly fell from the White Tower as a drunkard, no one spotted us.
- You've done well, go to Mushashi to collect your rewards.
- Thank you, your majesty.
He then leaves my room silently as well. That guy is the captain of one group in the Shadow Ranger, I sent them to kill Elizabeth Pyrell, the bitch who ordered to kill my mother. I intended to kill king Mathel too but he is too cautious and 2 of my men are captured while trying to assassinate him. Luckily others succeed to rescue them before they're tortured for information. But their former queen is not protected as well as their king. The truce will expire in 3 years when I'll end house Mathel and house Pyrell forever.
Three days later after the ceremony, a large Heathen caravan appears in my sight. From the high tower of my castle, I can see the armored riders with the Heathen Kingdom banners. So this is not a normal caravan, they must be messengers from Khal Kjartan. Our friendship has increased substantially for these years, mostly from the support I gave to the Heathen Kingdom against the Khals of Grasslands.
I ask one of my bodyguards:
- Ask Charles to prepare the welcome feast, we have some guests coming.
I'm not directly meet them at the gate of my castle since my position is higher than theirs. Charles will be a suitable man to welcome them and lead them to the throne room where I'm waiting. I get to the throne room, order my knights to spread around the room, at least I have to show my solemn so that they will not underestimate me for my ages and disabilities.
After 15 minutes of waiting, a group of 5 men gets in the room. One wears Heathen noble clothes while others are armed heavily. Their helmets have a symbol of the moon so they must be the famous Moon riders. They kneel respectfully and then the nobleman speaks:
- Your majesty, I'm Tumen Scadiver, a loyal servant to Khal Kjartan and a humble warrior under his command.
Tumen is a rank in the Heathen Kingdom's army, which is similar to general in mine. I ask him:
- I'm welcome you in my castle, Tumen Scadiver. But I'm very curious, what makes a Tumen travel this far to my kingdom?
- I'm here as a representative for Khal Kjartan himself, your majesty. My magnificent leader proposes a military alliance with your wealthy kingdom. At first, I'll show you our gratitude.
He claps his hands and his servants from outside get inside the room, carrying large chests with golds and silvers inside. I'm feeling a little bit of deja vu in this situation. The Tumen continues his speech:
- Thanks to your support, Khal Kjartan has defeated two among the Khals of the Grasslands. Now 60000 warriors are ready to attack Grasslands to end the Khals' rule once and forever.
- So Khal Kjartan wants to ally with us and we will aid him in his war? What will I get in return?
- We are willing to give you the eastern part of Aetolia, where fertile plains lie. Moreover, we offer you the hand of our Princess, Christina Kjartan so that our houses will be united by blood. In exchange, we need at least 35000 soldiers. They can be under command of your generals, you will be shared the war benefits according to your contribution.
I calmly consider their proposal, 35000 men is a big number, they are half of my kingdom's soldiers. However, the terms are attractive, I admit. Having a strong ally like the Heathen is what I want from the beginning. Their princess, Christina is called the Dahlia of the Quintus river, which is the river that flows all over the peninsula. I do not have to worry about marrying an ugly wife, and if we are married, the alliance between the Heathen Kingdom with us will not be broken.
I have to listen to the advice of my council in situations like this. I raise my voice:
- My honor Tumen, I'll have to think about it in a few days, you can stay in my castle. You are welcomed here and I promise that you will not be disappointed in our hospitality.
I need more time to consider, one step wrong, and anything I have built will be demolished.