First task as a Duke

Julian sighed again, staring at the mountain of paperwork before him. The sheer volume was overwhelming, but he knew there was no escaping it.

As Duke, the responsibility of managing the state's affairs rested solely on his shoulders.

With a resigned groan, he rolled his shoulders and straightened his posture. If he had to do this, he might as well do it properly.

He picked up the trade agreement with Guire County, skimming through the contents. It detailed an upcoming deal regarding the exchange of precious minerals and grain shipments.

The agreement seemed fair on the surface, but as he read further, Julian noticed a clause that would give Guire County an advantage in pricing. His eyes narrowed.

"Trying to outmaneuver me, are they?" he muttered, tapping his fingers against the desk.