[EDWARD’S POV]

January 4, 1338

As the festive spirit waned and people resumed their daily routines, I introduced my strategy to thwart French raids along the English coast to the royal court. While many endorsed the plan, a significant concern emerged—the financing. To sway them, I volunteered to cover 50% of the total expenses. This proposition startled them, viewing me as a well-off young lad with riches to spare. Little did they know the extent of my wealth; they'd be astounded if they discovered the truth.

I'm en route to my initial focal point: Orford, located on the Suffolk coast within East Anglia. This village used to hold significant strategic value due to its castle and maritime operations. Initially constructed by King Henry II, the castle, though considerably degraded, still stands as a formidable structure, commanding views over the village and the coastline. However, a critical concern arises—the castle stands abandoned. Without a garrison to safeguard the coasts, it fell prey to ravages last summer.

The distance from London to Orford spans approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers) by land. As we embarked on our journey on the evening of the 1st of January, we are nearing the coastal village now. From a distance, the landscape reveals a gathering of quaint cottages, each topped with thatched roofs crafted from straw, reeds, or other dried vegetation. These roofs, commonly seen in this area due to material availability, serve as effective insulation against the gusty winds that sweep in from the coast.

Orford reportedly houses a population ranging from five hundred to a thousand residents, although no official census has been conducted. This estimation aligns with the number of houses observed, suggesting it falls within this range.

Upon our arrival at the village entrance, a simplistic yet recently refurbished wooden gateway greeted us. It seemed the local bailiff had caught wind of our impending visit, as a group of men was converging towards the entrance. Among them stood the bailiff, easily distinguishable at the forefront. He sported a woolen cloak and traditional local headwear, donning sturdy leather boots suited for outdoor pursuits. Around his ample waist, he wore a belt adorned with a pouch, and his face, largely clean-shaven, betrayed few traces of a beard.

The bailiff, upon reaching us, executed a respectful gesture. He inclined his head slightly, his hand placed over his heart or executing a slight bend at the waist. This conveyed deference and honor toward the esteemed Plantagenet lineage, recognizing me, the prince's son, as a scion of this illustrious Dynasty. His countenance reflected humility and respect, acknowledging the noble heritage and royal status of the Plantagenet family.

The bailiff motioned down a narrow lane. "This way, if you please. The bailiff's office is just down here."

"Lead on," I responded, pacing alongside him. "So, how long have you served under Lord Ufford?"

He glanced back, his face marked by years of service. "Nearly two decades, milord. Lord Ufford’s been the guiding hand in these parts, even before becoming the earl."

"Hmm. Your experience must be invaluable, especially concerning Orford," I noted.

"Aye, the recent troubles have been a weight," he agreed as we walked. "Especially after the raid last summer."

"That's why I'm here," I affirmed. "To prevent such threats in the future."

Understanding filled his expression. "The defenses need bolstering, especially the coastal castle. But our coffers are thin."

I pondered the situation. "My proposal to aid in funding seemed unexpected."

"Indeed, milord. Your generosity is commendable," he said, gratefulness in his tone.

"It's an investment in our people's safety," I declared. "We must fortify our defenses."

His resolve grew. "Your care for our safety is appreciated. We'll strengthen our defenses."

Acknowledging his determination, I proposed, "Let's discuss specifics in your office. We need a plan to safeguard our shores."

Over the following hour, I detailed the plan to the bailiff and his two aides. We scheduled the start of a recruitment drive in the coming days and arranged for the procurement of cement from Wymondham for the castle's renovation. Seven knights from my Regal Watch will oversee the training of the new recruits over the upcoming week. Additionally, we've arranged for the acquisition of four newly constructed longships from Cromer. The recruits will undergo thorough training in efficient ship handling. Alongside this, they'll receive instruction in various emergency signaling techniques for immediate response protocols.

We devised a strategy to construct underground shelters as a contingency plan for unforeseen threats. These shelters will serve as hiding places for villagers in times of crisis. To ensure their effectiveness, we proposed running awareness programs and conducting mock drills.

The entire endeavor necessitated a total expenditure of £3000. To cover my portion, amounting to £1500, I strategized to recover these funds by overcharging Earl Ufford for the cement required for the castle's renovation. This financial arrangement would help balance the expenses allocated to fortify the coastal defenses.

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Escorted to the office's first floor, I settled into a spare room designated for my stay. My attendants arranged my belongings while I gazed out of the window, the vivid hues of the setting sun painting the sky a vibrant orange. To my delight, Zephyr, my faithful companion, soared gracefully amidst the twilight.

Approaching Darwin, I requested a set of peasant clothing for discretion during my time in Orford. He readily acquiesced, promising to arrange it promptly. Later that evening, I received the laundered attire, ensuring a seamless transition into my incognito forays within the village.

Throughout the following week, my days were dedicated to overseeing the implementation of the defense plans. As dusk descended, however, I seized the opportunity to explore the village incognito.

