Horizon of War Series

Chapter 114: Agrarius

Agrarius

The City Council official, Sigmund, and his men returned to the market, riding their horses. Upon seeing the donkey and the empty cart, Sigmund asked Robart, "Do you have the receipt?"

Robart gently set the kids down from his arms and rummaged through his pocket to produce a small parchment with a seal on it.

Sigmund took the parchment, examining it with a smile. He then turned to face the crowd and declared, "I hold the contract fulfilled."

Robart's face broke into a happy grin while the kids in the cart erupted into cheers and claps. Meanwhile, the crowd watched on, their faces full of anticipation.

Sigmund gazed at Robart and said, "Please follow me. I'll show you to your new house and the land promised by the new Council."

Hearing that, the crowd turned dead silent. They exchanged doubtful looks, and skepticism was in the air. Driven by curiosity, they followed Robart and the Lord's men. Soon, the market was nearly empty, as shop owners, stall keepers, peddlers, and even innkeepers joined the procession, all eager to see whether the council would keep its promise.

Sigmund rode at an easy pace. He conversed with Robart and traded banter along the way.

Not far from the city gate, they found a good house surrounded by good land for crops, vegetable plots, or orchards. Many were familiar with the house as it was one of the most coveted properties. The previous Lord demanded a high price for it and so far, none had been able to rent or buy it.

Sigmund dismounted as the crowd gathered around them. He held an official parchment sealed with the Lord's stamp. "As promised. A good house and a good land." He then surrendered the document, a key, and three silver coins. "For the repairs should it be needed."

At first, the crowd shook their heads in disbelief, murmuring in confusion. Soon, however, a chorus of congratulations overtook them. They cheered for Robart. While feeling the prize was excessive, they also believed the gentle giant was probably the most worthy recipient of the house, as he had helped many, countless times without asking for anything in return.

When someone attempted to buy the house from Robart, Sigmund intervened, saying, "The Council only recognizes Robart as the owner. Only the Lord of the City could change the arrangement."

The mere mention of Lord Lansius was sufficient to deter anyone from exploiting Robart's simple nature.

After ensuring everything was in order, Sigmund and his men departed, leaving Robart and the onlookers to examine the property to their hearts' content.

As the sun began to set, many gathered at Robart's new house, bringing meals, small gifts, and ales to celebrate the unexpected boon. Some even introduced their daughters to Robart. The evening unfolded beautifully, with plenty of warmth and joy.

Throughout the feast, one topic dominated their conversations: the Lord and his new Council's commitment to keeping true to their words. Despite numerous rumors questioning their motives, the general sentiment was overwhelmingly positive.

***

Castle

While the scene in the market unfolded, Lansius was busy sorting the affairs of the nobles. In the morning, Lansius held his first official court and formally received guests who came to pay their respects. Many were ransomed knights or notable men-at-arms who pledged their loyalty to House Lansius.

With their pledge, Lansius received an additional 20 knights, 50 light cavalry, and around 100 men-at-arms, whom he subsequently integrated with Servius' Nicopolan regiment to ensure their loyalty.

Lansius welcomed the new cavalry, as his own had been campaigning with him since summer. His riders had marched and fought for far more than the normative forty days.

Unlike his commoner-based light cavalry, dragoons, and men-at-arms, whose contracts were year-round, the knights and their followers were only obligated to serve for a limited time. After their victory in South Hill, laden with honor and spoils, they expressed a desire to return home.

Sir Harold, as their senior commander, reported that some enjoyed South Hill and its different climate, while others wanted to build houses in Korimor, as Lansius had given them a parcel of land as promised. However, most wished to return to Korelia as many were native to the area between Korelia and White Lake.

Since the campaign in Umberland would mostly be fought in the mountains, Lansius didn't mind sending his heavy cavalry home. He had already calculated that it would be a mostly infantry affair with few opportunities for cavalry action.

After the formalities ended, his staff tallied the records and found that almost all the captured knights had agreed to join in order to receive a lighter ransom and retain their previous status. Those who did not join were either financially struggling to pay the ransom or were among Sir Gunther's top enablers, whose illegally acquired lands had been repossessed.

With the new policy gaining wider acceptance from the peasantry, commoners, and landlords, the lands of South Hill were transformed. The policy brought structural change that overruled every land grant and corruption that the previous House had done. In a sense, this was a mini agrarian reform without the bloodshed.

Instead of confiscating one by one and causing lengthy feuds, the policy provided South Hill with a clean slate.

Lansius understood that he could only do this because he had achieved military victory over the reigning House and captured most of the influential knights. He was under no illusion that everyone would willingly accept the policy. He knew that sooner or later, he would face resistance or even an armed rebellion.

...

Council Chamber

"The previous lord's top enablers had lived an easy life like mini barons for a long time. Likely, they wouldn't take a hard life willingly," Lansius commented as he and his staff convened in the council chamber.

"Do you expect an armed rebellion?" Audrey, who sat next to him, asked.

"Well, not now while we have thousands of troops, but later on when we go on a campaign."

