Chapter 4 Departure

"Baron Idgar, what is our current financial situation in the territory give me a brief report." Aldric asked a middle aged fat man who was incharge of the county's treasury and financial situation.

"It's not looking good, my lord we have almost depleted our treasury on the previous campaign against the pirates." Baron Idgar replied while bowing.

Aldric remained composed, though he had expected as much. "How much do we have left?"

Baron Idgar wiped the sweat off his forehead. "Barely enough to sustain the county's basic needs for the next few months, my lord. If we divert any more funds, we'll struggle to pay the soldiers, knights and maintain supplies."

Murmurs spread among the vassals. Everyone in the room understood the weight of those words. Without money, their army would weaken, their defenses would crumble.

Aldric leaned forward slightly. "What about tax collection? Trade?"

The baron sighed. "With the increase in pirate raids, what little trades we had has all almost come to a halt. Most merchants refuse to come this far north. As for taxes... the people are already struggling to survive. Raising them further might cause unrest."

Aldric tapped his fingers on the table, deep in thought. Windsor's economy was in a chokehold, left to fend for itself while the kingdom ignored their plight.

His vassals looked at him, awaiting his decision.

He exhaled sharply. "Then we must find another way."

"We have enough soldiers and supplies to defend the necessary points from the pirates . It would be unwise to start another campaign in such a such time without funds and preparation, my lord" some of the vassals voice their complains.

"We must uproot the pirates as soon as possible they are like a plague the more you leave them the more they spread, we must eliminate them all." Aldric replies back.

"My lord , even your father, grandfather and his father failed to do so, it's not wise to hope they will be eliminated in a short period of time." Gale spoke in a nervous manner.

"It's alright uncle, I have devised a strategy for it but first i need funds."

"Everyone, try to come up with a solution for the lack of funds by noon tomorrow , this meeting is ended for now." Aldric announced in the room.

Aldric lay sprawled across his bed which looked like the beds from a medieaval times used by some high class people.

He lay deep in thought and found his situation absurd he was now a lord of a territory a count at that and also a regular office worker who got into a accident.

He pondered deep in thought then suddenly a flash of idea stuck him.

"Uncle!! Uncle come here please!!" Aldric called Gale in excited manner.

"I got a idea from where we can get the funds" Aldric said smiling.

"From where , my lord", Gale asked Aldric 

"Didn't my father arranged a political marriage with the Alverton Viscounty? They are certainly a wealthy viscounty we can certainly take loan in the name of stronger bonding between families."

"Certainly, my lord thats might quite be plausible" Gale said in a calm manner.

"Alright prepare some horses I will personally visit them then."

As Gale processed Aldric's plan, a frown formed on his face. "My lord, would it not be more proper to send an envoy instead? A ruler personally traveling to another noble's domain for financial aid is… unseemly. It may be seen as desperation."

Aldric shook his head. "That's exactly why I must go myself. If we send an envoy, the Viscount might not take the request seriously. But if I, the Count of Windsor, personally visit, it will show the gravity of our situation. It will also give me a chance to negotiate better terms."

Gale hesitated before sighing. "Even so, it's risky. What if something happens on the way?"

"I'll take only a handful of trusted men, nothing that will draw attention," Aldric reassured him. "And besides… if I don't take matters into my own hands, who will?"

Seeing the determination in Aldric's eyes, Gale finally relented. "Very well, my lord. I shall make the necessary preparations."

By morning, a sturdy, well-maintained carriage stood ready at the castle gates, flanked by a handful of armored escorts on horseback. The Windsor crest was subtly displayed on its side not extravagant, but enough to show noble status.

Aldric emerged, dressed in practical yet refined noble attire, his sword fastened securely at his waist.

Gale stepped forward with a concerned expression. "The carriage is ready, my lord. Are you certain about this?"

Aldric placed a hand on his uncle's shoulder and gave a reassuring smirk. "The sooner we get this done, the better. I'll return soon."

With that, he climbed into the carriage. The driver cracked the reins, and the carriage rolled forward, accompanied by his small escort as they departed Valoria and set out toward Viscount Alverton's domain.