The crisp morning in Wynthall Dukedom was shattered by the arrival of an urgent letter from the neighboring Dukedom of Elmridge, a long-time rival of the Wynthalls. Duke Edmund of Elmridge, a cunning and power-hungry man, had sent a thinly veiled threat wrapped in diplomatic language. The letter accused Wynthall of "illegally using" the waters of the Lyster River, which originated in Elmridge before flowing into Wynthall's lands. They demanded either a hefty tax for water usage or a trial in the royal court.
Leoric read the letter in his study, his fingers tightening on the parchment. His emerald-green eyes burned with anger, and he slammed the letter onto his desk. The audacity of Duke Edmund to try and extort them under the guise of legality was infuriating. Leoric knew this wasn't about water; it was about control. Elmridge had always sought to undermine Wynthall's growing prosperity.
After taking a deep breath to calm his frustration, Leoric summoned his advisors, including the sharp-minded Princess Evelyn Arcelia, who had become his trusted ally and assistant. As they gathered in his study, he laid out his plan.
"This is not about water," Leoric began, his tone firm. "This is about power. Duke Edmund thinks he can bully us into submission. He has underestimated us—and me."
Leoric drafted a response letter to Elmridge with meticulous precision. It read:
"To Duke Edmund of Elmridge,
It has come to our attention that you claim ownership of the Lyster River's waters. However, your river flows through Wynthall lands, and under property laws, any natural resource passing through another's land requires compensation. Your Dukedom has used our lands for years without paying any rent or tax. We demand immediate payment for land usage, including a penalty for years of non-payment. Our calculated sum is far greater than the tax you've demanded for water.
Should you fail to comply, Wynthall will sue Elmridge in the royal court. Keep in mind that land taxation is far higher than water taxation. Therefore, we suggest you reconsider your position.
Sincerely,
Leoric Wynthall, Heir to Wynthall Dukedom.
Leoric sealed the letter with the Wynthall crest and had it delivered to Elmridge immediately.
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The Enemy Bows Down
The next day, chaos erupted in Elmridge. Duke Edmund had not expected such a bold and calculated response. His advisors scrambled to find a solution, but the numbers didn't lie. Paying for the use of Wynthall's land would bankrupt Elmridge, especially with the penalty added. Facing a lawsuit in the royal court was a gamble he couldn't afford.
The very next morning, Duke Edmund arrived at Wynthall Castle, his face pale and his pride shattered. Leoric received him in the grand hall, flanked by his father, Duke Roderic, and Princess .
"Lord Leoric," Edmund began, his tone conciliatory, "there seems to have been a misunderstanding. I'm here to resolve this matter amicably."
Leoric's piercing gaze met Edmund's. "Misunderstanding, you say? Then I trust you've come to pay the outstanding tax?"
Edmund hesitated, wringing his hands. "We... we cannot afford to pay such an amount. Our coffers are stretched thin."
Leoric leaned back in his chair, feigning thoughtfulness. "That's unfortunate. However, I'm willing to consider an alternative arrangement."
Duke Edmund's face lit with cautious hope. "Anything, Lord Leoric."
Leoric produced a document. "You will sign a trade agreement granting Wynthall merchants tax-free trade in Elmridge. In addition, you will cede the vacant lands near the Lyster River to Wynthall. In return, we will waive the land tax and penalty."
Edmund's jaw tightened, but he was cornered. Reluctantly, he took the quill and signed the agreement.
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A Strategic Victory
As news of the agreement spread across the kingdom, it caused a sensation. Leoric's boldness and strategic brilliance earned him widespread admiration. Many nobles praised his ability to turn a potential crisis into a significant victory. Merchants celebrated the new trade agreement, which would boost their profits significantly.
However, not everyone was pleased. Nobles aligned with Duke Edmund whispered of their resentment, and a few even began plotting against Leoric in secret.
Back in Wynthall, Leoric sat with Princess , discussing the implications of their victory.
"You've made many allies today," she remarked, sipping her tea. "But you've also made a few powerful enemies."
Leoric smirked. "Let them plot. The stronger Wynthall grows, the less they can do to harm us."
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The Bigger Picture
With the new land secured, Leoric began planning its development. The Lyster River's banks were fertile and ideal for agriculture. Additionally, the trade agreement would strengthen Wynthall's economy, allowing for further infrastructure projects.
That night, as he stood on the castle's balcony overlooking his growing Dukedom, Leoric couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. His vision for Wynthall was becoming a reality, one step at a time.
But deep down, he knew this was only the beginning. The kingdom's politics were a battlefield, and he had just taken his first major step onto it.