The cover of night provided anonymity, albeit with a caveat: the unspoken curfew shrouding the village in caution. It was a belief held by many that nighttime harbored only miscreants and troublemakers. This curfew, in a way, became a veil that limited my explorations to a mere hour or two after dark. Nonetheless, within that time frame, I navigated the village's winding alleys and quiet corners, gathering insights and observing the routines of its inhabitants.

This nightly venture wasn't solely driven by a specific agenda or mission. It served as a way to immerse myself in the tapestry of medieval life, embracing the beauty and intrigue of this era. Sometimes, exploration isn't about chasing a definitive purpose; it's about indulging in the moment and absorbing the essence of a bygone time.

These nocturnal escapades were a form of relaxation, a chance to unwind amidst the whispers of history and the enchantment of the village. It wasn't always about pursuing a concrete objective; it was about letting the atmosphere and rhythms of the Middle Ages wash over me, offering a reprieve from the weight of responsibilities and plans.

—-----------------

January 21, 1338

Today marks the conclusion of my stay in Orford, but it's not without a significant announcement. I've officially introduced the establishment of the East Anglian Navy, a unified force combining the maritime strengths of both Suffolk and Norfolk.

Suffolk boasts a formidable fleet, with twenty-two ships directly commanded by the Earl, along with nine under his vassals and an additional seven under merchant ownership. In contrast, Norfolk's naval force comprises sixty ships under the direct command of the Earl, supported by thirty-five vessels from the Yarmouth merchants and an additional twelve from vassals.

The consolidation of these fleets, excluding the merchants' vessels, results in a fleet nearing a hundred ships, each under the unifying symbol of the Plantagenet Banner, proudly displaying three golden lions on a field of red. However, this alliance doesn't solely rely on numbers; it's a strategic move to fortify our coastal defenses and maritime capabilities.

Moreover, I've taken proactive steps by dispatching skilled artisans from Cromer to various coastal settlements. Their task involves upgrading and modernizing existing vessels, ensuring they're equipped with advanced technology and enhanced fortifications. This effort aims not just for unity but also for the formidable readiness of our coastal defenses against potential threats.

With my contingent beside me, we bid our farewells to the bailiff and the newly recruited members of the Navy. It crossed my mind to establish a uniform for them, a symbol of unity and identity. However, considering the scale required and the lack of industrialization, maintaining consistency would be a challenge. It's an ambition for the future, perhaps when industrialization becomes a reality. I contemplate the potential of constructing a textile factory, foreseeing immense profitability. The dividends could rival that of the cement industry, given efficient sales and management.

—---------------

March 29, 1338

Over the span of the last three months, I journeyed to Orford, Aldeburgh, Southwold, Dunwich, Blakeney, and Lowestoft. Progress has been substantial; most locations have completed constructing or renovating seaside forts, with the remaining sites undergoing the same process. Now, each of these areas boasts a naval force capable of safeguarding their shores during times of need. To ensure seamless support, I worked on establishing road connections to these locations, facilitating swifter transportation of supplies and reinforcements. Furthermore, I've successfully garnered public cooperation, rallying them behind these efforts for the protection and prosperity of their coastal communities.

Now, leading my forty-men strong contingent, I set course for the final destination: Yarmouth, or as it is commonly known, Great Yarmouth. Unlike other places in Norfolk, this port city has proven to be elusive even for my father to control directly. There is no appointed baron or similar authority in this bustling hub of East Anglia. Instead, it is governed by a consortium of influential sea merchants who not only command their army but also possess a formidable fleet.

Referred to as The Borough of Yarmouth, the city's administration operates through a council, and its unique structure has allowed it to maintain a level of autonomy. The borough dutifully contributes taxes to the earl, ensuring a symbiotic relationship. My father has refrained from dismantling this borough system, as it serves both parties well. A reeve, acting as the nominal head of the council, holds a position subordinate to an Earl or the crown itself. His primary responsibility is to guarantee the timely remittance of taxes to my father's coffers.

The port itself stands as a haven for traders, drawing merchants from Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and across the Baltic Sea to its bustling docks. Before the war, even Scottish and French traders frequented the port. While the ongoing war has affected the trade routes, the merchants of Yarmouth have compensated by expanding their voyages to Castille and Leon. There's a belief that the profits amassed by the leading merchants here easily surpass those of a baron and rival the revenues of an Earl in the English Kingdom.

This phenomenon seems like an early iteration of capitalism, a burgeoning system granting power to those who control wealth. The concentration of financial prosperity among these prominent merchants hints at the evolving dynamics of influence and authority, shifting away from traditional feudal structures toward economic prowess.

While the complete fruition of this concept is still several centuries away, the seed of this idea has been planted. It appears I am at the cusp of an era where the traditional feudal structure and the emerging capitalist system intersect. The gradual evolution suggests the need to hybridize these frameworks, blending elements of both to forge a new paradigm, a structure that is distinct and innovative. This period could potentially herald a transformative era, where socio-economic dynamics shift toward a more intricate and multifaceted system.