As the regent appointed by the King of Knights, Lawn has had a particularly frustrating time lately.
So, what have Lawn and the northern knightly nobles been planning? As previously mentioned, it's an ambitious plan: an Obian expedition. Lawn hopes to change his awkward position, the northern nobles seek more benefits and a higher status, and both the serfs and freemen aspire to change their fates. Everyone, it seems, wants to conquer Obian.
According to intelligence, Obian Island is rich in magical mineral deposits, various treasures, and ancient sacred relics that fascinate many. Currently, aside from a few True Word tribes in the south and the empire's new territory of "Newland," the island is mostly occupied by the northern barbarian tribe "Vanahaimling." This tribe is formidable, producing a large number of raiders and hunter-warriors, all led by their chief, Rafe Gulbransen, a legendary peak-level Chaos Champion. Under his command are over twelve thousand barbarian raiders and hundreds of Chaos warriors, as well as countless corrupted True Word followers and Chaos beasts.
Lawn is fully aware that while Obian is conquerable, he must first reorganize the armies of the northern nobles.
In other words, to attack Obian, Lawn first needs to solve the problem of military decay. Unlike the southern knights who have completed a military overhaul and intensified training under Ryan, making their soldiers semi-professional and equipping them with firearms, the northern knights lag far behind. They lack anything comparable to Ryan's Old Guard, one of the most formidable armies in the Old World.
Currently, Lawn only has a few hundred elite soldiers who followed Ryan through the Eight Peaks Mountain expedition. He reorganized them into an independent corps, naming it the Royal Connaught Highland Guard.
However, maintaining a completely dedicated elite army requires funds! Ryan has the wealth to support the elite Old Guard; Francois can finance his Unicorn Guard, and even Berchmond and Bodrick can afford to maintain the Red Dragon Guard and the Mannan Guard. But the northern nobles under Lawn are still undergoing reorganization and training, needing firearms, cannons, and substantial financial backing and food supplies.
This brings us to the third issue: funding, food, and taxation.
But there's a problem. Even as regent, Lawn cannot command the royal court established by Ryan. Since the Queen, Sulia, went with Ryan to Osuan, two deputy finance ministers, the Imperial Griffon and the Bretonnian Steve, handle finances. Both are bureaucrats appointed by Ryan, who only follow his orders and approve only the projects Ryan previously authorized.
Is an expedition to Obian part of these approved projects? Clearly not, and it's something the king expressly opposes. Lawn stands no chance of securing a single copper coin from the treasury for this military campaign.
This leads to the fourth issue: Bretonnia's political system. Bretonnia has a dual power structure: the Grail system represented by the Lake Witch Morgiana, and the secular feudal system represented by Ryan. To secure funding, Lawn and the northern nobles must gain the support of one of these factions. They must either convince Morgiana to endorse a chivalric war or persuade Ryan's bureaucratic system to support the Obian expedition.
So, who can Lawn rely on?
As regent, he feels like he's constantly being bounced around, with his efforts repeatedly thwarted by the framework Ryan left in place. Within that structure, Lawn can accomplish many tasks, but anything beyond it is summarily rejected. Being a regent under these constraints is starting to feel pointless.
But opportunity has finally arrived. Lawn has noticed that the barbarian armies from the northern Chaos Wasteland and Norsca have significantly reduced their raids on the Old World, seemingly retreating their forces. It's clear the northern barbarians haven't suddenly become "benevolent"; there's only one possible explanation: they are preparing for something big.
This is an excellent opportunity. Setting the files aside, Lawn pondered for a long time before asking his attendant, "Did she mention what it's about?"
"Lady Aurora said she recently received intelligence from Nord, Oster, and Kislev, and would like to exchange information with you regarding the northern barbarians' movements," replied the attendant respectfully.
"Oh?" Lawn's interest was piqued. Although he had been debating whether to meet with Aurora, the famously mature and charming Sanctum witch, the mention of valuable information convinced him it was necessary.
