There was quiet in Warren on the first day of the year. The stone walls, weathered by centuries of wear, stood tall around the settlement.
Within these walls, narrow streets wound through rows of modest homes and workshops. The people had begun their morning tasks—some tending small fields beyond the gate, others hauling carts of firewood to the keep.
Very few dared to voice high hopes. After all, their former lord had passed not a month ago, leaving young Lord Dane de Bruce as the new ruler.
Dane stood in the upper hall of the King's Hold. It served as both his residence and the administrative heart of the city.
Windows were few, though one narrow aperture allowed a view of the eastern fields. He was not a seasoned commander nor an old statesman. He was fresh to the burden of leadership, and the times felt uncertain.
A single scribe approached, lowering his head respectfully. A small desk had been dragged to the center of the hall, and upon it lay a ledger.
This book, with its ink-smudged pages, would record every resource, every decision, and every change in Warren's fortunes.
Dane inhaled deeply. He would need to make choices that set Warren's future path. The month ahead would not merely be a string of days; it would be a test of his ability to provide direction.
He looked over to a wooden board where simple reports were pinned with iron tacks.
《Seasonal Status Report: Early Spring - Year 1301》
《Population: 2,000 residents total Peasants: Approximately 1,500 (basic laborers) Craftspeople: About 200 (blacksmiths, woodworkers, tailors) Merchants: 50 (small-time traders) Soldiers/Guards: 150 (lightly trained) Children and Elderly: 100 (not part of the workforce)》
《Resources: Gold: 200 coins in treasury
Food Stores: 300 units (dried grain, salted meat, root vegetables) Wood: 50 units Stone: 100 units Ore: 60 units (iron and some copper)》
《Facilities: King's Hold (central keep and lord's residence) Market District (rudimentary, limited stalls) Farms (small plots outside walls, not well-fortified) Smithy (basic tools and weapon crafting) Granary (partially filled, capacity for more) Barracks (old, needs repair)》
《Happiness: Approximately 60% (cautious acceptance; new lord is untested)》
《Neighboring Relations: Wood Elves: Neutral, distant Undines: Wary
Flamekin: Neutral Swordsmen of the Sands: Uncertain Veiled Ones: Hostile (raiders spotted near distant borders last winter) Lumenari: Slightly Friendly (some past trade of minor spell scrolls) Frostborn: Neutral Order of Radiance: Distant, indifferent》
Dane's steward, a middle-aged man named Corbin, stood nearby. Corbin's hair had started to gray at the temples, and he wore a simple wool cloak.
He stepped forward and cleared his throat softly. "My Lord," he said, "it might be wise to begin by reviewing policies on taxes and workforce assignments. Spring is often a planting season, and we'll need more hands in the fields if we want a better harvest."
Dane nodded. He ran his finger down the report. Food stores were at 300 units, enough for a brief period. There would be no feast this month.
With 2,000 mouths to feed, and no surplus markets guaranteed, bolstering food production would be critical. He would need to ensure that more peasants worked the farms during the coming weeks.
《Command Interface - Workforce Allocation》
《Current Assignments: Farming: 400 peasants (enough for moderate yield) Woodcutting: 50 peasants (forests are limited nearby) Mining (Stone/Ore): 100 peasants (small quarry and mine) Construction/Repairs: 50 peasants (ad hoc) General labor (unassigned): 900 peasants》
Dane considered shifting more peasants to farming. Although the soil around Warren was not the richest, dedicating extra labor in Spring could yield more grain and vegetables by the next harvest.
He would draw peasants from the unassigned pool—those who handled odd jobs or awaited instruction.
"Let's increase farming," said Dane, speaking slowly as he weighed each word. "Put an additional 200 peasants on the fields. That will bring our farming force to 600 total."
Corbin scribbled on a small slate.
《Workforce Update》 《Farming: 600 peasants Remaining Unassigned: 700 peasants》
"Next, Corbin, what of taxes? We currently set them at a moderate rate. If we lower taxes slightly, perhaps we can improve happiness. On the other hand, we do need coin for repairs and defense."
