Have you wondered why body language of the people tells more information than words can describe? I learnt this lesson today. I was wondering for last 6 hours why am I given pitiful and sorrow look even after being given lands and title. Even if title of baron seems low in nobility. Nonetheless it is still a part of nobility albeit lower than duke, count and others but higher than commoner, knight and all lower-level others.
First thing I need to do here is to know as much as about land that I am about to rule over. Second is to have talented people join me as much as possible. Third is to develop the land and enjoy the life with people. For the first thing, I would need to find someone who is seasoned expert in this area. Morning came and a beautiful looking maid opened the door, with her brought breakfast consisting of foods, staple bread and a sweet drink – tea like aroma.
With a small bow and courtesy, she brought forth all the items towards table like a stool entirely made of wood, crystal shade at the top. When I finished my breakfast, I told the maid to bring butler to my room. After a while, a knock was heard. “Come in”.
“Your Lordship”, said butler with his stern looking face.
“Ben, I need to talk to someone who is very knowledgeable in territory management and politics”, I said while examining his facial expressions which told a tale of something sorrow and pitiful happened.
“Lord, there is actually someone who comes to my mind. He is prime minister Wiliam Oswald. He is responsible for the administration of whole duchy.”
“Well, he is prime minister and I am not sure if he will have enough time to answer all my questions regarding Barony of Reedhaven”.
“Lord, then his son might be good. Prime Minister is training his son for last 7 years. Also, he will not deny your request as you hold a quite good favor to him”.
“Ok Let us meet him I will need to ask what is this favor to him”
“Certainly, My Lord”,
I stood up from the couch and starts heading to prime minister’s quarter. Apparently, the palace boasts an abundance of rooms accommodating families of important ministers like Prime minister, Finance minister, Commander and such. In midst of walking, a question arose in mind as in how many days will I be allowed to stay in this palace eventually heading to the barony. I arrived at a room which was spacious enough like 3 BHK decorated with books, quotes and indoor library, a painting of duke in formal clothing at center. A man in early forty, brown skinned, adorned in luxurious robes of deep, emerald green hues, exuding a sense of power and expression of wisdom, his face framed by a neatly trimmed beard and striking facial markings.
“Oh! Baron Reedhaven, what occasion brings about this delightful meeting”, he asked with a slight bow.
“Prime Minister, as you know I have been granted the title of baron and territory of Reedhaven. Before departure, I would like some information and also have some questions regarding the territory that needs to be answered”, I answered with a smile.
He seems flabbergasted at first, then composure arrive at his face.
“Lord Reedhaven, if you don’t mind, can I answer your questions at noon as I am about to head to Administrative Hall and a meeting with duke will be held in a short while”
“Sir Wiliam, Actually I came here for the William Junior”, I said with a smile. He feels relieved knowing that I am here for another person.
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He called his secretary and after a while, a man in early 20s came, a splitting image of his father except for hairstyle being more in tune with young one.
“Lord Wilbur, how are you?”, He said with bow, a smile in his face, reverent look in eye could tell many things.
“Fine as wine sir William Junior, If you don’t mind, I have some questions regarding the territory I am granted, Barony of Reedhaven”, I replied.
“Lord Wilbur, I am at your service as always”, He said with palpable reverence in his eyes. Meanwhile, seeing where our conversation is headed, Prime minister headed towards Administrative Hall with a slight bow and asking permission to leave.
After giving him permission to leave, He left. We also headed to my room for further discussion. While walking around the palace, I am once again in awe as to behold the splendor of the palace. Even within these walls, the craftmanship and opulence poured by its craftsman on this marvelous palace is outstanding and breath holding experience in itself. I am holding a hope to see upon the very craftsman responsible for such marvelous work and experience his work at firsthand.
We arrived at my room, seating arrangement with snakes and drinks were arranged prior to our arrival. It seems that while I was having that talk with Sir William Junior, Ben had instructed to maids to arrange the same. I actually have many questions regarding this territory and this body. If I ask too many questions about myself, it may arise suspicious and get me killed.
“First of all, Sir William Junior, can you tell me about barony of Reedhaven”, I asked with serious expression.
“Lord Wilbur, the barony of Reedhaven is largest territory among all the lands in our duchy. It houses a cave in the north which might be useful for military.” He answered with palpable concern in his eyes. This is first time that I have seen him in such expression.
“Sir William Junior, it seems that I am missing some valuable info here”, I said with serious expression. After seeing expression turns into serious. Without a rebuttal, he told the truth honestly.
“My Lord, to be honest, barony of Reedhaven is in name only. It has a single town with population less than 300. Every barony or county in our duchy has at least a single major city but Reedhaven does not have a single one. Wetlands of Silent Grove covers almost entirety of the barony.”
“Ok”, I replied affirmatively. Now I understand why do the people at arena were feeling a pity and sorrow towards me. I was given the title of baron but it will not have any significance if the land is covered entirely in forest. With a population of less than 300, I don’t know how I am going to achieve economic development. Well, with smaller population, it is possible to achieve social development at rapid speed.
Thereafter, Sir William Junior has described the issues and situation at hand regarding Reedhaven in detail. I came to know a few important things about the land and people. It is a forest landscape with sparse population, low level of education among people, inadequate infrastructure, social issue of caste system, backward looking views among people. One good thing among myriad of bad things is that the security responsibility of barony will be in hands of Duke’s army. I came to understand myriad of problems with this land. I think I will understand the situation in deep when I actually head there.
After he answered my questions and about to head to prime minister’s quarter for lunch, I couldn’t help but wonder at how swiftly time passed.
“Sir William Junior, would you like to accompany me in this journey?” I asked at last with hesitation. I know that if he stays, he will soon be successor to prime minister as his father was training him for last 7 years. I am actually starting to like this guy as head administrator for my territory. He is quite adept erudite in this area too. Even if he declines, I will not feel bad as who will come to backwater of territory.
“My Lord, If I may ask as to what position will I be given?”, He asked sincerely. If he is asking this sincerely, it may mean that he is interested at least.
“Head Administrator, you will be given the complete authority when it comes to administration. Only when things related to treasury or substantial amount is involved, you will need my approval. You can hire, train and fire anyone. I will not ask a thing”, I replied with my honest answer. If someone with much training and experience is willing to come with me to backwater, then I am also willing to give as much as possible.
With a graceful gesture as he knelt on one knee, his hand over the chest as a sign of respect and gratitude, he said “I hereby pledge my loyalty to Lord Wilbur. I am in your care My Lord”.
“I accept your loyalty Sir William Junior. I give my territory administration in your capable hands”, I said with joyous smile.
This was actually one of those happy moments when you want to keep it lasting forever. Now that I got a talented administration. I will also need expert in agriculture, trade, craftmanship too.