Sir Harold sighed before suggesting, "We could capture them again and hold them indefinitely."

Lansius shook his head. "We could, but we have no proof, only hunches and suspicions. Also, it would give us a bad name since they just paid their ransom in full."

Sterling, who was back on the job, looked at the documents and commented, "Indeed, they paid in full."

Lansius nodded and gazed at Audrey, saying, "They're certainly rich and could raise a mini army if they want to."

"We could leave a sizable garrison to counter them," she proposed.

"That is one strategy to deter them. But I'm thinking of sapping their strength," Lansius proposed.

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Everyone looked at him with anticipation. "What do you mean by that?" Audrey asked.

"Does it have to do with the struggling knights?" Sir Harold ventured.

"Indeed." Lansius smiled. "I'm thinking of curbing their power further. Let's extend our hand to the struggling knights."

Sir Harold rubbed his chin. "Does that mean, My Lord are willing to loan them money?"

"No, it'll set a bad example. At most, I'm willing to forfeit my share of the ransom." According to the law, the one who captured a person was entitled to half the ransom, while the other half went to the lords — in this case, directly to Lansius' coffers.

Audrey looked puzzled. "But what if they still can't pay even after you forfeit your share of the ransom?"

"Easy, I'll accept their property as collateral until they prove their valor in the next campaign."

Sterling quickly made notes as nobody voiced any objection.

The discussion carried on until Dietrich arrived with new reports about South Hill. Lansius then made several decisions, focusing on billet housing and the maintenance of carts, which had been used extensively during the march from Korimor. Additionally, he addressed a number of other issues requiring attention from his staff.

"Make sure to invite one of the duck breeder families and the orchard master to Korelia. Their expertise would be invaluable," Lansius instructed.

"Noted," Sir Harold remarked while Sterling made some notes.

"How about Sir Gunther?" the knight inquired.

"Yes, he accepted the move to Korelia. So, arrange for his household to be included in the convoy. Our knights and cavalry should be a good escort for him."

Everyone nodded, agreeing with Lansius' decision.

Audrey looked around and asked, "Anything else, or can we take a break?"

Dietrich shook his head. Apart from the reports he had collected, he was mostly dealing with security, and there was little to be concerned about with such a large army garrisoning the region.

"Perhaps one more thing?" Sir Harold asked.

"Please, feel free," Lansius replied.

"The staff and I were a bit perplexed as to why, My Lord only purchased so little winter gear. Wouldn't we need a lot of them for the upcoming campaign?"

"Ah," Lansius exclaimed. "Well, first of all, we already stockpiled a good amount in Three Hills. Secondly, I'm afraid that if I purchase more in South Hill, the price would rise so high that the commoners who need it for winter would suffer."

His explanation was well received and Lansius continued, "There's also another concern. I don't want to make the price rise so high that making winter gear becomes so profitable it takes workers from the farms."

Sir Harold nodded, pleased with the explanation.

Seeing that nobody else had anything to say, Lansius rose and the rest of the council members followed. "Then, let's take some rest until the sun is more forgiving, and then we'll do a round of inspection to the villages."

That concluded the council meeting.

***

Lansius

As the midday sun passed, the Lord and Lady, escorted by cavalry, went to inspect the farming communities again to ensure that nothing was amiss. Lansius was gladdened to see that some changes had already taken effect.

The farmlands were noticeably less grassy, and the work areas for processing and storing grains were also being cleaned and repaired. Some of the villagers were repairing fences to protect the ripe crops from animals, some started to hunt for pests, and a few were making scarecrows.

The Nicopolans were also adapting better than expected, starting their work on the communal plot by weeding, replacing broken fences, and fixing the dirt road so carts could move more easily. Their only complaints were about the bitter grain, and they asked for more ale and sausages.

Lansius jokingly told them to wait, pointing out that the harvest was near and it would be wasteful to drink now without a celebration. However, he promised to deliver them fresh batches of sausages from the hunt as soon as possible.

In other villages, some vegetables had been harvested, and Lansius witnessed that the Nicopolans and the locals could work hand in hand.

After spending time with the village chief, the Lord and Lady rode back to the castle. Lansius was scheduled to sign some trade contracts, one of which was a purchase order for winter wheat seeds.

As was the custom, the negotiation had been dealt with beforehand, and the merchant, a plump man in his fifties, was given an audience as a formality.

"My Lord, My Lady," the merchant greeted. "It's an honor to be in your esteemed presence once again."

"We are as well," Lansius replied warmly and then motioned for Sterling to proceed.

Sterling approached the merchant and gave the freshly stamped document. The merchant accepted the scroll politely.

"Is everything alright on your end?" Lansius asked from his seat.

"Everything seems fine, My Lord. Although, your subject has a question."

"I don't mind," said Lansius, gazing at Audrey, who looked tired. "But keep it short," he added.

"Certainly. Your subject only wanted to ask, why is My Lord buying winter wheat seeds?"

"Ah, that. I suppose I could tell you. As I have done with farming tools, I intend to give the seeds to the farmers."