Corbin pursed his lips. "Lowering taxes would help mood, but we're low on gold and may need it for mercenaries or building materials. Still, the people are uncertain about your rule. A small gesture might go a long way."
Dane decided on a minor adjustment. "Drop taxes by a small margin. Let's say from a standard rate of 5% to 4%. We'll lose some immediate gold, but I'd rather have content farmers and craftsmen. That should bump happiness a bit."
《Tax Adjustment: -1%》 《Expected Gold Income per season: -20 gold compared to previous year Happiness: +5% over the next month if stability holds》
Dane nodded. "We should also consider strengthening our granary. Food preservation must be improved. But that requires wood and possibly stone."
Corbin responded, "We have 50 units of wood and 100 units of stone. If we start reinforcing storage, we'll use some resources but secure more food from spoilage. It's early Spring—no harvest yet—but good storage will matter soon."
Dane tapped his chin. "Do it. Use 10 wood and 10 stone to reinforce the granary. Nothing grand, just ensure what we have won't rot prematurely."
《Project Initiated: Granary Reinforcement》 《Costs: 10 Wood, 10 Stone Completion: End of Spring if uninterrupted
Benefits: Reduce seasonal food spoilage by 10%》
The scribe recorded these changes in the ledger. Meanwhile, a guard approached. He was young, wearing a patched leather vest.
"My Lord, a merchant caravan is at the gate. Small scale, human traders from the south. They're offering basic goods and ask if they may sell in our market."
Dane's eyes narrowed.
It wasn't unheard of, but wasn't common either. Traveling merchants occasionally arrived, hoping to barter.
At times, letting them trade inside might enrich Warren, though there was always the risk of spies or troublemakers. Still, welcoming merchants would help restore a sense of normalcy and might bring in goods or even a small tax on sales.
"Allow them entry, but keep an eye on them," Dane said. "We can charge a small market fee—just a few coins—to boost our coffers. We must remain cautious, though not unfriendly."
《Merchant Caravan Allowed》 《Expected Benefit: +10 gold (market fees), chance of new trade goods Risk: Minor (possible petty theft or price gouging)》
As mid-morning light filtered through the narrow window, Corbin unfurled a crudely drawn map on the desk. It showed Warren's position relative to distant factions.
"My Lord, we should consider relations with our neighbors. The Veiled Ones have sent raiding parties through the Phantom Wastes in the past. We have 150 trained soldiers and 100 peasants who can be armed in a pinch. Perhaps investing in better equipment or training is wise."
Dane frowned. They had to prepare for trouble. The Veiled Ones were known for using undead and dark magic, preying on weaker settlements.
A single well-equipped troop unit at the border might deter them. But arms required ore and wood for handles, plus skilled craftsmen to produce reliable weapons.
"Let's hold military improvements for a moment," he said. "I want to see what the merchants bring. If they have cheap iron or basic weapons, we might invest then. For now, I'll order light training drills for our soldiers to maintain readiness."
《Military Action: Light Drills》 《Effect: Soldiers remain in good shape, slight morale increase. Cost: Minor food consumption for extra rations.》
Around noon, a servant arrived with a wooden platter of bread and some dried fruits for Dane's midday meal. He ate sparingly, preferring to focus on the new stack of reports Corbin placed before him.
There were notes from farmers complaining about wild animals nibbling at early seedlings. Another note stated that a group of peasants wished to open a small carpentry workshop inside the city walls. Such a workshop would require a modest investment but could produce wooden planks and simple furniture.
Dane considered this. A carpentry workshop might improve efficiency by converting raw wood into more useful materials.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
"Approve the carpentry workshop," he said. "Offer them a small grant—say 5 gold—to help establish it. In return, they must supply wooden goods to the treasury at a fair rate when needed."
