Devious offer

7th July 1574

"... that's why, despite our beloved King leaving the country, we, the senate of the commonwealth, in our power to temporarily rule those lands in our King's absence, decided to grant you the title of the Commonwealth econom, along with designating you a new fief in the wild steppes so that your efforts could help this entire area flourish as well!"

As soon as those words were spoken, a group of servants descended from the stairs while carrying a set of items on a luxuriously decorated pillow. Along with a general-like mace, an attribute of the highest national generals, there were three pieces of paper and a long, intricately ornamented sash.

"Dear Sirs, this honour is too great for me to just accept it like that. May I be given some time to think about this offer? I'm not sure if I will be capable of shouldering such a responsibility!"