Days had passed since the massacre. The survivors had been tightly watched, unable to use the toilet without the royal guards knowing. Around the Kingdom, riders and carrier pigeons arrived, and the numerous keeps, castles and manors of the lords who were killed or imprisoned. Within the span of two days, carriages of gold, silver, weapons and grain flooded their way towards the capital.
Alfred watched as the carriages entered the palace courtyard, being carefully unloaded and escorted to the royal coffers. He knew that the security measures were going to have to be stronger for them with the huge influx of wealth he had received.
Seeing the influx of this wealth made Alfred realise he had another matter to deal with. His footsteps echoed throughout the halls of the palace as two giants in black amour flanked behind him. The servants quickly ran out of the way, bowing deeply, afraid to ensure Alfred's wrath. Entering a large room guest room, Charles sat, wearing silver armour. He turned around to face Alfred who waved his two guards outside.
"It seems like it was a success, Marquess," Alfred said with a teasing smile as he took his seat, allowing his body to unwind.
"Please, Your Highness. Not you too. My brother has already had his fun." Charles said with a bitter smile. Alfred laughed as he tried to imagine Raven wholeheartedly laughing, unable to. "But enough of that." Charles's voice turned serious as Alfred leaned in. "What do you wish for me to do? You said you had a plan for."
"You're right. With this, we have got our hands on a lot. But we also have created a huge number of future enemies. Their children. All of those under ten, take them under your command, train them and turn them into loyal servants, by any means necessary. I want you to make them not even talk unless I command. I'll write up a plan for you to follow, but It will have some freedom." Alfred's voice was icy and his words cruel.
Charles looked at the boy in front of him with surprised eyes. "May I ask why you would do this to them? You said yourself the children are innocent."
"The creation of the royal guard has created a new power within the court, What I need is something to balance and counteract it. Right now the Royal Guard is fervently loyal, but what about within a generation or two when they have had time to build their wealth and power?"
Memories of the material he had taught as a teacher flooded his mind. The Praetorian guard became such an organisation that sold the emperor's title like it was an auction at one point. He wanted to avoid such a reality and take inspiration from his old history he couldn't look further than the janissaries. An organisation created to be nothing but loyal.
"This just feels cruel you Highness." His voice was apprehensive as he looked at the young boy in front. Despite this, it wavered as he spoke. Alfred knew Charles was already most of the way there to follow the order; he just needed the final push.
"Why do you blink now Charles? How is what I ask different from those lords who train their kids in the art of war since their birth? They won't be slaves, just my loyal guardians and the sword of the empire."
"It will also be a chance for those orphaned with nothing to look forward to. As we expand we will need more soldiers. This will be the chance for those who have nothing to become something of their life. You have the chance, to build the foundation of this and make sure it doesn't become something you don't want."
Charles's eyes shook as he looked down, his hand intertwined. His head nodded gently as he thought. "Fine. But no more calling me Marquess." His smile was infectious as he looked at Alfred who laughed in response.
After a near two weeks, the nobles trapped in the palace were finally given the right to leave. Most raced home, scared of what they would find, but soon found Alfred had kept his promise, their lands untouched. Despite this, the realm had fallen into a period of instability. Alfred acted quickly. The servants from those who had been killed were screened to find suitable administrators among them who could take over the runnings of the land.
Whilst it was just less than half who had competent staff to be able to take over, it eased the pressure placed on Alfred who quickly tried to find those suitable. It was a slow process but he knew this was to be the case. As long as the realm was not destroyed then a year of discontent and instability was fine.
Within his office, Alfred sat opposite Anton who was all smiles as he smelt a new opportunity to make money. "As you know the crown has found its hand full of gold, more than we possibly need right now. It made me wonder how it could be used to benefit the people but also the nation."
"You have proven your loyalty and although I understand it's for personal benefit, you still proved it. Which is why I offer you the chance to create the first bank of the Kingdom, subsidised by the crown."
Anton felt the world go blank as the words entered his mind. He knew of the famous Crystal Bank in the east which was so rich it practically funded numerous wars itself. He looked at Alfred trying to see if it was a joke but the seriousness in his eyes was too real. "This is too much?" The words came out faster than he could think as he sat, mouth agape.
"The temple currently runs itself like a bank within the nation, giving loans, holding money. We need to take its power and I couldn't think of anyone better. Your desire for gold added to your aptitude for business makes you a perfect candidate. Adding to this I know you would be favourable towards me in terms of all business I would make if I ever had to go through it. "
Alfred stood up walking towards the door. "If you refuse that's fine, but the chance will never enter your lap again. I need your answer now. Whilst the church is still recoiling from the death of the Arch-Bishop and the clergy being too afraid to act out. It is the time to silently take the power away from them."
Anton looked down at the ground for a couple of seconds. It was a big responsibility he was being given and if he messed up it could mean he not only lost everything but may even cost him his life. His eyes glanced at Alfred. 'Especially if it's his money I lose.' The thought lingered for a second but the greed in his body took over.
"I accept. I will not fail you You Highness and create something that rivals the Crystal Bank in the future. Thank you for giving me the opportunity." Falling to his knee out of loyalty, he only looked up at Alfred after being given the clearance to.
A knocking on the door interrupted the moment as William walked in. He took a glance at Anton before turning to face Alfred. "The Pope has entered our lands."