Unfortunately, the strategic synergy between Ragnar and Princess Elfwynn did not last long.
Soon after they finished discussing the turbine, a courier from the south arrived. He was practically vibrating with exhaustion.
If news could liquidate assets, this message would bankrupt the Directorate.
Seeing the desperate look in the courier's eyes, Ragnar immediately signaled for General Bjorn to secure the room.
The young man quickly marched up to Ragnar and handed him a sealed scroll before collapsing like a market index during a crash.
"Director! Urgent news from the front!"
Ragnar broke the seal with a calm efficiency that belied his concern.
He scanned the document, his monocle glinting in the gaslight.
"It seems King Aethelwulf is not as insolvent as we projected," Ragnar announced, his voice devoid of emotion.
"He has secured a loan from the Franks. And he is using it to hire Swiss Mercenaries."
Elfwynn gasped. "Swiss? But they are..."