《New Facility: Carpentry Workshop Initiated》 《Investment: 5 Gold Time to Set Up: 1 season
Result: Improved wood-to-product conversion, minor economic growth》
As the day proceeded, Dane decided to revisit the idea of improving relations with a neighbor. The Lumenari to the south were slightly friendly. They valued knowledge and sometimes offered spell scrolls or minor arcane trinkets.
If Warren could secure a steady exchange of goods, they might supply valuable knowledge that could help with farming or defending the city.
"Corbin, draft a letter to the Lumenari. State that we wish to arrange a small trade—perhaps send them 10 units of ore in exchange for a basic agricultural scroll that might increase our crop yield."
Corbin nodded, dipping his quill in ink. "Wise, my Lord. The Lumenari respect trade and knowledge sharing."
《Diplomatic Action: Offer Trade to Lumenari》 《Offer: 10 Ore Request: Basic Agricultural Scroll (improve farming yield by a small percentage) Outcome: Unknown until next month's response》
A knock at the hall's door drew attention. The merchant caravan leader had arrived for an audience. The man was middle-aged, wearing a rough-spun tunic and a cloak patched in many places. He bowed stiffly.
"My Lord," he began, "we bring simple wares: pottery, cheap metal tools, some fabrics. We'd be happy to sell in your market. Also, we have a small batch of low-quality spears. Not first-rate, but better than sticks."
Dane considered the offer. Low-quality spears might not be the best, but arming peasants with something more than pitchforks could help in a pinch. "How much for the spears?"
"Ten spears for 15 gold," said the merchant. "They're not fine craftsmanship, but serviceable."
Dane grimaced at the price. It felt high. Yet, any improvement to their militia's arms could matter.
"We'll take them for 12 gold, and I allow your caravan to trade without additional fees this time."
The merchant scratched his chin. "Very well, 12 gold and free trade access for this visit."
《Trade Transaction》 《Spent: 12 Gold Gained: 10 Low-Quality Spears Soldiers or peasants armed with these spears: Slightly improved combat readiness》
The merchant left, pleased enough, and Dane recorded the deal. His treasury was now lighter, but his men had at least some spears. Perhaps over time, he could replace them with better equipment. For now, every small gain counted.
Afternoon drifted toward evening. A scout arrived with news. The scout, a lean woman with sharp eyes, had surveyed the farmland's perimeter. She reported a group of five hungry wolves prowling near the fields.
They had not attacked yet but seemed to be sniffing around. Dane weighed his options. Sending a few armed peasants or a small patrol to chase off wolves would be wise.
Letting them linger might spook the farmers and reduce work efficiency.
"Send a patrol of three guards and two peasants armed with spears," said Dane. "Do not kill the wolves if they flee—just drive them away."
《Local Event: Wolf Threat》 《Action: Patrol dispatched Expected Outcome: Wolves driven off, farmers regain confidence》
As night approached, Corbin unrolled another parchment, noting the day's progress. Taxes had been lowered slightly, workforce assignments shifted to increase farming, a granary reinforcement started, and some cheap equipment acquired.
It had been a busy first day of leadership. The chapter here wouldn't simply cut off at a day, though. Dane intended to use the entire month to stabilize Warren.
The next morning came with a crisp breeze. Dane moved through the keep's corridor, checking on the carpenters who had begun setting up a makeshift shelter by the marketplace.
They would need a full season to establish a proper workshop, but their enthusiasm was good. Meanwhile, guards reported that the wolves had retreated into the woods, leaving the farms peaceful.
《Week 1 Summary - Early Spring》 《Gold: 200 (initial) - 12 (spears) - 5 (carpenter grant) = 183 Gold Wood: 50 - 10 (granary) = 40 Wood Stone: 100 - 10 (granary) = 90 Stone Ore: 60 - 10 (offered to Lumenari) = 50 Ore (pending trade acceptance) Food: 300 (no change yet, consumption ongoing but balanced by rationing) Happiness: 65% (slight improvement due to lower taxes) Military: Gained 10 Low-Quality Spears (can arm peasants if needed) Projects: Granary Reinforcement (underway), Carpentry Workshop (initiated) Diplomacy: Offer to Lumenari made, awaiting response》
Dane noticed that managing a kingdom was a relentless process of balancing. Each decision nudged the city toward prosperity or decline. He decided to inspect the barracks.