Otherwise, Lawn would have avoided her. Everyone knew Aurora's spy network, Military Intelligence Section Seven, reported directly to Ryan. She was Ryan's personal advisor and courtier, outside Bretonnia's jurisdiction.
Moreover, rumors had long circulated within the royal court that both Aurora and her daughter Theresa were Ryan's mistresses. Her status made her the object of both envy and apprehension. She either laughed off or outright refused to discuss the topic whenever asked about it, which only fueled the rumors further. If not for the Lake Witch Morgiana keeping her in check, Aurora would surely have leveraged her influence extensively within the court.
Though Lawn preferred to avoid potential scandal, he decided he must meet her. "Let her in."
One minute later, Aurora entered. The Sanctum witch was dressed in a black silk gown with a classic style, draped in a white fox-fur coat, accentuating her impressive figure. Her shining black gown contrasted with the white fur, while a row of metallic buttons added a stylish touch. Her long, shapely legs, clad in skin-toned stockings, lay under the dress hem, and a pair of black matte heels completed her look. Aurora greeted Lawn with a respectful bow, her face solemn. "Good afternoon, Your Excellency. Apologies for disturbing you. You must be very busy."
"Not too busy. I'm surprised you came to see me," Lawn replied, signaling for her to sit. He cut to the chase, "I hear you have some intelligence to share with me?"
Aurora's mature, elegant face showed a trace of resignation.
The past few months had not been easy for the Sanctum witch either.
Since Ryan's departure, Aurora's situation had worsened significantly. In the Garland Council, she and Theresa faced fierce opposition from Veronica, who, as the Speaker appointed by Ryan, held higher status and influence over Aurora. Though Veronica had somewhat restrained herself while Ryan was around, the moment he left, she sidelined Aurora and Theresa and began rebuilding the Sorceress' Conclave, appointing her loyal followers to key positions. Theresa managed to adapt, but Aurora found herself increasingly frustrated and powerless. Veronica's reputation from the Eight Peaks Mountain expedition granted her special standing among the knightly nobility.
Recently, Aurora's painstakingly established intelligence network in the Empire and Kislev reported a development that caught her attention.
Apparently, a powerful Chaos leader is unifying all the barbarian and Chaos tribes across Norsca and the northern wastelands, consolidating forces as they cease their southern raids.
Aurora immediately sensed the potential significance of this. If the northern barbarians are amassing forces, it likely means a Chaos Champion, God-chosen, or perhaps even a more terrifying figure has received a divine oracle and is mobilizing the tribes.
However, after receiving this intelligence, Aurora ran into a problem.
Ryan and Sulia were unreachable, and with no means to report it, she was at a loss. She first went to Veronica, who replied, "This isn't my concern; you're asking the wrong person."
Aurora then sought out Carsonberg, Ryan's appointed palace steward, and Sylvia, head maid. They, too, stated it wasn't within their jurisdiction.
With nowhere else to turn, Aurora had no choice but to approach Morgiana.
Morgiana already had strong prejudices against Aurora, yet still listened to her report, only to ask three cold questions:
First, who is this supposed Chaos leader consolidating the northern barbarian army?
Second, could she predict when the barbarian forces would likely advance south?
Finally, what is the exact distribution of barbarian forces along the Norscan coast and the Kislev border? Had she investigated?
Aurora had no answers. Enraged, Morgiana laughed coldly, retorting, "This is the result of a year's work with Ryan's resources? You'll owe the entire kingdom of knights an apology for this!" With that, Morgiana dismissed her, saying she had more pressing matters, and that Aurora should return only when she had accurate intelligence or when Ryan returned.
Aurora felt unfairly criticized. Rebuilding her intelligence network had already been a Herculean task after it was devastated during the Garland's destruction. Obtaining the current intelligence required great effort and leverage through her connections in Kislev and Nord.
After weighing her options, she decided to approach Lawn to see if an exchange might yield some useful information.
Lawn possessed detailed intelligence on Obian Island, which confirmed that the northern barbarians had recently been withdrawing and halting their raids, leaving Obian's defenses thin.
