Castle Aurelian

Viscount Harold Everhart leaned back in his seat as the carriage rolled through the massive gates of Castle Aurelian. The ancient fortress, with its imposing walls and towering battlements, loomed above him, a testament to the enduring strength of House Grafton. As the carriage came to a halt, Harold stepped out, straightening his coat as he took in the formidable structure before him. Just as he was surveying his surroundings, a tall figure clad in armor approached.

"Sir Roland," Harold greeted with a nod, recognizing the man who had been mentioned in the royal commission.

"Viscount Everhart," Sir Roland replied with a slight bow. "Welcome to Castle Aurelian. I trust your journey was uneventful?"

"It was," Harold replied, his eyes lingering on the castle's impressive fortifications. "I come as a royal envoy, sent by the Queen herself to discuss matters of importance with the Acting Duke."

"The Duke is currently taking a walk in the garden," Roland said, his tone polite but firm. "I'm afraid you'll need to wait a while before your meeting."

Harold nodded, masking his disappointment. "That's quite alright. If the Duke is temporarily unavailable, I wouldn't mind taking a walk around the town nearby. I've heard much about this Southern territory and would like to see it for myself."

Sir Roland considered the request for a moment before offering a small smile. "You are a distinguished guest, Viscount, having come from afar. Please, take your time. I'll have one of our personal servants, Tom, accompany you."

As if on cue, a young servant named Tom approached, bowing respectfully. "I'm at your service, my lord," he said.

"Excellent," Harold replied. "Lead the way, Tom."

The two left the castle grounds and made their way into the town nestled just beyond the castle's protective walls. The streets were lively with activity; merchants peddling their goods, children playing, and townsfolk going about their daily lives. It was a vibrant scene, a stark contrast to the chaos Harold had witnessed in the Northern territories.

Harold observed the town's cleanliness and organization. The streets were well-maintained, and the shops and stalls were neatly arranged. Clearly, the Duke's influence had turned this town into a thriving community.

As they walked, Harold turned to Tom. "Tell me, Tom, how have things been in this part of the kingdom? I've heard tales of looting and lawlessness in other regions. What's the situation here?"

Tom, ever the dutiful servant, responded promptly. "My lord, we've had our share of troubles, but the Acting Duke has taken swift action. Looters are dealt with harshly, and the Duke's men patrol the borders regularly. The town has been spared from the worst, thanks to his leadership."

Harold nodded thoughtfully. "It seems the Southern Lord is more refined than some of his peers. He's managed to keep order where others have failed."

Tom smiled slightly. "The Duke is well-respected, my lord. He cares for the people, and they, in turn, are loyal to him."

They continued to explore the town, with Harold noting the various improvements the Duke had made. The streets were lined with trash bins, and public urination and defecation had been forbidden, with every household encouraged to build their own toilets. Public latrines had also been funded by the Duke, a rarity in most parts of the kingdom.

Tom explained further, "The Duke also banned dumping waste into the lake. Instead, the bins are used for garbage, and the Duke's men organize daily cleanups. The town has never been cleaner."

Harold's respect for the young Duke grew as they walked. The Duke's measures were not just about cleanliness; they were about maintaining order and ensuring the well-being of his people. It was clear that the Duke was not to be underestimated.

As they passed through the bustling marketplace, Harold noticed the townsfolk going about their business with a sense of purpose and security. There was a noticeable absence of fear that had become so common in other parts of the kingdom.

"The Duke has also been recruiting a sizable army," Tom mentioned as they strolled past a group of young men training with wooden swords. "He trains them regularly to ensure stability in the area. The people feel safe knowing that the Duke is looking out for them."

Harold took in this information with interest. It was becoming clear that securing resources from this young Duke might not be as straightforward as he had initially thought. The Duke was clearly capable and had the loyalty of his people.

After a while, Harold decided it was time to return to the castle. "That will be enough for today, Tom. Let's head back."

As they made their way back, Harold's mind was already churning with plans. The Southern Lord, with his imposing Castle Aurelian and well-managed lands, was more formidable than Harold had anticipated. But Harold was confident that he could navigate the situation. After all, he had been sent here for a reason, and he intended to fulfill his mission.

Upon their return to the castle, Harold noticed Sir Roland waiting near the entrance. The knight approached them with a calm demeanor.

"The Duke will be ready to meet with you shortly," Roland informed him. "In the meantime, you are welcome to rest in the guest quarters."

"Thank you, Sir Roland," Harold replied. "I'll await the Duke's convenience."

As Harold was led to the guest quarters, he couldn't shake the feeling that this Southern Lord, with his imposing Castle Aurelian and well-managed lands, was not to be underestimated. For now, he would bide his time, observe, and wait for the opportunity to fulfill his duties as the Queen's envoy.