The merchant couldn't help but ask, "For free?"

"Indeed. The whole strategy is to increase production by lending tools and seeds to the peasantry," the Lord explained.

The merchant nodded, saying, "My Lord is too generous. The peasants will be pleased."

"It's good business to keep them content," the Lord replied. "With the situation in Lowlandia and the Imperium in general, I fear that in the near future, money will be worth less compared to grains. We'll do well to prepare in advance lest we become victims of the turmoil."

"Wise words, My Lord. I shall take them to heart." With nothing more to say, Sterling escorted the merchant out.

With the audience session concluded, Lansius rose and stretched his arms.

Audrey smiled at him. "Tired?"

"Yeah." Lansius took her hand and helped her up. "We have some free time before supper. But perhaps we could have a private dinner if you wish."

Audrey looked at him with a smile. "Do I look that pale today?"

"Hardly, suntanned even," he jested.

She chuckled and replied, "A private dinner sounds nice."

"That's settled then," Lansius declared.

Behind them, Carla and Sterling made mental notes about what to arrange for the evening.

***

Grand Chamber

The Grand Chamber, situated on the second floor, was a smaller hall compared to the Great Hall. The place was a functional room for the Lord's family, used either to dine, listen to music, or receive guests in private.

That evening, Sigmund had come and reported the event at the market.

"Robart..." Lansius mulled the name as if trying to memorize it. However, he had no intention to meet or invite the gentle giant. He only wished for him to live in peace.

"Is the reward really necessary?" Audrey asked after finishing half her meal.

Lansius smiled. "A good house and a good land might seem excessive."

"Then why?" she asked.

Lansius chuckled. "You'll find out in a week or so."

"You're going to do more?" Audrey blurted out.

Lansius laughed, finding it hard to explain. Even he himself struggled to recall the exact historical case he had read only once or twice. Fortunately, he was able to grasp the underlying idea and concept well enough to attempt to apply it.

For reasons unknown to him, before he arrived in this world, aside from games, history was all he had or was interested in. Lansius gazed at Audrey to reassure her, "There's no point if I don't follow up. But I understand your concern. I don't intend to waste any more of our precious assets."

"Well, it's not like I don't trust you, but sometimes, I'm worried since Calub isn't around." There was a hint of guilt in her voice.

"We have Sterling," Lansius said, and the squire bowed his head, adding, "I'll do my best to live up to your expectations."

"Make sure the Lord isn't wasteful. He has three Baronies to run," she said with concern.

Lansius couldn't help but quip, "It's a mark of a good wife to be concerned about her husband's spending."

Audrey chuckled, took her goblet of pale ale, and drank it straight. Her eyes were already drowsy.

"These past few days have been exhausting," Lansius remarked.

"Indeed, it's best if we take care of ourselves. Else miasma might catch us."

Lansius nodded. The miasma concept was false but he felt that the weather was quite different compared to Arvena, and that might cause problems. Even Audrey was having trouble. "Let's head to the bedroom then. Might be a good idea to rest early. I don't feel like reading books or scrolls tonight."

"I agree," Audrey replied. She then turned to Carla. "Let's skip sword training tonight."

"Of course, My Lady," Carla replied, and then piqued by their unusual condition, she poured the ale from her wineskin into another cup and took another sip from it.

Observing her, Sterling approached the table and sniffed at the ale.

"Something in the ale?" Lansius asked, observing the mixture of water and ale in his goblet.

"Perhaps the ale is a bit too strong," Sterling ventured.

"Nah, we're probably just tired," Audrey dismissed their concern.

Afterward, the Lord and Lady opted to retire early.

Once inside the chamber, Lansius unbuttoned his doublet and hastily cleaned his face using clean water in a copper basin. He noted a scent of iron and couldn't help but look around.

"What's the matter?" Audrey inquired.

"I smell blood," he said with a sharp and alert gaze, his hand ready on his hilt.

"Well..." Unexpectedly, Audrey didn't look alert but rather awkward.

"You're injured! When?" Lansius stormed toward her, believing she was hiding an injury.

"Easy, it's not-" Lansius grabbed her arm and started to look for wounds.

Annoyed, she gazed at him strongly. Lansius recoiled and blinked in pain, almost taking a step back. "Why did you do that?" he complained.

Audrey moved around him and hugged him from behind. "Because you're too forceful. You should treat your wife gently," she said with a pout.

Hearing that, Lansius chuckled. "Can't I at least check your injury?"

Audrey nestled her face into his back and said, "It's not an injury."

Lansius furrowed his brow. "Not an injury?" And then he realized, "Oh..."

"It's that time of the year," she explained. "The time when I usually get a bit moody."

Lansius recalled their past experiences during the fall season: the bitter reunion at Toruna Manor and their awkward relationship at Korelia Castle.

"Does that mean...?" he ventured.

Audrey gave him a sweet smile and whispered, "Hannei told me about fertility. If it's true, then next month... Well, I believe Korelia and Korimor deserve an heir."

***