Aurora stated explicitly that her intelligence indicated a powerful Chaos figure was uniting the barbarian factions, and Nord and Kislev sources confirmed the forces' consolidation, potentially preparing for a southern incursion.
"Understood, Lady Aurora," Lawn's eyes gleamed as he listened to her report. The regent thought this was precisely the excuse he needed to pursue his plans for Obian. Now he had a valid reason for launching an expedition.
Lawn expressed his appreciation, though with polite reserve: "Lady Aurora, I'm grateful for the information. This will prove helpful for our upcoming discussions and the kingdom's future. On behalf of His Majesty Ryan, I thank you."
"No need to thank me," Aurora replied, a faint smile hiding her exasperation. "We're merely exchanging information, strengthening communication."
"Yes." Lawn nodded. He added cautiously, "Special circumstances warrant special treatment,
don't they? But Lady Aurora, have you no way to contact His Majesty Ryan?"
"I did have a means, but it fails over long distances," she admitted reluctantly. "Currently, only Lady Morgiana has a reliable means of contacting him, though she refuses to assist."
"Understood. I'll discuss this matter with Lady Morgiana," Lawn said, adding, "As for northern intelligence, do continue gathering as much as possible. Once His Majesty returns, you can report to him directly."
"I will," Aurora replied, feeling even more disheartened. She was painfully aware of how Ryan's absence had relegated her status to that of his private agent, with everyone eager to keep their distance. Though resigned, she couldn't shake her disappointment. "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave, Your Excellency."
"Please do. I must also prepare for the ducal council meeting," Lawn replied without asking her to stay, having his own matters to attend to.
After Aurora left, Lawn adjusted his attire and proceeded to the council chamber.
Five minutes later, the attendant opened the towering, arched doors of the council hall.
Inside, every duke of Bretonnia and the Lake Witch Morgiana were already seated. Each duke was accompanied by a younger attendant, typically their heir—Francois with Sir Gerard, and Bodrick with his son Federmond.
As usual, Duke Huebald of Carcassonne was absent, the only duke not in attendance.
"You're late, Lawn," Morgiana stated icily from her seat beside the throne, her tone impatient. "Let's get started."
After acknowledging her with a brief "Yes," Lawn took his seat, positioned to the left of the throne, facing Morgiana. "Before departing for Osuan, His Majesty Ryan left several directives. Today's gathering is to discuss how best to implement the king's orders, address any challenges, and prepare a report for His Majesty upon his return."
The dukes nodded solemnly, each with a different expression.
"There are several main items," Lawn said, rising to produce a stack of thick parchment, which he instructed the attendants to distribute among the dukes.
Duke Adalhard of Lyonnais frowned as he took his copy. After reading the first line, his face grew visibly anxious, and beads of sweat dotted his brow. Lyonnais had always been a region fraught with internal divisions, and though Ryan could manage it with his strength and prestige, Adalhard felt helpless. His Majesty was asking the impossible!
The first item read: "Further reductions and reassignments to eliminate ineffective knightly nobles."
Duke Berchmond of Bastogne took his scroll, nodding at the first line, convinced that incompetent nobles needed reform. However, his expression changed when he read the second item.
"Further reduction of levies, uniform tax reduction, encouragement of trade, and population flow."
Duke Francois of Winford, known for his patience, read on to the third item, only to sigh. His son-in-law certainly had ambitious ideas.
"Establish granaries and a strategic reserve, with subsidies for grain prices."
Francois had actually intended to suggest this upon Ryan's return.
All the dukes grew more troubled at the next directive.
"Each duchy must construct no fewer than five permanent fortresses along its border, at its own expense."
Lawn saw Morgiana lost in thought, and took the lead. "Your Graces, if anyone has concerns or suggestions, this is the time to bring them forward. His Majesty encouraged open discussion and honest feedback on these matters. Criticizing his policies behind closed doors, however, would be a violation of national protocol."
After granting a brief moment for the dukes to absorb the documents, they immediately began consulting their attendants and family members.
Five minutes later.
"Objection!"
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