He was caught up in the hectic postwar responsibilities, such as recruiting new volunteers, organizing the restoration of the eastern territories, and dealing with the backlog of administrative tasks accumulated during the war.
Once things began to settle down a bit, he summoned Jakob from the Golden Sheep Trading Company for a meeting.
“Congratulations on your victory, Your Grace,” Jakob said.
“Thank you, Jakob,” he replied.
The Golden Sheep Trading Company had been entrusted with procuring nearly all the supplies needed for the restoration of the eastern territories. These expenses were covered primarily with the jewels included in the reparations. After all, he had no particular interest in collecting gems, and having readily usable gold coins was far more convenient.
He took a sip of tea, placed the cup back on the saucer with a soft clink, and spoke.
“So, how are things looking in the east?”
“Well… the populace is generally favorable. The story of Your Grace’s deeds seems to have spread widely, especially in the east,” Jakob replied.
Jakob took a sip of tea as well, but his hesitant expression hinted at some additional concern.
“Is there a problem?”
He pressed for an answer, his tone urging Jakob to reveal what he was holding back.
“Actually… the story has spread beyond the borders, to other territories as well.”
Beyond the borders—meaning the lands of the encircling nobles. He had intended for the tale to spread within his own territory, particularly in the east, to gain trust, but it seemed it had reached outside as well.
“And their reaction?”
By “they,” he referred to both the nobles and the common folk. Jakob, understanding the intention, responded precisely.
“The nobles are preoccupied with shifting blame for their recent defeat. They had expected to lose in the north, knowing Count Vywarl’s strength, but they didn’t anticipate defeat in the east.”
His father, for instance, would have required at least an Aura Sword wielder to be stopped. The south was also secure, with his older brother Josef present and natural defenses like rivers making it easier to protect.
“As for the common folk… there are signs that some are planning to flee to your duchy.”
“I see…”
Compared to other territories, his duchy imposed lower taxes and avoided forced conscription, making it an attractive refuge for those prioritizing their safety. The influx of fleeing farmers from the eastern territories could create issues like law enforcement and land management, but it also worked to weaken the power of the encircling nobles.
Given that the east might still become a battleground, it would be better to redistribute the newcomers to the western and central regions. There were likely villages in those areas left uninhabited from past battles between his father and the former Duke of Valtia.
“Can we assist their escape?”
“Hmm… it might be possible to hide them among trade caravans or cargo, but it’s quite risky. While we base our operations in the duchy, we also conduct business in other territories.”
Getting caught by the nobles would bring unwanted attention. That would complicate things, as the trading company’s intelligence-gathering capabilities were invaluable, and losing their ability to operate economically in other territories would be a significant setback.
“Then spread rumors among those wanting to escape that they’ll be guaranteed homes, farmland, and food if they make it to our duchy. Also, distribute maps showing recommended escape routes. We’ll handle creating the maps.”
He could assign Wolf and others to identify less guarded areas for the escape routes.
“Understood. Shall I also procure additional supplies, such as food, while I’m at it?”
“Yes, please do.”
Spreading rumors would attract refugees, but it would also necessitate repairing villages and supporting them with food until the next harvest. These tasks inevitably required further reliance on the Golden Sheep Trading Company.
Jakob finished his tea and excused himself, citing work.
Even though these were necessary expenses, he couldn’t help but wonder if there would be enough of the reparations left…
