"The current acting lord of Elmholt…"
"A usurper, you mean."
"Yes, the usurper is an illegitimate son of the Corleone family. He won over the local people and took control without bloodshed."
"That's right. If only that Philip hadn't betrayed me…"
Lugues suppressed his irritation. This wasn't the time to dwell on it.
"The Corleone illegitimate son promised various benefits, such as tax cuts, which is probably why he's managed to hold the fortress."
"I've heard that too. It's a rather generous offer."
"Yes, but precisely because of those promises, he's been unable to gather an army, which is why Bjorn's forces haven't increased."
Conscription was far more unpopular among the people than tax breaks. Attempting it recklessly could lead to a collapse of loyalty.
"Meanwhile, Bjorn's forces are stationed at Beldaine Fortress."
"So the usurper has no army?"
"Correct."
