Chapter 7: Assigning Tasks

Sean and Steward Henry rode east toward Yorn's commoner district. Sean studied the nervous middle-aged man across from him. "Henry, correct? Do you have experience managing fiefdoms?"Henry opened his mouth, then hesitated."Speak freely." Sean noted his unease.After a pause, Henry blurted, "My father served Lake Viscount as steward. When he died at 26, I succeeded him—15 years now. And our home… was Riverside Town."Sean nodded. So Riverside was once Lake Viscount's holding. "I've no experience with fiefdoms. You'll need to guide me.""Honored to serve, Lord Sean." Henry knelt awkwardly in the carriage."Sit." Sean gestured. "Tell me about Riverside Town."Henry settled, voice tinged with regret. "A century ago, it thrived as a trade hub between the duchy and the Elven Kingdom. But after the war, the route died. Now it survives on farming."Elven Kingdom? Sean's mind raced—Hearthstone had many Elven minions. But first, logistics."Henry, what was your monthly salary under Lake Viscount?"Surprised, Henry answered, "30 gold.""Double that—60 gold a month—as my steward."Henry gasped, kneeling again despite the dirty floor. "Thank you, my lord! My father never earned 50 gold in his life!""Rise." Sean clapped his shoulder. "Perform well, and bonuses await. Now, your tasks."…Henry took out a notebook."First, retrieve the 10,000 gold from Count Rivers' castle this afternoon. Actually, we'll go together.""Understood.""Second, arrange a lunch with 'Lucky Matthew.'"Henry hesitated. "A noble dining with a commoner… is that wise?""Do it." Sean glared."Y-yes, my lord.""Third, research mercenary companies at the guild—prioritize 'Wolf Den' and 'Silver Hourglass.'""Certainly.""Lastly, draft a supply list: slaves, tools, livestock, artisans. Speed is critical—we must plant before summer."Henry swallowed. "I'll do my best.""Exceed expectations, and more gold follows."…Meanwhile, in the castle, Count Rivers didn't sleep. He sipped coffee with Lucas."What think you of Albert's youngest?" Rivers asked.Lucas, who'd stayed silent during Sean's visit, replied, "He's calmer than before. Last time, he scorned you.""No surprise. My reputation in the capital is… unfortunate. But this newfound maturity? Likely due to Daniel's assassination attempt. Only a mysterious individual saved him."Lucas sighed. "Succession wars are brutal. Albert's three sons are evenly matched—it was inevitable."Rivers smirked. "Foolish of Albert. I'd groom one heir. Anyway—we've profited handsomely! Albert allocated 30,000 gold to Sean; I took 20,000. Plus Daniel's silver mine rights for three years. Sean is a walking treasury!"Lucas frowned. "If they discover—""Albert can't attack; the Anjou threat occupies him. And Sean? A penniless baron in a backwater? He'll endure. Still, monitor him closely—he's the duke's blood.""Understood, my lord."