Political plans and impending chaos in the south

After dinner, Mortis and the nobles went to his study, accompanied by Leonie and Marina, to see how Mortis would solve this problem with the problems from the south. Count von Erfurt began to tell what he had learned in more detail. It seemed that the king had been poisoned, which caused great chaos and disrupted the family. The eldest son was accused of having done this in order to gain power. However, strange incidents occurred with him as well, which only led to more chaos and unrest. The kingdom was in turmoil and the citizens and minor nobility also feared a war for the throne.

Mortis listened intently and, like some others, sank into thought. Then he said, "Count of Erfurt, can you write down for me exactly who can lay claim to the throne? I think there are two possibilities. Either someone among us wants to create chaos to distract attention from himself, or there is a nutcase who is just waiting for the others to come together at some point. However, I don't believe that, because Lina also said that her fight was dictated from the south. Something big has to be planned there, and they don't want us there. Or they are sure that after they take over the south, they will attack us when we are weakened."

So my suggestion is: we should strengthen the economy and do more trade by expanding and securing the roads. If possible, we should use magic and have troops ready all the time. Likewise, you should build schools and industrial areas, while we focus on not harming each other, but working together and promoting the cities' strengths. Let's take my country as an example: it is hardly worthwhile to produce armor or weapons. Therefore, we should focus on the needs of the citizens, such as simple clothing and tools. Bayreuth has alligators and other lizards that provide high-quality leather. Erfurt has many wizards where cloth-based armor would be worthwhile. Eisenach could specialize in blacksmithing and goldsmithing. In this way, we could supply each other with materials without incurring high costs, and the economy would grow tremendously. At the same time, we could join forces, with me in the lead, to take Ulm. I have already liberated this country, and if you are really that bad off, you would probably be happy to hand it over to me. I'll be honest, the materials I received from there have raised my workers to a new level and improved their skills. I don't intend to start a war, but I would offer it as help while I seek conversation with the Queen to find out what is really going on.

Countess Martina von Eisenach said, "So you want us to pretend together to help the South with workers and soldiers, but actually snatch their raw materials? Yes, that's what I want. If any of them think they can wreak havoc on us, so can we. Plus, we can bring others on board, and we happen to be ready for a special case, all in the name of helping. In the process, we increase border protection and enact an assembly law so that groupings cannot be formed. Above all, we should build a spy network of assassins and rogues to work for us, as even the whores do in my city. That way we can be played and see exactly what is going on in our country. The royal family has to take care of itself, we have to take care of ourselves first."

Count Werner von Erfurt nodded in agreement and said, "I didn't think you could be so devious, but you're right. If we stick together like this on the economy and this spy network, nothing should happen to us. Besides, it never goes well to wait until something happens. Attack is probably the best method. Besides, our soldiers and young nobles could gain experience from the monsters in the south."

Lares von Bayreuth was still a bit lost in thought when he looked at Mortis and said, "What do you actually mean by school? And why is that important? The other I understand, but when Leonie explained the concept to me, I didn't really understand what the point was of the people learning writing and math. With your other project, you can be sure that 50% of my soldiers will be sent with you."

Mortis smiled and said, "Quite simply, I'm making a school to encourage the children. I wondered why all the nobles always get a blessing and with the people it looks more like dice decide it. So I came up with the idea that parents always teach their children what they also know. Therefore it is only logical that a farmer remains a farmer, because he does not have to learn many things, except what is important in the field. But with school and learning, you also increase their values, and so there is a higher chance that everyone will receive a blessing. You're probably thinking what's the point, but even if some get a blessing, most workers are left with just being more powerful that way."

The counts in the room shook hands and then drew up a contract to improve trade routes and regulate what should be traded. Then they discussed which borders should be specially protected and controlled to determine who comes and who goes to their lands. Then the troops were discussed that would go south with Mortis and representatives of the other counts, with Mortis as the leader. Mortis drafted a letter to send an offer of help to the queen of the lands, though "offer" was not the right word. Rather, it simply informed her that this aid was coming. To ensure that the letter arrived as requested, it was given to the rogue among Mortis' new retainers, who could travel through the south without fear.

Leonie and Marina had great respect for how quickly Mortis had adapted to his role as a politician in recent months. However, they were surprised at how quickly he was able to take the lead and use the chaos to his advantage. This made Mortis seem almost like a monster to them and the nobles, even though he was only 17 years old. Still, he seemed to have everything under control. However, Mortis thought quite differently. He first wanted to create laws, but they demanded more of a dictatorship. However, while training and eating, he searched for a way not to become radical, and for a solution how to oppose the coming chaos from the south. For he was sure that a dark shadow would fall over the country. If the queen were truly overthrown, and her royal house as well, an unprecedented wave of problems would come upon them, just as Lina had feared.

After the meeting, Mortis began packing his things for the next morning's journey. Meanwhile, the counts and barons were gathering their troops to head south in seven days. The Countess of Eisenach was impressed by the number of young women who were pregnant, and invited all the women near Mortis to have a chat in front of the fireplace. The men, on the other hand, enjoyed a noble drop and agreed to visit both the company and the school the next day to adopt this system.