It was an old stone structure with a sagging roof. The soldiers inside were drilling with wooden swords. The gear was outdated, shields splintered at the edges.
Repairing the barracks or improving the armory would cost resources. Perhaps in a later week, once he confirmed new trade deals, he could invest in better equipment.
By mid-month, word arrived from a Lumenari courier. A slender figure in pale robes delivered a parchment sealed with a sigil. They accepted the ore shipment and agreed to send a basic agricultural scroll.
Its magic would gently coax crops to grow a bit more robustly this season.
《Diplomatic Result: Trade With Lumenari Successful》 《Lost: 10 Ore Gained: Basic Agricultural Scroll (+5% crop yield this season)
Lumenari Relations: Slightly improved》
Dane smiled. This would help the harvest. It was still early, but any advantage mattered. He ordered Corbin to have the scroll studied by the local priest who managed small rites near the farmland.
The priest, a middle-aged woman with a kind face, could oversee its use. A messenger from the farms reported that sowing seeds was proceeding smoothly.
With more peasants working the fields and a mild spring weather pattern, expectations for the next harvest improved. However, farmers suggested constructing a small irrigation ditch to improve water flow.
That would cost some labor and perhaps 5 wood to create proper sluices. Dane approved it.
"Use some labor from the unassigned pool. Dig those ditches and line them with wood to keep water flowing to the crops."
《Project: Irrigation Ditch Construction》 《Cost: 5 Wood, 50 peasants for one week Benefit: +5% crop yield (stacks with Lumenari scroll)》
At this point, the total yield improvements might not seem like much, but together they would make a difference.
Another week passed. The merchant caravan left, having sold their goods and purchased some local produce and simple cloth. They paid the agreed market fees. Treasury saw a minor influx of gold.
The carpenters had begun framing the workshop's walls, and the granary reinforcement neared completion. The soldiers completed their light drills and felt a bit more confident, if not better equipped.
《Week 2 Summary - Early Spring》
《Gold: 183 + 10 (market fees) = 193 Gold
Food: Still stable around 300 units, though some consumed daily, small game hunted by foragers replenished stocks
Wood: 40 -
5 (irrigation) = 35 Wood Stone: 90 (no change) Ore: 50 (no change) Happiness: 66% (farmers pleased with improvements)
Military: Stable, slight morale improvement from drills Projects: Granary Reinforcement: 70% complete Carpentry Workshop: 25% complete Irrigation Ditch: Under construction》
While things seemed calm, Dane knew that a single disaster—like a plague or a raid—could upend all his careful planning. He asked Corbin if there had been any reports of raiders.
The steward mentioned a distant rumor: a small band of Veiled Ones were sighted near an old crossroads to the west. They had not approached Warren, but better safe than sorry.
Dane considered sending a scout patrol to gather more information, but doing so would leave fewer soldiers in Warren. For now, he decided to wait and trust his perimeter guards. If the Veiled Ones ventured closer, he would know.
A group of peasants approached the keep's entrance one afternoon, requesting an audience. They were concerned about tools wearing out faster than they could replace them.
Without better smithing facilities or more skilled craftsmen, tool quality suffered. Fields and mines alike would benefit from better tools.
Dane considered the cost. Improving the smithy would require at least 20 wood and some stone, plus ore and skilled labor. Right now, resources were precious.
He decided to set a medium-term goal: once the carpentry workshop was operational, he might look into upgrading the smithy. For now, he promised the peasants that he would allocate some funds next season for better tools.
They left, not fully satisfied, but at least hopeful.
By week three, the granary reinforcement finished. As a result, less food spoiled. The irrigation ditch construction also wrapped up, with the wooden sluices directing more water to the fields.
Farmers reported that seedlings looked healthier than in previous years.
《Week 3 Summary - Early Spring》 《Granary Reinforcement Complete: Food spoilage reduced Irrigation Complete: Crop yield potential improved Carpentry Workshop: Now 50% complete (still needs more time)》
Happiness ticked up a fraction as well. The people saw that their new lord took concrete steps to secure their livelihoods. Even a small improvement in conditions could matter a great deal in establishing trust.
With the month nearing its end, Dane turned his attention to security again. He held a brief meeting with the captain of the guard, a gruff man named Ridley.
Ridley suggested that if Dane could spare some ore and wood, simple iron-tipped spears and reinforced shields could be made. Even without a major smithy upgrade, small improvements were possible.
Dane weighed the option. He had 35 wood, 90 stone, and 50 ore. If he allocated, say, 10 ore and 5 wood to weapon crafting, they might produce another 20 or so decent spearheads, better than the low-quality spears purchased earlier.
This would strengthen the militia.
He approved it. "Ridley, take 10 ore and 5 wood, work with the smithy to craft spearheads and shield rims. Arm another 20 peasants with serviceable weapons. I want a basic militia ready in case the Veiled Ones appear."
《Military Improvement: Basic Spearheads and Shields》 《Resource Cost: 10 Ore, 5 Wood Result: +20 armed peasants with moderate-quality spears and reinforced shields Timeframe: Completed by next week》
The treasury still had gold, and no immediate emergencies had arisen. Dane decided to hold onto the gold for now. He might need it if a mercenary company passed by, or if a diplomatic bribe became necessary.
As the final week of the month arrived, the Lumenari messenger returned with a brief note: The scroll's magic had taken effect in the fields. A subtle green shimmer at dawn indicated the spell's influence.
Farmers reported that seedlings sprouted more vigorously. If weather remained fair, they anticipated at least a moderate harvest.
《Week 4 Summary - Early Spring》 《Gold: 193 (unchanged this week) Food: Consumption ongoing but stable, slight foraging balanced daily use. Estimated at around 280 units now due to feeding people daily, but new growth underway. Wood: 35 - 5 (weapons) = 30 Wood Ore: 50 - 10 (weapons) = 40 Ore Stone: 90 (unchanged) Happiness: 67% (steady rise from various improvements and the lord's attentiveness) Military: +20 peasants equipped with better spears and shields Projects: Carpentry Workshop 75% complete (should be done next season) Relations: Lumenari remain slightly friendly, other factions unchanged》
At month's end, Dane sat in the keep's hall, reviewing the season's accomplishments. He had not performed miracles, but he had steered Warren onto a path of incremental improvement.
The people seemed more at ease, the fields better tended, and the granary more secure. The carpentry workshop would soon start converting raw wood into useful products.
Military readiness was still modest, but a notch above what it had been.
He instructed Corbin to record the month's final summary:
《Monthly Summary - Early Spring, Year 1301》 《Population: Stable at 2,000 Workforce: 600 farming, steady progress in the fields Resources after all changes: Gold: 193 Food: Approximately 280 units (after consumption, awaiting future harvest) Wood: 30 Stone: 90 Ore: 40
Facilities & Projects: Granary Reinforcement: Complete Irrigation Ditch: Complete Carpentry Workshop: Nearly done (75%)
Military:
Standing Soldiers/Guards: 150 Militia: An additional 20 peasants now decently armed Equipment: Mix of low-quality and moderate spears, a few shields
Diplomacy: Lumenari Trade Successful (Agricultural Scroll used) Other factions unchanged
Happiness: Around 67%》
Dane leaned back on a simple wooden chair. The first season under his leadership had passed without catastrophe. He had made decisions to guide Warren, and the city responded positively.
Yet the work was just beginning. The next months would bring new challenges and opportunities. Perhaps more merchants would visit, maybe a faction would come seeking alliance, or a crisis would force him to raise the militia in earnest.
For now, he allowed himself a moment of quiet satisfaction. He had not failed in his first month of rule.